Upgrade on Fan-Tastic Fan

[Jill Goldman]

Hi Folks,

I have a 2003 Patriot Ticonderoga with a Fan-Tastic Fan that, surprisingly, does not have a  temperature control. I want to replace it with an upgrade, but am concerned that the one I found on Amazon - Fan-Tastic Vent 803359 Vent Upgrade Kit for 3350 - White - will work. Is there anything special I need to be concerned about? The model listed in the manual is not the exact model that I have; mine has a power/manual lid opener, as does the upgrade. Mine does not appear to have an in/out switch which is included on the upgrade, altho I cannot think of any time I would want to bring air in through the vent.

Thanks,

Jill

[Bill Lampkin]

Should be a simple upgrade, since you don't need to go up on the roof. I love our Fantastic fans, but there is one thing about the temp control that is a bit wonky. When the thermostat (in the fan) senses the correct temp has been reached, the lid closes and the fan turns off. If it gets too hot, the fan comes on and the lid opens. Guess what happens most of the time; The lid opens and closes again and again, annoying as the lid opener, not the fan, makes a bit of a racket when operating. I have not found a way around this issue, so I just set my fan t'stat to keep the coach cool in the summer, and let it go at that. I turn the fan off manually. On an older coach like ours, it wouldn't hurt to take a look at the fan vent lid to see if it is cracked or needs replacing. And if you don't have a vent cover (Fantastic Ultra Breeze or Maxxair) now would be a good time to add one. 

[Gerald Farris]

Jill,
The upgrade will fit your fan, but since your fan has wall switches, it actually has two power supplies to the fan so you will need to do a few wiring changes to keep the wall switches active. Fantastic Fan technical support can furnish you with the needed diagram.
 
Bill,
The way that I have wired my fans is that the wall switch controls the lid and it only opens or closes with the wall switch unless water gets on the rain sensor which overrides the wall switch and closes the lid. The fan motor turns on and off with the fan thermostat without the lid closing. The only thing that I do not like about the new model fans circuit boards is that the wall switch has to be cycled to open the lid after the rain sensor has closed it. On my 2000 Marquis the fan circuit board allowed the lid to open automatically as soon as the rain sensor dried if the wall switch remained on. As for adding a fan cover, they reduce air flow and with a rain sensor they are not needed, so I never use one. As for the in or out switch, it is very useful with pets because you can turn on two fans wit one in and one out to supply better ventilation for the pets when windows are closed and the rain sensors will prevent water damage from rain. Fantastic Fan technical support should be able to furnish you with a wiring diagram to make your fans operate the way you want them to, or if you are at the Quartzsite rally, I will take my fan down and show you how to wire it.

Gerald

[Bill Lampkin]

Thanks Gerald! No plans for Q this year, but I'll call Fantastic.

[Jill Goldman]

Thanks Bill and Gerald. Fortunately I have a roof cover so the rain sensor shouldn't activate unless it is that sensitive. So from what Gerald says there is a work around the lid closing based on the thermo control. If that is possible I will go ahead and order the upgrade. I have a very capable friend who will install it for me and, Gerald, if need be, I'd like to be able to contact you.

[Fred Brooks]

   Folks, Here is another consideration especially if you are off the grid and beaten path. The spring and fall have the Best temperatures to explore! Like automobiles parked in the sun, our coaches are subject to convection and easily raise the inside temperatures 10 to 15 degrees. If you crack open the bedroom windows and the driver and passenger windows and set your fantastic fans to the outside temperature, they will cycle on and off quietly and keep the interior pleasantly comfortable.
  Hope to see you in Quartzite, Fred

[Mike Jones]

Will this upgrade work with any roof vent or just the Fan-Tastic Vents?

[Fred Brooks]

    The one you are looking at is a fantastic fan replacement, however you could use it any where there is a standard 14" by 14" roof vent. Only issue is there existing 12 volt power to connect to it. Have fun!, Fred

[Mike Jones]

Thanks Fred.
I have power there, it’s just that somebody before me put manual vents in.