RV vent fans are an important yet overlooked feature of your RV. While you’re not going to make an RV purchase decision on the vent model, but it’s good to know your primary options and their features. Two fans, in particular, have taken over the market in recent years. Let’s see which one you think does a better job of circulating air as we pit MaxxAir vs Fan-Tastic Fan and explore other options for replacements.
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Why You Need RV Vent Fans
RV vent fans are critical appliances in an RV. Often your RV windows aren’t positioned right or don’t open enough to let a strong breeze through naturally. Vent fans push (or pull) air out of the RV, creating airflow throughout the camper.
Common places for RV vent fans to be located include the bathroom, kitchen, and bedrooms. Bathroom vent fans remove humidity and steam from showers, as well as undesirable smells.
Smoke and other cooking vapors can be pulled out through a vent in the kitchen. Bedroom fans create gentle breezes through the night to keep you cool while conserving power (or in the absence of an RV air conditioner).
MaxxAir vs Fan-Tastic Fan — The Great RV Vent Fan Debate
When you buy an RV, you usually don’t have much choice in the RV vent fan that comes with it. RV vent suppliers work directly with RV manufacturers to supply this critical RV appliance based on the manufacturer’s budget, standards, and production. Often the one you get on your RV is the one you stick with.
AirXcel is the maker of MaxxAir MaxxFans. They make and supply a variety of RV products in the heating, cooling, cooking, and RV exterior realms. Dometic makes the Fan-Tastic Vent
But RV vent fans can wear out, break, or annoy you into replacing them. Cracked RV vent covers are easily replaced and cost less than a whole new unit. But sometimes, you have the opportunity to make a change.
Fortunately, RVers can’t go wrong with either brand, as MaxxAir and Fan-Tastic Fan each have some terrific features. We’ve broken down the benefits of both so you can decide for yourself between MaxxAir vs Fan-Tastic Fan.
MaxxAir Models and Speeds
MaxxAir offers six different fan models of RV vent fan that range in speed options from four to 10. The two base models, the 5301K and the 6401K, only have four speeds, with no thermostat.
The top four models, the 5100K, 6200K, 7000K, and 7500K, all come with 10 speeds and a thermostat for automated use.
MaxxAir Fan Best Features
One of the most loved options available on all six models of MaxxAir fans is their built-in rain shields. This makes operating the fan much more useful during inclement weather.
The top two models also have automatic lid opening and remote controls, while the other four models require manual opening using ceiling controls. MaxxAir touts a less obtrusive, lower profile on the roof of a van when it comes to MaxxAir vs Fan-Tastic Fan.
Cost of MaxxAir Fans
Depending on the model, MaxxAir fans can cost between $175 and $325. The more features and capabilities, the more expensive they get.
- Powerful 10-speed intake and exhaust fan
- Thermostat to control room temperature
- Provides over 900 CFM to keep you cool and comfortable
Pro Tip: Unsure what fan option is best for you? Check out these 5 Best RV Ceiling Fans for Adding or Replacing in Your RV.
Fan-Tastic Fan Models and Speeds
Fan-Tastic Fan comes out slightly ahead in MaxxAir vs Fan-Tastic Fan here. These RV vent fans offer five models with speeds from three to 13.
Their top-of-the-line model, 7350K, is the only model with 13 speeds, and it comes with remote control. All other models have ceiling controls for on and off capabilities.
Fan-Tastic Fan Best Features
Because the Fan-Tastic Fan doesn’t come with a rain shield, its top two contenders have a rain sensor that automatically closes the vent at the first sign of moisture.
You can purchase vent covers separately and install them on the outside of the fan to allow usage during rain. All but the most basic model have fans that run in both directions for exhaust and air intake.
- Product Type :Auto Accessory
- Package Dimensions :21.5" L X23.0" W X11.5" H
- Country Of Origin :United States
Pro Tip: Once you install your Fan-Tastic Fan, check out our Complete Guide to Using Your Fantastic Fan.
Cost of Fan-Tastic Fans
Fan-Tastic Fans can cost between $235 to $380, depending on the model and the features included.
- Fits standard 14" x 14" openings
- Three fan blade speeds; Reversible air flow
- Manual lift dome; Quiet operation
Best RV Roof Vent Fan Overall: MaxxAir Fan
Our choice for the best RV roof vent fan in MaxxAir vs Fan-tastic Fan is MaxxAir, based on their versatility in rain and sun. Its sturdy construction with two support arms gives it stability. And the ability to use the vent fan while driving, because of its rain cover, makes this fan a winner any way you look at it.
Best RV Roof Vent Fan on a Budget: Fan-Tastic Fan
The Fan-Tastic Fan gives RVers a dependable vent fan on almost any budget. Adding the optional vent cover makes this device more functional in a stationary or moving scenario. The automated rain sensor helps protect the camper from water damage while you’re away from the campsite.
They’re Both Great, But the MaxxAir Wins
The great RV vent fan debate was almost a draw, but we’ve concluded that the MaxxAir fan comes out on top in MaxxAir vs Fan-Tastic Fan. No matter which brand you choose in your camper, you’ll end up with a great way to stay cool on your next adventure.
Other RV Vent Fan Replacements
Now, AirXcel and Dometic may be the most popular RV vent fan makers, but they are not the only ones. If you search for RV vent fan replacements, you will find other options.
For example, Hike Crew makes a variety of RV Vent fan models that fall in a slightly lower price point, around $100-$270.
If you’re looking for extreme budget, you can check out this vent fan by Ventline for less the $50.
- New aerodynamically shaped dome is more durable
- Improved lift mechanism provides a smooth operation
- Package Weight: 4.761 pounds
Which fan do you prefer? Drop a comment below!
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Read More From The Mortons:
James
Tuesday 12th of April 2022
We replaced the roof vent in our 2003 Pleasure Way RV with a Fan Vent Tastic. This completely changed my RV! It can suck the stinky air out in just a few minutes. I paired mine with a few solar panels and left it on all day. It consumes only 18 watts on low, 26 watts on medium, and over 30 watts on high.We replaced the roof vent in our 2003 Pleasure Way RV with a fan vent, the Fan-Tastic Vent 3-Speed. This completely changed my RV! It can suck the stinky air out in just a few minutes. I paired mine with a few solar panels and left it on all day. It consumes only 18 watts on low, 26 watts on medium, and over 30 watts on high.
Tim Hollis
Thursday 31st of March 2022
Also I have a MaxxAire in my 2017 RPtor toy hauler that has a broken gear box. I have been trying to by a replacement part for 4 months. Nobody has the patt and I haven't been able to order it.
Mark
Friday 25th of March 2022
Others have also recommended the MaxxAir and I was about to buy one until I read the reviews and saw many complaints about the sensitivity to voltages above 12v. That's really poor design because the 12v system sees at least 13.6v when charging the house battery. The FanTastic fan does not have those complaints.
Jed
Wednesday 16th of March 2022
My first Maxx fan got replaced in the first year of my new Ravs warranty period. Now another year later the motor has burned out and the replacement part is 90% of the cost of an entire new unit. If I had the fantastic fan I could have bought the new motor and fan assembly for under $50. Maxxfan sucks!
GK Lott
Sunday 24th of October 2021
How do you rate MaxxFan so high when the control board has a fatal design flaw. Battery charging voltage burns out the control board voltage regulator. This is a know problem, and MaxxFan no longer sells control boards for models like the 5100K. For these MaxxFans to be long lived, you must install a 12 VDC block regulator to prevent any voltages > 12.8 VDC.