Forum Discussion

schwartzworld's avatar
schwartzworld
Explorer
Sep 10, 2013

UPDATE Vortex vent fan

I have never had the need to post a do not buy posting but after talking to Heng's Industries this morning I have to say, stay away from the Vortex Fan.

I bought a single speed Vortex fan about a year ago. About a month ago, the gear box that raises and lowers the vent cover lid broke. I finally got around to calling Heng's to get another gearbox. The first thing she asked me was is a warranty claim? I didn't care if it was or not, I need a gearbox and just wanted to buy one. Well, guess what. She said I have to take it back to where I bought it to get it covered. I told her for the 3rd time, I just need a gearbox, sell me one. She put me on hold and then said that you can't get those separately. Heng's only gets complete units from CHINA, of course. They don't get spare parts but may do so in the future. I asked her what do I do now? She said take it back(can't find my receipt and can't remember where we got it) or buy a new one. No other options. I'm planning on selling my trailer soon so I don't want to buy a whole new fan and I sure don't want to invest in a Fantastic Fan now. I should have done that in the first place. I even told Heng's that. Don't go the cheap way, I sure won't again.

If anyone has an idea where I may be able to get a gearbox I'd appreciate it. If all else fails I'll make something out of the broken parts.

Thanks for listening

Fred
Seeking Advice
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Sep 11, 2013
    I have found a lot of things from China that you cannot get parts for. I wanted a cheep fan and bought a Vortex, so far it works fine. I look at it as disposable.
  • Cecilt's avatar
    Cecilt
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    colliehauler wrote:
    I have found a lot of things from China that you cannot get parts for. I wanted a cheep fan and bought a Vortex, so far it works fine. I look at it as disposable.


    I have one ready to install in the next few days. I can buy 3 of these for the price of a fanatic fan plus I can put the vortex in myself. Therefore, I consider a $55 fan disposable as well.
  • schwartzworld's avatar
    schwartzworld
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    colliehauler wrote:
    I have found a lot of things from China that you cannot get parts for. I wanted a cheep fan and bought a Vortex, so far it works fine. I look at it as disposable.


    I don't consider a $60 vent fan disposable. I was hoping that it would last several seasons and that parts were out there. It works really well, I like the concept but not to have spare parts is not good.
  • schwartzworld's avatar
    schwartzworld
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    Cecilt wrote:
    colliehauler wrote:
    I have found a lot of things from China that you cannot get parts for. I wanted a cheep fan and bought a Vortex, so far it works fine. I look at it as disposable.


    I have one ready to install in the next few days. I can buy 3 of these for the price of a fanatic fan plus I can put the vortex in myself. Therefore, I consider a $55 fan disposable as well.


    You can put in a Fantastic Fan, it's not that difficult. I should have done that from the beginning. I'll do that on any RV I own in the future.
  • mlts22's avatar
    mlts22
    Explorer
    Sep 11, 2013
    schwartzworld wrote:
    colliehauler wrote:
    I have found a lot of things from China that you cannot get parts for. I wanted a cheep fan and bought a Vortex, so far it works fine. I look at it as disposable.


    I don't consider a $60 vent fan disposable. I was hoping that it would last several seasons and that parts were out there. It works really well, I like the concept but not to have spare parts is not good.


    I was surprised by how many companies mainly are just importers. They take stuff from China, slap their label on it, put it right in the box and send it along with adding nothing but the price. Of course, the only parts they have are complete units that get pulled off the rack and disassembled.

    Unless one has access to a 3D printer or a CNC mill to custom build the gear assembly, it might be time to get another Vortex fan for $60, or pay the 150 to 200 bones for a Fantastic fan, and when selling the RV, bump the price up a tad so you get some money back for it.
  • colliehauler's avatar
    colliehauler
    Explorer III
    Sep 11, 2013
    schwartzworld wrote:
    colliehauler wrote:
    I have found a lot of things from China that you cannot get parts for. I wanted a cheep fan and bought a Vortex, so far it works fine. I look at it as disposable.


    I don't consider a $60 vent fan disposable. I was hoping that it would last several seasons and that parts were out there. It works really well, I like the concept but not to have spare parts is not good.
    I only paid $39. for mine. A Fantastic fan is a lot better quality.
  • schwartzworld's avatar
    schwartzworld
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2013
    Here's an update to the issue and the repairs. First off, if your just installing a Vortex fan for the first time, take the gear box apart and grease it up. There is no grease in there at all. It's worth the time to do it.

    What happened with mine. The hub that connects to the lift arm assembly for the lid was wearing but not broken. The lift arm hub was wearing out too. So, the combination of the two resulted in a cover that wouldn't lift. I replaced the lift arm assembly and because the teeth on the hub were newer and sharper, the held onto the worn hub in the Vortex gear box much better.

    I greased the Vortex gear box and the new lift arm assembly. It works better than new.
  • pasusan's avatar
    pasusan
    Explorer
    Sep 14, 2013
    Cecilt wrote:
    colliehauler wrote:
    I have found a lot of things from China that you cannot get parts for. I wanted a cheep fan and bought a Vortex, so far it works fine. I look at it as disposable.


    I have one ready to install in the next few days. I can buy 3 of these for the price of a fanatic fan plus I can put the vortex in myself. Therefore, I consider a $55 fan disposable as well.
    Well, there you go...

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,102 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 18, 2025