Community Forums

Tony65 · 03-13-2023, 04:59 PM

My Fan-Tastic Vent 2000RDM, in the living room area, no longer works after 23 years.

What do you recommend as a worthy substitute?

I don't want to make too many changes to the electrical system.

153stars · 03-13-2023, 06:10 PM

What part doesn't work. All the parts are available. The old car door dash light plunger switch is a common issue.
My issue was vapor filled thermostats they fail open and fan blades were cracking. The old style blades are out there as well. The old Fasco black can motors are much quieter than newer pancake motors test them to 12v before just guessing they are bad.
Many have said FF sent them parts for free from phone call. Even after Dometic bought them out. The covers were supposed to lifetime guarantee from breaking.
The top of line Maxair with built in rain cover is a nicer fan. I would say it's a toss-up in the basic line. I'm a "fan" of the clear blade on the fantastic fan.

Rob_M · 03-13-2023, 07:26 PM

All the parts to fix what you have are available individually. Mine are 21 years old and require parts from time to time. I have found parts at camping world and on Amazon. eBay would be another source.

Tony65 · 03-14-2023, 04:43 AM

Thanks a lot! I am attaching photos of my Fan-Tastic.

What is broken is the mechanism for lifting the fairing. The internal mechanism is broke.

The fan is cracked in various places and I don't know how long it will hold up.

I also searched Amazon, eBay and other sites for spare parts but unfortunately I couldn't find them anywhere.
Fan-Tastic went is out of business and Dometic does not provide any accessories on its website.

I don't know if it's a problem of the 2000 line only or if it's the same for all Fan models. I haven't found these spare parts for the 2000 line.

Where do you buy them?

DJJ · 03-14-2023, 05:16 AM

Just so happens I fixed mine last week.

That “mechanism” would not engage to lift the vent. Once I took it apart I found that a roll pin had backed out. The roll pin is the pivot point that hold the lifting arm against the worm gear.

Pressed the roll pin back into position. A fix with no parts and 30 minutes of time. If only everything was so simple and cheap.

Worth your time to see if that’s all you need too.

Jeff

Rob_M · 03-14-2023, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony65

Thanks a lot! I am attaching photos of my Fan-Tastic.

What is broken is the mechanism for lifting the fairing. The internal mechanism is broke.

The fan is cracked in various places and I don't know how long it will hold up.

I also searched Amazon, eBay and other sites for spare parts but unfortunately I couldn't find them anywhere.
Fan-Tastic went is out of business and Dometic does not provide any accessories on its website.

I don't know if it's a problem of the 2000 line only or if it's the same for all Fan models. I haven't found these spare parts for the 2000 line.

Where do you buy them?

On Amazon, search “Fantastic vent replacement parts”.
I recently replaced the round screen (the new ones snap into place and don’t require screws) and the lower surround. They come in different heights.

What parts do you need exactly?

If you’re not sure a part will fit, read the reviews and sometimes will see a review from someone who did exactly what you are trying to do confirming the parts will fit.

The good thing is Amazon has free returns. And usually free shipping.

Tony65 · 03-14-2023, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJJ

Just so happens I fixed mine last week.

That “mechanism” would not engage to lift the vent. Once I took it apart I found that a roll pin had backed out. The roll pin is the pivot point that hold the lifting arm against the worm gear.

Pressed the roll pin back into position. A fix with no parts and 30 minutes of time. If only everything was so simple and cheap.

Worth your time to see if that’s all you need too.

Jeff

Unfortunately mine is glued, if try to open it I risk breaking the plastic box.

Anyway I will try again. Thanks for your advice!

Tony65 · 03-14-2023, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob_M

On Amazon, search “Fantastic vent replacement parts”.
I recently replaced the round screen (the new ones snap into place and don’t require screws) and the lower surround. They come in different heights.

What parts do you need exactly?

If you’re not sure a part will fit, read the reviews and sometimes will see a review from someone who did exactly what you are trying to do confirming the parts will fit.

The good thing is Amazon has free returns. And usually free shipping.

I would need the replacement fan, fairing lifter and screen.

I searched on Amazon but couldn't find spare parts declared as suitable for the 2000 series.

Then keep in mind that I'm in Europe.

This damn European government has exaggeratedly increased import taxes.

Something that would cost you $30 ends up paying you $60 and more.

Then there are also the suppliers who often use the most expensive shipping services. What's the point of spending more than $130 to send you a product that costs $40?

They should give the customer the possibility to choose the cheapest shipping services as well as the fastest.

153stars · 03-14-2023, 06:54 PM

My fan blade may have been from Adventure RV.Some of these older supply places can have good prices only place to find new old stock. Download the the parts diagram use the part #s and or same verbiage in description. Atwood /dometic with pt# may get more or parts or not found with fantastic fan in description. Checking many sites may get you older or newer part#s as well add those to search. Knowing exactly the term of an RV part or Pt# can be half the battle to get results on Google or you just get whole units for sale instead.
If you decide to buy whole fan motor,blade & mount assembly, from what I read the Gold pancake motors were noisey and , newer stock black pancake, and aftermarket black can motors that look like whats in new Maxaire are are both quite.

153stars · 03-14-2023, 07:04 PM

My fan blade may have been from Adventure RV.Some of these older supply places can have good prices only place to find new old stock. Download the the parts diagram use the part #s and or same verbiage in description. Atwood /dometic with pt# may get more or parts or not found with fantastic fan in description. Checking many sites may get you older or newer part#s as well add those to search. Knowing exactly the term of an RV part or Pt# can be half the battle to get results on Google or you just get whole units for sale instead.

Rob_M · 03-14-2023, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony65

I would need the replacement fan, fairing lifter and screen.

I searched on Amazon but couldn't find spare parts declared as suitable for the 2000 series.

Then keep in mind that I'm in Europe.

This damn European government has exaggeratedly increased import taxes.

Something that would cost you $30 ends up paying you $60 and more.

Then there are also the suppliers who often use the most expensive shipping services. What's the point of spending more than $130 to send you a product that costs $40?

They should give the customer the possibility to choose the cheapest shipping services as well as the fastest.

Oh sorry didn’t realize you’re in Europe. I agree maybe a complete replacement might save you time and money in the longrun.

Tony65 · 03-15-2023, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob_M

Oh sorry didn’t realize you’re in Europe. I agree maybe a complete replacement might save you time and money in the longrun.

Mind you, most of the time spare parts can be ordered and I'll tell you they arrive much faster from the USA than from England.

Just be careful with shipping costs when you go to pay on websites.

Many times I have received parts in less than 5-6 days. The problem is that you have to spend hours scouring the internet.

Ray,IN · 03-16-2023, 04:59 PM

PDXrvwholesale.com sells all the parts of FanTastic Fans. New fans come with a 7 yr. warranty, only the lid has a lifetime warranty, which is honored by Dometic.
The fan and motor come as a unit. Keep in mind, if one plastic part is cracked from age, all parts are the same age___, So in your circumstance, I agree, buying a complete unit is likely less cost in the end.

Tony65 · 03-17-2023, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

PDXrvwholesale.com sells all the parts of FanTastic Fans. New fans come with a 7 yr. warranty, only the lid has a lifetime warranty, which is honored by Dometic.
The fan and motor come as a unit. Keep in mind, if one plastic part is cracked from age, all parts are the same age___, So in your circumstance, I agree, buying a complete unit is likely less cost in the end.

I have already seen that site but unfortunately they have nothing for the 2000 series.

I am convinced that there are compatible parts, the problem is that you have to find out and go without fail.

I will try to send an e-mail, I hope they are able to let me know something.