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Old 05-19-2016, 03:29 PM   #1
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Replace Fantastic Fan with what?

I like the Fantastic fan. But after 10 years it is leaking around the roof flange. I just spent a hour or so on the ladder digging out the 2" wide band of calking that Airstream left when they installed it. The plastic flange of the fan is cracked in a couple of places. Looks to me like I need to take it out and caulk under it. I expect I will destroy it taking it out. I can just try calking it again but would definitely replace it if there is something better.

So,...another Fantastic fan? Or is there something better? Does Max air make a power vent that moves as much air as the FF?
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Old 05-19-2016, 03:46 PM   #2
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I've switched out all my fans for MaxxAir fans. I think they are a big improvement. They ventilate even in the rain.
And they are a direct replacement- they fit the existing hole.
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Old 05-19-2016, 05:13 PM   #3
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Agree. One feature I really like with my Maxxair is the remote control feature.
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Old 05-19-2016, 07:05 PM   #4
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I've been pushing Maxx Fans since they arrived own the Rv scene a bunch of years ago. Their biggest features are the integrated rain cover that allows you to leave them open in any weather and the construction; all Maxx Fans are installed using a bezel method.

This means that you first install the frame onto your roof and seal it. You then lower the fan base with the motor and cover into the frame and secure it with 4 stainless screws. There is a rubber seal and plastic body overlap that prevents water from entering, and if you need to replace the fan, you simply remove the 4 screws, lift it out, unplug it from 12VDC power (1/4 quick-connectors are supplied) and replace the unit. The frame stays sealed to your roof. It maybe takes 10 minutes!!!!

Also, hand held remote with 10 fan speeds, thermostatic control and fully reversible. There is no match to the Maxx Fan!
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Old 05-19-2016, 07:12 PM   #5
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Amen.
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Old 05-20-2016, 06:35 AM   #6
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Glad I asked. Thanks for the replies.

I think I will go ahead and install a Maxxsir next week when we get back from the weekend.
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Old 05-20-2016, 07:25 AM   #7
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Don't have to worry about those large ugly exterior covers if you want to leave the vent open in the rain with the Maxxair.

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Old 05-20-2016, 07:46 AM   #8
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Kelvin, we don't worry about those large ugly exterior covers over our Fantastic Fans. In fact they look great, protect the original fans which work great, and keep the weather out with the vents open.

Maybe when/if these fail we'll look at the replacement options, so good to know what they are.
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Old 05-20-2016, 10:30 AM   #9
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I have had Maxxair fans for over 6 years now. All the above comments hold true for me as well but I need to add the downside. The gearing that lifts the cover on my units have failed on three occasions. The cheap pot metal cracks and the replacement part costs about half a new unit... way too expensive given the frequency of replacement. The upside is it only takes three minutes to fix and can be done from inside, and the first replacement was free in the warranty period.
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Old 05-20-2016, 01:53 PM   #10
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My Maxxair fan motor started squeaking on the lower speeds after about 20 months. I called them and they verified the s/n on the fan and sent me a new motor with next day delivery. I now get to climb up on the roof and take off the fan to replace the motor but that is only 2 screws each side attaching to the base.

I chose Maxxair for the same reasons listed above and installed it myself. The hardest part was removing the goo and rivets on the original Airstream vent and cutting the hole square. I plan to install a second one in the near future.
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Old 05-20-2016, 02:35 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SeeMore View Post
I have had Maxxair fans for over 6 years now. All the above comments hold true for me as well but I need to add the downside. The gearing that lifts the cover on my units have failed on three occasions. The cheap pot metal cracks and the replacement part costs about half a new unit... way too expensive given the frequency of replacement. The upside is it only takes three minutes to fix and can be done from inside, and the first replacement was free in the warranty period.
Me too, but I've never had a problem.
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Old 05-20-2016, 09:51 PM   #12
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Interesting to hear about the problems. I had 2 MaxxFans that I installed on my then-new '06 19CCD that ran almost constantly. Never a peep from either one.

Maxx Air Corp. was purchased by Air Excel several years ago (they also down Suburban and RVP Coleman, along with a few other well known RV brands) just as Fantastic Vent was sold to Atwood (IIRC). Never heard of problems before those transactions.

Coincidence?????
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Old 05-20-2016, 10:12 PM   #13
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I dislike our Maxxair fans. Both gears stripped out twice. One of the opener motors froze up. Neither of the control panels work. You can only operate from the remote.

Would not buy again.
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Old 05-20-2016, 10:32 PM   #14
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I just want quiet fans. My stock ones are too loud, anyone make a nice quiet one?
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Old 05-21-2016, 02:12 PM   #15
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One of the benefits of the MaxxFan Deluxe is that the fan works very well in the rain. With Fantastic Fans, you must install the large vent covers in order to run them safely in the rain. Also, the profile of the MaxxFans, open and closed, is much more in keeping with the Airstream's sleek roof profile. With 10 speeds, remote controls, soft touch keypad on the fan itself, it is an excellent improvement over the very good Fantastic Fans.
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Old 04-08-2017, 06:27 PM   #16
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i think you can run a FF in rain in the exhaust mode without a cover by disconnecting the rain sensor wire on the board. I modified the front fan to have exhaust and intake mode and they are both, front and rear, covered with FF brand covers as well..

I do like the sleek style of the maxx fan deluxe as well..

when my FF need work they will be replaced at that time.

Quote:
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One of the benefits of the MaxxFan Deluxe is that the fan works very well in the rain. With Fantastic Fans, you must install the large vent covers in order to run them safely in the rain. Also, the profile of the MaxxFans, open and closed, is much more in keeping with the Airstream's sleek roof profile. With 10 speeds, remote controls, soft touch keypad on the fan itself, it is an excellent improvement over the very good Fantastic Fans.
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