Community Forums

Loren B. · 05-17-2011, 10:15 AM

We are about ready to order a new RV and are trying to decide between Fan-Tastic Vent roof vents and Maxxair vents.
　
We have been happy with the Fan-Tastic fans we have had in all our RV’s, although they haven’t been perfect. My wife finds the controls for all the options to be confusing, and I don’t like the trash that builds up on the outside of the screen. Our fans each have a three-speed fan, a switch to control the vent opening and closing, a forward-reverse-off switch, a thermostat, and a rain sensor. I really like the rain sensor; it has kept our bed dry on a couple of occasions.
　
Fan-Tastic Vent used to (still does?) offer a lifetime warranty, and I’ve used it. The factory people are friendly and helpful.
　
I am considering the Maxxair because you can travel with the vent open. It also looks like their cover would solve the issue I have with trash falling from trees onto the screen. The controls shown on their web site look like they are simpler than the Fan-Tastic fan controls. The warranty doesn’t seem to be quite as inclusive as the one Fan-Tastic offers, but I would imagine that the Maxxair fans are also quite reliable.
　
I have no first-hand experience with the Maxxair units so I don’t know much about them except for what I have read on their web site. I’m looking for your opinions.
　
The RV manufacturer is able to install Fan-Tastic fans with Maxxair covers if I want. Is that the best of both worlds? If we go with this option would we still need the rain sensor on the fan? One drawback to this is that the cover seems to stick up higher than either the Fan-Tastic fan alone or the Maxxfan alone.
　
Thanks,
– Loren

RJay · 05-17-2011, 10:41 AM

The Fantastic Fan company has the best customer service in the RV industry. The MaxxAir vents does come with a cover that allows operation of the vent in the rain. I have the Fantastic Fan in conjunction with the Fan Mate to get the best of both worlds. It's certainly more expensive this way and my addition of the Fan Mate was on an existing Fantastic Fan. Since the Fantastic Fan company replace any failed parts for free for the life of the fan, my preference is the Fantastic Fan/Fan Mate combo.

Norm4015 · 05-17-2011, 11:26 AM

In my 2000 Dutch Star I had a Fantastic Vent fan and a MaxxAir and my wife and I liked the MaxxAire better. In my present 2005 Dutch Star I have a Fantastic and a MaxxFan. I installed the MaxxFan myself when we bought the motorhome six years ago. So we have had expenience with all three of these vent fans and the MaxxFan wins hands down.

The MaxxFan is quieter and easier to operate and the screen drops out so it can be cleaned and put back in. It can also be open and running during rain.

**NLOVNIT** · 05-17-2011, 12:23 PM

On our last 5-r, we had 1 FV vent (bed/bath area) & 1 just open vent (Kit/LR/DR area). DH installed a thermostat controlled MA there. Like Norm, we found the MA was quieter than the FV & with the thermostat, I wasn't constantly adjusting the fan speed.

Lori-

Loren B. · 05-17-2011, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm4015

It can also be open and running during rain.

Thanks, Norm, I had forgotten about that benefit.

It's early yet, but it looks like folks like the Maxxair.

-- Loren

cbeierl · 05-17-2011, 03:24 PM

Fantastic Vent now has snap-on screens to replace the screw-on ones. I don't know if they come standard with the new screens, however.

Our Time · 05-17-2011, 03:48 PM

I believe all the new Fantastic Vents now come with the snap in screen. When we had our fans upgraded at a RV show in Florida, the factory rep told us the Fantastic Vent can withstand wind to 70 MPH. He said while running down the road, if you have 2 fans, set one to pull air in and the other to exit air to ventilate the coach. Haven't tried it, but seems like it would be really noisy.

ejm4 · 05-17-2011, 04:03 PM

We had the M/A installed on our Class C early this spring. So far it works well. We placed in on the vent closet to the kitchen and works wonders removing any cooking smells.

RJay · 05-17-2011, 04:05 PM

The snap in screens will sure make cleaning them a snap.

Loren B. · 05-19-2011, 09:19 PM

We have three Fan-Tastic vents in our Airstream and the newest one has the snap-in screen. You're right; it makes cleaning a snap. It's an excellent improvement to a product that is already quite good.

-- Loren

Ramzfan · 05-19-2011, 10:21 PM

I just had a cover lifting arm break on an eleven year old Fantastic Fan. I called the factory and explained what was wrong. They told me how to fix it and shipped me a new arm FREE! 11 years old...! I wish that Fantastic Fan had built my whole coach! I'd never buy a fan from anyone else!

Mr_D · 05-19-2011, 10:56 PM

We have two Fantastic Fans in our DSDP, I had one arm break the mounting boss off the cover. Called to get a new cover, the rep took my info and while asking what color cover I wanted I asked about the cost of upgrading to the double wall insulated covers. All he did was ask how many I needed and they would send them right out. Since they were an upgrade I again asked about the cost, "no charge" was the answer!!

Grumpytrkr · 05-19-2011, 10:57 PM

First off, I see that you are from Rising Sun, Indiana. You haven't got the flooding going on over there do you? I sure hope not.

I've had Maxx Air vents on all the trailer we have owned. I have never had one fail or break. We leave our vents open when traveling. In the nicer weather, like today was, I put one on intake and one on exhaust. Cleaning the screens on your unit is as easy as using the brush attachment on your vacuum. The ones on our current trailer were installed the day we took delivery of the trailer.

Next time we go by Little Farm on the River, we will wave!!!!!