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05-19-2016, 04:29 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,218
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Replace Fantastic Fan with what?
I like the Fantastic fan. But after 10 years it is leaking around the roof flange. I just spent a hour or so on the ladder digging out the 2" wide band of calking that Airstream left when they installed it. The plastic flange of the fan is cracked in a couple of places. Looks to me like I need to take it out and caulk under it. I expect I will destroy it taking it out. I can just try calking it again but would definitely replace it if there is something better.
So,...another Fantastic fan? Or is there something better? Does Max air make a power vent that moves as much air as the FF?
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05-19-2016, 04:46 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville
, New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,450
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I've switched out all my fans for MaxxAir fans. I think they are a big improvement. They ventilate even in the rain.
And they are a direct replacement- they fit the existing hole.
__________________
2014 25' Flying Cloud Rear Twin
2019 Ford Expedition Platinum
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05-19-2016, 06:13 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2015 30' Classic
2012 28' International
Greensboro
, North Carolina
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,708
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Agree. One feature I really like with my Maxxair is the remote control feature.
__________________
_________________
"SilverLeaf II" 2015 30' Classic
2019 RAM 2500 Limited 4x4 CC w/6.7L Cummins
ProPride 3P
AIR# 58452
WBCCI # 3430-Unit 21
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05-19-2016, 08:05 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,514
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I've been pushing Maxx Fans since they arrived own the Rv scene a bunch of years ago. Their biggest features are the integrated rain cover that allows you to leave them open in any weather and the construction; all Maxx Fans are installed using a bezel method.
This means that you first install the frame onto your roof and seal it. You then lower the fan base with the motor and cover into the frame and secure it with 4 stainless screws. There is a rubber seal and plastic body overlap that prevents water from entering, and if you need to replace the fan, you simply remove the 4 screws, lift it out, unplug it from 12VDC power (1/4 quick-connectors are supplied) and replace the unit. The frame stays sealed to your roof. It maybe takes 10 minutes!!!!
Also, hand held remote with 10 fan speeds, thermostatic control and fully reversible. There is no match to the Maxx Fan!
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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05-19-2016, 08:12 PM
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#5
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Dazed and Confused
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh
, Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
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Amen.
__________________
Per Mare, Per Terram and may all your campaigns be successful.
“It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose your own.” "Harry S Truman"
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05-20-2016, 07:35 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,218
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Glad I asked. Thanks for the replies.
I think I will go ahead and install a Maxxsir next week when we get back from the weekend.
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05-20-2016, 08:25 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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Don't have to worry about those large ugly exterior covers if you want to leave the vent open in the rain with the Maxxair.
Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
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05-20-2016, 08:46 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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Kelvin, we don't worry about those large ugly exterior covers over our Fantastic Fans. In fact they look great, protect the original fans which work great, and keep the weather out with the vents open.
Maybe when/if these fail we'll look at the replacement options, so good to know what they are.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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05-20-2016, 11:30 AM
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#9
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Rivet Puller
2003 28' Safari S/O
Atlanta Burbs
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,049
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I have had Maxxair fans for over 6 years now. All the above comments hold true for me as well but I need to add the downside. The gearing that lifts the cover on my units have failed on three occasions. The cheap pot metal cracks and the replacement part costs about half a new unit... way too expensive given the frequency of replacement. The upside is it only takes three minutes to fix and can be done from inside, and the first replacement was free in the warranty period.
__________________
"Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement."
Sir Tristan
Air #48582, S/SO #003, WBCCI #4584
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05-20-2016, 02:53 PM
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#10
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4 Rivet Member
1977 Argosy 28
Euless
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 338
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My Maxxair fan motor started squeaking on the lower speeds after about 20 months. I called them and they verified the s/n on the fan and sent me a new motor with next day delivery. I now get to climb up on the roof and take off the fan to replace the motor but that is only 2 screws each side attaching to the base.
I chose Maxxair for the same reasons listed above and installed it myself. The hardest part was removing the goo and rivets on the original Airstream vent and cutting the hole square. I plan to install a second one in the near future.
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05-20-2016, 03:35 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2014 25' Flying Cloud
Cuddebackville
, New York
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 4,450
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SeeMore
I have had Maxxair fans for over 6 years now. All the above comments hold true for me as well but I need to add the downside. The gearing that lifts the cover on my units have failed on three occasions. The cheap pot metal cracks and the replacement part costs about half a new unit... way too expensive given the frequency of replacement. The upside is it only takes three minutes to fix and can be done from inside, and the first replacement was free in the warranty period.
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Me too, but I've never had a problem.
__________________
2014 25' Flying Cloud Rear Twin
2019 Ford Expedition Platinum
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05-20-2016, 10:51 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,514
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Interesting to hear about the problems. I had 2 MaxxFans that I installed on my then-new '06 19CCD that ran almost constantly. Never a peep from either one.
Maxx Air Corp. was purchased by Air Excel several years ago (they also down Suburban and RVP Coleman, along with a few other well known RV brands) just as Fantastic Vent was sold to Atwood (IIRC). Never heard of problems before those transactions.
Coincidence?????
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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05-20-2016, 11:12 PM
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#13
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4 Rivet Member
1999 25' Safari
On
, the road
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 298
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I dislike our Maxxair fans. Both gears stripped out twice. One of the opener motors froze up. Neither of the control panels work. You can only operate from the remote.
Would not buy again.
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05-20-2016, 11:32 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
2015 30' FB FC Bunk
Ayer
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,118
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I just want quiet fans. My stock ones are too loud, anyone make a nice quiet one?
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05-21-2016, 03:12 PM
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#15
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3 Rivet Member
2005 30' Classic
Box Elder
, SD
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 117
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One of the benefits of the MaxxFan Deluxe is that the fan works very well in the rain. With Fantastic Fans, you must install the large vent covers in order to run them safely in the rain. Also, the profile of the MaxxFans, open and closed, is much more in keeping with the Airstream's sleek roof profile. With 10 speeds, remote controls, soft touch keypad on the fan itself, it is an excellent improvement over the very good Fantastic Fans.
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04-08-2017, 07:27 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2005 31' Classic
Garner,
, North Carolina
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,034
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i think you can run a FF in rain in the exhaust mode without a cover by disconnecting the rain sensor wire on the board. I modified the front fan to have exhaust and intake mode and they are both, front and rear, covered with FF brand covers as well..
I do like the sleek style of the maxx fan deluxe as well..
when my FF need work they will be replaced at that time.
Quote:
Originally Posted by jrolls
One of the benefits of the MaxxFan Deluxe is that the fan works very well in the rain. With Fantastic Fans, you must install the large vent covers in order to run them safely in the rain. Also, the profile of the MaxxFans, open and closed, is much more in keeping with the Airstream's sleek roof profile. With 10 speeds, remote controls, soft touch keypad on the fan itself, it is an excellent improvement over the very good Fantastic Fans.
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__________________
Carl, Raleigh NC
2-24-16 got a 2005 Classic 31D 460 watts solar, lithium 230 AH, 16" LT's, pulled by:
2003 F-250 SD, CC, 7.3L PowerStroke
WBCCI#1691, Piedmont Airstream Club, Unit #161, Region #3
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