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02-29-2016, 07:47 AM
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#1
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1 Rivet Member
1972 27' Overlander
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 14
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Which Model Fantastic Fan
It seems everyone is very happy with their fantastic fans.
I have a full rebuild to do so I need to manage where I'm spending money.
Which model do you recommend?
Is it a keep it simple type of thing? or go all out with the auto open close and rain detection etc. ?
Also, could a person purchase one higher end model and have it run the other 2. For example Install one with the thermostat and wire the other 2 to it's thermo sensor so all three turn on?
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02-29-2016, 08:05 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
1971 25' Tradewind
1993 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Estancia
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,742
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I would also consider Maxx Fan. They work similar to Fantastic Fan, but also have a built in cover that can be left open in the rain or on the road.
I would get a fan that is multi-speed, reversible and has a thermostat.
__________________
Sail on silver girl. Sail on by. Your time has come to shine.
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02-29-2016, 08:19 AM
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#3
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4 Rivet Member
1988 32' Excella
Ojai
, California
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 275
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Get the model with the thermostat, but NO rain detector. The rain detector has a hard time in humid areas and will cycle open then closed again, and again. It was so bad I disconnected the one in front. Like Lumatic says, a cover for at least one would be good for when it rains. I can usually keep one running without a cover by opening it just a crack.
__________________
Dave & MJ
1988 32' Excella 1000 (Beauty)
1999 White Dodge SLT Laramie 3500 Dually, 4x4, 5spd, 5.9 CTD 300k+ (The Beast)
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02-29-2016, 08:27 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
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With the high end Fantastic there is a switch to turn off the rain detector, but the best part is the remote; it allows many more speeds which we find to be very nice. Over the bed, we have the high end fan, in the living area we have the 3 speed reversible with thermostat and an outside cover to allow it to exhaust when it is raining.
Larry
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02-29-2016, 08:36 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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If I were to replace my Fantastic Fans I would seriously look at the MaxxFan 7000 series.
I've found the Fantastic Fan rain sensors a bit finicky sometimes. They work OK but sometimes open and close even if its not raining.
If I want to keep my vents open when its raining I can't without a vent cover and they are kinda ugly.
My Fantastic Fans vent out only.
The MaxxFan solves all those issues.
Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
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02-29-2016, 08:41 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
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We retrofitted the MaxxFan 7000K in white on both trailers. The Fantastic fan's after market rain shroud is not attractive and was always up. When the MaxxFan is off, the lid is down and the entire unit is barely visible from the ground.
The 7000K has ten motor speeds in both directions and a rain sensor is NOT necessary. It does have a thermostat function for automatic fan operation. It is possible to manually raise the lid a bit to allow for moisture evaporation at night in cooler weather. The infra-red remote control is easy to use and we only need one in our two fan installation since the fans are at opposite ends of the 23D. The white fixture does not create a dark space on the ceiling like the black unit might, but also there is no light beam hitting the floor, more of a disused effect.
The family that built the Fantastic Fan has moved on and the new corporate owner seems less customer service orientated.
We do have the 12Vdc Fantastic Floor Fan (fan blade and motor are probably interchangeable size wise with the ceiling fan models) in both trailers which has a male cigarette plug for power. There is third party (check Amazon) 120Vac wall outlet device with a female cigarette socket and an extension cord with male cigarette plug and female cigarette socket. The fan has a three speed motor and the air movement is often adequate for cooling without using the air conditioner. It is reversible by turning the fan around.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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02-29-2016, 08:49 AM
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#7
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4 Rivet Member
1988 32' Excella
Ojai
, California
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 275
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For those that have changed from Fantastic to Maxxair with cover, does it get the same air flow? The fans were the first thing I installed long before I found the forums.
__________________
Dave & MJ
1988 32' Excella 1000 (Beauty)
1999 White Dodge SLT Laramie 3500 Dually, 4x4, 5spd, 5.9 CTD 300k+ (The Beast)
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02-29-2016, 09:15 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville
, New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,333
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Maxxair is the way to go. Same or better airflow, with something like 10 different speeds. And they don't shut off in rainy and humid weather like FFs do.
__________________
2014 25' Flying Cloud Rear Twin
2019 Ford Expedition Platinum
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02-29-2016, 09:18 AM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
1988 32' Excella
Ojai
, California
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 275
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam
Maxxair is the way to go. Same or better airflow, with something like 10 different speeds. And they don't shut off in rainy and humid weather like FFs do.
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Thanks for that information.
__________________
Dave & MJ
1988 32' Excella 1000 (Beauty)
1999 White Dodge SLT Laramie 3500 Dually, 4x4, 5spd, 5.9 CTD 300k+ (The Beast)
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02-29-2016, 10:29 AM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
2001 16' Bambi
2013 23' International
Piedmont Region
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 408
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Important Note
If you are shopping MaxxFan be advised that you must have an additional 8 inches of free roof space behind the fan to accommodate the built in cover. Bought one and couldn't use it due to that. When I shopped that fact was not prominent in the ad.
As for the rain sensor on a Fantastic, have never had mine close in humid conditions on it's own but it does have a cover. No long overhang requiring extra roof space on the Fantastic cover.
Both good products IMO.
__________________
'01 16' Bambi --- Swee' Pea
'13 23D International --- Trixy
'18 F150 Lariat maxtow --- Liz
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02-29-2016, 10:54 AM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
1985 25' Sovereign
Wichita Falls
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 65
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My FF rain sensor closes when I cook pasta even with the stove exhaust fan going, drives me nuts.
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02-29-2016, 12:20 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2012 23' FB International
Woodstock
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,423
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I have one of each. I seldom use the thermostat and never need the rain detector option but then I have Maxx covers over both. so you really need to think about how much extra you might actually need vs want
JCW
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02-29-2016, 08:45 PM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member
2004 22' Safari
Albuquerque
, New Mexico
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 374
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KJRitchie
My Fantastic Fans vent out only.
Kelvin
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I have heard good things about the MAXX Fan, but I have two Fantastic Fans that both vent either in or out. Only one has the rain sensor.
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02-29-2016, 09:13 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari
St. Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,670
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I have two fantastic vents 6000 series, both with rain sensors, thermostat, reversible air, and power lift and one with an ultra breeze cover. They work great. My AS is parked next to a class C with a maxxfan like mentioned here. When I was installing my solar I noticed some differences while taking breaks! I can say that the max fan cover is not as tall as the ultra breeze and it appears that the maxx cover does not allow the vent to open the cover all the way. The ultra breeze allows the fantastic vent cover to open all the way and, they claim 75% better air flow; thus, the taller cover. During the video the vent is not open all the way to accommodate all the various vent covers still, you can note the difference. I was very glad to have the cover when boon docking in Wilmington NC boon docking this summer with the night rains and heat.
There is also a new design fan but instead of 920 cfm it is rated at 350 cfm but no cover per se- EZ Breeze fan
http://www.fantasticvent.com/fan-tas...reeze-fan.html
Here is a pic of the maxx air deluxe with the built-in rain shield note the open angle and overhang on one side as someone mentioned.
http://www.airxcel.com/maxxair/products/fans
I would look at the different fans and make my decision on how I believe I would use them. If I were doing it over, I would still purchase the rain sensor on both because if I use it and leave and it started to rain I would want it closed. Of course there are work arounds but you get the drift and, that is me. You might want one power fan and one static vent.
__________________
WBCCI 8653/AIR 60240
2022 Ford F150 PowerBoost Platinum w/7.2KW
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03-01-2016, 01:08 AM
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#15
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4 Rivet Member
1965 22' Safari
1987 34.5' Airstream 345
Kansas city
, Missouri
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 443
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. I just installed the maxxair deluxe on our 345. Very happy with it so far! We also have a basic fantastic fan on our '65 Safari. It is adequate. Not fancy but does the job
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03-01-2016, 09:30 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2014 31' Classic
2015 23' International
2013 25' FB International
Apache Junction
, Arizona
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,214
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The Fantastic Fan branded rain shield takes up space and shadows any solar panels beside it even if the fan itself is not in use. The MaxxFan is closed when not in use. And not doing any shading of the adjacent solar panels.
__________________
WBCCI Life Member 5123, AIR 70341, 4CU, WD9EMC
TV - 2012 Dodge 2500 4x4 Cummins HO, automatic, Centramatics, Kelderman level ride airbag suspension, bed shell
2014 31' Classic w/ twin beds, 50 amp service, 1000 watt solar system, Centramatics, Tuson TPMS, 12" disc brakes, 16" tires & wheels
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03-02-2016, 06:49 PM
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#17
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2 Rivet Member
2016 19' Flying Cloud
Davidson
, North Carolina
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 28
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Tinbender, which of your trailers did you have the issue with the Maxxfan? I have a Sport 16 and thinking of installing one.
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03-03-2016, 05:36 AM
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#18
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4 Rivet Member
2001 16' Bambi
2013 23' International
Piedmont Region
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 408
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Viggen, my Bambi is a 16'. The tv antenna is mounted behind the fan so that is where the clearance issue came in for me. Your situation may be different depending on how things are arranged on your roof.
Surely not gonna make new holes in the roof to relocate antenna. Ordered a remote controlled Fantastic, problem solved 😄😄
Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
__________________
'01 16' Bambi --- Swee' Pea
'13 23D International --- Trixy
'18 F150 Lariat maxtow --- Liz
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03-04-2016, 04:54 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2006 25' Safari
St. Augustine
, Florida
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,670
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Quote:
The Fantastic Fan branded rain shield takes up space and shadows any solar panels beside it even if the fan itself is not in use. The MaxxFan is closed when not in use. And not doing any shading of the adjacent solar panels.
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Good point, to consider for some Switz though my panel config is not hindered. I still am set up to gather rays from the sides of the trailer rather than the ends and the way that my roof config is, the vent and cover are not in the way. Still, for someone else, that may be a concern. It is like a decision between less obstruction or better air flow. Depending on the application, one or the other may not matter.
__________________
WBCCI 8653/AIR 60240
2022 Ford F150 PowerBoost Platinum w/7.2KW
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04-02-2016, 06:12 AM
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#20
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3 Rivet Member
1999 34' Excella
Cinnaminson
, New Jersey
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 158
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I've owned both. Installed maxxfan deluxe 5100's in my old trailer. Loved them. Left them open all the time. We could leave the trailer for the day out sight seeing ect and no worries.
New to me trailer has 1 fantastic with rain sensor in it. It works ok but as stated its finicky. I'm not a fan of the fantastic. It's installed in the bedroom over the bed. I hate it. I have to climb across the bed to reach it. Just ordered a maxxfan 7000 with a remote to replace it.
Since I already own it im thinking of putting it in the bathroom cause that vent is broken. I will put a cover over it cause I don't trust the rain sensor.
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