RV Fan Upgrade And Why You Should! Comparing RV Vent Fans And Install.

[@jwigal73]

Great video, Jared. One tip on removing the old sealant on the roof… use a hair dryer to warm up the old sealant. Once I figured that out, all of it peels off cleanly in about 15 minutes.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Good tip!

[@brucemontgomery8136]

i was surprised he didn’t know / do that - that said, GREAT VIDEO!

[@dmc2087]

Colmen white gas softens up the sealant too

[@jcshort31]

This video couldn't have come at a better time. I actually spent well over a hour yesterday trying to figure out with fan to buy. Thanks again Jared

[@AllAboutRVs]

Glad it helped

[@SpykersB]

I had gotten the Maxx air Deluxe 7500k with remote, and smoke lid, for my last rv, was the best bathroom fan vent ever, 10 speed, it could be set to blow air out or take air in, and you could program it to open automatically based on the air temp in the bathroom. So on a hot day, and you weren’t going to be around, once set it will auto open n run, then close once it reached your set temp. Handy feature when rv was plugged in but your not around for a few days. And a very quiet fan on the low speeds. The remote is perfect for short people who can’t reach the fan itself to open/close, off/on. Cheers 🍻

[@AllAboutRVs]

Yes great feature with the thermostat remote, that comes in very handy.

[@Lyle-xy8eq]

We have two MaxxFan Deluxe fans, one in the bathroom (forward on the roof) and one in the living space (aft on the roof). On travel days we set the bathroom fan to draw air in at a specific speed and the living space fan draws air out at the same fan speed. This circulates air through the coach while traveling especially on warm/hot days.

[@gijoecam]

For your 'piece it together' solution, I present the Vortex Fan for $50, combined with an eBay PWM voltage controller with knob for about $10, and a double pole double throw On-on mini rocker switch to allow you to reverse the polarity to the motor and suck fresh air in (something you can't do with the Vortex options). Not as fancy as a Fantastic Fan or Maxx Air fan, but a fraction of the cost!

[@dennisg.7498]

I never heard of the Hengs either before Josh's video . As much as the sight of me up on my roof for hours peeling and sealing entertained my neighbors, I think I'll try the Hengs this time. And the last time I had a dealer install a Max Air fan, it cost $725, and they installed the roof cover before letting the sealer dry so it was also glued to the roof.

[@randomkadrmas2630]

Hengs is the best bang for the buck. Especially if your RV has no current vent fan or has the tiny four inch fart fan. -credit to Josh The RV Nerd

[@loriw2661]

You put a ton of work into making this video. Thank you!!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thank you, it took awhile to put this one together.

[@kathleenrutherford733]

He is Awesome!!

[@drferdinandsen4488]

We bought the Hanes and installed it, we are happy with it. We chose that one because of price!

[@zsebi696]

great video. I have the Franken fan and one good thing about it is that fan blades are bi-directional as well as its motor. fan direction can be reversed by reversing polarity. this way the fan can pull air out of the RV or it can blow air in.

[@RollinHomies]

We’ve got two of the remote maxxair. They’re great. I will say they let in a lot of heat in the summer. We bought the reflective pads and Velcroed those to the ceiling. Later, we found the ceiling covers that have the shade built in to a reel and mounts to the ceiling. Made the fan look super posh! Love them!

[@EastMark06]

What is that shade called ? Thanks.!

[@roberthudson4440]

@EastMark06 maxxshade, also has lights on it too, about $90 on Amazon...

[@bobcole3852]

I installed a Hengs where we had a vent but no fan. Stole power from a recessed light close by. Works great, it is over our Murphy bed and on low generates just enough "white noise" for sleeping.

[@sjackson99]

Excellent comparison. A word of caution if you're considering the MaxxFan Deluxe with the longer cover. I know of a couple cases where they were installed on vans and then it was discovered that the extra length of the fan cover extended into the area where they wanted the rack located. I think one person built his rack first but didn't have it on the van when he cut the hole for the fan. Then realized there would be an inference between the two.

[@Maxid1]

I didn't think I'd like a fan more than the fantastic fans I have but the Maxx is looking pretty good. And I just damaged both my fans recently in a little tree incident...

[@Punkrockphotographer]

I did the Hanes fan upgrade on both of my fans and installed a maxxair vent cover to fit over my vent covers. Works great! Easy install, looks great and is reversible which is pretty awesome.

[@22howards]

Living in the southeast full time work camping, we have tried 3 of the 4 fans. And while we would agree with most of your assessments, the maxxair fan deluxe is where we have a different opinion. First we use the 10 speed older fan and the deluxe 10 speed fans. We have had them hard wired and with a remote. Fans are used on a daily basis in the kitchen for removing odors and the bathroom for removing shower moisture and other smells that occur in the bathroom. For solar load the older fan wins because the has to go through 2 covers. The load sensor for the automatic lid is where the problem is. The Maxxair deluxe fan (please remember full time shore hook ups, work camping) is used at least 3-4 times a day and the transmission gears give out in under a year. I have put 3 sets in. This was never the case with the older version fan. So while I very much agree they should be modular (4 screw install) the performance of the older style fan works better in the southeast. Just an opinion.

[@jimbeaver27]

do you think it might have been lack of grease on the gears?

[@22howards]

@@jimbeaver27 the above was written when we were living in our 2014 model. We got a new to us 2017 TT and we have 2 of the newer style built in cover Maxxair fans. The one in the bath had broken gears. The first week we had the 2017 I changed the fans to the older version with a cover with the remote. No problems since. To speak to grease, since the new one had a black lid the grease would melt out. I did put new grease in however that didn’t stop the root cause of too much stress on the gear set. I’m just an old guy with an opinion, but I’ll stick with the old model that works. All I have to do is clean it 👍

[@jimbeaver27]

@@22howards well other factors could be at play, beside the plastic gears :) like the hinges need to be lubed, the area of contact around the lid can gum up - or do you think the design and quality of the gears is just bad?

[@DavidHBurkart]

Somehow I missed this one. The MaxxFan is the complete package, but I the Hengs offers a great value & super-easy install. I didn't even know about the Hengs. Thanks Jared

[@RVingwithG]

I have both Fantasic Fan and the MAXX and the MAXX WINS Hands down ! ! !

[@brianbelliveau5551]

What do you for a living lots of travel nurses are full time RVers but you seem to know a lot about the RV world I watch a lot of your videos I just bought my first trailer RV keystone passport 268 UBH we like it and I’ve learned a lot by watching you and other full time people thanks for sharing

[@seymourscagnetti1413]

Maxx Fan is owned by Airxcel who make the Coleman-Mach roof A/C, RV stoves-ovens, RV furnaces. etc (superb quality components). The Maxx Fan has two lifting arms while it's closest competitor (Fantastic Vent) has only one lifting arm for the lid. I just installed the 00-A04401K and could not be more pleased. The warranty is two years.

[@MichelPoirier-Mipo]

Last year I did replace the standard Ventline in my brand new TT. Installed a MaxxFan Plus (very satisfied and works great) also added the FanMate cover and the cover lets some water somehow go in. So beware it activated the rain sensor a couple times since last year. So so far in my opinion the FanMate is not as good as the classic MaxxAir. On a side note on the previous TT I did install the classic standard MaxxAir cover and never had a single drop of water coming in, even in very heavy rain.

[@ifish5409]

I have 2 of the MaxAir Rain Sense fans in my 5th wheel and we really enjoy them. Haven’t considered getting a cover for them with the rain sense.

[@TheDetailer123]

You’re the man for making this video!!! Seriously, thanks!

[@madweazl]

The MaxxAir has fantastic flow. I didn't expect it to be so much higher than the Hengs.

[@agems56]

With all of the hail we get every year now here in Alberta, I recomend always to have a cover on all vents!

[@coreymerritt7742]

When I bought my trailer in 2012 it came with a fantastic fan exhaust only in the bedroom about 3 months after owning it I purchased 2 more one for the bathroom and living area both 3 speed in @ out I was at one of our spring rv shows and one of the vendors was selling them for 149 Canadian so I could not pass up that price there still working great after 9 years 👍

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Fabulous

[@coreymerritt7742]

@@kathleenrutherford733 thank you

[@jean-yvesdore4312]

Thanks Jared for the info, this quite interesting! Great video as usual!

[@rvvanlife]

I actually like your Frankin Fan project, a lot of work, yes but with this one can have best of both worlds; Fantastic Fan with the metal vent lid cover 👍 👍 👍

[@charbella]

Lots of great info, thank you so much for all your videos. They are often a big help!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks glad they help!

[@Masterchief68]

I actually like the rain on the vents as it provides a sort of white noise used to help sleep!

[@Cydoffgrid]

Amazing!! Thank you for sharing this… its nice to know there is an alternative to replacing the fan and going through the mess of removing the caulk 😵‍💫

[@jefflancaster9221]

I love how my reflection brand new fan 2021 squekes it's so cool lol

[@skipwatson1951]

We replaced our factory fan in the bathroom with a MaxxAir fan. One problem we found is the fan is so strong, when we flush the toilet it draws air from the black tank through the black tank vent ... with the associated black tank aromas.

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Oh my, that's awful, thank you for sharing. I would have made the same mistake if you didn't share. Thank You!!

[@StratRider]

an excellent and most informative video. Particularly for a DIY guy like myself.

[@pelecho]

I have the hengs fan and it work really good. I like it because can take air out or in and it’s cheap

[@AllAboutRVs]

It’s so easy to install too.

[@goforit5844]

The factory installed Fantastic Fan on our Forest River Flagstaff Ultralight, is quiet and Effective - The design of the cover, pretty well prevents rain intrusion - So, totally happy with it… Considering adding an additional fan in the living room - Had pretty well ruled out the Max Air Fan, because of being happy with the current Fantastic Fan, and NOT liking the design Max Air vent cover we had installed when purchasing the RV - But, will now consider the Max Air that tested out the best for you… Will all depend on lowest costs, now - Fantastic Fans, are pricey…

[@MrJamesLuz]

We have the maxxair fan with the smoked lid and we could only find the black maxxair cover that attaches with the pins. I wasn’t sure if we were going to like the black, but because the shower also has a skylight, we like how much light the black cover blocks out. During the day it’s not as noticeable but at night it doesn’t feel like the bathroom is glowing.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Good tips.

[@kathleenrutherford733]

Fabulous as Always! Thank you for your videos, always the best at running through the steps and reasons. I am thankful for you

[@outbackwack368]

This was awesome, thanks! I still have the crappy fans in my Imagine and have been procrastinating on an upgrade. Great timing! Have fun and be safe!

[@AllAboutRVs]

Glad I could help!

[@bishopgeorge1333]

I got the Deluxe Max Air Fan in the bathroom that was one of the best mod we did it move a lot of air, in or out.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Yes they make an excellent fan.

[@Yukonjackman1]

I finally got around to replace my fantastic fan motor making nose the old one was Atwood new one is dometic one more to go .

[@brianlisec2509]

Most informative real time video of vent fans I’ve seen thank you . I will be taking your advice on replacing the bath fan with the Hengs but my question is I have a roof vent at kitchen without a fan And want to add a fan. 2018 Keystone outback 324cg. I realize power will be needed and the microwave is 2’ away and I’ve already Removed the blank plywood cover over it and all the power you could ever need 120v and 12v so I think fishing some wire is a no brainer. In your opinion could I use the same type Hengs as will be in bath ? So not to have to deal with roof I already have max air covers on all 3 vents and don’t need anything automatic it can easily be reached. Thanks Brian.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Great video and well-timed info for us! Thanks 😊from SC.

[@bryanwood84]

Awesome, I love all these upgrades as we have the same rig so I know they will work!!! HAHA Just wondering is there 12V power by the rear bedroom vent, or did you have to steal it from the light? Thanks again Jared keep them coming!!!

[@InterstateAdventures]

That maxxfan deluxe is exactly what we are looking for!

[@tim9324]

Great video. I installed the Hengs in our GD Imagine. Definitely an easy install.

[@mikehartman8203]

I plan on putting a couple Hengs in my Imagine in the spring. Any tips on things you ran in to?

[@tim9324]

@@mikehartman8203 just getting power to it which was easy in the bathroom as the electric line was running along side the existing vent otherwise an easy install.

[@beauxtibideaux9919]

Is he Hengs still running well?

[@tim9324]

@@beauxtibideaux9919 Yep. I’d do it again

[@retam1418]

I didn't know you were an RC guy too. Why do RVs and RC go so well with eachother.

[@chettdavidson1812]

Subscribed and enjoying all your videos as we prepare to buy our first travel trailer. Thank you

[@BowTied69]

Your best video yet. Great comparison.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks

[@ImVGodsgift]

Very nice informative video. Thanks for sharing. I've been contemplating changing out my roof vents since 2 of them don't have any fans.

[@danielp.621]

Thanks Jared. I only subscribe to a few channels, so I truly value your opinion on items, hacks & installs. THANK YOU.

[@AllAboutRVs]

That is very kind, thank you.

[@vanvorst1999]

I'm happy with my $60, 30-minute install HENGS fan.

[@AllAboutRVs]

They are quick to install. We are happy with that one as well glad we swapped out the stock one for it.

[@dkleath8697]

VERY well thought-out & nicely presented, thank you!

[@cindybundrick3469]

I have old fans and the guy could not replace with Max Air so he just replaced covers on outside. I need to replace the fan motors and I have a 14x14 opening. What motor do I need? Thanks! Love your video!

[@anthonyg5055]

Helpful video! I’m having trouble picking which fan to buy. I put a maxx air fan on our old camper but our new camper has covers over the vents. Do I buy 2 hengs fans and keep the covers or remove the covers and do the work of removing the housing and put the maxx air fans in? I’d appreciate any feedback I get from you guys.

[@beginagainben6276]

I love those splice boxes that were in the hangs install. What are they called (I’m new lol), I need to fish electric to my bedroom vent from the kitchen since it’s prepped for second a/c but not fan. Wondering if those would work to easily splice into the kitchen fan power

[@markaustin4370]

Always enjoy your videos!

[@jimbeaver27]

I might be upgrading that Maxfan is nice

[@craigbowers4047]

I got a Maxxair deluxe to replace the Ventline in a new TT. I wish the flange was a little thicker and it was made here.

[@TheRaym]

Order the cheapest fan you can and add a potentiometer switch with a polarity switch. Works like a champ for half the cost

[@carbonrrpilot]

im especially impressed that maxair who specializes in rv fans have a habit of frying when getting more than 12.6 - 13.0 volts! the upside is it only see's that voltage when youre plugged in using the converter to power/charge.... lol in other words whenever youre in your RV!

[@AllAboutRVs]

I'll keep an eye out for this but we haven't had an issue with full time use of the RV since the beginning of December 2020 and we have even higher voltage because of our Lithium batteries we have run too. We have had the MaxxAir in the main living area since day one as well. I'll make sure to pin a comment on this video if we find issues.

[@carbonrrpilot]

@@AllAboutRVs from what ive read its a somewhat recent and well known issue, some users had it burn out the power supply maxxair would send them a replacement onky to happen again. im glad you havent experienced it. now maxxair is telling customers reporting this issue to simply add a 12volt regulator or buck converter to limit the voltage!

[@johnpicone3050]

@@carbonrrpilot In regards to to the Maxxair fan not working with higher voltage wile charging, i had called the Maxxair tech guy before buying, & he said they have made changes to the newer models circuit board, now its up to 13.6 but he said they do recommend installing a voltage regulator to protect all 12v electrical equipment wile charging

[@carbonrrpilot]

@@johnpicone3050 lol all 12volt equipment can and has handled 11-15volts easily since the beggining of time without needing any regulator.... except max air fans and considering what they cost makes their error and remedy even more laughable!

[@raulescobar3881]

Great video, very informative yet flows well!

[@markaustin4370]

Love the frankenfan!

[@robertschulke1596]

Does anyone make side-exhaust vent fans for showers and stove tops? Would love to see a review on them!

[@geraldanderson7576]

Great information...thanks!

[@GetTheFamilyOutdoors]

Is there a video on how you built the FrancinFan? We have a European teardrop so the hole in the ceiling is much larger than any of these fans. Would love to build my own to circulate the air.

[@dasfreakster]

Great video. What are those connectors you used to attach the wiring?

[@rcheas4894]

Maxxair covers also protect your fan covers from the hot sun and falling tree limbs and sticks.

[@gfp1011]

I want to upgrade my trailers fan to a max fan deluxe. You made the install look easy. Do you think the average person can do it without a problem? Are you able to remove all the caulking with just your fingers as you showed? Thanks for the help!

[@larrymiller8210]

Thanks for the info! Larry

[@infinityvideoprod]

At 12:56 I would replace that speed selector with a PWM speed control (Amazon sells them). Those resistors on your speed controller get very hot and could be a fire hazard, I wouldn't trust them.

[@Juanito23384]

Love your channel bro. Keep it coming.

[@MrJoey1570]

I've had no trouble with my Max Air fan but a friend of mine had one fail a month old circuit board went out took 6 months to get a replacement

[@AllAboutRVs]

Wow that’s crazy, 6 months.

[@theodorehyatt1782]

I think when I change my vents I'm going to use 4in tape to seal it up so I don't have to keep checking the caulk on the roof

[@jefflass699]

I also chose the smoke covers for their translucency. It’s impressive how much air the MaxxAir’s move, even on the lower speeds.

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks

[@johnpicone3050]

Hello, what caulking did you use under the roof flange, & why did you decide to use that instead of butal tape? Thanks you!

[@chrisgenge1]

What are your thoughts of the fantastic fan? We’re you just test the other brands or were you in happy with the fantastic fan? Always enjoy your videos I am subscribed

[@f2cmadmaxx]

So with you saying we should upgrade to a covered fan in the bathroom, your recommendation would be the Maxxfan deluxe? being the cheapest overall option of a fan and cover combination?

[@pauljohnston7700]

Thanks for the comp. vid. I'm not clear on the sealant you used. You mentioned self leveling for the finish on top of screws. Did you use the same when you mounted to roof? Thanks again.

[@mnrracer]

Great video, We have been installing the new fantastic fans and they are so noisy. Do you know if the max air is as quiet or how it compares to the old fantastic fans.

[@agems56]

How hail resistant are solar panels by the way? That is my only concern, keeping me from installing one!

[@gp0904]

So when you add the Hengs fan do you just use the existing power wires from the old fan?

[@robertschulke1596]

Using a heat gun to warm up the aluminum flange will enable it to release cleanly from the caulking without a lot of work.

[@jangibson6942]

I'd like to share my review of the Fantastic Vent 3350 because my experience with the fan is anything but fantastic. I bought mine 18 months ago, as friends, who have an older model, said it was very good. However mine makes a lot of noise and pushes so little air that I can barely tell if I have it set to exhaust or blow. If I turn it up to get more airflow it becomes even noiser! The rain sensor closes the vent at night so I can only assume that it senses the night time moisture and closes even though it is NOT raining. My friend's older model seems to push more air than my newer model. I get much better & quieter airflow from my little Sirocco fan and it was only $!60 not over $500 AUD.. Dometic agreed to replace the fan and the airflow improved a little but it is still very noisy AND the rain sensor closes the fan at really odd times like late afternoon. So we can't use the fan on hot days unless we manually open the cover. So in summary, I have found it an appallingly poor performing fan that is just not worth the money.

[@cooperdog9956]

I just purchased a 2023 Airstream Basecamp 20X. Airstream installed a Dometic 1400 roof fan. The fan is already DISCONTINUED!. I have owned a RAGEN Toyhauler and a Camp Inn Tear drop trailer. The Camp Inn Teardrop came with a rain sensor roof vent/fan,........love it. The Ragen came with a standard manual roof fan with a reverse. BUT for $64,150 Airstream gives you JUNK!!! NOT IMPRESSED with Airstream.

[@roger766]

Is the factory wiring there under the trim piece where there isn’t a factory installed fan? I’d like to put a fan over the bed where there is just a plain crank vent.

[@josephmelcher1312]

You can order a 14x14 radiator fan that is pretty powerful

[@linkfloyd4908]

Appreciate the video. What did you use to reseal around the max air fan on the ceiling?

[@AllAboutRVs]

On the outside on the roof I used Alpha self leveling lap sealant because we have a TPO roof.

[@samfish6938]

can you change airflow bring it in or take air out

[@samtheskoolie]

This was a great video, thank you 😊

[@tymcallister6762]

What's the consensus... Always have a roof vent cover to keep em open year round or just pay attention to the weather? Debating on getting a budget camco one to try it out. But also not sure it's truly "rain proof"

[@jeffwoolyhand9759]

Are there any links to purchase this type of fan thank you

[@Pelins_Vegan_Life]

can you install a bathroom vent fan if there is not currently one there? Our new rv did not come with a bathroom van.. If it's an easy process with the electrical part ? never done before so I have no idea.... any help/suggestions appreciated.

[@louannthomas8043]

Great information

[@AllAboutRVs]

Thanks

[@sashagicquel2018]

Hi Jared, you used 2 sealants on the roof what brand are they? Tx

[@bowers396]

Did your camper come with a vent fan in the master bedroom?

[@patricktaylor8173]

How is the hang's holding up after a year? Reviews on seem to show a lot of issue.

[@Diesel735]

You can easily remove the original noisy Jensen fan and install a quality 140 x 140 12v computer case fan. Fits perfectly in one corner above the screen and everything else stays the same. Air flow is approx 70 cfm with very low current draw and so quiet you can hardly hear it at 1200rpm. Not expensive and can install 2 side by side if you want more airflow. Just have to do a little soldering for the connector to fit the 12v supply.

[@beatrealms8255]

Does this work better than heng’s is there a video on it

[@bigbags85]

That was my first thought. I might try and slap a 200/230mm fan in there and see how it performs.

[@MrScottee411]

Good info. Just bought a max air 4500k for a 50sq ft monster Ascape trailer a new install. Are the max fans heavy? Like 10ths? Simple bracing should keep it from bouncing to much right? With the 10 speed motor should be fairly quite correct? One last thing, what the name of that amp meter? Thanks again

[@robertburgess6100]

So witch one did you end up useing in the bathroom?