Looking for help selecting vent fan

[shpongled]

Hi,

I recently purchased a '16 transit and am stumped as to which roof vent fan to buy. Looking for feedback on what might fit my specific needs. My priorities are (in order):

1. Reliability!
2. Able to withstand humid/wet environments, as I will be spending a lot of time in foggy/rainy areas.
3. Automation/thermostat is a big bonus (but not mandatory)

The problem here is that the MaxxFan Deluxe would seem to be the obvious choice, but looking over the reviews on Amazon I noticed a consistent trend - those using it in dry environments thought it was great, but those using it in humid/wet environments had problems with control board failure, often in the first six months.

I'm hoping someone can suggest a more reliable alternative suitable for use in wet environments.

 

[highdesertranger]

have you looked at a Fantastic Fan with an optional hood? or even a standard Maxx Air with the optional hood. highdesertranger

 

[speedhighway46]

Basically, HDR says it all. I’ve always used Fantastic; my oldest is 22 years and still works as it did on day one. Research both units to see which one best fits your needs, then purchase off of E-Bay.

Just my opinion . . .

 

[MikeRuth]

I just happen to remove the control board on my MaxxFan and most of it had water proofing material added to key components. Mine has been installed for 5 years and although I'm not in a WET environment per SE I have hit hard with the hose many times, no issues. If your leaving the cover open during rain, I suppose you could have a problem.

 

[crofter]

Maxx fan was my choice due to lower profile needed tp park under things. With fan installed i clear the carport roof by about 6 inches. -crofter

 

[dcbinvt]

I think - someone correct me if wrong - the Fantastic Fan uses 30% to 50% less power.
That may be a consideration.

dcb in VT

 

[travelaround]

I bought the Fantastic after reading Amazon reviews. I figured if I didn't like it I could replace with Maxxair.

 

[66788]

Used both, prefer the MaxxAir low profile. No rain entry when up, low profile when down. Screen and fan can be removed fron inside for easy cleaning. Amperage is about the same.

 

[shpongled]

Thanks all! It's a close call but I think I am probably going to roll the dice and go with the MaxxFan. I realized the lower profile is a big selling point for me. And I can avoid opening the vent for too long if it's rainy/foggy. If I have problems with the durability I'll post again.

 

[tx2sturgis]

The basic 3 speed fantastic fan has no control board....it uses a nichrome wire current limiter for the 2 lower speeds...so it is as close to 100% reliable as you are going to get. Short of your van being submerged in a flood, you aren't likely to have a moisture related failure of the fan switch.

But the trade-off is lower efficiency when running on the 2 lower speeds, if that matters to you.