I also bought the Maxxfans rather than the Fantastic Fans, mostly because of the ability to leave the vents open all the time. Another factor was to remove a potential point of failure in the event the F-fans didn't close automatically, for one reason or another.
I just got back from a trip to the NE, and enjoyed a wide variety of weather. We went from heat, rain, drought, cold (well, cool, anyway) - We were glad the A/C, furnace, and fans all worked when called upon.
We need to get a fan for the Rockin' A classic moho, and the MaxxFans look good. I am concerned about splashback from the roof into the fan--has anyone had this happen? We live in the land of the toad-strangler rainstorms...
Okay, it's been a few years since the last post to this topic. Any updated reports on FantasticFans vs. MaxxFans? Anyone like one over the other, and for what reason?
Thanks!
Susan
__________________
"Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how popular it remains?"
1984 310 Limited Motor Home "The Rockin' A"
1974 31' Excella (soon-to-be carhauler)
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
I have two Fantastic Vent Fans on my '87 Sovereign 25' and they work great. I do want to mount a black MaxxAir vent cover over the rear Fantastic Vent Fan to allow the unit to operate fully when it is raining and to block out some of the moon light when sleeping at night.
__________________ Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
2 years ago, I called Fantastic Fan about ordering a new vent cover, mine developed a crack, I was fully prepared to pay for a new one, to my surprise they sent one over no charge!
A few months ago, I had a problem with the 12 year old Fantastic Fan.
After taking it apart, I found the trouble to be the little gearbox.
I removed it, I also checked the vent cover lift motor, it checked out ok.
Now this unit is 12 years old, so when I called this time about ordering the gear box, I again fully expected to pay for the part.
To my surprise, they are not only sending the gearbox, they are also sending me a new lift motor, NO CHARGE.
Now I know a few of us are looking for roof vents, I myself thought about a Maxxi Fan for the front vent.
Now the other power vents look fine and all, BUT if we do not support a company like Fantastic Fan, which bends over backwards to support its product and customers with free replacement parts after 12 years, we will get just what we deserve, China!
I've had the same delightful experience with Moen and Zip-Dee.
The only thing I'm not totally happy about on my FF is that the rain sensor closing it in the morning when there is heavy dew. And it would be nice to run it in the rain- but I haven't tried the manual-part-way-open trick yet.
I've been thinking of adding a second powered vent to replace the non-powered one in the bedroom and was thinking of using a Maxxfan there (Although i'd miss looking at a few stars through the open vent).
... I do want to mount a black MaxxAir vent cover over the rear Fantastic Vent Fan to allow the unit to operate fully when it is raining and to block out some of the moon light when sleeping at night.
Hi Craig:
At Bozeman this year, the Fantastic Fan booth had a sign that stated "Do Not Put Maxxair Vent Over Fantastic Fan." So before doing that, I suggest you call the FF factory to learn the reason for that warning.
__________________
Fred Coldwell, WBCCI #1510, AIR #2675
Denver, Colorado - WBCCI Unit 24
Charter Associate Member FCU
Vintage Airstream Club Historian
Airstream Life "Old Aluminum Adventures"
At Bozeman this year, the Fantastic Fan booth had a sign that stated "Do Not Put Maxxair Vent Over Fantastic Fan." So before doing that, I suggest you call the FF factory to learn the reason for that warning.
Thanks Fred, I'll give them a call next week and find out why they don't recommend it.
__________________ Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
i've also gotten great phone help and free replacement parts from Fantastic. i wish every company in the U.S.operated like they do. I have vent covers mounted slightly off the roof and run the fan on low to avoid loading up the fan motor trying to push a lot of air through the cover screen. the vent will also keep the lid from opening fully.
i'm curious as to what they tell you.
__________________
Ricky & (Ingrid)
Ingrid, 99.5 y.o. and counting & Ricky, a long way from there!
give life. have you signed your donor card?
kidney & pancreas transplant 9/9/06
Well, back in 2004, we still had the '68 Overlander...had 2 FanFans installed...HUGE difference, and one only has to remember the noise generated by the old vents to place 'noise' in perspective. We upgraded to an '89 MoHo(345), and when the middle vent cover blew off somewhere between Farmington and Tucson, we had the whole unit replaced with a FanFan...when priorities and finances are mutual, we'll put in a rear FanFan...the option of rainguard is a good thing, and while the MaxFan cover is a nice option, FanFan still gets our vote...manual setting is good enough as a cover.
mike
It was installed by the previous owner. I love it, and have had no issues running it in the rain. no splashing, etc. Dislike is it's very tall. This would not bother me if the Argosy had an AC unit, but it doesn't so it looks even bigger than it is.
Now I wonder why I can't put this
or this
over my Fantastic Fan installed by the previous owner of my Overlander? Then enjoy the FF in the rain.
It is my understanding that the last two examples of MaxxAir units will not allow the Fantastic Vent Fan from opening all the way. This might bend the arm or crack the FV dome if you didn't catch it in time i.e. manually open it.
__________________ Craig
AIR #0078
'01 2500hd ext. cab, 8.1 litre gas, 5 sp. Allison auto
3.73 rear end
Mag-Hytec rear diff cover
Amsoil Dual by-pass oil filtration system
Amsoil synthetics all around
265 watt AM Solar, Inc. system
They have the same features/options (thermostat control, rain sensor and remote), except the MaxxFan is designed to work in the rain while the FF is not.
Thanks!
Susan
__________________
"Despite the cost of living, have you noticed how popular it remains?"
1984 310 Limited Motor Home "The Rockin' A"
1974 31' Excella (soon-to-be carhauler)
1974 20' Argosy Motor Home
At Bozeman this year, the Fantastic Fan booth had a sign that stated "Do Not Put Maxxair Vent Over Fantastic Fan." So before doing that, I suggest you call the FF factory to learn the reason for that warning.
Quote:
Originally Posted by davidz71
Thanks Fred, I'll give them a call next week and find out why they don't recommend it.
My neighbor at Bozeman had a reverse motor installed in her Fantastic Vent and they removed the dealer installed Maxxair hood. They told her it does not allow sufficient air flow for the Fantastic vent. I have also heard that covering the vent traps air and causes excessive heat.
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