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Reversible Vent Fan

freddmc
Explorer
Explorer
I am looking at putting in a Fantastic vent fan. Is the option to get a reversible motor worth while?
Thinking of it in a practical sense the fan blades must be oriented to move air in a certain direction. By reversing the motor it seems to me it would be significantly less efficient. I wouldn't think that the blade pitch would be changeable.

Regards
Fred.
16 REPLIES 16

wnjj
Explorer II
Explorer II
Ours is on “in” more than out. It’s in a truck camper directly above the bed so when you’re laying up there you get the best breeze. “In” also means the intake air is up high, predictably away from other smells.

Also, if someone uses the bathroom it helps to move the air out the bathroom vent instead of pulling air from it to the main cabin. The same goes for “pressurizing” the cabin to help vent cooking.

AllegroD
Nomad
Nomad
99.9% of the time our FF are on 'out' (exhaust). Creates a great breeze through the rig. Only time we found 'in' to be useful was at home, when we repaired and painted the entry stairwell box.

SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Explorer III
Lots cheaper to add your own. What I did. Mine came with the basic FF. I added a reversing switch and a multi speed switch from Dell City Electronics. Think it cost about 10 bucks and my time.
2015 Backpack SS1500
1997 Ford 7.3 OBS 4x4 CC LB

Jayco-noslide
Explorer
Explorer
We had a Fantastic installed in our bedroom and wouldn't be without one. It's the model that's reverseable, with a remote and can be thermostatically controlled. We only use the air out setting 90% of the time to pull through the bedroom window. Never use the thermostat.
Jayco-noslide

jodeb720
Explorer
Explorer
I have two FF's in the 5er. I have, rarely, had mine set to intake - but on occasion have done it.

If I were to do it again, i would opt for having it be reversible.

Dick_B
Explorer
Explorer
When a fan exhausts various windows can be opened to provide air flow thruout the RV. When the fan blows in only the area below the fan is affected.
Dick_B
2003 SunnyBrook 27FKS
2011 3/4 T Chevrolet Suburban
Equal-i-zer Hitch
One wife, two electric bikes (both Currie Tech Path+ models)

time2roll
Nomad
Nomad
Mine is reversible however for me pushes air out only. No reason to pay extra for this option IMO.

freddmc
Explorer
Explorer
Or this one to do both reversing and speed control.

Regards
Fred

freddmc
Explorer
Explorer
"If you buy one with a center off position, it will just like the one FF uses"
Presumably then you could also add your own speed controller as well.
https://www.ebay.ca/itm/DC-12-40V-10A-PWM-Motor-Speed-Control-Switch-Controller-Volt-Regulator-QP/254347852877?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D20160908110712%26meid%3Df908c075ed794b128a4f7a9dfee6c9ca%26pid%3D100677%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D323886635244%26itm%3D254347852877%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2385738&_trksid=p2385738.c100677.m4598

DFord
Explorer
Explorer
We've got a FF over our bed and every once in a while we use it to bring in some fresh air for awhile. All DC motors are reversible. All you need to do is swap the positive and negative wires to the motor. It takes a double-pole/double throw switch to do that. If you buy one with a center off position, it will just like the one FF uses. Not hard to add at any time. The basic FF motor, fan and housing are all alike. The accessory options are added to enhance it's operation - like reversing directions, rain sensor, motorized opening/closing, temperature control and multi-speed switch. There's even an option for remote control that gives 14 different speeds. All of these can be added to the basic unit without changing the motor blades or housing. One of the nicest add-ons is the pop-out screen so you can wash the lint build and bugs off easily.
Don Ford
2004 Safari Trek 31SBD (F53/V10 20,500GVW)
'09 HHR 2LT or '97 Aerostar MiniVan (Remco driveshaft disconnect) for Towed vehicles
BlueOx Aventa II Towbar - ReadyBrake Inertia Brake System

SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Explorer III
FF's are good in both directions until the chinese motor expires.
2015 Backpack SS1500
1997 Ford 7.3 OBS 4x4 CC LB

Wiscampsin
Explorer
Explorer
Last 3 RV's have had a reversible Fantastic Fan. Seldom used the intake mode. We do have the thermostatic control which is useful.

rk911
Explorer
Explorer
our FF moves air in both directions. we rarely have it pull air in.
Rich
Ham Radio, Sport Pilot, Retired 9-1-1 Call Center Administrator
_________________________________
2016 Itasca Suncruiser 38Q
'46 Willys CJ2A
'23 Jeep Wrangler JL
'10 Jeep Liberty KK

& MaggieThe Wonder Beagle

Johno02
Explorer
Explorer
Mine s reversable, and I have used it both ways, depending on the occasion and need. However, I haven't checked ours too closely, but most fan blades are designed with a curve like an airplane wing, to move air better in one direction. Doesn't mean that it won't work the other way, but there may be a slight difference. Probably not enough to notice. Observe most home ceiling fans, those blades are just flat paddles, and they will move air in either direction.
Noel and Betty Johnson (and Harry)

2005 GulfStream Ultra Supreme, 1 Old grouch, 1 wonderful wife, and two silly poodles.