Fantastic Fans

[Steve Hammel]

I'm considering putting in a Fantastic Fan. Being as cheap as I am I have been scouring e-bay for the best bargain that I can find. However I didn't realize that they made so many models. What are the best models? I've found a model 8000 for $90 and a model 5000 for $144. The 5000 looks much more powerful than the 8000 so it's not as simple as going up numerically. Also are there other brands out there I should be looking for?

[Raz]

I have had a fantastic fan and a maxx air. Both worked about the same. The fantastic fan was simpler, on/off, speed, and reverse, which is really all you need. More money gets you soft keys, temp control, continuously variable speed, rain sensors, etc. When I want air flow in the trailer I prefer my O2 cool fan I bought at Walmart for about $15. I plug it into a nearby 12 v. socket. The cord was extra. Raz

[Steve Hammel]

Fan Tastic Fantastic camper Power Roof Vent 5000 White | eBay

This one has built in thermostat, is that a good option?

Fantastic Fan Tastic RV Roof Vent Create A Breeze 8000 | eBay

This one looks less industrial than the 5000.

[Steve Hammel]

Fantastic Fan Tastic RV Roof Vent 6600R 6000 w Remote | eBay

This 6600 has all the bells and whistles. Not sure I need all that especially for twice the money.

[David Tilston]

It really depends on you. Do you camp in places where it rains frequently? In the Pacific NW, it is wet, having the vent on as much as possible helps with this. It also rains frequently. So, having the vent close automatically makes sense. The 6600 has a motor that will close the vent when it detects rain. In Las Vegas, that might not be useful. Temp control might be nice though.

[Steve Hammel]

Actually I don't camp in Vegas or at least not yet anyway. I'm from Washington and since I teach down here I head up there as soon as the last kiddo gets on the bus on the last day before summer.

So are you saying that other than the "remote features" they are pretty much the same? If that's the case I'll opt for a cheaper model.

[David Tilston]

They all have the same motor, and fan. The controls can be upgraded later, if you choose. I would get one that at least has reverse. On the 4500 that makes the window over the stove as good as a hood on your stove.

[knighth001]

I think the 8000 doesn't reverse like the 5000. I was recently looking at the same models and I believe that is the big difference. The 8000 is the simplest model I believe.

[cpaharley2008]

I have had over a half dozen Fantastic Fans in past 6 years, both ones I installed and already installed. Unless you get the top of the line with remote, you will have to install a resistor to slow it done. You have to install a reversing switch, a thermostat, then you still have to install a smoke lens, or perhaps a double insulated cover for cold climates( anyone want to buy one of these?) and finally you have to get the rain sensor or install an outside cover to use in the rain. A lot of changes, or your can buy a MaxxAir fan. These have 14 speeds, reverse switch, thermostat, and a built in rain cover. They can be used while closed to move air around (can not do this with a FF). The only change I did was a smoke cover to allow more light inside, which you can buy one already installed. I'll never go back to the Fantastic Fan after having one of these.
here is link MaxxFan Deluxe Manual Opening | Latest

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by knighth001

I think the 8000 doesn't reverse like the 5000. I was recently looking at the same models and I believe that is the big difference. The 8000 is the simplest model I believe.

Generally any DC motor can be reversed with a DPDT switch.

[Jon Vermilye]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I have had over a half dozen Fantastic Fans in past 6 years, both ones I installed and already installed. Unless you get the top of the line with remote, you will have to install a resistor to slow it done. You have to install a reversing switch, a thermostat, then you still have to install a smoke lens, or perhaps a double insulated cover for cold climates( anyone want to buy one of these?) and finally you have to get the rain sensor or install an outside cover to use in the rain. A lot of changes, or your can buy a MaxxAir fan. These have 14 speeds, reverse switch, thermostat, and a built in rain cover. They can be used while closed to move air around (can not do this with a FF). The only change I did was a smoke cover to allow more light inside, which you can buy one already installed. I'll never go back to the Fantastic Fan after having one of these.
here is link MaxxFan Deluxe Manual Opening | Latest

2X. I don't know how many models they have, but the Maxx fan in my Escape has everything I need except a remote. Since I can easily reach the ceiling, I don't need the remote.

[multi-task]

I happen to have the document from FF which explains how to attach the resistor to slow down the fan. (Might be handy in the document center?)

Also, here is a link to someone who tried different resistor sizes and the resulting amps used (I think this was posted in another thread already):

Fan-Tastic Vent mod from 3-speeds to 6-speeds - Wander the West

I haven't done this yet, it's on my to-do list for a warm weekend.

[Steve Hammel]

That MaxxFan looks interesting! Are they in the same ballpark price wise?

[cpaharley2008]

If you get the expensive Fantastic Fan with all the features of the MaxxAir, the FF costs more.

[Mike Magee]

I've heard that FF's customer service is fantastic, too. That said, I bought the Maxx... the one that has the fan up above the trailer in a cover. It reduces fan noise slightly. Really either one will do the job well, but having a vent cover is a significant advantage IMO because the thing can be left open, fan running, even when rain comes up.

Mine has temp control, which can be nice for leaving it on at bedtime but having it go off by itself in the middle of the night when it gets too cold. How much that would mean to you, only you wouild know.

[FTTRV]

Last summer I installed a Max/Fan in a Bigfoot 21 and a Bigfoot 19. Both have built in covers that keep the rain out. When completely closed the Max/Fan has a lower profile. I sold one to a Scamp 16 owner.
Chuck

[Steve Hammel]

At the moment I have no fan whatsoever. I do have an air conditioner but must be plugged in to use it. Do you really believe these fans are worth it? I notice they have temperature controls. Do they appreciatively lower the temp?

[cpaharley2008]

Yes, with a window open they will create a breeze thru your unit and shut off automatically, similar to the a/c and back on again if the temperature rises. A lot of persons who live above the parallel only need the fan and not the a/c.

[Raz]

What I found is with a Trillium you have too many windows. You will need to close all but one window to feel the breeze. We don't have air conditioning. We leave the window fan running on low blowing across the sleeping area. When it's really hot we leave the Maxx fan on blowing in for the dog. Raz

[Thomas G.]

Originally Posted by Steve Hammel

At the moment I have no fan whatsoever. I do have an air conditioner but must be plugged in to use it. Do you really believe these fans are worth it? I notice they have temperature controls. Do they appreciatively lower the temp?

They appreciably lower the perceived temperature, due to wind chill. And in a closed up, hot trailer they lower the real temperature pretty fast to near ambient.