Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

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Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

December 19, 2020, 12:09:43 pm

We will be getting our roof resealed soon and figured it will be the time to replace the roof vents. We have a 2003 Rear Bath with an entertainment center, so there are only three vents. Would it be wise to replace all three with Fantastic Fans? The sofa area already has a functioning Fantastic Fan but it is 17 years old.
Thank you, Linda C.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #1 – December 19, 2020, 12:30:56 pm

I believe that some prefer the Maxx Air fans for replacements, but you might want to check the various brands and features of fans at this link:

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-RV_Vents_and_Fans-sf-Roof_Vent.aspx

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #2 – December 19, 2020, 01:59:49 pm

The newer Fantastic Fans use a much noisier motor than what originally came in your 2003 LD.
The older Fantastics used the '"soup can" motor, while the newer one use the "pancake motor" with it's squeaky brushes.
I would give the Maxx fans a try.

Larry

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #3 – December 19, 2020, 04:19:14 pm

Not arguing against Maxx fans, but today I installed a new FF and it's whisper quiet. It's the one the Mothership started using this year. Remote control with six-speed and temp settings. On high it's as quiet as the 2007 model was on low.

If you are thinking replacement is a DIY job, well it is, but it's a major PIA.
I will write up my experience for The Companion so others can point out my failures.

If you have an LD on order, tell Todd you want the remote control fan in all locations.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #4 – December 19, 2020, 04:33:13 pm

Quote from: Don Malpas - December 19, 2020, 04:19:14 pm

Not arguing against Maxx fans, but today I installed a new FF and it's whisper quiet. It's the one the Mothership started using this year. Remote control with six-speed and temp settings. On high it's as quiet as the 2007 model was on low.
If you have an LD on order, tell Todd you want the remote control fan in all locations.

I updated the Fantastic Fan in our LD's bath two years ago with the remote control kit, it came with a new motor.
The new motor squeaked, two warranty replacements motors later, the motor still squeaks.
Maybe it was a bad production run of motors, don't know. After hundreds of hours of operation, it still squeaks.
Glad your new motor doesn't squeak.

We have had problems with the remote control, it gets mixed up at times and does not work properly, requiring manual raising or lowering of the lid to get it back into sync.

Larry

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #5 – December 19, 2020, 05:14:09 pm

Jus a word oof warning on the Maxx Aire fans. I put one in our rig and it works great on 12v (house batteries). However, on shore power it only works on the high speed setting. After watching a bunch of videos and reading various forum posts, I found out this is a common problem with Maxx Aire because they have a very limited voltage range. (IIRC it was designed to only work up to 13.2 v).

To fix it I am installing a 12 V to 12 V buck converter. That should fix the problem. But I’m very disappointed that I have to take on this responsibility and cost when it could have been prevented by the fan having a greater voltage range.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #6 – December 19, 2020, 06:33:55 pm

My experience echoes Larry's and others': the late-model Fan-Tastic fan remote is a pain to use and gets confused, and the motor squeaks.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #7 – December 20, 2020, 12:40:36 am

Quote from: pierats - December 19, 2020, 05:14:09 pm

Just a word of warning on the Maxx Aire fans. I put one in our rig and it works great on 12v (house batteries). However, on shore power it only works on the high speed setting. After watching a bunch of videos and reading various forum posts, I found out this is a common problem with Maxx Aire because they have a very limited voltage range. (IIRC it was designed to only work up to 13.2 v).
To fix it I am installing a 12 V to 12 V buck converter. That should fix the problem.
Quote

Several of us have converted fan to PWM speed controls for the ceiling fan.
This is one of the controls I have used. At low speeds, the fans uses less power than the old controls that dumps excess power into resistors, wasted power turned into heat.
Amazon.com: RioRand Upgraded 6V-90V 15A DC Motor Pump Speed Controller:...

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #8 – December 20, 2020, 06:47:31 am

the late-model Fan-Tastic fan remote is a pain to use and gets confused, and the motor squeaks.

Now you tell me. I waited for 3 months to get it. Paid $300. And spent over 12 hours putting it in.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #9 – December 20, 2020, 01:30:42 pm

Quote from: Don Malpas - December 20, 2020, 06:47:31 am

the late-model Fan-Tastic fan remote is a pain to use and gets confused, and the motor squeaks.

Now you tell me. I waited for 3 months to get it. Paid $300. And spent over 12 hours putting it in.

You didn't ask, I have mentioned these problems before.
We switched to the remote control due to the difficulty my wife has reaching the ceiling controls on a standard Fantastic Fan. So far, under warranty, I have replaced the remote and two motors. Wish I understood why the remote control gets "confused" at times.

I do like is being able to turn the fan on and off, while in the bunk. We often leave the bathroom fan running at night, with the escape hatch open, to provide cool air. If it gets too cold or when we want to get up, the fan can be turned off without getting out of bed.
To make it a little better, a remote furnace on-off switch has been installed in the bunk area.
Roughing it is tough.

Larry

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #10 – December 20, 2020, 02:37:54 pm

Quote from: Larry W - December 20, 2020, 01:30:42 pm

To make it a little better, a remote furnace on-off switch has been installed in the bunk area.
Roughing it is tough.

How did you accomplish that, Larry?

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #11 – December 20, 2020, 04:34:48 pm

Quote from: HiLola - December 20, 2020, 02:37:54 pm

How did you accomplish that, Larry?

By bypassing the thermostat, something that may not be easily done with the wall-mounted HVAC controls, found in 2005 and later models.
It's a nice enhancement, while we do not use a heater at night, being able to warm things up, without having to get out of bed, is wonderful on very cold mornings.

Larry

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #12 – December 20, 2020, 04:35:54 pm

Perhaps we need a sticky for items to avoid buying, like remote control FFs?

I sure did not see your mention of it. But I do not read all posts and probably would bypass one on fans like I would on making coffee.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #13 – December 21, 2020, 03:22:48 pm

I hate to hijack this fan thread, but I am about to remove the screen from my non-functional FF to check the switch. I see the screen has a little flare to allow you to slip in a finger. But the plastic seems pretty cheesy and I don’t want to crack it. Should I pry with a screwdriver to release the screen, or is it safe to pull it right off?

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #14 – December 21, 2020, 03:50:28 pm

I put a large screwdriver tip into the "flare" to pry the screen slightly away from the rim, then gently pry each "button" loose from around the rim of the screen. You are right that the screen is flimsy; I tried to remove it by just using the finger indentation and pulling it down. That resulted in ordering a replacement screen. The screen on the much older FF in my rig is attached with small screws; IMO, a much preferable method!

YMMV.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #15 – December 21, 2020, 05:13:35 pm

Quote from: Maud - December 21, 2020, 03:22:48 pm

I hate to hijack this fan thread, but I am about to remove the screen from my non-functional FF to check the switch. I see the screen has a little flare to allow you to slip in a finger. But the plastic seems pretty cheesy and I don’t want to crack it. Should I pry with a screwdriver to release the screen, or is it safe to pull it right off?

Older Fantastic Fans used a screen that was attached using screws, it was a PIA to remove and install.
The older cover was replaced several years ago with the one that pops into place, it's easier to remove but more fragile.
As the plastic ages and becomes brittle, it will eventually break when removing the pop-on screen for cleaning.
Consider the pop-on screens to be a disposable item, we replaced both of our screw-mounted screens five years, one has already cracked, the second one is still intact, I'm waiting for it to break ever time it is removed for cleaning.
Even with a screen cracked in one spot, the screen still fits and works OK.

Larry

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #16 – December 21, 2020, 05:24:32 pm

Thanks for the advice, Joan and Larry! I ran out of time today to work on the fan. I will spring the Taj Mahal from storage again next Monday, weather permitting, and do the screen removal surgery. I actually don’t know if the bathroom and cab fans work either...the one I am focused on is the the big central one near the lounge. I will check the other two next week. Thanks again!

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #17 – December 21, 2020, 05:31:05 pm

"Older Fantastic Fans used a screen that was attached using screws, it was a PIA to remove and install."
---
I keep a few extra screws for the screen in the "hardware drawer" because, if one of the little things is dropped while removing or re-installing, it will never be seen again!

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #18 – December 21, 2020, 06:38:54 pm

Hi Joan and Maud. The snap in screen is a direct install, and covers where the empty screw holes are. A clue to durability is that they come two to a package. Upon checking, most come one to a package now. (must be a 'cash cow' for some RV stores now.)
. Fan-Tastic Vent 2-Pack White Pop N Lock Screen K2035-81 22-0212 Hopefully still a current product. RonB

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #19 – December 22, 2020, 12:30:29 am

Quote from: Joan - December 21, 2020, 05:31:05 pm

I keep a few extra screws for the screen in the "hardware drawer" because, if one of the little things is dropped while removing or re-installing, it will never be seen again!

Never seen again until it ends up stuck in the bottom of your foot, BTDT.

Larry

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #20 – December 22, 2020, 10:25:15 am

More good news Consider the pop-on screens to be a disposable item
I eyeballed it and gently pried on it and decided it fragile.
Maybe it can be reinforced with fiberglass tape and epoxy on the hidden side?

Someone gave me the idea to put plastic thingies on the four of the screws that allowed the old screen to removed with a few flicks of the hand. I will see if the new screen can be adapted.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #21 – December 31, 2020, 02:16:58 pm

I also have the RB model. We find having two Max air fans, one in the bath, the other in the lounge area is sufficient for us. The vent above our cab bed is the escape hatch. Since you have the EC, I’m not sure where your escape hatch is located but I would only replace that with another escape hatch if it is a vent. If your escape hatch is a window, then you have lots of options.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #22 – December 31, 2020, 03:59:30 pm

The new fans have a snap-off screen. It's not very sturdy. One or people reported breaking it removing it.

I had what I think are called screen clips on our old fan. See picture.
I can do the same on the new fan.
Obtain the screen clips. They come in several sizes you need small ones. Ace hardware?
Use a Dremel to remove the plastic things that hold the screen.
Drill four holes in the fan face, to hold four small wood screws.
Attach screen with screen clips.
Flip the clips off to remove and clean the screen.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #23 – December 31, 2020, 04:01:15 pm

Quote from: Caligirl Tracy - December 31, 2020, 02:16:58 pm

We find having two Max air fans, one in the bath, the other in the lounge area is sufficient for us.

Our milage varies Caligirl, we cook and it gets hot up front.

Re: Roof vent replacement - all Fantastic Fans?

Reply #24 – December 31, 2020, 05:11:01 pm

Quote from: Don Malpas - December 31, 2020, 04:01:15 pm

Our milage varies Caligirl, we cook and it gets hot up front.

The lounge is the front in the RB. The RB only has the escape hatch, the lounge vent and the bathroom vent. The AC unit is in the kitchen.
So yes, your mileage should vary significantly.

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