Fantastic Vent Upgrade

[Willhound]

We have a manual opening Fantastic Vent in the bathroom of our 2018 Cherokee 39 RL and love it, darn near have to put a seat belt on the commode to keep you seated..
However it is a manual open and with our 8'6" ceiling height even I at 6'2" need a stool to stand on to open and close it, so consequently it ends up being opened at beginning of season and stays open all year, protected from rain by a roof ventilation cover.
I'd like to be able to easily close it on really hot days to keep the AC in, and on cold days to keep heat in.
I know I could upgrade to an auto opening but don't want or need a remote control, temperature controlled open or rain detection close.
Ideally, what I'd like is a cover upgrade so that when I hit the wall switch the fan cover opens and the fan starts and stops and closes when turned off. I have searched relentlessly online with no success. Am I looking for a Unicorn ?

[RedLdr1]

I had a MaxxAir Mini installed replacing the OEM fan in our motorhomes bathroom. No opening or closing and as a bonus it added a lot of light with it's LED ring. See Here

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by Willhound

We have a manual opening Fantastic Vent in the bathroom of our 2018 Cherokee 39 RL and love it, darn near have to put a seat belt on the commode to keep you seated..
However it is a manual open and with our 8'6" ceiling height even I at 6'2" need a stool to stand on to open and close it, so consequently it ends up being opened at beginning of season and stays open all year, protected from rain by a roof ventilation cover.
I'd like to be able to easily close it on really hot days to keep the AC in, and on cold days to keep heat in.
I know I could upgrade to an auto opening but don't want or need a remote control, temperature controlled open or rain detection close.
Ideally, what I'd like is a cover upgrade so that when I hit the wall switch the fan cover opens and the fan starts and stops and closes when turned off. I have searched relentlessly online with no success. Am I looking for a Unicorn ?

I know exactly what you’re looking for…..your description was perfect.
Unfortunately, after all my searches, I’ve not been able to find the Unicorn either. Seems the closest offering are the ones with a remote, and therefore it’d be a complete new install unit……from outside on top to the ceiling inside.
MaxxAir or Fantastic brand.

[Tlmgcamp]

What does the crank handle look like? If it is a T shape you can get a length of pvc pipe, cut a notch 8n it to fit around the T and you are all set.

[Willhound]

Originally Posted by Tlmgcamp

What does the crank handle look like? If it is a T shape you can get a length of pvc pipe, cut a notch 8n it to fit around the T and you are all set.

That's ingenious. My handle is indeed that style. Still looking for a power option as we use the fan sometimes 10 times a day, so would be a bit of a hassle, but definitely good for spring and fall opening and closing.

[Tlmgcamp]

Originally Posted by Willhound

That's ingenious. My handle is indeed that style. Still looking for a power option as we use the fan sometimes 10 times a day, so would be a bit of a hassle, but definitely good for spring and fall opening and closing.

My power knob is round, which would tougher to grip. Maybe see if you can change the power knob to match the raise/lower knob

[Willhound]

It doesn't appear that the vent closes though, just low profile? I do see that do have a power open/close model though, albeit with a remote and a little spendy at around $425 CDN. But maybe a birthday present to myself and less than the Fantastic Vent model at over $600. I could always attach the remote to the wall I suppose.

[Willhound]

The power knob isn't an issue because the fan is also wired to a wall switch. So I just leave the fan on high and use the wall switch for on and off.