Install a Fantastic Fan on an Older AS

[Matth57]

I have a 1984 34' Airstream International that has three roof vents and I would like to install power fans in two of the vents. The vents operate manually now, but I am wanting to know if Airstream may have extended power to the vent locations in case someone wanted to upgrade to fans later. Does anybody have experience with this out there? If not, does anybody know a good technical resource that may be able to help? Thanks, Matt

[overlander63]

http://www.airstreamcentral.com/articles/54/1/A-Fantastic-Story/Page1.html

[Bill M.]

I do not know the answer to your question.

I just put in a Fantastic Fan but the vent I replaced had a fan. I would not pick the front vent to replace. All of the wires in the Airstream go closely around that vent. I was very lucky to find enough room to square up the corners of the opening and to not hit a wire (I think and hope) with the screws through the roof. I did not look at the Max air fans. If they fit in without cutting the corners of the hole out I would go that route.

[Wayne&Sam]

If you do it, do MaxxAir fans. Way better and the same opening as FF.

[DoublTrouble]

2x on Maxx

[davidz71]

New FF units use a pancake style motor that I am not impressed with. It is OK in their BayBreeze portable fan but doesn't cut the mustard as compared with the FF can motor it replaced. I ordered a replacement fan assemble and a pancake motor showed up. The motor seemed to be slightly underpowered and had a slightly smaller fan blade diameter. It also squeaked to high heaven. I thought it would break in but that was not the case. I took it out and put the old can motor back in (bearings were squeaking until it warmed up and then was whisper quiet). I'd also go with the MaxxAir fans with can motor.

[bibbs]

Not sure but I think the wires run along the top just to one side of the vents , you might be able to use a crimp-on splice tap. It is also Possible to fish through a few ribs. (vent to vent)

[Streamracer]

I installed 2 of a few years back in my 86. I was able to tap in on nearby light close to each opening.

[Mx468]

Do you have any lights going to the vents? My 1972 safari had old style light covers over my vents, I took the lights out and used the old wires to connect to my new maxxair fan.

[Mike1997]

My 1997 AS has 3 roof fans including the bathroom. I found a FF conversion that allowed me to change the inside controls to wireless remote and it increased the motor speeds. However, if I did it again, would go with the Maxx Fan cause it can keep running while its raining. Mine shut off automatically with even a hint of moisture. Also, the remote fan controls stays on constantly unless you kill the 12 volt power. Not an issue if plugged in but can run batteries down if in storage.

[Sneakinup]

I installed 3 MaxxAir fans in my 77 Sovereign. The front and rear ones are the higher end models with the smoked lid that is remote controlled. The third one is just a basic model. I couldn't use the higher end one in the middle because it was too close to the AC unit.

Installation was fairly simple. It took longer to get the old vents out than it did to put in the new ones. All mine had power to the fan area. Squaring the cut out was pretty simple. I made a 14" x 14" template to mark it off then used a cordless rotary tool to score the aluminum. Then it just wiggled right off.

If anyone is interested... I did a short time laps video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk1I...ature=youtu.be

[Blockparty]

Thanks for video. I’m a learn by watching kind of guy! I am renovating a 77 sovereign. Need to replace two vents with new fans. Maxx or Fantastix?

[TouringDan]

Go with Maxxair. They are the best.

Dan