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wolverine · 11-15-2009, 02:05 PM

The latest Airstream life has an ad for Maxxair Vent covers which allow continuous operation of a Fantastic Fan even during rain.

While I am not excited about the aesthetics of another box on the roof of my Classic, we wanted to get some feedback from anyone who has installed them. Any pros and cons of these covers would be appreciated.

overlander63 · 11-15-2009, 03:07 PM

We had them on our trailer, and they worked well at keeping rain out, while allowing the Fantastics to be open. The bad part is the Fantastics need to be wide open with no restrictions for maximum air flow. When I removed the covers, I could tell the difference in the breeze, it was stronger. They still worked well, though, just didn't move as much air.

Ed Keyes · 11-15-2009, 03:15 PM

I keep them open when trailer is in storage for air circulation. After 6 years,have never had water in trailer after storms.

2dabeach · 11-15-2009, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolverine

The latest Airstream life has an ad for Maxxair Vent covers which allow continuous operation of a Fantastic Fan even during rain.

While I am not excited about the aesthetics of another box on the roof of my Classic, we wanted to get some feedback from anyone who has installed them. Any pros and cons of these covers would be appreciated.

wolverine.... We had our dealer install a MaxAir II vent cover over the original equipment roof vent that was in our front bedroom. They also installed a Fan/Mate vent cover over the original equipment Fantastic Fan in the back of the trailer. The main reason we installed them is that the sun destroyed the plastic cover of the front vent and it came off the trailer in a storm. We decided that the MaxAir II would reduce the amount of sun on the original equipment vents and we would not have to deal with another failure. The unit will let in a little rain spray if your getting a very heavy storm. No problem with rain getting in during a normal rainfall. The only thing that we don't like is that the MaxAir II and the Fan/Mate both restrict how high the original vents will open and it will restrict some air flow. We can deal with that as long as our original equipment cover does not fall apart again.

HowieE · 11-15-2009, 03:34 PM

I leave the vents open year round for circulation and got tired of having water in the light lens after a hard rain. The Maxs solved that problem.

**Kevin245** · 11-15-2009, 03:41 PM

We have them on our 31' and love them. Yes they do restrict the airflow somewhat, but they keep the rain out and provide a secondary protection layer for the vents.

Kevin

BDandTTs · 11-15-2009, 03:47 PM

We installed a MaxxAir II on our rear Fantastic vent, and left the front vent with it's original cover. As others have noted, you will not be able to open the Fantastic completely. About 1" of travel is restricted and the opener must be put in manual operation. We usually use the fan on the front (uncovered) vent, and open the rear MaxxAir covered vent and at least another window for ventilation.

However, the MaxxAir has solved at least two problems. We have ventilation even during rain storms, and the vent will stay open during heavy dew events. These dew events were especially annoying...at 3am the Fantastic moisture sensor would begin a continuous cycle of open-close-open-close...

.

We painted our MaxxAir cover (and airconditioner shroud) silver, and think blend in rather well.

overlander63 · 11-15-2009, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDandTTs

We painted our MaxxAir cover (and airconditioner shroud) silver, and think blend in rather well.

The Maxx-Air covers are available in silver (opaque) and smoke (you can sort of see through them).

tslanier · 11-15-2009, 05:42 PM

I just had manual fantastics fans installed covered with the newer Fan Mate Model 900 which is designed to allow the fans to open fully. We are renovating the unit we have recently traded for. We put one in the bathroom, replacing the fan that Airstream puts there and one in the front. We had fantastic fans in the previous unit, but they had the auto rain sensor which wasn't always on target. Also, this will allow us to leave them open for traveling or storing.

Lumatic · 11-15-2009, 05:52 PM

You might want to look into the Maxx Fan as a stand alone. It has the same profile as the Maxx Vent when open but also folds down when not deployed. It is well recommended by members who know more about vents than I.

wolverine · 11-15-2009, 06:52 PM

Thanks for all who responded to my request for feedback on Maxxair Vent covers. I was not aware of the Fan Mate--that sounds like it would keep out the rain without limitating air movement and am definitely planning to get one. Will give you some feedback after we have a chance to use it next month on our trip to Texas.

Brow324 · 11-20-2009, 10:27 AM

I put one on our bedroom vent a few months ago and like it. haven't put one on the fantastic fan cause it restricts the opening. Super easy to install.

tslanier · 11-21-2009, 05:54 AM

The newer Fan Mate Model 900 is designed to allow the fantastic fans to open fully. The previous models did restrict the opening.

flyfisher · 11-21-2009, 06:55 AM

I've always installed Maxx-Air covers over all my Fantastic Fans, and would never want to do otherswise. Just make sure you get the covers designed for over high speed fans - I think my covers are Model 800's (in white).

There are several advantages to having these covers. You can keep them open when you store your trailer to insure your trailer is adequately ventilated, and can keep your vents open in rainy weather - having 2 fans like we do, one in the front and another in the back of our trailer allows us to bring air in from one fan and out from the other to eliminate condensation and have fresh air flowing throughout the trailer. We also camp in an area where there is frequently high winds, but we can still leave our vent covers open. If we just had the Fantastic Fan covers there'd be a good chance of them blowing off -- I've seen this happen to another Airstream.

John

Martin1214 · 11-21-2009, 07:17 AM

I have had them on mine for the last year or so, worked great so far.

rluhr · 11-21-2009, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumatic

You might want to look into the Maxx Fan as a stand alone. It has the same profile as the Maxx Vent when open but also folds down when not deployed. It is well recommended by members who know more about vents than I.

We love our Maxx Fan!

silverleeper · 11-21-2009, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rluhr

We love our Maxx Fan!

I'll second that. It can rain all it wants and you can still operate the fan. Maxx Fan has all the features as a Fantastic Fan without the rain sensor auto-close because you don't need it.

**Kevin245** · 11-21-2009, 10:21 AM

We installed a Maxx Fan on an SOB last month and I was impressed with it's performance. Definitely worth consideration IMHO.

Kevin

tslanier · 11-21-2009, 01:22 PM

Fan Mate Model 900 is made by Maxx Air

2dabeach · 11-22-2009, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tslanier

The newer Fan Mate Model 900 is designed to allow the fantastic fans to open fully. The previous models did restrict the opening.

MaxxAir makes three versions of the their MaxxAir vent cover for existing fan-powered roof vents and are all the same size. The MaxxAir Model 400 is a basic white cover and does not have the louvers or screen. The MaxxAir Model 800 is white and has louvers and a built in screen. The MaxxAir 900 is the same as the Model 800 (louvers & screen) and it is black. The louvers are suppose to provide added protection from wind driven rain and to enhance airflow.The MaxxAir Model 800 which is the same as the Model 900 & Model 400 does not allow the Fantastic Fan cover to open completly.