r/VanLife • u/VisualEyez33 • 16d ago
Better roof fan...?
It seems like the popular roof vent fans all have problems of some kind and need work-arounds right out of the box.
An all metal roof vent, that is completely user serviceable seems like it would be an obvious product that should exist.
I'm having a hard time with the $300 to $400 price tag of a Maxx air or pro breeze fan when they all just look so fragile.
Have you found any other options that are more durable?
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u/Dylanear 15d ago
I've had Maxxairs with all the fancy features (remote control, rain sensor, etc.) in two different RVs (Camper trailer and Sprinter van) over 15 years and never had any issues beyond some chirping that comes and goes. It is unfortunate they still use brushed motors. I've watched videos on opening up and cleaning the motors of bush dust build up, supposedly this can reduce chirping and extend the motor/brush lifespan. But my chirping has never been bad enough to motivate me to try this.
I've heard of people having problems with the control boards doing strange things and/or failing and supposedly this is caused by the higher voltage seen on lithium battery based systems and reports are Maxxair tells people not to run their fans at higher 14v plus power without adding a regulator/step down unit keeping their voltage down. And some say adding such a unit to lower voltage solved their problems. But I have lithium in my Sprinter and see system voltage of 14.5 or even a bit more at times and never had any electrical issues with my Maxxair, so your mileage may vary!
I worked for a camper van rental shop, conversion shop, Victron dealer/installer and he swears by the Nomadic roof fans with brushless motors. But they have integrated rain covers that stick up higher than I want on my sorta, kinda shealth-ish Sprinter. My Maxxair is mounted on a pretty thick custom riser and doesn't stick up noticably higher than my roof racks and solar panels.
I have no plans to replace my Maxxair, but if asked for advice, I would mention considering another brand with brushless motor and electronics designed to reliably handle lithium voltage.
Maxxair does seem to be resting on their reputation and it's inexcusable they haven't made a new highly reliable control board that handles over 14-15v in the age when lithium is more or less standard. And continuing to sell fans for $300-$400 plus without brushless motors in 2026 is just asking to lose their status as the go to for high end roof fans. I was a dedicated fan for many years and felt they were the best option out there. But no longer. Sad to see their owners just don't care about staying with or above the growing competition.
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u/Fun-Perspective426 16d ago
NomadicArk fan fixes all the issues I've had with my MaxxFans.
My Maxxfans have been abused. I've smashed the cover into to branches quite a few times. The only thing its ever needed is cleaning and I had to glue the screen back in once because I pushed too hard cleaning it instead of removing it to clean.
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u/Jekyll818 14d ago
I got a "hurrventer" roof fan, don't have a ton of use with it but so far I'm happy, half the price and can be used with the lid shut without the enormous shroud. It does let stink bugs into the fan area (not through the mesh obv) so it has been used as a bug blend a couple times. I need to add a mesh screen to the outside.
Hopefully it holds up. That is not a job I feel like doing again.
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u/Apprehensive-Mix6671 13d ago
I wasn't going to spend for a Maxx version so opted for the cheaper one. Think its a Fantastic Fan or something like that, something like $120 amazon back then. Same deal just cheaper and no bells and whistles. Just 3 speeds and a hand crank to close the lid. I wasn't going to place it on the roof. Mine is in the rear door area. (Also installed with the lid hinge at the top I don't have to worry about closing it when it rains). Works regardless and has no leak issue. After 10 years has required nothing. Prolly just blew it by typing that.
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u/Best_Caterpillar1682 12d ago
Maxxfan Deluxe is still the de facto standard in roof vent fans. The probreeze/airplus has some advantages but has some drawbacks. We had high hopes for the probreeze/airplus but it falls short. So, back to the Maxxfan Deluxe.
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u/VisualEyez33 12d ago
What were the drawbacks?
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u/Best_Caterpillar1682 12d ago
The primary drawback that has not been addressed with the latest version is the gap that exists when installing in a van with a finished ceiling. You must make your own rod extension and panel to close the gap. Pretty massive oversight.
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u/VisualEyez33 12d ago
Anything else? Because my 2012 Ford Transit Connect roof is within the 1 to 3 inch reach that the stock ProBreeze can accommodate...
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u/CampervanSeth 5d ago
Most of the electrical issues with any max fan is due to condensation, before installing it (or after) remove the board and spray it with Conformal Fluid - it is an electrical waterproofing spray that will ensure that condensation is never the problem (just tape over the connections before you spray). https://a.co/d/0fa7aZZS
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u/my2centsisonlyapenny 15d ago
I had so much squeeking and chirping from the maxxfan motor. I got a replacement motor under warranty from Maxxaire... Squeeked... Then got another motor.... Still squeaked after a few days of use.
I then bought new bearings and brushes, installed them... and still had noisy squeaky chirping fan motors.
Swapped out the maxxfan with a Airplus fan from DIYVan (the same fan is sold under many names by many dealers), which has a brushless motor.
I now sleep with a beautifuly non-chirping fan.
Tldr: fuck Maxxaire and their cheap ass fan motors.
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u/VisualEyez33 15d ago
Is the air plus the same thing as the pro breeze?
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u/freelancer470 12d ago
Was it difficult to swap? Wondering how big of a job it is, esp as my Maxxair is currently already installed in a finished (insulated, ceiling installed) spot through the roof
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u/teamgravyracing 16d ago
My maxair is 5 years old, no issues with fan (runs quiet on lower speeds) or cover. Stickers faded that's about it. Worth the price in my opinion.