Community Forums

aimsky · 04-04-2018, 11:42 AM

Hello out there,

Last summer I bought an '88 Class B dodge van and now I am beginning to make improvements to it. I ordered a MaxxFan and need to install it. I already had an old vent in the place I want to stick it, so I think I can manage removal of old and instillation of new. My total lack of knowledge is surrounding the wiring of the new fan. I would love for the fan to be able to run off D/C when off grid, and A/C when plugged in. I have no clue how to, or if I can, add this new appliance to my converter...? The van has a NEWMARK 30 amp power converter/battery charger. Do I somehow wire my fan into the converter? Please excuse my extreme ignorance. I want to learn how to DIY with every system on my van, I am a total newbie at this. So I am curious if I can wire my fan to the converter if I want it to run on A/C or D/C depending on my power sources at the time. Is this what the converter does? I have a water pump that switches between A/C and D/C so I know there is a way.

Thanks so much in advance, I really appreciate any and all knowledge shared.

fcbbob15 · 04-04-2018, 01:28 PM

All the max fans I've seen are 12 volts DC. Running it off your coach battery is how you want to do it. Your converter is for charging your battery so you can still run 12 volt items when plugged in. As long as your battery is in good condition and your converter is working you should be good. If you plan on a lot of boon docking you may want to add a second battery.

HighDesert · 04-04-2018, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fcbbob15

All the max fans I've seen are 12 volts DC. Running it off your coach battery is how you want to do it. Your converter is for charging your battery so you can still run 12 volt items when plugged in. As long as your battery is in good condition and your converter is working you should be good. If you plan on a lot of boon docking you may want to add a second battery.

X2 on fcbbob's comment

sebtown · 04-04-2018, 09:21 PM

X3 and I bet the water pump is 12v DC too.

DavePCP · 04-04-2018, 10:21 PM

Yes, the fan and the water pump both are 12 volt DC. Your converter, when plugged in to shore power converts the 120 volt AC to 12 volt DC as well as supplying 120 volt AC to any AC outlets you may have. The converter also should have a power bus with fuses that supply 12 volt circuits. It also will have breakers for the 120 volt AC. If you have to run new wiring for your fan, run to one of the 12 volt bus circuits. When the converter is not plugged into shore power the 12 volt circuits are powered by your coach battery which should be separate from your starting or chassis battery. You can get more information about your converter at the Newmark web site: https://www.newmarpower.com/installa...in-pdf-format/

aimsky · 04-04-2018, 10:25 PM

Thank so much for all the replies, very helpful stuff. So there is a nearby light fixture that I am thinking I will wire to. The pamphlet that came with the fan says the fan requires a 5amp circuit.

I called the RV place in town just to find out what they charged for doing the job and the fella said he'd be wanting to "rob" from the light.

How do I find out how many amp circuit the light is on just to be sure I've got the required 5amp ability?

Thanks again!!! Very grateful for all the feedback.

fcbbob15 · 04-05-2018, 12:48 PM

Take a look at the 12 volt fuse panel. With any luck it's labeled and find the light fuse circuit. Remove the fuse for the lights to verify that the lights go out. If it's not labeled now would be a good time to label it. Pull fuses one at a time and see what's not working and then label. When you find the light fuse see what the amp rating on the fuse is. Example 10 amp, that would be the maximum amperage that circuit could handle. This includes everything on that circuit. A DC ammeter would be helpful but most folks don't have one. You can add the fan as long as it and all items on that circuit do not exceed the fuse rating. Most DIY installers just hook it up and see if the fuse blows. Not the best idea but it can work. Remember positive and negative wires need to be correct also.