New Fantastic Fan Operating Differently

[SilverCabin]

On our new 2014 Flying Cloud, the fans operate differently that what we had on our old unit. The new fans close immediately when they sense any moisture, but don't reopen until I cycle the dome switch. I thought maybe I had a defective fan, but both operate this way. On our old trailer, the fans would close, and when dry, reopen with no user interaction. Is this the new way or operating?

Randy


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[Tincampers]

My 2014 works as your older unit. Reopen when dry.

[SilverCabin]

Another item to add to my Airstream Service Center list.


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[waltb]

My 2014 FC does as your does, having to recycle after closing due to moisture. It might make sense in that it doesn't keep opening and closing during the night as fog moves in an out. Just a thought...


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[SilverCabin]

waltb, that's a good point. I hated it when my fans would do that. Maybe this is a factory change.


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[dznf0g]

Might I suggest cleaning the sensor? I know that several of these units are new, but maybe there is manufacturing "stuff" on them. I know, in the rare times when I have had odd behavior, cleaning cured the issue.

[surfpod]

I just got off the phone with customer service at Fantastic Vent. I'm told that this is a feature that was left out in the new models. The engineers are presently working on it. Differences between old and new include: new lift motor, redesigned circuit board and change in material used in the base. It will be a more flexible. Animal owners were very concerned about not having the vent reopen automatically, once dry. The representative apologized for the design change oversight. They are working on it. Great news!

[dznf0g]

What were they thinking!!!!

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

What were they thinking!!!!

They weren't!

"New and Improved" usually ain't.

Aaron

[dznf0g]

I just think that many times rv companies (including suppliers) don't have campers on staff????? Really? Clinic some of these decisions. It's much cheaper and doesn't cost the expense of product corrections and damaged reputations. Don't ask how I know this.

[surfpod]

I guess we gotta spend more money to be heard... They say they're fixing the prob.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I just think that many times rv companies (including suppliers) don't have campers on staff????? Really? Clinic some of these decisions. It's much cheaper and doesn't cost the expense of product corrections and damaged reputations. Don't ask how I know this.

In recent years the consumer has become the beta tester...

Not sure what has driven the phenomena, other than the rush to get something to market to drive profits. It seems that more and more everyday it is about profits first, everything else be damned. There have always been companies where the profit was the first and only thing, but there seem to be more and more companies doing it now, and fewer and fewer are about customer service and quality products. But then again the consumer is much to blame for their constant search for a bargain or a low price.

There is nothing in the world that some man cannot make a little worse and sell a little cheaper, and he who considers price only is that man's lawful prey_John Ruskin 1819-1900

Aaron

[Frank's Trailer Works]

For years I have been installing Fantastics in every project. The changes in their product have not been for the better of the consumer, they have all been for the bottom line. Two companies that I have historically done solid business with have now been bought by Atwood and both those companies have changed drastically. Before Fantastic was bought, I could call Larry and he would put together a custom order for the vintage units, now I cannot even buy their standard fare directly. I am seriously considering stopping using their product totally.

[SilverCabin]

Thanks surfpod for your post (#7). I guess I must have gotten two of the newer models. For everybody's information, these have a small red LED mounted on the hinge side just inside the fan cage. When the sensor is dry, the light is steady on, and flipping the dome switch to the open position opens the dome and the fan starts if needed. When the sensor gets wet, the LED starts blinking, the dome closes immediately, and stay closed even when the dome switch is in the open position. The only way to reopen the dome is to wait until the LED stops blinking, and is steady on again, then cycle the dome switch. When the LED is blinking, cycling the dome switch does nothing, the dome won't reopen.

surfpod, please post the number you called for Customer Service. I'd like to explore my options with them on these new fans.

Randy


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[xrvr]

Curious, what was the other company Atwood bought? Just so I can be aware. Jim

[Frank's Trailer Works]

They have also bought Persession Temp. They make those on demand water heaters and cabin heater units. Atwood now sells a version of their RV500 for about 40% less. The quality is about 40% less too.

This trend is typical. A very successful company is bought by large pocketed corporation and instead of enjoying the things that make that company great, they absorb it and change it to increase the profits.

[xrvr]

Thanks for the info.....jim

[surfpod]

SilverCabin,
I called this number 1-800-521-0298 and ran through the options. I was happy someone answered. I wasn't aware of the changes to the company. I hope they rectify your problem. Sounds like they heard from enough people (especially with pets) to work on the problem. It is a shame that companies are being bought up for the bottom line. Reminds me of the 1980's when I was in the computer industry. We were the guinea pigs! Best of luck. Now, I have to wait for the fix in order to upgrade my base model fan to the rain sensor upgrade.