Forum Discussion

RBREW's avatar
RBREW
Explorer
Aug 06, 2019

Fantastic Fan Installation Question

On our last trip I noticed our bathroom vent was leaking a bit when it rained so I need to re-seal it. I have been considering replacing it with a fantastic fan since I have heard good things about them and we’d like an alternative to using the a/c since we boondock a lot. I figured this might be a good time to go ahead and get one. Unfortunately my trailer doesn’t have a fan currently so there is no wiring for it. I do have a bathroom light right next to it that I was hoping to tap into. The light is controlled by a switch outside the bathroom that also controls the light over the vanity. Would it be advisable to wire the fan into that circuit? Does the fan have it’s own switch so I can still turn it off when I only want the lights on? Anything else I need to consider?
  • I would be inclined to stop use of the wall switch and start using the switches on the light. Then just pull 12v off either of the lights and you are good to go.

    Not sure what the current draw on the FF is but I would guess it will be fine on your light circuit.
  • Okay I will definitely take your advice and turn it off before flushing! Someone asked if there are 2 fixtures on one switch: Yes there are but they have switches on each fixture so you can have either one or both on. Not sure why they did that but I wasn’t sure if it would be a problem to tap into that for the fan. That looks to be the easiest option. Any reason I shouldn’t?
  • Be prepared. I know what happens and I still have flushed without turning the fan off.
  • Ideal would be to run new wires up to your fan. You might be able to use the existing wire from the switch to the light as a pull string.

    The switch controls 2 light fixtures?
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    I have an FF since they are standard size 14" square its a direct replacement for any vent. what the other person said about 'em on high

    Or you could go with a Maxx air.. advantage is the downdraft nature of the Maxx means you can leave it open even in the rain.
  • Fantastic fans are great. However, be advised that they move enough air to pull the stink right out of the black tank when you flush the toilet.

    They don't draw all that much power except maybe on high which is so noisy, I always use lower speeds. There are many different models and options to choose from. Almost all have an ON-OFF switch and many will have an IN-OFF-OUT switch that allows the fan to pull air in or exhaust it - your pick. Some have a rain sensor but I recommend a cover over the fan instead which would make the rain sensor useless. A 3 speed switch is a must. I have a remote that works with my fan. I can choose any of 14 speeds with it or set the temperature I want and it will control the speeds for me slowing the fan down as it comes close to the temperature I've selected. It also has a motor that raises and lowers the lid.

    So you see, there's the basic model with a reversing switch and a 3 speed switch that opens manually and from there, you can add lots of extras depending on your requirements and pocketbook.