Best Vent/Rain Covers to Install over Factory Vent Fans???

Mortimer Brewster wrote:
With the Ultra-Breeze you have to scrape away the old caulk to get to the screws. You the remove a screw and re-use the hole. The MaxxAir requires drilling into the side of the vent in order to mount clips. To me the MaxxAir system seems like it would be easier to install. An added advantage is that you wouldn’t have to buy any Dicor to reseal the vent flange. I installed the MaxxAir II on our last trailer. The installation wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t happy that the vent lid was somewhat limited in how high it could be raised
Both the MaxxAir Fan Mate and the Ultra-Breeze are the same height (10-1/4”), though I suspect the Ultra-Breeze might allow the vent lid to open up more due to the shape.
I’m leaning towards the MaxxAir.

I had considered everything you mentioned. I actually prefer utilizing existing mounting holes versus drilling new holes (even if it is just into the vent frame).
I already have the Dicor lap sealant, so not a deal breaker to seal up the Ultra Breeze mounting brackets.
Removing the old sealant should not be to big of issue, will it take longer to install than the MaxxAir, absolutely. But I am ok with that.
And finally, I prefer the look of the Ultra Breeze vent cover. I will add UV protection to the vent cover as insurance, but I don't think there will be an issue. If there is in the future, I will consider the MaxxAir brand as a replacement.

With the Ultra-Breeze you have to scrape away the old caulk to get to the screws. You the remove a screw and re-use the hole. The MaxxAir requires drilling into the side of the vent in order to mount clips. To me the MaxxAir system seems like it would be easier to install. An added advantage is that you wouldn’t have to buy any Dicor to reseal the vent flange. I installed the MaxxAir II on our last trailer. The installation wasn’t bad, but I wasn’t happy that the vent lid was somewhat limited in how high it could be raised
Both the MaxxAir Fan Mate and the Ultra-Breeze are the same height (10-1/4”), though I suspect the Ultra-Breeze might allow the vent lid to open up more due to the shape.
I’m leaning towards the MaxxAir.

I have two of the older style of this MaxxAir FanMate that have been on my trailer since new in 2004. They are not brittle and, other than the decals fading, still look and perform like they did originally. They cover two Fantastic Fans and the fans work just fine. They do not open completely but just about all the way. The motor stops automatically when it touches the top of the cover. Been working fine that way since 2004 also. :)
Barney

I had the old Max Air covers on my old 5th wheel for 14 years never under cover but in rain, sun, and snow year around and they were still good so I decided to go with the Max Air II on my new one.

SoundGuy wrote:

JMO but they all "fall apart" eventually. ;) My Ventmate is now 5 yrs old and although it hasn't cracked or disintegrated it certainly is "chalky" and has faded quite a bit. I've got a new one in the workshop I had intended to install last fall but never got around to it so it's one of my "to do" tasks this spring.

Agree that they will all disintegrate eventually, but one year is unacceptable, especially for $50. Even the flimsy (and cheap) stock vent lids are good for several years before they begin to deteriorate.

drsteve wrote:

I notice that the Amazon reviews for this item follow a pattern--those who just bought it recently are very happy, while long term reviews say that the plastic material is not UV resistant at all, and after a year or two it becomes very brittle and falls apart.

The very reason I went with the Maxx Air is their 6 year Warranty and the LESS than 5% airflow restriction. All their covers are constructed of high density polyethylene with maximum UV inhibitors

I have 4 other Maxx Air Covers on my RV that are 7 years old and show no sign of chalking or brittleness,it sits outside here in sunny So Cal.

Ron3rd wrote:

SoundGuy wrote:
The Fan-tastic Vent Ultra Breeze Vent Cover claims to restrict air flow much less than other vent covers.

Those are the best IMO, but they're pricey. I went with the Maxx Air II covers which are larger than the original Maxx Air covers. I think I paid about $58 each a few years ago off Amazon.

I went with the Fan-tastic Vent Ultra Breeze vent covers. I paid $42-$44 each depending if it was white or black. For that price it was less or equal to the MaxxAir II vent covers that I could find online. Plus, if I get a Fantastic Fan in the future I won't have any fitment or functionality issues.

Thanks to all for the responses. Very helpful.

SoundGuy wrote:
The Fan-tastic Vent Ultra Breeze Vent Cover claims to restrict air flow much less than other vent covers.

drsteve wrote:
I notice that the Amazon reviews for this item follow a pattern--those who just bought it recently are very happy, while long term reviews say that the plastic material is not UV resistant at all, and after a year or two it becomes very brittle and falls apart.

JMO but they all "fall apart" eventually. ;) My Ventmate is now 5 yrs old and although it hasn't cracked or disintegrated it certainly is "chalky" and has faded quite a bit. I've got a new one in the workshop I had intended to install last fall but never got around to it so it's one of my "to do" tasks this spring.

SoundGuy wrote:
The Fan-tastic Vent Ultra Breeze Vent Cover claims to restrict air flow much less than other vent covers.

I notice that the Amazon reviews for this item follow a pattern--those who just bought it recently are very happy, while long term reviews say that the plastic material is not UV resistant at all, and after a year or two it becomes very brittle and falls apart.

SoundGuy wrote:
The Fan-tastic Vent Ultra Breeze Vent Cover claims to restrict air flow much less than other vent covers.

Ron3rd wrote:
Those are the best IMO, but they're pricey.

My 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express 192RBS, unlike current versions, does not have any vent over the main cabin but just one over the bathroom with a small exhaust only vent fan. :( For that reason I installed an inexpensive Ventmate Vent Cover over this vent and for the purpose it works just fine, I can leave the vent lid open 24/7 regardless of the weather and never have any rain blow inside. :B However, if I did have a vent over the main cabin I'd install a 3-speed, reversible Fan-tastic vent fan in it and over it would install the more expensive Fan-tastic Ultra Breeze Vent Cover in order to allow that vent fan to achieve it's maximum potential of drawing outside air in or venting out inside air. Those with a vent over both the main cabin and the bathroom could do the same by installing an inexpensive Ventmate (or similar) over the bathroom vent and install the more expensive Ultra Breeze over the main cabin where it can do the greatest good.