I'm thinking about installing a 6" round Maxxair exhaust fan in the restroom, but the larger one in the main part of the bus will be a typical 14" model. They are less than $100.00. I just can't see installing 2 large Maxxairs 6 feet from each other. Has anyone had any experiences with the 6" round one? Some of the reviews say they are kind of noisy, but if it's only for the restroom, who cares?
Not sure how McGuyver guy you are but if you just want some low flow ventilation in the bathroom area, consider a DC computer case muffin fan. they are dirt cheap and certain models are virtually silent and draw almost no energy. They work best in free flow cases but you can probably find some that have power to work with differential pressures
I read many reviews on this, and like the design and compactness. However the many reviews about the noise it makes, makes me hesitant to try one. A fantastic fan draws same or less on low and is almost silent. Yes it requires another 14x14. I guess a 6 inch diameter fan moving 200 cfm is bound to be noisey. There are many different brands of similar fans. Maybe one of the others is near silent. I didnt check as to how much air a typical muffin fan moves, but most likely far less than 200 cfm.
I've had the 6" Ventline fan in three rigs now - my 4106, 4108, and Airstream. For a bathroom vent, it works great. It sucks enough air to keep the bathroom from being damp or odorous, but not so much as to remove all the cooled/heated air from the bus.
When I got the Airstream the vent needed to be replaced. The shop had both the Ventline and the MaxxAir 6" fans on the shelf. I asked for recommendations, and the tech told me he didn't see the reason to spend the extra on the MaxxAir. I went with the Ventline, and it has performed well.
I my opinion there is no reason for a 14x14 vent in a bathroom.
many times a 14x14 vent in the bathroom is beneficial. By keeping it open a little, removes moisture accumulation and odors from coach. Of course you need the any weather dome. If placing fan on high, offending odors can be removed quickly, not eventually. amp draw on low is equal or less than 6" ones, and on low they are very quiet. Parts are so far, available for years. Downside is the hole is 14x14" instead of 6"
But, whatever works for you. Btw, some have mounted the 6" horizontally.
We have forever the 6" ventline aka Vanaire bath/shower vent and also put a variable speed rheostat on it so speed & air movement of choice. It works great. You'll never replace another motor with the rheostat dialed down...
Quote from: dtcerrato on September 21, 2022, 07:12:25 AM
We have forever the 6" ventline aka Vanaire bath/shower vent and also put a variable speed rheostat on it so speed & air movement of choice. It works great. You'll never replace another motor with the rheostat dialed down...
I installed the Fantastic fan mid coach in the bathroom and it will pull what ever Odoriferous Emanations you got floating in the air out. I too have added a rheostat (speed controller) to it because lets face it the FF is a noisey lil' $#!% the way they build them nowadays.
Tnuocke 12V/24V DC Motor Speed Controller Universal,Knob Screw Electronic Stepless Speed Regulator Switch,Adjustable Motor Speed, Automobile Fan HeaterControl, Defroster, Fans Speed Regulation https://a.co/d/2XPt0vr
Quote from: dtcerrato on September 21, 2022, 07:12:25 AM
We have forever the 6" ventline aka Vanaire bath/shower vent and also put a variable speed rheostat on it so speed & air movement of choice. It works great. You'll never replace another motor with the rheostat dialed down...
I like this idea (the Ventline with a rheostat). My concern with the 6" Maxxair now (after posting the question) is that it needs to be manually opened. I cannot install one through the wall due to the windows still being in place, so the ceiling is the only place for it. With my wife being 4'10" or even for small kids, I would have to go back there and open it up all the time. Does the Ventline open automatically when turned on?
did you see the cfm requirement.https://www.newegg.com/noctua-nf-a14-ippc-3000-pwm-case-fan/p/N82E16835608048?Description=fan&cm_re=fan-_-35-608-048-_-Productmany others on site, just an example
30 bucks| RPM | 3000 RPM +/- 10% RPM |
| Air Flow | 158.5 CFM |
| Noise Level | 41.3 dB(A) |
ks
Quote from: Glennman on September 21, 2022, 12:34:49 PM
...Does the Ventline open automatically when turned on?
No. The handle needs to be pushed up.
The speed control rheostat works excellent for the shower. You can set it just fast enough to draw the steamy air out with creating a fast chilly draft.
So, it looks like unless I spend $250+ on a fancier model, I am stuck with a manual opening unit, which means I will have to relocate the unit to a lower part of the ceiling near the side of the bus. My wife will not be able to reach it if it's toward the middle as planned. I guess I can do that.
Quote from: windtrader on September 21, 2022, 02:51:19 PM
did you see the cfm requirement.https://www.newegg.com/noctua-nf-a14-ippc-3000-pwm-case-fan/p/N82E16835608048?Description=fan&cm_re=fan-_-35-608-048-_-Productmany others on site, just an example
30 bucks| RPM | 3000 RPM +/- 10% RPM |
| Air Flow | 158.5 CFM |
| Noise Level | 41.3 dB(A) |
ks
Thanks windtrader. I probably won't do any McGuyvering on this fan project, but these will work great near the windshield seats and above the bed!
They make an 11x11" powered roof vent fan, similar to the full size ones. Would be a substantially smaller hole.
Quote from: chessie4905 on September 22, 2022, 04:14:56 AM
They make an 11x11" powered roof vent fan, similar to the full size ones. Would be a substantially smaller hole.
Thanks chessie4905. I've seen some that were dubbed "mini". They appeared to be a smaller fan in the same 14x14 hole. I just kind of blew past those, but maybe I need to slow down and take a closer look and see if maybe they are 11x11 instead.
Appears to be both. Mini maybe different mfgr, I recall.
I just installed 2. Haven't powered it yet to know if it's noisy.
I'll test it and report my findings.
here's a source for the 11x11" vent fan. appears to just be a smaller version of the large ones. 3 speeds,reversible, and twist knob to raise and lower. Also available at Amazon.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/11-in-RV-Roof-Vent-Fan-12V-Motorhome-Fan-with-3-Speed-Intake-and-Exhaust-HCRVVF11/315154347
I see on Amazon they offer a remote controlled version with rain sense auto close. I think I would just put a Maxxair all weather cover over it and use cheaper model. If you need the remote due to reach issues, then the remote one would be the way to go. that way you could also fully open without hitting cover.
Talking about fans it is sorta OT but Fantastic Fan always gave you the cover for a life time warranty and even paid shipping, since Dometic owns Fantastic Fan now there is no warranty for life now they charge 50 bucks for that cover it sucks
Lifetime warranties are fleeting.I have a couple nos covers in the shop. Got one replaced free at FMCA convention several years ago.
I read somewhere even the lifetime fantastic fan warranty is not as 100% as it was. Maybe you have to pay for shipping whereas before it was really 100% all covered. Rumor but still a good warranty
Quote from: chessie4905 on September 27, 2022, 08:25:47 AM
Lifetime warranties are fleeting.I have a couple nos covers in the shop. Got one replaced free at FMCA convention several years ago.
Yep you would see the owner of Fantastic Fan at every FMCA rally and he would send his crew out to change switches,screens,cover what ever it needed sometimes very often he would just install a new fan all for free,a very nice guy but the kids sold his company after he passed away
I was looking at the 3" or 4" inline fans that are used to ventilate boat enclosures of fumes, etc. One of those could be installed remotely, with only the actual vent opening in the restroom and a duct from the restroom to the fan unit. Looks intriguing. You could even sort of manifold the vent so that there is an opening near the toilet and another near the shower. Just a thought.
Fore sure look to marine applications for use in buses. Lots of similar design and environmental considerations. Be forewarned think marine parts are even more dear than buses.
One can always use a meter both for filling and level on the fresh water,I had meters in one bus before they worked out nice knowing how much water was used you knew when to dump
That is a really good simple idea. A simple flow gauge that measures fluild flow. Wow, so simple. just read the dial how many gallons used since full.
Geez. 20 bucks
https://www.amazon.com/INNOKEY-Flowmeter-Connectors-Sprinkler-Swimming/dp/B09VL2KFF9/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=water+flow+meter+gallons&qid=1664326757&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjAxIiwicXNhIjoiMy45MyIsInFzcCI6IjMuNjAifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-20 (https://www.amazon.com/INNOKEY-Flowmeter-Connectors-Sprinkler-Swimming/dp/B09VL2KFF9/ref=sr_1_20?keywords=water+flow+meter+gallons&qid=1664326757&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI1LjAxIiwicXNhIjoiMy45MyIsInFzcCI6IjMuNjAifQ%3D%3D&sr=8-20)
The only thing is a remote readout is far better. Must be around for some additional dollars.
35 bucks
https://www.amazon.com/Savant-Totalizer-Meter-Water-Filter/dp/B09PFN9MFR/ref=sr_1_2?crid=6EF5AQITLUU0&keywords=flow%2Bremote%2Bdisplay%2Bmeter&qid=1664327050&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjAzIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=flow%2Bremote%2Bdisplameter%2Caps%2C245&sr=8-2&th=1
here's one https://www.amazon.com/DIGITEN-Display-Quantitative-Controller-Flowmeter/dp/B07GSXNLWG/ref=sr_1_19?crid=157QPUB5DRMC7&keywords=water+flow+meter+gallons+remote+meter&qid=1664326919&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjIyIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=water+flow+meter+gallons+remote+met%2Caps%2C454&sr=8-19&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.08f69ac3-fd3d-4b88-bca2-8997e41410bb (https://www.amazon.com/DIGITEN-Display-Quantitative-Controller-Flowmeter/dp/B07GSXNLWG/ref=sr_1_19?crid=157QPUB5DRMC7&keywords=water+flow+meter+gallons+remote+meter&qid=1664326919&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjIyIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=water+flow+meter+gallons+remote+met%2Caps%2C454&sr=8-19&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.08f69ac3-fd3d-4b88-bca2-8997e41410bb)
I didn't know that Maxxair both ventilates and measures water usage. Pretty comprehensive unit! :D
Quote from: Glennman on September 27, 2022, 09:55:26 PMPretty comprehensive unit!
Glenn -FYI, my 40-foot coach has a single Airxcel Maxxair Deluxe All-in-One 14x14 fan unit in the bathroom that serves the whole coach more than adequately. 10-speeds, in or out. Can operate on low speed when closed, even when it's raining. Remote control, too, so no having to stand on a stool to open/close. Temperature programmable - I've been able to use just the fan with four windows cracked open on 85º days and remained comfortable inside - nice breeze on high speed! Lowest speed is so quiet you have to look at it to see that it's running.
Unlike the flimsier Fantastic Fan covers, it has two heftier support rods for the opening cover, a much better design. Altho a slightly higher profile when closed, it doesn't require the ugly tall rain shield covers that a Fantastic needs in order to operate when raining or running down the highway. Slightly more expensive than a FF, but build quality is definitely "you get what you pay for" better.
I agree with Clifford - since Fantastic was sold to Dometic, the warranty is now only one year, and customer support, like for most Dometic products, sucks.
Here's the model Airxcel Maxxair fan that I have:
https://www.maxxair.com/Products/fans/maxxfan-deluxe-00-07500K/
Anyway, something for you to consider?
FWIW & HTH. . . ;)
RJ
Quote from: RJ on September 28, 2022, 02:53:26 AM
Glenn -
FYI, my 40-foot coach has a single Airxcel Maxxair Deluxe All-in-One 14x14 fan unit in the bathroom that serves the whole coach more than adequately. 10-speeds, in or out. Can operate on low speed when closed, even when it's raining. Remote control, too, so no having to stand on a stool to open/close. Temperature programmable - I've been able to use just the fan with four windows cracked open on 85º days and remained comfortable inside - nice breeze on high speed! Lowest speed is so quiet you have to look at it to see that it's running.
Unlike the flimsier Fantastic Fan covers, it has two heftier support rods for the opening cover, a much better design. Altho a slightly higher profile when closed, it doesn't require the ugly tall rain shield covers that a Fantastic needs in order to operate when raining or running down the highway. Slightly more expensive than a FF, but build quality is definitely "you get what you pay for" better.
I agree with Clifford - since Fantastic was sold to Dometic, the warranty is now only one year, and customer support, like for most Dometic products, sucks.
Here's the model Airxcel Maxxair fan that I have:
https://www.maxxair.com/Products/fans/maxxfan-deluxe-00-07500K/
Anyway, something for you to consider?
FWIW & HTH. . . ;)
RJ
I never really considered having only one fan. I just figured that I needed one for the restroom and one for the main living area, especially since the bus is so huge. Since the bathroom doors are open 95% of the time, I guess it really doesn't matter if the restroom fan serves the entire coach. That sounds like a plan! I like the remote control version too. I watched quite a few videos on those, and they beat the Fantastic Fan by far. The location I chose for the fan in the restroom is only 3" from the door into the kitchen anyway. Thanks RJ!