would like to replace roof fan

Will Albers

New member
Nov 6, 2017
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I have a standard fantastic fan that is about 10 years old on the coach. They work ok, though the fuse connection is a little touchy. I would like to
replace it with something that i can leave open in the rain. I could just buy a cover, and if i go this route, does anyone have a cover that they
recommend? Cheapies appear to become brittle in short order.

I'm not opposed to replacing my fan as a means to enjoy a more robust fan/cover and thermostat capabilities... I'm always curious how much life is
left in current unit. Have you recently replaced your fan with a more robust unit? What did you choose and what are your thoughts on it to date?
--
1978 Palm Beach.
Detroit Michigan
In need of several pieces to replace water damage
 
I also have a FANTASTIC vent fan. I think it is one from the original company. The newer ones may not be of the same standard as the orig
company....

That said, the FANTASTIC vent fan lasts a long long time. If it runs quietly, just add a drop of oil and keep it.
THey make a vent cover to do what you want.
there are a couple types, they mount over the vent fan. I no longer like recommending camping world but they sell them and have a web site.
When you install them, you DO NOT seal them to the roof, just attach them over the vent fan cover. If you try to seal them to the roof, it will hold
water and eventually water will get into the coach. Only the vent fan gets sealed to the roof.
You can also look at some RV supply locations that should have them as well.

--
GatsbysCruise. \
74GMC260 Former Glacier Model style. \
Waukegan, Illinois \ Keep those MiniDiscs Spinning \ MY GREYHOUND IS FASTER THAN YOUR HONOR ROLL STUDENT \ WindowsXP-Win7-Win8.1-UBUNTU STUDIO -
UBUNTU VOYAGER - Berzin Auto Center
 
My fantastic fan at 25 years old was still pretty good . The cover did break off however called dometic and they sent a new cover at no charge. I had
a max air cover over the existing fantastic but took it off as it hardly ever rains around here.
--
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
 
Will -

I have had several generations of Fantastic Vent units in my '77 Palm Beach
and like them very much. Both have rain and temperature sensing capability.
Both the Maxx Air (?) and Fantastic Vent units offer optional covers that
allow them to remain open during a rain, some owners have commented
favorably about the Maxx cover design but I have no experience with either
manufacturer's version.

Several years ago I sent my then-20 year-old Fantastic unit to them for
repair and received a new replacement at no cost in return. I decided at
that time to replace the 14 x 14 OEM Hammond vent at the front with another
Fantastic Vent, it installed with only minor modifications to the opening.
Working the two units in unison you can create very nice circulation with
one taking air in and the other exhausting. Under the right conditions you
can eliminate the need for A/C. I have found the rain sensor to work as
advertised and a hood should enhance the performance as you desire.

With your 1978 PB the bath vent should already be 14 x 14 so the effect will
be less dramatic in terms of light but adds other features such as the rain
sensor and temperature control. Select a model with the features that you
require, I could see no need for remote control at additional cost. I found
the best price at a marine supply in Dayton, OH, and picked it up to save
freight as I was there anyway. Is your Fantastic Vent installed at the front
or in the bath? What water-damaged parts are you seeking?

Bob Burkitt Cincinnati Sent privately

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Will
Albers
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2018 11:49 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] would like to replace roof fan

I have a standard fantastic fan that is about 10 years old on the coach.
They work ok, though the fuse connection is a little touchy. I would like to
replace it with something that i can leave open in the rain. I could just
buy a cover, and if i go this route, does anyone have a cover that they
recommend? Cheapies appear to become brittle in short order.

I'm not opposed to replacing my fan as a means to enjoy a more robust
fan/cover and thermostat capabilities... I'm always curious how much life is
left in current unit. Have you recently replaced your fan with a more robust
unit? What did you choose and what are your thoughts on it to date?
--
1978 Palm Beach.
Detroit Michigan
In need of several pieces to replace water damage

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I have 2 FANTASTIC VENT fans that are about 12 years old. I added the fore mentioned hoods made
by FANTASTIC VENT. They work great keeping rain out on the road or in storage. As for the vents
themselves, do the maintainance, keeping them clean and lube the arms. The hoods take 5 minutes
each to mount with no tools needed.

Heck, EZ to do (even I did my own).

jim galbavy
'73 x-CL ANNIE
Lake Mary, FL

 
Fantastic is now owned by Dometic. Fantastic had a program where you could
ship the fans back and they would fix them as long as you paid shipping
charges both ways. You could have you vents worked on if you went to their
factory so I was told. Just talked to Sandy at Customer service at Dometic.
She had no idea what I was talking about. We had rain here in San Diego
yesterday and all three vents leak. I'll pull them off next week and see
what I really need to fix them.

Thanks,

Len and Pat Novak
1978 GMC Kingsley
The Beast II with dash lights that work and labels you can see!
Fallbrook, CA new email: B52Rule
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=4375

www.bdub.net/novak/

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Robert
Burkitt
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2018 9:20 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] would like to replace roof fan

Will -

I have had several generations of Fantastic Vent units in my '77 Palm Beach
and like them very much. Both have rain and temperature sensing capability.
Both the Maxx Air (?) and Fantastic Vent units offer optional covers that
allow them to remain open during a rain, some owners have commented
favorably about the Maxx cover design but I have no experience with either
manufacturer's version.

Several years ago I sent my then-20 year-old Fantastic unit to them for
repair and received a new replacement at no cost in return. I decided at
that time to replace the 14 x 14 OEM Hammond vent at the front with another
Fantastic Vent, it installed with only minor modifications to the opening.
Working the two units in unison you can create very nice circulation with
one taking air in and the other exhausting. Under the right conditions you
can eliminate the need for A/C. I have found the rain sensor to work as
advertised and a hood should enhance the performance as you desire.

With your 1978 PB the bath vent should already be 14 x 14 so the effect will
be less dramatic in terms of light but adds other features such as the rain
sensor and temperature control. Select a model with the features that you
require, I could see no need for remote control at additional cost. I found
the best price at a marine supply in Dayton, OH, and picked it up to save
freight as I was there anyway. Is your Fantastic Vent installed at the front
or in the bath? What water-damaged parts are you seeking?

Bob Burkitt Cincinnati Sent privately

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces] On Behalf Of Will
Albers
Sent: Friday, November 30, 2018 11:49 AM
To: gmclist
Subject: [GMCnet] would like to replace roof fan

I have a standard fantastic fan that is about 10 years old on the coach.
They work ok, though the fuse connection is a little touchy. I would like to
replace it with something that i can leave open in the rain. I could just
buy a cover, and if i go this route, does anyone have a cover that they
recommend? Cheapies appear to become brittle in short order.

I'm not opposed to replacing my fan as a means to enjoy a more robust
fan/cover and thermostat capabilities... I'm always curious how much life is
left in current unit. Have you recently replaced your fan with a more robust
unit? What did you choose and what are your thoughts on it to date?
--
1978 Palm Beach.
Detroit Michigan
In need of several pieces to replace water damage

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> I have a standard fantastic fan that is about 10 years old on the coach. They work ok, though the fuse connection is a little touchy. I would like
> to replace it with something that i can leave open in the rain. I could just buy a cover, and if i go this route, does anyone have a cover that they
> recommend? Cheapies appear to become brittle in short order.
>
> I'm not opposed to replacing my fan as a means to enjoy a more robust fan/cover and thermostat capabilities... I'm always curious how much life is
> left in current unit. Have you recently replaced your fan with a more robust unit? What did you choose and what are your thoughts on it to date?

I installed two MAXXair Fans and love them. I even removed one of the fantastic fans to install the 2nd MaxxAir:
https://www.amazon.com/Maxxair-0007000K-MaxxFan-Deluxe-Remote/dp/B003ZOF09Y

It is *much* quieter, has a lot more fan speeds, the remote is awesome when you're lying in bed and want to change speeds or open/close it.
(you can also operate it from the fan itself if you misplace the remote, but I find the remote easier).
The cover is much more robust and you can leave it open in the rain or while driving.
The downside: the white cover, being heavier, is not as translucent as the fantastic fan; it lets in light, but not quite as much.
It doesn't open all the way like other vent covers, so you can't see the sky around/through the white lid.
They also make a "smoke" lid, but I have no experience with those.

Fantastic may have indeed been fantastic in the past, but that's not been my experience with them in the recent years.
The plastic on the fantastic lid yellows quickly and other plastic parts on the unit have broken with little use.

just my .02

Karen
1975 26'
 
dometic now owns the Fantastic Fan product
https://www.dometic.com/en/se/rebranded/fantastic-vent

> > I have a standard fantastic fan that is about 10 years old on the
> coach. They work ok, though the fuse connection is a little touchy.
> I would like
> > to replace it with something that i can leave open in the rain. I
> could just buy a cover, and if i go this route, does anyone have a
> cover that they
> > recommend? Cheapies appear to become brittle in short order.
> >
> > I'm not opposed to replacing my fan as a means to enjoy a more
> robust fan/cover and thermostat capabilities... I'm always curious
> how much life is
> > left in current unit. Have you recently replaced your fan with a
> more robust unit? What did you choose and what are your thoughts on
> it to date?
>
> I installed two MAXXair Fans and love them. I even removed one of
> the fantastic fans to install the 2nd MaxxAir:
>
https://www.amazon.com/Maxxair-0007000K-MaxxFan-Deluxe-Remote/dp/B003ZOF0
9Y
>
> It is *much* quieter, has a lot more fan speeds, the remote is
> awesome when you're lying in bed and want to change speeds or
> open/close it.
> (you can also operate it from the fan itself if you misplace the
> remote, but I find the remote easier).
> The cover is much more robust and you can leave it open in the rain
> or while driving.
> The downside: the white cover, being heavier, is not as translucent
> as the fantastic fan; it lets in light, but not quite as much.
> It doesn't open all the way like other vent covers, so you can't see
> the sky around/through the white lid.
> They also make a "smoke" lid, but I have no experience with those.
>
> Fantastic may have indeed been fantastic in the past, but that's not
> been my experience with them in the recent years.
> The plastic on the fantastic lid yellows quickly and other plastic
> parts on the unit have broken with little use.
>
> just my .02
>
> Karen
> 1975 26'
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

Ron & Linda Clark
North Plains, ORYGUN
1978 Eleganza II
 
I really like the MAXX fan that I got from Jim K at Applied. You can leave it open all the time with absolutely no rain intrusion ever. It's built to be open while driving at any speed. On nice days on the road. With the A/C off. ( Our MAXX fan is at the very rear. ) I have it open while driving, to help draw air in the front windows. We got the one with the hand held remote control. Don't even have to get out of bed. Also great for vertically challenged people. Can set the temp as to the inside temps you want it to turn on/off automaticly. Or if it needs to blow in/out. Fan speed can be set at every 10% from off to 100%. Worth every single dime. Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
 
The MaxxFan Deluxe is the one Bob purchased.
when closed,the lid iss flat, as you raise it, the cover raises.
I never raise it much to get good venting. You can run down the road at
highway speeds with it open all the way without any problem as it has two
arms.
Fantastic Fan no longer give free service.

> I really like the MAXX fan that I got from Jim K at Applied. You can leave
> it open all the time with absolutely no rain intrusion ever. It's built to
> be open while driving at any speed. On nice days on the road. With the A/C
> off. ( Our MAXX fan is at the very rear. ) I have it open while driving, to
> help draw air in the front windows. We got the one with the hand held
> remote control. Don't even have to get out of bed. Also great for
> vertically challenged people. Can set the temp as to the inside temps you
> want it to turn on/off automaticly. Or if it needs to blow in/out. Fan
> speed can be set at every 10% from off to 100%. Worth every single dime.
> Bob Dunahugh 78 Royale
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://list.gmcnet.org/mailman/listinfo/gmclist_list.gmcnet.org
>

--
Jim Kanomata
Applied/GMC, Newark,CA
jimk
http://www.appliedgmc.com
1-800-752-7502