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Old 02-22-2018, 07:33 PM   #1
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Vent fan replacement

Looking for advice on replacing the living room ceiling vent fan. We are wanting to get rid of the cheap RV style fan. The coach has a wall mounted switch to raise and lower the lid and a fan on/off switch. Not sure what would be the best replacement fan if anybody has a model number or advice I’d appreciate it thank you very much ahead of time
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Old 02-22-2018, 07:39 PM   #2
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Look at the MAX FANs by Maxxair! Youroo!!
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Old 02-26-2018, 10:18 AM   #3
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Had dealer install a Fantastic Fan in my vent. Works great. Runs on remote. Auto close when raining. They are pricey, and sure they'll sock it to you if you have them install it, but you'll love it after it's there.
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Old 02-26-2018, 09:18 PM   #4
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Out new to us Crusader has a vent in the living area/kitchen but no power to the vent area. I need to find a 12v source and think I might be able to use one of the slide switches in a wall near the vent. If so, I plan to install a Fantastic fan or maxi type in the vent and mount a wall switch or thermostat for the control. The baths also have the typical crappy fan so I may put one in the main bath.

The rain closure feature is a nice one to have.
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Old 02-27-2018, 10:33 AM   #5
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We've installed three Fan-Tastic Vent fans on two separate trailers, as well as the vent covers. It's not an especially difficult job.



Write ups:
The fan on our current trailer gets a lot of use and can move a lot of air.

The vent covers serve several purposes:
  • They allow us to run the fans while it's raining (although with sufficient wind and rain can get into the cover and fan for it to auto-close)
  • They allow us to run the fans while the trailer is moving (though I don't think we've ever done that)
  • The one over the bedroom is dark and keeps a lot of the early morning light out
  • They shield the vent domes from UV rays. We haven't had to replace a cover due to UV failure yet, but no tools are required so it'd be quick and easy
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Old 02-27-2018, 10:33 AM   #6
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I did the upgrade when our dinky useless bathroom fan crapped out. We opted for the manual opening MaxxAir unit because we can reach it without a stretch. Pricey units for sure especially if you want any "auto/remote" options and install can be challenging (removing & cleaning up old Dicor sealant on the roof). After that, install is just "drop-in", hook up wires & reseal. But, boy, can they move some air!!

We also have a dinky one in the highest part of the kitchen area that has the powered cover so, if I ever have the need, that one should be just as easy aside from the Dicor cleanup.
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Old 02-27-2018, 03:32 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Restcure View Post
We've installed three Fan-Tastic Vent fans on two separate trailers, as well as the vent covers. It's not an especially difficult job.



Write ups:
The fan on our current trailer gets a lot of use and can move a lot of air.

The vent covers serve several purposes:
  • They allow us to run the fans while it's raining (although with sufficient wind and rain can get into the cover and fan for it to auto-close)
  • They allow us to run the fans while the trailer is moving (though I don't think we've ever done that)
  • The one over the bedroom is dark and keeps a lot of the early morning light out
  • They shield the vent domes from UV rays. We haven't had to replace a cover due to UV failure yet, but no tools are required so it'd be quick and easy
Do the covers allow the vent to pipe all the way? I was going to put the covers on a different trailer a few years back and it wouldn't allow the vent to open all the way. Don't remember the brand now. I presume that 2 fan install bolts per side are replaced with ones with holes for the cover clips??

I pulled the slide switches and found a source of hot 12v. Just have to fish a wire from the vent ares to the switches area so I can tap into the wire and install a switch. Don't have the fan yet and am looking at Maxi-fan and Fantastic fan comparisons.
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Old 02-28-2018, 10:59 AM   #8
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Originally Posted by chunker21 View Post
Do the covers allow the vent to pipe all the way? I was going to put the covers on a different trailer a few years back and it wouldn't allow the vent to open all the way. Don't remember the brand now.
The covers do allow the vents to open all the way.

Quote:
I presume that 2 fan install bolts per side are replaced with ones with holes for the cover clips??
Correct. The cover is dropped over the attachment pins and secured with a washer and a clip. It's a snug fit and easy to do.

Quote:
I pulled the slide switches and found a source of hot 12v. Just have to fish a wire from the vent ares to the switches area so I can tap into the wire and install a switch. Don't have the fan yet and am looking at Maxi-fan and Fantastic fan comparisons.
The fans we've bought all had wireless remote controls. And in the case of all three installs, there was 12VDC wiring running past the vent opening that I was able to tap into.
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Old 02-28-2018, 04:59 PM   #9
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Girlfriend decided she wanted the type with the remote so we are getting the FanTastic 7350 with all the bells and whistles. At $229 on Amazon not too bad. The slide power is in a readily available position but there is a light very close on the ceiling so I'll check and see if the wires to it are hot or switched. Don't want the fan power dependent on having a light, or 3, on.

I'm going to look into the vent cover also. She ordered the fan already so I guess I better get busy on the cover also.

Now to remove the current vent shroud and find an appropriate power source.

Good pictures of the install restcure. Was that the 1500 Ultra Breeze cover? White on Amazon $53+-
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Old 03-01-2018, 12:59 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by rracer5 View Post
I did the upgrade when our dinky useless bathroom fan crapped out. We opted for the manual opening MaxxAir unit because we can reach it without a stretch. Pricey units for sure especially if you want any "auto/remote" options and install can be challenging (removing & cleaning up old Dicor sealant on the roof). After that, install is just "drop-in", hook up wires & reseal. But, boy, can they move some air!!

We also have a dinky one in the highest part of the kitchen area that has the powered cover so, if I ever have the need, that one should be just as easy aside from the Dicor cleanup.


Any suggestions for removing the old Dicor?
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Old 03-01-2018, 01:02 PM   #11
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Any suggestions for removing the old Dicor?
Blunt putty knife,and Slow easy progress! Youroo!!
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Old 03-01-2018, 01:14 PM   #12
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Thanks
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Old 03-01-2018, 04:33 PM   #13
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Any suggestions for removing the old Dicor?
That was going to be my question. From the looks of it, a plastic putty knife/scraper and elbow grease. I can't find the official installation instructions but after it's all cleaned up, is the new one set on a strip of putty or a bed of dicor lap sealant. I know it's topped with the dicor.
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Old 03-01-2018, 05:03 PM   #14
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I believe the putty tape gives a better seal for underneath and then top with dicor
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Old 03-01-2018, 05:11 PM   #15
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Our new rig came with the max air fan with remote and auto closure for rain. I would have never spent the money (over the cost of the vortex2) for this after market. It is really a nice fan. Very quiet and moves allot of air. For the main living space I would highly recommend.

I swapped the small bath fan with the vortex2. Very effective.

Also want to x2 the comment that there is likely power available that can be tapped into. We put a vortex2 in our previous rig where there was just a vent opening.
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Old 03-01-2018, 05:23 PM   #16
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You did not find the vortex fan to be loud?
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Old 03-01-2018, 05:26 PM   #17
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You did not find the vortex fan to be loud?
Yes, but for the price point it a perfect solution in the bath (current rig)
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Old 03-01-2018, 05:36 PM   #18
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Yes, but for the price point it a perfect solution in the bath (current rig)
They "Mask the Sounds in the Bathroom also"! Youroo!!
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Old 03-01-2018, 05:53 PM   #19
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They "Mask the Sounds in the Bathroom...
Dang, my secret is out now
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Old 03-01-2018, 09:15 PM   #20
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Any suggestions for removing the old Dicor?
Quote:
Originally Posted by youroo View Post
Blunt putty knife,and Slow easy progress! Youroo!!





This is the way I did it along with some mineral spirits but, I've been following this thread on an almost complete renovation/rebuild on a 1999 Wildwood and he used an electric soldering iron and heat blade to scrape close.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-125403-8.html
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