Fantastic fan with remote

[booster]

I just finished replacing our Fantastic fan with a Maxxair fan, so the if anyone wants the Fantastic fan, it is available for free.


We replaced the fan because we thought it was failing, but now I am not sure of that. On our last trip we had two places were the remote lost nearly all it's range and had to be within 12" of the fan. It was at a casino campground and at a Walmart parking lot. It worked well the rest of the time. I am starting to believe that there may have been interference from wifi, cameras, security, door openers, etc in those two places.


We are in the Minneapolis area if anyone around wants it and can pick it up. Don't really want to hassle with shipping, but will if no one local wants it, as it is a shame to throw it out and it is a nice fan.

[cruising7388]

Originally Posted by booster

I just finished replacing our Fantastic fan with a Maxxair fan, so the if anyone wants the Fantastic fan, it is available for free.


We replaced the fan because we thought it was failing, but now I am not sure of that. On our last trip we had two places were the remote lost nearly all it's range and had to be within 12" of the fan. It was at a casino campground and at a Walmart parking lot. It worked well the rest of the time. I am starting to believe that there may have been interference from wifi, cameras, security, door openers, etc in those two places.


We are in the Minneapolis area if anyone around wants it and can pick it up. Don't really want to hassle with shipping, but will if no one local wants it, as it is a shame to throw it out and it is a nice fan.

We had a problem with the remote activating the Fantastic Fan on our 210 until we discovered that the fan sensor was out of position. After readjusting, it works reliably.

With regard to specs, I think the Fantastic and Maxair fans are pretty similar except that I think the Maxair operates as an exhaust only fan while the Fantastic fan permits operation in either an exhaust or an intake mode. Perhaps the intake mode is useful for assisting the small exhaust fan in the bathroom.

[booster]

That is the part is so weird in what we saw. Nearly all the time, the remote would work from anywhere in the van, and even from outside the van a ways away, but in those two places, the remote had to be within a foot of the fan to work.


The Maxx also has in and out, as well as manual and auto speed, so really very similar in capability. I did a quick amp check and the power use also seems to be very close to the same.

[BBQ]

.

What kind of remote is it?

IR? or RF?

If it is IR, then you have to be within sight of the sensor.

[booster]

Originally Posted by BBQ

.

What kind of remote is it?

IR? or RF?

If it is IR, then you have to be within sight of the sensor.

The Fantastic fan remote is RF and the Maxxfan remote is IR.

[cruising7388]

Originally Posted by booster

That is the part is so weird in what we saw. Nearly all the time, the remote would work from anywhere in the van, and even from outside the van a ways away, but in those two places, the remote had to be within a foot of the fan to work.

If memory serves, Fantastic has excellent C.S./T.S. and have provided assistance and replacement for units well past their warranty period. Did you address this unusual sensor behavior with them?

I notice that the shroud for the Maxx unit extends past the body of the fan housing. If you had solar panels that butted up next to a Fantastic installation, wouldn't this extended shroud shade a portion of the solar panel?

[booster]

Originally Posted by cruising7388

If memory serves, Fantastic has excellent C.S./T.S. and have provided assistance and replacement for units well past their warranty period. Did you address this unusual sensor behavior with them?

I notice that the shroud for the Maxx unit extends past the body of the fan housing. If you had solar panels that butted up next to a Fantastic installation, wouldn't this extended shroud shade a portion of the solar panel?

Since Fantastic fan sold out, their customer service has changed a lot, with no more lifetime of help and parts, so we had decided just to change it out for the Maxx and see how it works.


Maxx makes a couple of different versions of their fans. We got the one without the added "open in the rain" lid, so the it is essentially the same size and height as the fantastic was. Flush with the top of the solar panel next to it when closed, and the sun has to be at a very low angle for it to shade when open because the hinge is on the far edge. Our panel is only about 1/2" away from the lid.

[cruising7388]

Originally Posted by booster

Since Fantastic fan sold out, their customer service has changed a lot, with no more lifetime of help and parts, so we had decided just to change it out for the Maxx and see how it works.

Aargh! I wasn't aware they sold out. It seems like every time a perfectly well run company is bought out, the first thing the new owners do is chintz on customer support. Getting help out of Dometic is like getting blood from a stone.

Judging by this link, your choosing Maxx for the replacement was a smart move.

https://campaddict.com/rv-roof-vent-fan/#tab-con-2

[Pam G]

I might be interested in the fan. I have a 1999 Roadtrek 190 Popular. The fan works but doesn't have a remote, so I'm assuming your fan is from a newer vehicle? Would they be the same size? I might be in the Minneapolis area around Aug. 24.

[booster]

Originally Posted by Pam G

I might be interested in the fan. I have a 1999 Roadtrek 190 Popular. The fan works but doesn't have a remote, so I'm assuming your fan is from a newer vehicle? Would they be the same size? I might be in the Minneapolis area around Aug. 24.

This is out of our 07 C190P Roadtrek, but isn't the original, which was a basic exhaust only manual control Fantastic Fan. That is also likely what you have in your Roadtrek. I looked at the 1999 manual on the Roadtrek site and it says the fan manufacturer was Fantastic. I think they always have been the 14 X 14 inch versions, but someone on here probably will know for sure, so it should fit.


We should be here for the time frame around Aug 24 if you chose to drop by and pick it up.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by booster

This is out of our 07 C190P Roadtrek, but isn't the original, which was a basic exhaust only manual control Fantastic Fan. That is also likely what you have in your Roadtrek. I looked at the 1999 manual on the Roadtrek site and it says the fan manufacturer was Fantastic. I think they always have been the 14 X 14 inch versions, but someone on here probably will know for sure, so it should fit.


We should be here for the time frame around Aug 24 if you chose to drop by and pick it up.

Super, then Pam G can donate a Fantastic Fan!

Bud

[Pam G]

booster, Do you know if this fan draws any more power than the manual fan? Does it require any extra wiring or anything extra for installation, or does it just go in place of the original fan. Just wondering if I'll need to have my mechanic install this. Thanks!

[booster]

Originally Posted by Pam G

booster, Do you know if this fan draws any more power than the manual fan? Does it require any extra wiring or anything extra for installation, or does it just go in place of the original fan. Just wondering if I'll need to have my mechanic install this. Thanks!

It actually draws a bit less power, so no new wiring needed.


IIRC, when I put it in, I didn't even have to remove the original roof flange from the roof, as the new setup replaces just the guts of it. I know it wasn't a horrible job at all. I will try to find the instructions to confirm what needs to get done.

[Pam G]

That sounds like something maybe I could do! I've had to take my fan "guts" out a few times when the little pin involved with the arm and the crank that opens the lid has popped out.

[Pam G]

Originally Posted by booster

It actually draws a bit less power, so no new wiring needed.


IIRC, when I put it in, I didn't even have to remove the original roof flange from the roof, as the new setup replaces just the guts of it. I know it wasn't a horrible job at all. I will try to find the instructions to confirm what needs to get done.

booster, I sent you a private message regarding the fan. Thanks!

[NadineC]

1992 dodge B350---I bought the van and was showed the fan and how it worked. Brought to a rv repair to have a look at everything. They said cost to replace 535.00. Brought to someone else.

Mine is manual or not the fan worked but what was happening. Both motors or sensors were running at the same time.

As i am not experienced and brand new. My concentration has been to make sure the engine and battery is good and working and safe.

Would appreciate any assistance suggestions, or where can I can find the manual. Thought to go on a trip and find someone on the road in another state than mine. Thank you

[Oakeno]

Originally Posted by booster

I just finished replacing our Fantastic fan with a Maxxair fan, so the if anyone wants the Fantastic fan, it is available for free.


We replaced the fan because we thought it was failing, but now I am not sure of that. On our last trip we had two places were the remote lost nearly all it's range and had to be within 12" of the fan. It was at a casino campground and at a Walmart parking lot. It worked well the rest of the time. I am starting to believe that there may have been interference from wifi, cameras, security, door openers, etc in those two places.


We are in the Minneapolis area if anyone around wants it and can pick it up. Don't really want to hassle with shipping, but will if no one local wants it, as it is a shame to throw it out and it is a nice fan.

If I paid for shipping would you send it thank you

[Oakeno]

Hi if I paid for shipping would you send it thank you

[booster]

Originally Posted by Oakeno

Hi if I paid for shipping would you send it thank you

Sorry, I didn't get this updated, but the fan has found itself a new home!