Upgrading vent fans and covers...suggestions

Lokin4deer wrote:
Thanks Soundguy that was helpful!

Now what about the fans themselves. I would like something that is reversible and some what quiet.

As part of the deal when we purchased our previous KZ Spree I had the dealer install a 3-speed reversible Fan-tastic vent fan in the vent over the bed area and we used it all the time, mostly on intake to keep air moving inside the camper. If there was any disappointment when we purchased our current Freedom Express it's that Coachmen in their infinite wisdom (i.e. cheapness) chose to not install a vent over the main cabin at all, which in turn meant that unless I was willing to cut the hole in myself I wasn't going to be able to add a powered Fan-tastic vent fan. I've got the blueprints and could do it but in the meantime I found a 3-speed, reversible, double blade fan that fits perfectly in the window on my side of the bed and works just as well as a roof mounted vent fan would work. The only downside is it's 120 vac but I've recently solved that by installing a 1000 watt sine wave inverter that can power the entire coach, allowing us to use that fan anytime, anywhere we want. However, IMO anyone that does have a roof vent can't go wrong by installing a Fan-tastic vent fan - minimal power draw, relatively quiet, but moves a LOT of air.

Usually I will set all three of my Fantastic fans to exhaust, and then leave 1-2 windows open about 5". This quickly draws air into those windows (at high speed - what I want) to cool me off if I am near that window.

Each fan is rated at 900 CFM on high speed at 3.1 amps. My solar system keeps up with the fan demands during the day, and at night I camp in areas that are cooler, or pull into a full hookup park and run the A/C unit.

Good luck!

Fred.

Hi,

Fantastic fans are reversible, and their warranty service is top notch. I just bought one for my van, and plan on installing it soon. The ones in my motorhome have been running without problems since I installed them in 1996.

I already had one with a thermostat, and moved it from my older class C to the new one. It went into the bathroom, and normally was set to come on at around 75F to keep my dogs cool. The kitchen, I worried about water dripping in so I bought a rain sensor system, but that turned out to be a waste of money, as I installed Maxx air covers shortly after buying all of them, and they have worked out great in the last 19 years no problems. The rain sensor has a really noisy motor to open and close the hatch. AS I normally leave it open, it does not bother me. However when there is really high humidity, it can start to 'close' and because the handle is not latched (for manual operation) it will not reach the high amp limit to determine it is closed, and will keep running the open/close motor until I get home.(or wake up). So I would not recommend the rain sensor model, though in the past 19 years they probably have a much better design.

Also the Maxx air covers protect the Fantastic covers from sun damage, all are still in great shape. I will need to replace all 3 maxx air covers this summer though.

The bedroom fantastic fan is just three speeds, reversible. I did not get any options for it. I either want it on or off.

The fan that I bought was from Amazon.com and just a basic model with thermostat. I plan on letting it run to cool my handicap van in the summer. I will have a solar panel to keep the battery full.

SunElec.com has solar panels in the $1 - $1.50 per rated watt price range. Look for one with a metal frame, and 12 volt nominal rating.

Good luck,

Fred.

I think the Maxi fans are varible speed but not reverseable. I have the Maxi large hinged vent covers. Pull couple of pins and they tip up for easy cleaning. Maxi fans pull quite a bit of air with window open.

Thanks Soundguy that was helpful!

Now what about the fans themselves. I would like something that is reversible and some what quiet. This will primarily used when we stop to sleep in a parking lot somewhere while traveling just to get some air moving. Possibly one of them drawing air in while at the other end of the TT pushing air out with the windows open. Thanks!

This video of the Fan-tastic Vent Ultra Breeze vent cover should be self explanatory. ;)