Ceiling fan vent

G

glyn or melrose trimble

New member
Oct 19, 1998
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We, too, enjoyed the great rally of the GMC Classics at Lake Whitney, TX
last week. And, as Billy Massey and Bill Myers have said, it was really
nice to meet and talk with some of the personalities that you have read and
heard about for such a long time in the GMC community.

Thursday night we had a "typical" Texas gully washer and we all found
where our coaches leaked. I knew that my gaskets (for sealing) in the roof
fan were loose but just didn't realize how loose!! Fortunately, the water
collected and only came down once, (all at once, too), when we moved the
coach.

Needless to say, my wife says we are in the market for a new ceiling fan.
Our question-which should we consider-the FANTASTIC or the KOOLAMATIC? I
know they are both very fine fans and I believe one has a light also.
Gentlemen (and ladies), may we have your considered opinion? Thanks much.

Glyn
76 Glenbrook OK
 
I can only speak for the fantastic fans. I have two, one in front of the
coach, and one I installed in the bathroom. I needed one fixed for a crack in
the plastic and new bottoms for them as I had made some changes to my
ceiling. I called the company and they sent new ones free. Their warranty
was exceptional. I would recommend them for their support and their effort
to make me happy. Very good to have someone stand behind their products.
Al Chernoff
77 Eleganza II

> We, too, enjoyed the great rally of the GMC Classics at Lake Whitney, TX
> last week. And, as Billy Massey and Bill Myers have said, it was really
> nice to meet and talk with some of the personalities that you have read and
> heard about for such a long time in the GMC community.
>
> Thursday night we had a "typical" Texas gully washer and we all found
> where our coaches leaked. I knew that my gaskets (for sealing) in the roof
> fan were loose but just didn't realize how loose!! Fortunately, the water
> collected and only came down once, (all at once, too), when we moved the
> coach.
>
> Needless to say, my wife says we are in the market for a new ceiling fan.
> Our question-which should we consider-the FANTASTIC or the KOOLAMATIC? I
> know they are both very fine fans and I believe one has a light also.
> Gentlemen (and ladies), may we have your considered opinion? Thanks much.
>
> Glyn
> 76 Glenbrook OK
 
I probably have one that I took off. I don't know where it is, but if you want
it, let me know and I will try real hard to see if I can find it. Otherwise, it
stays with the other stuff I can't find.
Al Chernoff
77 Eleganza II

> Hi Glyn!
>
> Don't know which fan would be best for you however you have elicited a brain
> cell of mine to spark. Somehow this brain cell communicated a thought.
> Thusly, a question? Anybody have a working used fan motor for my existing non
> functioning powered original vent laying around? I think I need one- if it
> smokes and sparks and gets red hot-- when power is on/off--? I think I'll put
> 440 3 phase to it and see if I can get it to spin!
>
> Want to see who sent this? check out this
> Odds and Ends(Bogie
> Frame Repair)
 
> Needless to say, my wife says we are in the market for a new ceiling fan.
> Our question-which should we consider-the FANTASTIC or the KOOLAMATIC? I
> know they are both very fine fans and I believe one has a light also.
> Gentlemen (and ladies), may we have your considered opinion? Thanks much.

Glyn, I can attest from having two of the Fantastic Vent fans in my
coach that they are quiet, move a lot of air and are well made. However
the Koolamatic's built in shroud is an advantage when its raining. It
may depend on how you like your coach to look when the vents are not
being used. The Koolamatic will stick up higher and be more visible
from the ground. Good luck.

Phil Stewart
'76 Transmode, TN
 
Just to amplify on their customer service - when I had my coach painted,
the shop did not tape the covers to our two Fantastic Vents. I went to
an FMCA convention & talked to a factory rep about buying two new
covers. He gave them to me on the spot. No cost. They are great and
backed by a great company.

Eric Tipton
etipton

-----Original Message-----
From: mr.c [mailto:mr.c]
Sent: Thursday, February 04, 1999 7:53 PM
To: gmcmotorhome
Subject: Re: GMC: Ceiling fan vent

I can only speak for the fantastic fans. I have two,
one in front of the
coach, and one I installed in the bathroom. I needed
one fixed for a crack in
the plastic and new bottoms for them as I had made some
changes to my
ceiling. I called the company and they sent new ones
free. Their warranty
was exceptional. I would recommend them for their
support and their effort
to make me happy. Very good to have someone stand
behind their products.
Al Chernoff
77 Eleganza II

> We, too, enjoyed the great rally of the GMC Classics
at Lake Whitney, TX
> last week. And, as Billy Massey and Bill Myers have
said, it was really
> nice to meet and talk with some of the personalities
that you have read and
> heard about for such a long time in the GMC community.
>
> Thursday night we had a "typical" Texas gully washer
and we all found
> where our coaches leaked. I knew that my gaskets (for
sealing) in the roof
> fan were loose but just didn't realize how loose!!
Fortunately, the water
> collected and only came down once, (all at once, too),
when we moved the
> coach.
>
> Needless to say, my wife says we are in the market for
a new ceiling fan.
> Our question-which should we consider-the FANTASTIC or
the KOOLAMATIC? I
> know they are both very fine fans and I believe one
has a light also.
> Gentlemen (and ladies), may we have your considered
opinion? Thanks much.
>
> Glyn
> 76 Glenbrook OK
 
Purchased a Fantastic Vent/Fan. Would this mount in the same holes as
the orig vent? It has a lot of screws so if not, is there any
problem going right into the roof with them?

PS: Sorry, Scott there was no fan in mine..

Bill
'74 GL

_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
 
>
>Purchased a Fantastic Vent/Fan. Would this mount in the same holes as
>the orig vent? It has a lot of screws so if not, is there any
>problem going right into the roof with them?
>

The original power vent on our 76 Palm Beach had a smaller hole than that
required by the Fantastic. The majoe framing was large enouogh to let us
enlarge the hole and put the Fantasic in. If I recall correctly, the power
vent hole was rounded at the corners.

Henry

Henry Davis Consulting, Inc / new product consulting
PO Box 1270 / product readiness reviews
Soquel, Ca 95073 / IP reviews
ph: (408) 462-5199 / full service marketing
fax: (408) 462-5198
http://www.henry-davis.com/ http://www.henry-davis.com
 
You have to make the hole square, and then use the number of screws they
send you. It is a snap to put in once you cut it out. I also put some
wood inserts between the roof and the ceiling. That way the screws hold
on top, and the flange has something to connect to on the bottom.
Regards
Al Chernoff
77 Eleganza II

> Purchased a Fantastic Vent/Fan. Would this mount in the same holes as
> the orig vent? It has a lot of screws so if not, is there any
> problem going right into the roof with them?
>
> PS: Sorry, Scott there was no fan in mine..
>
> Bill
> '74 GL
>
> _________________________________________________________
> DO YOU YAHOO!?
> Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
 
>Purchased a Fantastic Vent/Fan. Would this mount in the same holes as
>the orig vent? It has a lot of screws so if not, is there any
>problem going right into the roof with them?

Bill,

Funny you should ask! Yesterday I pulled the old vent out of my '77
Birchaven and am in the process of installing a Fantastic Fan.

I have read the reports about rounded corners in the roof cutout which
have to be enlarged to accommodate the new fan, but there must have been
a design change somewhere along the way.That is not the case with mine.
The old (non-powered) vent is exactly the same dimensions as the new one
and, much to my surprise, the holes line up exactly with the original
rivet holes.

The screws that shipped with the fantastic fan are too small for the old
holes, though. Some #12's are required. I might add that on this coach
the cutout is boxed in by aluminum frame section so the screws get a
secure bite.

Richard
 
>>Purchased a Fantastic Vent/Fan. Would this mount in the same holes as
>>the orig vent? It has a lot of screws so if not, is there any
>>problem going right into the roof with them?
>
>Bill,
>
>Funny you should ask! Yesterday I pulled the old vent out of my '77
>Birchaven and am in the process of installing a Fantastic Fan.
>
>I have read the reports about rounded corners in the roof cutout which
>have to be enlarged to accommodate the new fan, but there must have been
>a design change somewhere along the way.That is not the case with mine.
>The old (non-powered) vent is exactly the same dimensions as the new one
>and, much to my surprise, the holes line up exactly with the original
>rivet holes.
>
>The screws that shipped with the fantastic fan are too small for the old
>holes, though. Some #12's are required. I might add that on this coach
>the cutout is boxed in by aluminum frame section so the screws get a
>secure bite.
>
>Richard

Richard

What model Fantastic Vent/Fan did you purchase that was a direct
replacement? And what's the best source?

TIA

Chuck
77K
>
 
>
>Richard
>
>What model Fantastic Vent/Fan did you purchase that was a direct
>replacement? And what's the best source?

Chuck,

I just got the standard Fantastic Fan from Camping World. Their prices
were much better that my local RV dealer.

Richard
 
Thanks for all the response. It sure pays to get some experience from
the net before drilling/cutting into the roof. Henry, Al (good idea
using wood backing for the screws), Arch (agree with drilling corners
first), Justin (sounds like rafters are close), Richard (I believe you
just lucked out in a perfect fit), and others; great response.

With summer(?) approaching (80 deg in N. Tx) I ready for a fan.

Bill
'74 GL

_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com
 
Arch,

Guess mine is not just the standard model. I had no idea that there are
so many variations on the same basic design. This one has a 3-speed fan
switch, can be set to blow in or out, and cycles on/off based on
pre-selected temperature that you set with a rotary dial on the unit. It
also has a rain sensor and the motorized open/close feature with an
attached star wheel for opening/closing by hand if req'd. Think I paid
about $185 for it which was $100 cheaper than the price available
locally.

Do I understand correctly that they used to make it so you could wire it
to an external wall thermostat? I don't see any advantage in that.

Richard

- -----Original Message-----
From: Gcbr
To: gmcmotorhome
Date: Monday, February 08, 1999 8:02 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Ceiling Fan Vent

>Richard
>
>This is something you have to be real careful about. There are several
>models of the Fan--tastic Vent. Many places only carry one. You think
>you are comparing apples to apples but you are not. I Know for a fact
>that some do not have the rain sensor. Some only turn the fan on with
>the thermostat while others will open the hatch. I saw one at a RV
>show that was only exhaust. It could not be reversed. Some people
>have ask me what the reverse is good for. If the turkey next to you
>has a smokey fire or genset running it is nice to set the fan so it is
>getting air from on high that is fresher and let it blow out the
window. It is
>also handy to pressurize the GMC to help you find leaks on the outside.
>One model the star wheel which allows you to manually lower the hatch
>is not attached. Yes, you would have to find where you put it. The rain
>sensor is wonderful. You are setting under someone else's awning. It
>starts to rain-------all the other people head out to close their vent.
All I
>ever do is look to be sure mine is closing--it always does. There is
one
>drawback to the rain sensor. You have an early morning roll. You do the
>walk around antenna down, vent closed---ect---roll it. You get 10 miles
>down the road the sun comes out. If there had been any rain or heavy
>dew the night before the vent will be closed---because of the rain
sensor.
>Since the sun is now out it will dry out and up goes the vent.
>
>I believe the latest model with all the bells and whistles is 6000-A
>Thats what I got.
>
>Take care
>Arch 76 GB IL River is still 22 feet above flood stage
 
Before we exhaust the cieling fan thread (no pun intended) Does anyone
out there have a TURBO MAX (not solar). I have one sitting unopened
to install when the seasons change here in NE PA .

I felt it would be a plus to be able to use the fan even when it is
raining. Plus it does not require existing vent removal and the motor
is outside on the roof. Variable speed, reversable $186 Camping World.

Interested in your comments if you've got one. Should I open the box?

Dick Missett
73 ex-Sequoia
Wyoming, PA
 
Hi Dick,

This past Spring I bought inexpensive vents and Turbo Max vent covers, both
without fans. We placed fans in the covers which we had on hand.

The vents were open all Spring, Summer and Fall. Had some really intense
rainstorms and no water inside.

Advantages include they can stay open all the time and require no
electricity to open and close. I also like the fan is located outside and
has a bit less noise.

It is nice to open the coach on a hot day and the temperature inside is
reasonable.

A disadvantage is these covers are more visible but I am happy with their
performance.

Don
75 Glennbrook
Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

>
>Date: Tue, 9 Feb 1999 23:59:55 -0500 (EST)
>From: DnGMissett (RICHARD MISSETT)
>Subject: Re: GMC: Ceiling Fan Vent
>
>Before we exhaust the cieling fan thread (no pun intended) Does anyone
>out there have a TURBO MAX (not solar). I have one sitting unopened
>to install when the seasons change here in NE PA .
>
>I felt it would be a plus to be able to use the fan even when it is
>raining. Plus it does not require existing vent removal and the motor
>is outside on the roof. Variable speed, reversable $186 Camping World.
>
>Interested in your comments if you've got one. Should I open the box?
>
>Dick Missett
>73 ex-Sequoia
>Wyoming, PA
>
 
Here is some info I provided last year on a comparison of the advertised vs.
test performance of four ventilation fans:

Found the test data (done at the Energy Systems Laboratory, Texas
Engineering Experiment Station, College Station TX) I received from
Kool-O-Matic a few years ago, for your edification:

Manufacturer/Model: 1 2 3 4 (see
below for fan identification)

Speed Advertised: CFM/AMP/RPM:

High 826/7.0/NA 920/3.0/NA 1076/5.0/NA NA/NA/NA
Med 724/5.7/NA 653/2.3/NA 957/3.8/NA NA/NA/NA
Low 395/2.8/NA 478/1.9/NA 800/2.5/NA NA/NA/NA

Test Lab Results: CFM/AMP/RPM:

High 826/6.6/1087 544/3.3/1508 491/5.1/1297 296/1.8/2149
Med 724/5.4/ 945 449/2.4/1281 388/3.3/1058 NA/NA/NA
Low 517/2.7/ 679 362/2.1/1056 338/2.7/ 907 NA/NA/NA

Sound Level (decibels (DBA)) @ 5':
High 70 71 79
62
Med 66 70 73
NA
Low 59 64 68
NA

1 - Kool-O-Matic, Model RV12

2 - Fantastic Vent, Model 6000

3 - Maxx Air Vent, Turbo Maxx Model 1200

4 - Standard 14" x 14" crank open vent - 6" fan

Paul Bartz

From: DnGMissett [mailto:DnGMissett]
Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 1999 12:00 AM
Subject: Re: GMC: Ceiling Fan Vent

Before we exhaust the cieling fan thread (no pun intended) Does anyone out
there have a TURBO MAX (not solar). I have one sitting unopened to
install when the seasons change here in NE PA .
I felt it would be a plus to be able to use the fan even when it is
raining. Plus it does not require existing vent removal and the motor is
outside on the roof. Variable speed, reversable $186 Camping World.
Interested in your comments if you've got one. Should I open the box?
 
Patrick, sorry I sent this first in HTML, dump it.......Roger

Paul,
Being very hard of hearing, I appreciate you including the dB levels of the
fans. It should be a big consideration on any fan purchase, especially for
use in a closed area. Do think the 4th fan should be placed and rated in
the low area where it's numbers really compare. Just by looking at the
numbers, which is what most of us usually do, the #1 fan is #1 in all
comparisons. Obviously, they are honest in their own tests which would also
bolster my confidence in their fan. They didn't lie on the box.

Do others with experience with these fans feel the same?

Thanks for the info.
Roger
 
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