Operating on 12-volt power, ventilating fans cool and freshen the air inside a motorhome.
By K. Stephen Busick, F45180
August 2004
While some RVers think of fans as being the antiquated predecessor of air-conditioning, and useful only on mild days, fans actually are very practical for year-round use. Air-conditioning has certainly changed our lifestyle during the hottest months, but properly used ventilating fans can make that lifestyle even better when combined with air-conditioning and heating systems.
Although some rooftop air conditioners in the past brought outside air into the coach, current models do not. They simply cool the air and then recirculate it inside the coach. Odors, moisture, and contaminants inside the coach stay there unless removed by open doors and windows or the ventilating system of the coach. Roof-mounted ventilating fans have the ability to quickly move a large volume of air, usually measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm).
In today’s energy-conscious world, a ventilating fan and an open window for a source of air may be all one needs to keep a coach comfortable day or night. Since these units run on 12-volt-DC power, this is an especially nice feature when dry camped and running the generator is either forbidden or discouraged. Naturally, the batteries eventually need to be recharged, but this can be done intermittently and at convenient times.
Personally, we have spent many nights at FMCA conventions with a ventilating fan turned on low and all windows closed except those near the bed. The resulting breezes made for comfortable sleeping. During the day when we ran the generator to power the air-conditioning, the coach batteries were recharged for the next night. We also have used these fans during the heating season to reduce moisture and odors quickly and to “freshen up” the coach.
All of the fans profiled here are designed to fit into a standard 14-inch-by-14-inch vent opening found in RVs. This means that the task of replacing one brand with another, or replacing a nonpowered vent with one of these units, is greatly simplified. However, it must be remembered that electrical power may not be present at nonpowered vent locations. While this will not make installation impossible, it will be more difficult.
As is usually the case with stories prepared for Family Motor Coaching, the manufacturers were most helpful in providing information about their products. Company representatives said they look forward to talking with FMCA members about their ventilating needs. Contact information is given below.
Fan-Tastic Vent
Fan-Tastic Vent offers three models of 12-volt-powered ventilators for RVs, plus other products designed to increase comfort at home or on the road. All three models feature a 12-inch, 10-blade fan and a three-speed reversible fan blade motor. Rooftop weight of the units varies from 10 to 14 pounds. According to product literature, on high speed these fans can move more than 900 cfm of air. The base model, Model 4000R Fan-Tastic Vent, has a hand-operated knob for opening and closing the dome. The midline model, Model 5000 RBT, features a built-in thermostat, while Model 6000 RBTA adds an automatic dome opener with a built-in rain sensor along with the thermostat. If the rain sensor should become wet, the dome closes and remains closed until the sensor dries. The dome is available in smoke, clear, translucent white, and solid white. A nonpowered Model 900 static vent also is offered. Fan-Tastic Vent provides a two-year limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship when installed and operated according to instructions. The Fan-Tastic Vent polycarbonate dome carries a lifetime warranty. An optional insulated dome is available.
Fan-Tastic Vent also offers the Endless Breeze 12-volt box fan. Weighing less than 5 pounds and measuring about 14 inches square, the three-speed, portable fan can be moved where needed and comes with a standard 12-volt cord and plug for easy use with a cigarette lighter or similar outlet. Like the ventilators, it features a 12-inch, 10-blade fan.
For more information, contact:
Fan-Tastic Vent Inc.
2083 S. Almont Ave.
Imlay City, MI 48444
(800) 521-0298
(810) 724-3818
Fax: (810) 724-3460
www.fantasticvent.com
Kool-O-Matic
Kool-O-Matic offers a variety of ventilating fans. These ventilators do not require that a dome or lid be opened for operation, and they feature a galvanized steel blade that, according to product literature, will not change shape or pitch in hot weather.
The RV12, with its low-profile, UV-protected ABS-plastic hood, can move up to 826 cfm of air on the highest of three speeds. The RV12 projects 9.5 inches above the roof and is flush with the coach’s ceiling. The decorative ceiling grille includes dual flow-control dampers.
The RV2000 features three-speed operation and is said to move up to 560 cfm of air at its highest speed (989 rpm). Features include a decorative ceiling diffuser with a recessed ring-style fluorescent light that extends 1-3/8 inches into the coach. Exhaust vent ports incorporate back-draft covers that close when the fan is not in operation. This fan also extends 9.5 inches above the roof and requires a minimum roof thickness of 1 inch.
Kool-O-Matic also offers Model BF12AM for smaller RVs and bathrooms. Extending 7 inches above the roof, this smaller fan incorporates many of the features of the larger unit, including a fluorescent light and automatic back-draft covers. Model AC12 is designed for RVs up to 24 feet in length.
The new Silent-Aire series of ventilators from Kool-O-Matic is offered in OEM models (for installation during the production of the coach) and in models designed to replace vents and other ventilators. These ventilators have a built-in acoustic sound absorption pad that promises to reduce operating noise 50 percent over other Kool-O-Matic products, making them “virtually soundproof.” The units weigh 12 to 16 pounds and feature a blade that is balanced to within 1/2-gram.
Many Kool-O-Matic ventilators can be ordered for use with wall-mounted controls and thermostats. All Kool-O-Matic RV fans come with a three-year warranty.
For more information, contact:
Kool-O-Matic Corporation
1831 Terminal Road
Niles, MI 49120
(269) 683-2600
Fax: (269) 683-2318
www.kool-o-matic.com
MaxxAir
The all-new for 2004 MaxxFan is designed as the first-ever all-in-one ventilation system. A built-in rain shield automatically moves into position when the vent is opened, and then tucks away when it is closed for a low-profile appearance. A manual knob opens and closes the translucent-white or smoke-tinted polycarbonate vent lid. The controls for the three-speed fan, thermostat, and intake/exhaust functions are located around the fan intake screen. The screen can be removed for cleaning by rotating four retaining knobs. The sealed ball-bearing motor and 12-inch, 10-bladed fan can move more than 900 cfm of air on high speed. The MaxxFan is covered by a limited two-year warranty.
MaxxAir also offers the TurboMaxx ventilating fan. This model mounts over an existing roof vent and contains a 12-inch, 10-bladed fan. An important feature of this fan is that the original OEM roof vent and seal remain undisturbed and in place. Available with or without a thermostat, this three-speed unit promises to move up to 982 cfm of air. The TurboMaxx measures 9.2 inches high and is covered by a two-year limited warranty.
In addition to power ventilators, MaxxAir also offers vent and fan covers, replacement air conditioner covers, fan screens, and louvered window vents.
For more information, contact:
MaxxAir Vent Corporation
5513 W. Sligh Ave.
Tampa, FL 33634
(800) 780-9893
(813) 882-8282
Fax: (813) 876-2550
www.maxxair.com
SHURflo Polar Aire
Although SHURflo is perhaps best known to RVers for 12-volt water pumps and other water system accessories, the company produces many other items as well, including three models of Polar Aire fans. All Polar Aire models include a variable-speed fan control for adjusting the blade speed to the exact airflow that is desired. Changing from exhaust mode to intake mode is achieved with the flip of a switch. These units can also operate as a “ceiling fan” with the vent closed during inclement weather.
Positioned one step up from the Polar Aire I, the Polar Aire II features motorized dome operation. To protect both the dome and the motor, the lid automatically stops moving if an object gets in its way while opening or closing.
The Polar Aire III adds thermostatic control of the dome and fan, and a rain sensor designed to close the dome automatically and then reopen it when the sensor dries. This top-of-the-line model offers automatic operation to turn the fan on and off to meet desired speed and temperature control. Automatic operation can be overridden by manual operation when desired.
All standard Polar Aire units fit roofs up to 4-1/4 inches thick. Expansion kits are available for roofs up to 6-1/4 inches thick. Polar Aire fans come with a two-year warranty on the fan component and a five-year warranty on the cover.
For more information, contact:
SHURflo LLC
5900 Katella Ave.
Cypress, CA 90630
(800) 854-3218
(562) 795-5200
Fax: (562) 795-7564
www.shurflo.com
Ventline
Ventline offers a variety of Northern Breeze Ventadome fans with many different features and options. The basic model, Model V2401, features built-in controls and a manual crank dome. Reversible airflow and a variable motor speed controller are standard. Model V2410, a deluxe model, also with built-in controls and reversible airflow, adds a power-lift dome and an integral thermostat. An Auto Mode setting allows the thermostat and rain sensor to control the vent, and an Auto Shut Off function when the dome is closed simplifies operation. Both of these models can move up to 800 cfm of air and feature polycarbonate domes.
Ventline also offers other Northern Breeze fans with various combinations of features to fit individual needs. Included are fans with single speeds, exhaust-only operation, remote thermostats, and remote controls. Northern Breeze ventilators are covered by a two-year warranty.
In addition to the high-cfm Northern Breeze units, Ventline also offers both nonpowered and powered Ventadomes. Nonpowered units are available with metal or plastic domes, while the single-speed, exhaust-only unit features a small fan capable of moving approximately 200 cfm of air.
For more information, contact:
Ventline
902 S. Division St.
Bristol, IN 46507
(574) 848-4491
Fax: (574) 848-4825
www.ventline.com