Fan-Tastic vent cover add-on

[BrianCO]

Has anyone with a Sprinter-based class B installed the add-on cover for their Fan-Tastic fan?

Which model fan and cover did you use? How long ago was your stuff done?

Do you have any pics to share? Thoughts on how it looks against the sleek roof of the Sprinter class B?

I really like the idea of putting a cover over the fan. My Passage has the fan up front and fairly well centered so I don't know that it will be crazy visible but I'd def like some input from those of you who have done it or considered it. I also see that the Maxx Air covers seem to limit the lid a bit on opening height so, considering if I care enough to add the extra height of the Fan-Tastic cover.

Thanks

[mkguitar]

here's old thread on my pleasure way Chev

long story short- works to allow vent open on highway, keeps rain !!! and bugs out, 20 minute install
looks like someone put a trash can on the roof


really though, I was afraid of loosing cover in a sudden storm, the cover solves that



Fantastic Fan Ultra Breeze at camping world cost me about $35



https://www.classbforum.com/forums/f...vent-5618.html

[hbn7hj]

I prefer the Aero-flo vent cover. Had ‘em for 14 years. No UV degradation. They look a bit better than the others. Opening is restricted a bit.

https://www.adventurerv.net/camco-ae...e628lo7ibhgnn1

[rowiebowie]

I totally understand the need for a rain cover and can't understand why outfitters don't just install Maxxfans as OEM. Then, there would be no need for these posts.

[mkguitar]

Originally Posted by hbn7hj

Opening is restricted a bit.

with the fantastic cover I use- the wider opening allows not to use the fan most of the time when parked ( noise).
maybe an advantage
Mike

[BrianCO]

Thanks for the feedback. I picked up one of the Maxx Air basic covers (although I am leaning towards the Fan-tastic cover) to set up there and check out the appearance. I'm definitely sold on the idea of putting a cover on, just need to decide which one is the least in your face.

I'll post some pics when I try it out.

[BrianCO]

Looks alright, I think. I'll be taking the MaxxAir sticker off if I can but otherwise, I think this is it.

Also after I actually got up there and started to place it over the vent I realized I only have a couple inches between the vent rear and the solar panels so the larger covers won't fit if they are too much off square shape.

[Ron J. Moore]

I have had one on mine for about three years. I also bought the screen insert. I is a great thing, no rain, no bugs...good buy. I did add some Blue Loc-Tite to the screws, to prevent them from loosening.

[Bertiboo]

Just a note with regard to rain protection, but not wind/driving protection, we have the model of fantastic fan that has a rain sensor. I am surprised at how well it works. The vent lid closes at first few drops of rain, and reopens again less than half an hour later to re-sense if it’s still raining. We also have a rain sensor on our large Heki (Dometic) skylight and it also works well /but doesn’t reopen once closed, a difference in electronic circuitry I guess. I’m not saying that a Maxair vent isn’t a good alternative as we’ve had it on our previous RVs, but in our case it would increase our roof height while driving (our ac unit is faired into the back or our LTV B+)

[themexicandoctor]

For many years I used the MaxxAir cover & removed the mesh netting, supposedly this was the cause of some Fan failures - but with Solar, I didn't want any shadows so I am in a compromise now with venting of hot air.

[pasusan]

Originally Posted by rowiebowie

I totally understand the need for a rain cover and can't understand why outfitters don't just install Maxxfans as OEM. Then, there would be no need for these posts.

Yes - we removed our Fantastic Vent fan and replaced it with a Maxxair. Low profile and works great.

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by pasusan

Yes - we removed our Fantastic Vent fan and replaced it with a Maxxair. Low profile and works great.

Originally Posted by Bertiboo

Just a note with regard to rain protection, but not wind/driving protection, we have the model of fantastic fan that has a rain sensor. I am surprised at how well it works. The vent lid closes at first few drops of rain, and reopens again less than half an hour later to re-sense if it’s still raining. We also have a rain sensor on our large Heki (Dometic) skylight and it also works well /but doesn’t reopen once closed, a difference in electronic circuitry I guess. I’m not saying that a Maxair vent isn’t a good alternative as we’ve had it on our previous RVs, but in our case it would increase our roof height while driving (our ac unit is faired into the back or our LTV B+)

The problem with self-closing rain-sensing roof vents are that they have to close in the first place. We've boondocked many nights with rain (sometimes on and off throughout the night) with our Maxxfan able to run continuously bringing in fresh cool air. Unfortunately, our small vans are like cars and can quickly get warm or air can feel stale within a few minutes without introducing fresh air.

I have the same concern for sliding windows that can't be left open during rains like the awning style on our van. But many rv upfitters still use them (probably for lower cost).

[themexicandoctor]

Originally Posted by pasusan

Yes - we removed our Fantastic Vent fan and replaced it with a Maxxair. Low profile and works great.

Before I start, IF ONLY ALL RV EQUIPMENT WAS AS RELIABLE & SIMPLE LIKE THESE LEGENDARY FANS ...

I too, removed my Maxxair, considering adding the Electric unit but my concern has always been the shafdow upon the solar panels which by way of choice, were the best fit at the time.

In fact I gave the Maxxair to someone because of this shadow but as it is, my fan is not as powerful at exhaust as before because;

I keep the cover low to reduce offending shadow but someone did educate me wonderfully about shadows during the highest point of solar production when the sun is at the best possible angle.

Its as thougg it brings it out but it does not exhaust as well because of that small opening.

When I look at the All Electric Fan, I see it has an extra lip at the rear (definite shadow), but it seems to pull up well the hot air, curving it & pushing it down & out.

I will add some photos next.

[themexicandoctor]

I wonder if Installed it facing the other way.

My panels are affixed in parallel so if one gets shadow (the large rear 170 watt), the front one can be unaffected (80 watts).