Maxxfan vs. Fantastic-fan

[biggoofball]

Alumatube that new MaxxAir fan is sweet. $300 though. I'll have to wait until they come down a bit.

[Garfield]

Our Safari is at the dealers for some fixes and I decided to have them replace the nearly-new FF w/rain sensor that we had them install in the rear of the trailer when we bought it last Fall. I made the mistake of going with the FF because that's what comes installed in Airstreams (our trailer came with a manual FF installed in the front living area).

I figured Airstream must know what they're doing, but I guess I was wrong. We were not impressed with the FF -- even with the rain sensor. When it rains the vent closes OK but then circulation is cut off often right when you need it. Also, we can't leave the vents open when towing (I'm worried a severe cross-wind would rip the lid off) or expecially when in (outside) storage. We also thought the FF was kind of noisy even on its lowest setting.

We had two TurboMaxx fans in our SOB which we really liked, mainly because we could leave the vents open all the time -- while camping, towing and in storage -- and never have to worry about rain getting in. We also found the TurboMaxx fans quieter because they're outside the trailer.

I only hope the new MaxxFan works as well as the TurboMaxx. We shall see...

Gary

[jagcb750]

I have just installed a new MaxxAir Fan and I am tickled pink. I like the ability to have a thermostat and three fan speeds to choose from as well as intake and exhaust options. I can't give any input on the Fantastic Fan, however, for I do not own one. Thanks!

[Garfield]

We picked up the trailer from the dealer today with the new MaxxFan installed. I posted some pics under "Garfield" in members photos...

http://www.airforums.com/photos/browseimages.php?c=500&userid=19566

The fan has the same features as the Fantastic Fan (3-speed, thermostat, reverse, and a manual control for opening/closing the vent) except for no rain sensor or vent closing/opening motor which is not needed because of the protective cover. The cover is open/shut manually by turning a knob. Once open/closed the vent can be locked by pushing on the same knob. When closing the vent the fan shuts off automatically.

I find the manual operation of the MaxxFan much more intuitive -- I was always trying to open/close the Fantastic Fan manually and ended up fighting the motor even though it was disengaged. Maybe I should have read the FF manual more carefully -- but you know what they say about us guys being too proud to read the instructions!

The MaxxAir's cover really does keep the rain out -- on the way home from the dealer the vent was open and I drove through a torrential downpour but not one drop of rain got inside the trailer. To prevent mustyness I plan on leaving the vent open all summer long and only close it over the winter.

The MaxxFan's fan, although mounted flush with the ceiling is a little quieter than the FF which will be nice for sleeping. The only downside of the MaxxFan is that it dosen't seem to push air with the same force as the FF -- likely due to the cover restricting air flow.

Still, I'm very pleased with the MaxxFan and will likely replace the FF in the front of the trailer in the Fall during the next service.

Cheers!

[wheel interested]

Great pictures and report. Good to know. Thanks! Looks pretty sharp too. How is that custom bike rack working out? Did you fashion that yourself? perhaps you posted in another thread about it?

[Garfield]

Originally Posted by wheel interested

Great pictures and report. Good to know. Thanks! Looks pretty sharp too. How is that custom bike rack working out? Did you fashion that yourself? perhaps you posted in another thread about it?

Thanks Carol. The bike rack is one of Andrew Thomson's creations (Can-Am RV here in London, ON). Its basically a two-bike folding TopPop Rails bike rack custom mounted with Zip-Dee hardware. It's featherlight so the only real weight comes from the bikes which are mounted close to the rear of the trailer thus minimizing the torque from the trailer bouncing. Carrying bikes on the rear bumper is controversial and you should know that the majority on this forum don't agree with it. I posted the photos only because I though others might be interested in alternative bike carrying arrangements. It works for us, but it's not inexpensive.

Check our this thread for more info...
Bike Rack Rear Bumper

Cheers!
Gary