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SGandMT · 09-12-2016, 02:40 PM

Hello!

I am new to this forum as well as Airstream ownership - we pick up our trailer and head out for our first adventure in a few days!

Our dealer is recommending the Maxx Air vent covers. Are these needed and any good? I would think the factory fans would have covered, but pehaps not?

Also, we have a new 2017 Audi Q7 with the Audi Tow Package. The dealer is telling me I will need a wireless brake controller as well as a lamp out indicator(?). I am not sure I am clear on why I need either of these, and assumed the hitch connector transferred all of the info needed, but maybe not. I know next to nothing about any of this, so wanted to reach out for advice.

Thanks!

HowieE · 09-12-2016, 02:58 PM

I installed Maxx air covers on my trailer just because I leave the vents open year round and rain used to get into the light fixture lenses.

With the newer use of the typical RV vents it would serve the same purpose.

I would like to hear the dealers reason for a wireless controller other than his profit margin. In general I would not trust them even if there was a reason to install them. Your trailer brakes are not something you want to deviate from good engineering standards on.

HiJoeSilver · 09-12-2016, 03:09 PM

Our dealer is recommending the Maxx Air vent covers. Are these needed and any good? I would think the factory fans would have covered, but pehaps not?
Do you know what fans are coming on the trailer? If they are fantastic fans with rain sensors you don't need the covers. The only thing the covers do is let you leave the vents open when it's raining. Not necessary.

Also, we have a new 2017 Audi Q7 with the Audi Tow Package. The dealer is telling me I will need a wireless brake controller as well as a lamp out indicator(?). I am not sure I am clear on why I need either of these, and assumed the hitch connector transferred all of the info needed, but maybe not. I know next to nothing about any of this, so wanted to reach out for advice.

Don't know why you would need a wireless brake controller, but looking on line the audio tow package doesn't seem to come with a brake controller. You do need one for sure. If there are trailer plugs near the hitch then there is wiring installed you can get a wiring adapter to connect a regular brake controller. Etrailer has a package for the q7. https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/audi/Q7/0/90195.html?vehicleid=00
Call them to verify fit.

Lamp out indicator, unless I'm missing something is BS.

Dealer markup and labor!?

renderit · 09-13-2016, 05:48 AM

The MAXXAIR covers are nice because you can crack your roof vents during the day and not worry about rain getting in. But also the white ones allow a lot of light in and will save a huge amount of wear and tear on your vent covers. The vent covers are plastic and will only last so long being exposed to UV all the time. They will last virtually forever if you keep the Maxxair covers on. Also you get an added dose of protection if you ever get into a hail storm. For that reason alone I won't be without them.

You want a WIRED brake controller. Period.

aftermath · 09-13-2016, 06:50 AM

The Maxxair covers do provide some protection for your vents and you can leave your vents open all the time. I personally, don't have a problem without these. We do not get tons of rain and even when camping a light rain doesn't cause a problem with a vent cracked open. I also don't like the looks of these things. I just replaced one of my vent covers. The replacement from my Airstream dealer was cheap and it took just minutes to install. My suggestion would be to go without and then if you feel the need have them installed later.

You will need a controller. I would think a wired one would be better but I have never used a wireless one. Seems like just another thing to go wrong.

I would have to know more about the bulb indicator but on the surface it sounds like a bunch of bunk.

AWCHIEF · 09-13-2016, 06:58 AM

I have Maxx Air covers over both my vents. One came with the trailer and I installed a Maxx Air II over the front powered vent. It was a very easy DIY project. They will keep all but hard blowing vertical rain out of the trailer.

m.hony · 09-13-2016, 10:50 AM

The MaxxAir cover is an upgrade.
It covers the original cover completely so that if you leave your vent open and it rains it won't rain in the trailer.
I have had them on the past 2 trailers and really like them.
They aren't tremendously expensive, but very handy to have.

Makaira · 09-13-2016, 10:57 AM

We have installed MaxAir II covers in a translucent smoke grey. We love them because: 1) if you forget to close your fan and drive down the road, you will not have your fan cover torn off by wind; 2) you can have them partly open when there is high wind but still too hot to be comfortable with them closed; 3) you can have your fan open or partly open during the rain and not have the drops enter the interior; and 4) you can leave a fan open when you are not there and not have to worry about changing conditions.

rocco52 · 09-13-2016, 11:12 AM

I have not used the covers but intend to get some. You will definitely need a brake controller. Without it you will have no brakes on the trailer. Your Audi is pre-wired for one. You need to contact your Audi Dealer and get one installed. I work for Audi and we do this all the time. I use a Tekonsha Primus on my Q7. They cost about $100 plus installation. DO NOT TOW WITHOUT ONE!!!!!

SMLJeep · 09-13-2016, 12:24 PM

A cover is a must if it is raining and you want the fan on. I prefer the Fan-Tastic vent Ultra Breeze vent cover that is made by the company that makes the fan. They are easy to install using 2 of the same screw holes that hold the fan shroud. Removing them to clean only requires you pulling 2 pins. I believe the air flow is also better than the Maxxair.

SMLJeep · 09-13-2016, 12:25 PM

Forgot to add link to their webpage. http://www.fantasticvent.com/fan-tas...nt-covers.html

SGandMT · 09-13-2016, 03:50 PM

Thanks to all for the comments. I was told that the newer Fantastic fans have a rain sensor. Ours is a 2015, but I am trying to confirm. If this were the case, any reason to get the covers at that point?

Also, reading the Q7 manual, it says to never use a weight distributing hitch, but the dealer is setting me up with a Blue Ox, which I believe does this and seems to be the norm. Thoughts?

m.hony · 09-13-2016, 03:53 PM

The Fantastic Fan does have a rain sensor.
You might, however, still want ventilation when it is raining.
With a cover you can run your fan while it is raining.

HowieE · 09-13-2016, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGandMT

Thanks to all for the comments. I was told that the newer Fantastic fans have a rain sensor. Ours is a 2015, but I am trying to confirm. If this were the case, any reason to get the covers at that point?

Have the fans in that trailer been replacement with fantastic fans?

AWCHIEF · 09-13-2016, 04:44 PM

My 2006 has the OEM Fantastic Fan with rain sensor. Even if no water gets on the sensor high humidity will activate it.

SGandMT · 09-13-2016, 06:06 PM

Thanks. Sounds like I should get them, so now just need to decide between the Maxx Air and the Fantastic ones. Appreciate all the help!

m.hony · 09-13-2016, 06:23 PM

I have the MaxxAir.
I have never seen the Fantastic Fan covers, but I hear that they are a little sleeker and nicer looking.
Definitely worth a look-see.

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LilBigfoot · 09-13-2016, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGandMT

Thanks. Sounds like I should get them, so now just need to decide between the Maxx Air and the Fantastic ones. Appreciate all the help!

I have the Fantastic covers on my 26U. In white to match the rest of the roof fixtures. They are an easy install. They are taller than the Maxx Air units, but you can open your vents 100% with them on. Two days after the install, they'll look quite normal on your trailer.