How To Install A Fan-Tastic Vent (Fantastic Vent / Fan)

[@jamesmartin7282]

Very helpful! Most of the other YT videos are replacing a vent with a fan, but i needed to see how you replace a vent without an existing fan, from an electrical standpoint.

[@roseliareuben4385]

*Easy to assemble **Fastly.Cool*

[@RVgeeks]

We were lucky that both of our RVs each came equipped with two Fan-Tastic fans. They move so much air that we can't imagine RVing without them. Our current rig is over 9 years old and both fans have been working without a single problem all those years (and we keep our bathroom fan on low just about 24/7/365). Awesome product. Thanks for the great tutorial video guys.

[@yitzvann]

Very informative

[@ricksmithjr7898]

May I ask why you did not re-install your weather guard cover that was over the old vent?

[@RVwithTito]

Rick Smith,jr I actually did re-install the vent cover shortly after making the video. I just didn't put it in the video. I did notice, however, that there was a little more air flow with the vent cover off. Of course, the benefits of having the vent cover out weigh the slight increase in airflow. I usually leave the vent open 24/7 so the vent covers are a must. Thanks for asking!

[@panhandlepilot9363]

Here is a tip on removing old Dicor. Take a metal putty knife (maybe 1-1.5 in wide). Heat it for about 10-15 secs with a torch. Scrape dicor off. Comes off like melted butter. I keep torch going on low and as blade cools, just reheat for a couple seconds, scrape more...repeat. I did my entire roof in about 30 minutes.

[@RVwithTito]

+Fl Yak Fisher Thanks for the awesome tip. I'll give it a try.

[@panhandlepilot9363]

Being roof maintenance is critical...and should be done at least annually, this should save u time. FYI: Dont "over heat" the metal as to melt thru a rubber roof. Hence....only heat for seconds...not minutes. Let me know how it worked out for ya.

[@Silverhorn2k5]

@@panhandlepilot9363 How did this work? I have 3 layers of old dicor that I can't get off with a razor. Its like chipping away at wood. I'll give this method a try.

[@Silverhorn2k5]

yeah, this is one of the best tricks I've ever heard of and worked like a charm. Instead of an hour trying to get a few square inches of old dicor up, I did several square feet of old dicor in less than an hour! This works great! Ty Fl Yak Fisher for the tip and to Tito for hosting the forum!

[@Tipperary757]

Thank you Yak!

[@jimsjacob]

Just did mine and I found the judicious application of my heat gun went a looong way towards getting the old butyl tape and lap sealant off... I have 3 on board now and they do move a lot of air when they get going. Good job

[@Tipperary757]

Excellent instruction. Someone put a HUGE amount of sealant around my fan. Will practice patience. Ommmmm.

[@RVwithTito]

Haha Ommmmm :)

[@zochert57]

Great information! And...finally some folks who know how to make a decent instructional video. Excellent!

[@RVwithTito]

Glad you found it useful. Thanks for the kind words. Cheers.

[@headforthehills3353]

Just got mine in the mail today. Won’t be installing until the weather is warmer. Nice easy to understand video. Good job!!

[@bradleyfoss8933]

Very easy to follow and straightforward. We don't have a vent in our kitchen and we may eventually have to make a hole and install a vent.

[@manuelp1122]

Thank you guys , have a nice trip and drive safe !

[@Samhain2323]

You two are so awesome, you definitely could host your own television show

[@bobvila1010]

Merci beaucoup for your video. I Just finished my installation. Tooks 5 hours including the cover remplacement with a Maxxair. I watched several video and your KZbin is the best!!

[@RVwithTito]

+André Bonaventure You are very welcome. I'm glad the video helped you with your project. Well done.

[@2Peachcobler]

André Bonaventure I'm getting ready to replace my vents also with a Fantastic Fan Vent and you answered a question I was wondering about. Will the Maxx covers still fit? Thanks for letting me know. Now if I can only out how to get down without falling. Thanks for the info.

[@bobvila1010]

Hi Barbara, Check if your Maxx cover has 4 sliding holes on each slide. Theses sliding holes allows to slide the cover to fit to the position of the 4 brakets. What you need to know is the Fantastic assembly is pre-drill with 5 holes on each side (total 20) and it don't have the same holes positions as the Fantastic (8 holes per side on my stock vent). Important: Do a dry fit before. Also, the brakets need to be installed on the second and fourth holes on each side of the Fantastic base. I screwed all the screws except the 4 screws for the brakets. Then I added Dicor on the 16 screws and along the edge of the base. You need to do this because after, you will installed the brackets and screw-it. By adding the Dicor before, you will have Dicor between roof and brakets. Once done, then add Dicor on the 4 remaining screws. I took several pictures. Send me you email and I send you my picture. Hope it held and don't discourage you :)

[@2Peachcobler]

André Bonaventure Thanks for the info. I believe I understand what you are saying. Thanks for offering to send me pictures but I don't know how to send it to you privately and I don't want it where it can be seen by anyone. Again thanks.

[@atlyvwire]

That's It! I am done binge watching your channel !!!!. Not until I complete the honey do list just created by mama. Seriously, awesome channel. Thanks!

[@RVwithTito]

What? You're done? I'll have to make more....

[@atlyvwire]

@@RVwithTito NO! Just done with watching for the weekend because the list my wife put together. She doesn't need anymore awesome ideas from Tito and his until I finish! Love your show you guys. :)

[@Amer1ca56]

CW had these today online for $160.00. I will begin my install tomorrow. Thanks for the great video.

[@RVwithTito]

Enjoy!

[@bpatter2347]

Looks like a fairly easy project. I have learned that NEW doesn't always mean GOOD or WORKS, so I would have installed the 4 corner screws then connected the fan to 12VDC and tested functionality prior to applying the DICOR. I have had to many things that were BOOB "Bad Out Of Box".

[@ScottDLR]

Nice upgrade. I installed on ein our last trailer in the kitchen that had a thermostat built in. When it was open it would turn on automatically after the stove was lit. Better than a range hood exhaust fan!

[@1MoreFish]

Great video. However, one suggestion Tito. I highly recommend testing the fan with your power wires before applying the dicor.

[@1MoreFish]

Oops, I see now you mention that!

[@robertnewman1593]

Very nice and informative video. I like it. I have a fantastic fan in my camper that is now 9 years old. It works but is not so quiet anymore

[@gunner9010]

I upgraded my Fantastic Fan with the 7350 upgrade kit for $150 over the kitchen. The remote and ability to reverse is pretty nice. I also stuck a Maxxair 7500 over the bathroom. All in all I firmly believe the Maxxair is just better in everyway. Also, my Ventline exhaust shroud above the stove works pretty good. I'm guessing some people don't know there are 2 small tabs on the outside that need to be moved to allow the door to swing freely. Thanks for the videos. I enjoy them and have picked up quite a few things.

[@rachaelb9164]

I love your videos. Very easy to follow and you make these projects seem less intimidating.

[@BudBetz]

Thanks Brian! This is a project I have to do with an additional step. My camper has a Fantastic in the Kitchen area, but it's exhaust only. My project is to replace this one with a reversible fan, remove the vent in the bathroom, and put the exhaust only unit there. Twice the fun. As you said, easy to do but just a PITA! Thanks for the video! They are awesome!

[@rickgeller6043]

I’m a fan of your fan install and your channel. You make it so easy.

[@RVwithTito]

Glad to help

[@timcombes9054]

Hi, Brian. I am not an expert, but a construction contractor once told me that the tube guns you use for the Dicor come in standard versions and contractor versions. He said the contractor versions actually work more evenly and much easier. Just a thought. Hope you enjoy your new fan!

[@RVgeeks]

The guy who replaced our RV windshield actually had an ELECTRIC caulk gun! It not only helped him to apply sealant evenly, but protected his hands and wrists from the stress of squeezing the trigger (he'd already had carpal tunnel surgery from years of using manual guns). A power caulk gun is probably a little over the top for those of us who use it so rarely, but I can't say I don't still want one. lol

[@RVwithTito]

Tim Combes Yes a cool ELECTRIC caulk gun would be awesome. I'll add it to my Xmas list. Unfortunately I've had the same basic crappy one since the beginning of time. I think it's the one Popeye used (Get it...giant forearms..hehe). It does the trick but can be a pain in the butt/wrist sometimes. Thanks for the comment.

[@erniesavinsky3806]

Oscillating tool with scraper razor blade attachment(homemade Hf). Cuts all types of roof caulk like butter.

[@RVwithTito]

Great tip!

[@pugsandcoffeeplease]

Awesome. I just bought a 2015 Ford Transit Connect which I'll be converting. This was very useful. Thanks.

[@RVwithTito]

Great! Glad to help.

[@2Peachcobler]

Thanks for this video. You have given me the confidence that I can do this myself. I need to do two, one in the bathroom and one in the kitchen. Thanks!

[@charlesfuentes3316]

Nice video, very helpful. I just replaced the fan that came with the trailer. The original was a joke.

[@RVwithTito]

Glad it was useful. Thanks!

[@campwardbound3513]

Great video on the install. I want to install this van in my Ford E150. I need to be brave enough to cut the hole in the roof!

[@46fd04]

Great install video. I have to replace an old vent with a Fantastic fan soon The only thing you forgot to show was the reinstallation of the MaxxAir Vent. Then you would have had two install videos in one 😀

[@RVwithTito]

Sorry about that. Those are pretty easy. I've got 4.

[@46fd04]

Thanks again for a great video. Got my new Fantastic Fan installed yesterday. Now I'm going to replace the old MaxxAir Cover with a Fantastic UltraBreeze cover. They allow better air flow.

[@RVwithTito]

@@46fd04 You're welcome. I wasn't aware of the UltraBreeze cover. I may get a couple.

[@jennifercampbell3249]

Brian,Your wife needs to give you a big hug and kissto show her appreciation for her comfort. Good job!

[@JHA6100]

Always love your work. Seems like every project I want to do on our RV you already have done & have excellent tutorials. 💙💙💙your videos Brian. Thanks.

[@RVwithTito]

Sounds like you've got it easier than I did then :) Glad they're helpful.

[@jepa72]

Great video Brian. Your video gives good guidance and most important it gave me the confidence that I could do this my self. Today Install one of two on our new RV! Thanks to you vide we are almost ready for hot weather. Thanks so much

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks so much for the great feedback Jorge. It can be very satisfying doing the work yourself as you now know. Enjoy those vents!

[@allens7476]

My former motor home had a remote in the electrical panel. That was great! My current trailer has a FF, but it only blows out and (IMO) there's too many switches (4) for one operation.

[@Ellis1127]

Awesome video and information!

[@RVwithTito]

Glad you liked it!

[@jamesowens7176]

Thanks for posting this! Very helpful!

[@RVwithTito]

You're welcome.

[@terryrussell5392]

Thanks a lot Tito, you do good work, I like when you are finished I know I can do the same job on my RV. Planning on putting on new air vents so I can leave the inside open all the time, wish me luck.

[@cubfendi8714]

great video. I work where the parts for these are injection molded.

[@jangibson6942]

I want 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 $600. 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 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.

[@rwi8406]

Very helpful video - thanks!

[@RVwithTito]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GirdHerd]

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@PeaceNPeace]

Great Work, every thing: good DIY instructions, demo AND very good filming and editing. Loved it !!!

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks so much!

[@onehot57]

Looks to me like the old vent has been changed before! Nice cleaning job!

[@RVwithTito]

Nope. That was the original vent. Nothing fancy. Thanks!

[@raybbj]

Found your channel through RVGeeks. You have great videos ...... Subscribed !

[@RVwithTito]

+raybbj Hey Thanks and welcome to our little corner of KZbin!

[@davej7182]

Another great video! Thanks Brian!

[@RVwithTito]

My pleasure!

[@Didmy30]

Very good video, informative. The only questionable part was cutting off the remaining butyl tape with a knife. Good way of cutting into your rubber membrane. Why not leave it,,,, the self leveling lap sealant will cover it. Double protection.

[@craigvogler7672]

I had the first kind, the dummy one. Replaced it with a fantastic fan but didn't care for not being able to leave it open here in rainy Florida. I got a Maxxair fan and really has a lot of good stuff besides a full time vent. Ain't cheap hpwever

[@TheJadiePooh]

This guy reminds me so much of Fred Armisen so I'm having trouble not laughing at him. LOL Helpful video though.

[@alexandermartin2713]

Yes!

[@RVwithTito]

Haha. I get that a lot :)

[@David-im1fp]

How to add exhaust fan right above cooking range for winnebago intent? Great instruction video.

[@rictech1325]

Always great !!! Thanks buddy

[@FocusedontheRoad]

What a “fantastic” video.... 😂.. but seriously, this helped so much. I’m about to tackle 2 in our 5th wheel so I’m very happy to find this explanation.

[@danielgreen7050]

One good tip to add t is what direction the vent fan should be facing if you didn’t have one before and it’s a new RV build. I’m googling trying to figure this out. I assume the side of the vent on top that opens should be facing to the back?

[@RVwithTito]

Yes. Face them to the rear.

[@petekane2501]

Thanks for your install review. Where you adding a vent cover to unit.

[@texaslonestarrider]

Been learning a lot from your channel! Thanks!

[@RVwithTito]

Great! Glad to help. Feel free to reach out if you have questions.

[@starwarsfanforlife]

Great job Brian! Nice install!

[@beverleylynneharris3308]

Very helpful. Will be doing same in my RV soon.

[@meteor109]

What was the old fan... and why did you replace it? Your videos are well done, and very helpful. (Gorgeous assistant, too.)

[@RVwithTito]

There was no fan there just a vent. Thanks!

[@stevesealey317]

I want to do the same thing in my Class C.....I am scared to death of having leaks. You made it look simple, but for someone like me that is all thumbs is it really that easy.....It looked like you covered up the screw holes with the butyl tape. Did you use the same holes or make new ones.

[@JeffinTD]

If you weren’t aware, Up under the hood of the exterior exhaust for the range hood there are likely little arms that hold a flap closed/sealed for cold weather and travel. If you leave that closed, the range hood fan won’t do anything but make noise.

[@RVwithTito]

Our range hood did not vent to the outside. I removed it...much better now.

[@JeffinTD]

That’s kind of odd. Anyway, great video and nice job on the install. Wish more RV’s would come with a quality vent fan from then factory.

[@Thewarhorse47]

Great video. Thanks.

[@RVwithTito]

You are welcome!

[@calvinhempill3935]

Thank you very much so helpful💯

[@markchudley8994]

Didn't you put the rain hood back on over the new vent? We've definitely been planning to add one of these, just haven't gotten to it yet. Your videos are always so helpful- thanks!

[@RVwithTito]

Yes. All the vent covers are on. You'll get a little bit less airflow with the covers on but it's worth it. We leave the vents open rain or shine.

[@markevans3589]

Great job as always!!! When tapping into the light, did you just go positive to positive and negative to negative? Does your fan light work independently from each other? Thanks Tito.

[@stevannahmercer7921]

You two are great, thanks for the help!

[@danielseghers8214]

Great job ! Did you reinstall the Max air rain guard back on top off the fantastic fan cover?

[@RVwithTito]

Yes I did.

[@pilotnelson4507]

Overlap butyl tape ends. It will compress. Don't butt the ends together. Butting can leave a gap that water can seep into. Butyl is almost bullet-proof when installed correctly... Same goes for those new window installed in the door.. Dicor can have micro channels in the caulk line that water can seep through. Nothing worse than a water leak in an RV over time.... Did you do a water test after it all cured?

[@ajborda]

I know you did this video a long time ago, but I'm just getting ready to do the same thing. What is that tool you're using a scrape on your roof? Thanks in advance.

[@SunnySingh-in9pu]

Thx for the video .

[@nelliemillan4627]

Wonderful!!!! Thank you

[@videoric]

Nice job! Getting ready to do this, so thanks for the tips.

[@Riker-eq2yv]

I wantd to even the comments out to 200, PS another Great video !

[@RVwithTito]

Hey thanks for rounding it up 😀👍

[@Riker-eq2yv]

@@RVwithTito I also used your discount code to get a complete set of cargo locks

[@RVwithTito]

@@Riker-eq2yv Great! Hope you like them.

[@mr.doityourselfandsave4369]

Great job

[@RVwithTito]

Thanks!

[@srperk6163]

I’ve always wondered why a wide putty knife isn’t used to smooth out the dicor and make sure everything is sealed.

[@creatortootsietv]

Because it's self leveling. If you tool it you'll remove material and then when it shrinks and self levels there may not be enough leftover to seal the seam.

[@HighlanderMikeGolf]

Thanks Brian, did you add a vent cover as well? If not, do you plan to, and what would be your recommendation? Thanks!

[@RVwithTito]

Yes. I have MaxAir vent covers (amzn.to/1Bm8Evq) on all four of my vents.

[@boxpin]

Do you have a video on those solar panels?

[@jeffcornett4290]

Were you able do the install with just a single tube of Dicor?

[@maggienielson9772]

What is the difference between Butyl tape and putty tape. I’m installing a fan on a painted wood teardrop trailer

[@RVwithTito]

Good question. They often refer to the same thing. But my understanding is that Butyl is a synthetic rubber material that has more of a flexible stretchy consistency. Putty tape looks very similar and might dry out and crack along the edges that are exposed. I think Butyl is what you want.

[@augustohernandezayala6312]

You need to use sooo much of the sika??

[@campbelljohn]

you also could have used a perspex scraper on the roof when cleaning with turps,no damage to roof.

[@noeleenfalkner4557]

Hi Brian my Fan-Tastic vent opens & closes BUT WILL NOT SPIN CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT I HAVE DONE WRONG; AS I SAID IT OPENS AND CLOSES BUT WILL NOT SPIN AT ALL THE WALL SET IS REALLY GREAT THANKS FOR ANY SUGGESTIONS

[@srperk6163]

Would you ever smooth out the dicor with a putty knife before it self levels yo make cleaner installation?

[@DeekJohnson]

best install vid...thx

[@timlist4173]

How much noise do they make when you are trying to sleep on a hot night? Also, it should be a nobrainer, but make sure the hinge is facing the front of the vehicle.

[@bobwoerner8731]

can this fan be wired directly to the load slots on an mttp solar controller ?

[@RVwithTito]

+bob woerner I suppose so.

[@capnhardway]

Gives you cooling ventilation without having to turn on the AC

[@KevinPLane]

yeah thinks, on 79 dodge sportsman beaver they all leak, those nice and will help maintain the temperature

[@garywest3763]

they sell a Clear top cover that replaces the tinted one that comes on the Fantasic fan, the Clear one acts like a skylight or a solar tube letting in a lot more Light.

[@RVwithTito]

+Gary West Thanks Gary. I'll keep that in mind should I need ore daylight. I have a vent cover over it anyway so I'd be looking at the inside of that instead of clouds.

[@pilotnelson4507]

Suggest "automotive" style crimp connectors instead of wire nuts. Wire nuts can back off with vibration from the fan motor through the wires, hot and cold cycles, and vibration of driving down the road.

[@campingrhody2480]

More like Fantastic JUNK!

[@benningtoncamper2852]

You might want to consider using a plastic putty knife when removing the old adhesive and goop on the roof - it would lower the risk of cutting the roof membrane even further in case of a slip. Just a future suggestion. Oh - I see you did switch to one later as it is sticking up in the box of old Dicor...

[@RVwithTito]

I sort of agree but those plastic ones don't always hold a straight edge and can get bent up which can also damage the rubber membrane. The metal one worked better for me as long as I was patient and careful. Thanks for the comment.

[@gbowman7344]

You might want to soldier those connections just so you know the connection is as tight as possible.

[@rigweldernomad932]

Love it!!

[@booneriversawyers239]

great video thank you

[@RufusNDufus]

Nice job!

[@justinfox5114]

A question. How do you know if there will be 12V wires routed near the 10x10 hole where you want the fan to go? I don't want to have to tap into one of the lighting fixtures. Thanks again.

[@RVwithTito]

You do the know. If there's no fixture nearby then you'll probably need to run your own power to it.

[@heatherk8931]

Only thing missing was the actual wiring, which I came for. Nor is there trouble shooting.

[@losmarcon]

Hey guys, I know this was a few years back now but could you kept using the same vent cover? I think you had the maxxair vent cover with the old vent. Thanks.

[@Toekneepowers]

How’s the fan holding up ? I’m preparing to install the maxxair this week.

[@tudocervera3764]

nice job...

[@scotyfilms]

How do you apply the Dicor around the hinge on the fan? The professionals applied the Dicor on top of the operating hinge and it cracked and leaked?

[@RVwithTito]

I only apply Dicor on the screws and edges. Not sure why they put it on the hinge.

[@lonniedotson7558]

I loved it! Can't wait to do the same but might wait till next spring...not too many more warm days ahead. My concern is the strength of the roof. I'm not quick to get up there (newly owned)...no ladder affixed so it seems to say not a good idea. Anyone know what the weight restrictions might be? (2014 Fleetwood Jamboree)

[@teresanoel4035]

On the fan which wire is the positive black or white?