Forum Discussion

er78mph's avatar
er78mph
Explorer
Dec 29, 2015

Vent fans

Hello and that all in advance!

I have 3 vent fans in my travel trailer and none seem to work. They might even function but I don't know how to star them. I attempted while hooked up with electricity but was unsuccessful.I Would like to have the fans working for ventilation, especially when cooking. The fans have knobs with and a fuse. One of the knobs gives the option of "in" or "out." I tested the fuses and all work. My question would be, should I just replace the fans? What other options or trouble shooting should I perform? Thanks again!
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Jan 02, 2016
    If they're Fantastic fans, call them and they are very good at helping. They'll walk you through it so call when you're by the fans. Have the Model # ready. It is strange that all 3 don't work.

    Also, if the lids ever stick, clean the lid edges and the outside rubber gasket and then wipe the outside rubber with 303 Protectant which helps greatly. When not used often the rubber gets hard, is coated with dirt and it sticks.
  • GGoodsell's avatar
    GGoodsell
    Explorer
    Jan 01, 2016
    If they are Fantastic Fan brand vents there is probably a spring-loaded pin switch that stops the motor when the lid is closed. I have found that those switches often stick in the down (off) position if not used regularly. They are best checked from above (on the roof) with the vent lid opened fully. If they are stuck they can usually be pulled up and freed with some lubricant. They are there to prevent the fan from running when the lid is down and there is no chance for air flow.
  • dougford's avatar
    dougford
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2015
    Or, the flux capacitor may have its polarity reversed.

    OK-seriously, my one fan operates with a switch on the wall. HOWEVER, my son somehow found the other switch that is on the fan itself and turned it off once. Took me forever to figure that one out...so sometimes there are two switches...
  • Greentow's avatar
    Greentow
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2015
    OR, may have to check if the lid/vent cover is "stuck". Mine will do that occasionally, and I have to manually open it, then the switch will work.
  • Bobbo's avatar
    Bobbo
    Explorer II
    Dec 29, 2015
    There will also be a fuse (or fuses) on the 12v distribution board. Are those fuses good?

    This is just another way to ask if you are getting 12v power TO the fans.

    Since all 3 fans fail to function, I would look to a common feed. The fuse on the 12v distribution board fits that description.
  • Dick_B's avatar
    Dick_B
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2015
    The fuses may work (how did you test?) but is there power to the fan leads? Do all of the suggested tests eg. lift the lid, etc. and keeping checking for power to the fan.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Dec 29, 2015
    Our bathroom fan, besides the knob on the fan, also operates from the wall switch. Probably for the vertically challenged crowd.

    Bill
  • path1's avatar
    path1
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2015
    If your vent fan has a lid, lift the lid.

    Some fans won't work unless lid is up.
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Dec 29, 2015
    The "in/out" reverses the fan.
    Do you know make and model of fans?
    Make and model of rig?
    Is there remote controls for fans?
    Have you checked for power?
    Is there a wall control?
    No, don't just start replacing items.
  • Greydennyhawk's avatar
    Greydennyhawk
    Explorer
    Dec 29, 2015
    Have you tried to turn the knobs? I ask the obvious, as in our old Greyhawk, the bedroom fan was completely automatic with a wall thermostat. The bath fan, however, had to be opened by turning the knob and then it could be turned on with a switch.

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