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Old 02-29-2016, 07:47 AM   #1
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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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Old 02-29-2016, 08:05 AM   #2
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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.
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Old 02-29-2016, 08:19 AM   #3
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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.
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Old 02-29-2016, 08:27 AM   #4
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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.
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Old 02-29-2016, 08:36 AM   #5
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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
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Old 02-29-2016, 08:41 AM   #6
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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.
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Old 02-29-2016, 08:49 AM   #7
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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.
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Old 02-29-2016, 09:15 AM   #8
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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.
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Old 02-29-2016, 09:18 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne&Sam View Post
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.
Thanks for that information.
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Old 02-29-2016, 10:29 AM   #10
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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.
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Old 02-29-2016, 10:54 AM   #11
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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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Old 02-29-2016, 12:20 PM   #12
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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
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Old 02-29-2016, 08:45 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KJRitchie View Post

My Fantastic Fans vent out only.


Kelvin
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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Old 02-29-2016, 09:13 PM   #14
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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.
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Old 03-01-2016, 01:08 AM   #15
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ID:	258018. 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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Old 03-01-2016, 09:30 AM   #16
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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.
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Old 03-02-2016, 06:49 PM   #17
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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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Old 03-03-2016, 05:36 AM   #18
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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 😄😄


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Old 03-04-2016, 04:54 AM   #19
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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.
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.
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Old 04-02-2016, 06:12 AM   #20
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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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