Maxx Air Fan

[lostcreek]

just a couple of points:
- MaxxAir has 10 speeds (vs 3 for Fantastic) - makes a difference!
- it also has a sturdier and more stable cover bracket system - way less rattling in the wind (in addition to blocking rain when open)
- I don't have the remote (not necessary for me) and find the controls easy to use after a short period of getting use to them
- as others have said, it's a drop-in replacement, same cut-out

It may be fixed now by the manufacturer, but several years ago some users reported an issue with the circuit board breaking when power reached over 14V, as when a solar system is charging in bulk/acceptance. At the time I installed a small inexpensive voltage regulator on the fan circuit to limit to 13.4V.

 

[PaulT]

One advantage of the Fantastic fan over the Maxx Fam is power consumption. The Fantastic fan is about 3 amps max on high speed. and about 1.5 on low speed. The Maxx fan specification states that its power consumption is 5 amps even on the manual lift version. That seems quite high. It exceeds even my power hungry Dometic compressor fridge.

I do like the Maxx fan in my Intechrv Pursue trailer as it can be used when it rains. I cannot leave the Fantastic fan lid open more than 3/4" or so if it is raining. I guess I'll leave the front vent just a vent for now.

Paul

 

[pvstoy]

pvstoy, can you tell me the model MaxxFan you installed or is there a model you might have preferred? Just trying to avoid spending hours on a simple decision

Thanks

.
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MaxxFan Deluxe Manual-Opening RV Ventilator System, Smoke Lid[/SIZE]




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MaxxFan Standard 4000K[/SIZE]




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I wanted the manual as it is a small camper and happy to reach to set the controls. Both fans are same controls so don't need to learn how different fans work.

Fan will work with lid down as a home ceiling fan to move air, unlike Fantastic fans where the lid needs to be open to spin. The fans have a positive lid lock when you push up on the lid wheel that does not allow the lid to creep open like on the Fantastic lids.

I remember seeing the amps draw and said that's not bad, not remembering how much they draw at each 10 speeds.

 

[BrianG]

Thanks Patrick for the fan info. Good to hear the front vent may be prewired. Paul, I hope that 5amp draw was on a high power setting.

Does anyone think the MaxxAir fans are any quieter than the Dometic?

 

[thedogslife]

If you order a Powered Roof Vent Fan on any of the new FWC's, you will be getting the MaxxAir Vent Fan.

We are no longer installing the Dometic Fan-Tastic Roof Vent Fans on the new FWC's.

Thank You Stan for clearing this up for me.. Correct me if I am wrong, but its the 4500K model FWC is installing? I believe that model has a normal style lid. Wonder if it could be upgraded to the "rain shield" lid that is on the 6200k Model. Assuming we can purchase just that lid online. Either way it will be a nice upgrade from the Fantastic fan imo.

 

[JaSAn]

One advantage of the Fantastic fan over the Maxx Fam is power consumption . . .

MaxxFan speeds 4, 5, and 6 match up to Fantastic Fan speeds 1, 2 and 3 pretty close in amp draw.
My MaxxFan draws ~ 0.2A on 1 and 0.4A on 2, both in and out (Trimetric reported). I can hardly hear it running (but my hearing is bad anyway). This is where I usually run it.
My MaxxFan draws 4.6A (air in) and 4.5A (out) on high speed. Run only when I need to clear dog farts really fast

 

[Kolockum]

One advantage of the Fantastic fan over the Maxx Fam is power consumption. The Fantastic fan is about 3 amps max on high speed. and about 1.5 on low speed. The Maxx fan specification states that its power consumption is 5 amps even on the manual lift version. That seems quite high. It exceeds even my power hungry Dometic compressor fridge.

I do like the Maxx fan in my Intechrv Pursue trailer as it can be used when it rains. I cannot leave the Fantastic fan lid open more than 3/4" or so if it is raining. I guess I'll leave the front vent just a vent for now.

Paul

Here is a comparison I did several years back between the MaxxFan and Fantastic Fan. https://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/8893-fantastic-fan-vs-maxxfan-comparison-including-amp-usage/?hl=p5120184

Here is the amp hour chart for quick reference:

MaxxFan speeds 4, 5, and 6 match up to Fantastic Fan speeds 1, 2 and 3 pretty close in amp draw.
My MaxxFan draws ~ 0.2A on 1 and 0.4A on 2, both in and out (Trimetric reported). I can hardly hear it running (but my hearing is bad anyway). This is where I usually run it.
My MaxxFan draws 4.6A (air in) and 4.5A (out) on high speed. Run only when I need to clear dog farts really fast
Here is a comparison I did several years back between the MaxxFan and Fantastic Fan. https://www.wanderthewest.com/forum/topic/8893-fantastic-fan-vs-maxxfan-comparison-including-amp-usage/?hl=p5120184

Here is the amp hour chart for quick reference:

 

[Stan@FourWheel]

sample pics of what we are using . . .

 

[veryactivelife]

sample pics of what we are using . . .

Thanks Stan!

 

[BrianG]

Pvstoy, thanks for the butyl and sealant offer, I have some coming from Amazon. Not a lot of fun removing the old variable speed fan. The screw holes don’t quite line up with the Maxx fan hope that’s not a problem. I removed the cover on my front unpowered vent and sure enough a pair of hot wires at 12volts good job FWC.

 

[pvstoy]

I prefer having new screw holes mounting the fan on the roof. The existing holes take a hammer and flatten flush with roof. The butyl tape will fill in those holes.

 

[ri-f]

For anyone who has a Maxx Air installed and, also, has a solar system charging the batteries which run the fan, I have two questions related to the Maxx Air 'manual' 10 spd fani.e., 6200K or other "manual" models).

1. Have you had any issues with voltage at about 14.4v messing with the circuit board on your Max Air fan? I have seen reports on other forums of odd fan behaviour (supposedly, as a result of solar charge voltages at around 14.2-14.6v). Is there any truth to this?

2. Also, are you able to manually open the lid, with the knob, say, 1 inch or half way, etc. and still run the fan in exhaust mode? Or do you actually have to open the lid all the way? I know the lid can be in the closed position when running the fan in intake mode. And I assume the lid can be partially open with the fan off.

Rich

 

[pvstoy]

My 2 different fans have not noticed any problems with solar and have not known issues with what you say.

The fan on my manual fans will work with lid in any position.

 

[lostcreek]

Rich, I posted above about that reported issue with >14V messing with the circuit board. There were several written and video accounts, couple of years old by now. Maxxair was contacted and the problem was apparently verified. May have been isolated incidents; issue may also have been resolved by now. Since at the time I had just installed my Maxxair I went ahead with an inexpensive $15 voltage regulator to drop the max V of the fan curcuit to <14. The fan has been working great with no problems.

Also, confirming that fan operates with lid in any position, including closed.

And the amp charge posted above look pretty accurate and tallies with my own tests.

 

[ri-f]

Thanks, Patrick and lostcreek. Happy to hear that both your Maxx Airs are both operating without issues >14v. Lostcreek, which voltage reg did you install on your Maxx Air? And where exactly did you install it? It just seems to me that a fan's circuit board should be able to handle at least 14.8v before it goes wonky. I will probably contact Maxx Air tech support and find out whether they have upgraded their boards to handle reasonable charging voltages. It's hard to believe that they would expect you to add an aftermarket regulator for a new install because their boards can't handle anything above 13.9v. Well, I'll see what they say.

From what I've read, it is hit and miss with their boards. Maybe they finally got a handle on it, who knows. Interestingly, one thing I read was a message as recently as last year, from Maxx Air tech support to a user having an issue with voltages over 14V. The tech director at Maxx Air stated that the fan had a maximum voltage of 16V, however, only for very short periods of time. The fan's board wants to see a voltage, ideally, at 12v +/- 10% (most of the time). He recommended regulating it. So then why don't they regulate their own product or upgrade their boards, since in applications such as RV's and boats the voltage will frequently be over 14v due to varying charging routines. Weird.

Rich

 

[ri-f]

OK,just received confirmation from MaxxAir regarding installation mods requied to avoid latent circut board issues in your fan if your battery exceeds 14.0v - and pretty much all charging routines involve voltages >14.0v. Some people have not had any issues with these fans, but there have been many instances of failure down the road where MaxxAir had to replace circuit boards and they now recommend installing regulators to avoid inconvenient failures.

----------------
You will need to put a voltage regulator in line before the fan. Any voltage regulator that will hold it in the 12 v dc

George Moore
Technical Assistance Coordinator
RV Products, a division of Airxcel, Inc.
3050 N. St. Francis
Wichita, Kansas 67219
Office: 574-247-9235
Fax: 316.832.3417
www.Airxcel.com

 

[wicked1]

"ANY" is definitely wrong. There are always two aspects to electricity.. The voltage AND the current.
You need one that can support the max amps of the fan, plus at least 50% for a safety margin.. (Most manufacturers, especially the inexpensive Chinese ones, exaggerate their ratings). Otherwise you could burn one (or your entire camper) up, or end up w/ something way bigger than necessary.

Edit to say, looks like the max amps is around 5, so personally, I'd get a 10a regulator.
(Getting proper electrical info from RV equipment manufacturers has been a nightmare in my experience! Never quite right.. often dangerous)

 

[ri-f]

This is the best thread I've seen on the MaxxAir voltage issue. It has excellent links to sources for proper regulators and a nice install video, too.

No b.s. Just the facts.


https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8/maxxfan-7000k-voltage-regulator-14667.html

 

[lostcreek]

I don't have the product info for mine, but most any reliable device will work (some are V adjustable). Definitely test your installation to make sure it's working as intended (my first one made by Drok was faulty.) As mentioned just above, be sure to size the amps correctly. I put mine on the wires as they exit the main panel (inside a cabinet) on their way up to the roof & fan.

Too bad that it's still a problem for some with Maxxairs. I suspect it's because the designers did not figure the use case of solar charging where voltages can easily get above 15 in the right conditions for extended periods. Stock converters, I think, usually max out around 14.2 or so.

 

[pvstoy]

And why is it my problem when buying a product to spend more money and time for installing a voltage regulator? The company should fix the issue, move forward and take care of the existing ones that fail because of their oversite?? Said company provide voltage regulators to customers if needed or send replacement circuit boards to customers on request based on production dates of units.

Rant off......

Looked at the link and $20 out of my pocket to buy a step down voltage.....