Shower exhaust fan quit working

[Baby Zeppelin]

Shower fan quite. Can't readily get to the switch or motor to check for power. Found e-trailer has the entire assembly for $106 but in reading all the specs it says "Not for use above tubs, showers or range cooking surfaces." see https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Vents-an.../VP-543SP.html
Go figure....

They also sell just the motor for $23: https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...VD0218-00.html
No cautions about tubs and showers there.

Anyway, I looked closely at the fan from the shower side and noticed weatherstripping wrapped around the fan wheel assembly. That didn't seem productive. Got up on the roof with my nifty telescoping ladder and pulled out about a foot of weatherstripping and the thin plastic film one peels off before pressing the self adhesive weatherstripping in place.

Needlenose pliers on my Leatherman Tool finally came in handy.


Strangely, after removing the blockage the fan still did not turn on. However after sitting a few hours it did come on, but ran at a slower than normal speed and the shower light flickers as the fan runs. After a few minutes of this torment the fan quit again, only to restart after it rests.


Guess I'll be investing $23 more in this repair. Hopefully the motor is easy to change from up above.

[SeaLevel]

Isn't this the same fan?

https://www.amazon.com/Ventline-Dex-...412214&sr=8-48

[jeffmc306]

Erik, it sounds like the motor gave up the ghost after getting that weatherstrip wrapped around it. I’d just replace the motor and install better gasket material.

Both of ours came loose but didn’t get into the fan luckily. I replaced it with a foam ribbed style and it’s been fine since.

I found a two pack of motors on Amazon for $11.89 - double check the dimensions to make sure they’ll fit.

Good luck with your fix!

[Tim A.]

Might well be a wiring or switch problem, particularly with the light flickering. To check, remove the inside handle and screen. A new switch is really cheap and is almost worth trying in any case. Our switch gave up a couple of years ago.

Tim

[telcoman]

too bad it has that round profile or you could just put a fantastic fan in there. That is what I did with my non airstream motorhome. It had 3 speeds, fart, normal and diarhea

[Andy Squared]

We lost both motors days apart from each-other, as mentioned, cheap fix and easy DIY. We still have the shower light flicker too. you are not alone.

[Fungus]

We had an exhaust fan slow down then die.

Checking the voltage at the switch with a multimeter will tell you if the switch is bad. Ours was ok. I ordered the motor. Simple install from the roof. Good as new.

What ladder do you use? I'm looking for a better option.

[Andy Squared]

We just got the Thule telescoping ladder (Tepui is the model name), outstanding engineering. better than the slightly longer competitors IMO. comes with a zip around the rails bracket that would stick to a steel surface, but increases the weight distribution when leaned against the shell.

[Halford1]

get the high quality made motors. Some in Amazon are not at top notch quality. do research on its quality and how many starts and reviews. I am sure you do not want to replace the motor often.

[Baby Zeppelin]

Originally Posted by Halford1

get the high quality made motors. Some in Amazon are not at top notch quality. do research on its quality and how many starts and reviews. I am sure you do not want to replace the motor often.

Amazon reviews led me to look at the e-trailer options - more expensive but probably higher quality.



This is the telescoping ladder I got https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LAHCOQ4...roduct_details


Works great for around the house chores like hanging the wife's new blinds, as well as getting to the top of the Airstream. I put some foam between the ladder and the trailer.

[Baby Zeppelin]

Just so others don't make the same mistake. Tried the cheapy two pack jeffmc306 referenced above. Unfortunately the motors are too big to be an easy replacement, so have ordered the more expensive eTrailer part.



Small original, large replacement...

[jeffmc306]

Erik, I’m sorry those motors did not work out for you; it was intended to be an example of what’s out there. I should have said to check the dimensions before ordering. Hopefully you are able to return them.

I know it’s hit or miss on Amazon stuff. Glad you found the right one. I prefer eTrailer for items where fit is important.

Sorry!

[Baby Zeppelin]

Originally Posted by jeffmc306

Erik, I’m sorry those motors did not work out for you; it was intended to be an example of what’s out there. I should have said to check the dimensions before ordering. Hopefully you are able to return them.

I know it’s hit or miss on Amazon stuff. Glad you found the right one. I prefer eTrailer for items where fit is important.

Sorry!

Not a problem. The fan motors were cheap enough that I'll just hang onto them for any future needs. Sometimes it is hit or miss with Amazon. I wanted a supplemental check valve for my water pump. I had to order three different ones to be sure one would fit.

[jeffmc306]

Erik, thanks - didn’t want that to end badly with you.

Hey, not sure if you have a Kohl’s department store near you but they’re handling Amazon returns if you change your mind about keeping the motors.

Just go to your Amazon order return and select Kohl’s. Print or save the Q code and hand it to them. No boxing required!

Jeff

[rickcaz]

Hi Erik,
One other option, $56 "whole enchilada", similar to etrailer's is available:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R6M2UPS...v_ov_lig_dp_it

I got this for the handle and switch repair, saving the motor and remaining unused parts for later.