Maxxair lift mechanism broke off!

[Treblemaker]

We were closing the Maxxfan on our 2015 21 and the mechanism that lifts, closes, and locks the fan broke off! Of course, the one time I didn’t bring my paperwork for literally everything in the camper along. If anyone could advise us on the model used for the manual Maxx air on the 2015 models, I will attempt to find a replacement part! We are on the road for 6 more weeks! Thank you!!

[HABBERDABBER]

Mine shattered, while NOT being used. I spied a bunch of metal bits on the floor, and it was a common occurrence with others. Bad batch of pot metal cast mechanism, it seems.

I don't have the info you require on part number. Even Amazon carried one version. There are 2 versions and either will work. One version is for manually raised, the other for the auto action. A simple swap out of the gear shaft from your old one into the auto version will work, if you can't find the manual version.

Search this forum, as others have experienced your issue.

P.S. Do the replacement from the exterior, from up on the roof. There are instructions and photos somewhere on this forum for the procedure.

[JohnK]

We also are on the road so can’t access the exact part number just now. We have had to change one in the past. If I remember correctly the basic lift operator can accommodate both manual and remote operated units. There are choices you can make on Amazon and etrailer both which will get you what you want. The repair will require disconnecting wiring inside and then unfastening 4 screws outside and pulling the top half up out of the roof after which you’ll need to do some disassembly on a picnic table of you’re on the road. It can be done on the road but might be something you would choose to defer till you get home.
John

[Vermilye]

I posted this in another thread:

There is a pot metal gear box that connects the crank handle to the lid. That failed on my fan (as it has on many) and needed to be replaced. Hope that is not your problem, but if it is there are two versions of the gearbox. The manual lift uses a long shaft (the link I posted) The power lift version uses a short shaft. Unfortunately, the long shaft version is more expensive.

Must be done from the outside up on the roof. It comes with instructions or
watch this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VP9629vFybE

. The video is for the power lift version which uses the shorter shaft, but the process is the same.

While I purchased the more expensive long shaft version, Habberdabber noted that you can replace the short shaft with your original long one. I haven't tried it, but the short version is less expensive.

Long Shaft

Short Shaft

[Treblemaker]

Thank you everyone!! I knew you would have the answers we needed! Looks like we will order and use Amazon lockers. Fortunately we carry a ladder! The video is really helpful!!
Now Hubs and I get to flip a coin for who gets to do this job!😉

[HABBERDABBER]

When I tried to order the manual version, it was backordered for 7 months. The auto version was immediately available, and someone on the forum described swapping out the gear shaft from the broken old one to the auto lift version which worked fine and was easy enough to do. The only difference between the 2 is the shaft length.

[Treblemaker]

Good to know! Looks like Amazon is out of long shaft so we will try this, and order a spare from etrailer with the long shaft when we get home. One more spare part to add to the arsenal!

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Treblemaker

We were closing the Maxxfan on our 2015 21 and the mechanism that lifts, closes, and locks the fan broke off! Of course, the one time I didn’t bring my paperwork for literally everything in the camper along. If anyone could advise us on the model used for the manual Maxx air on the 2015 models, I will attempt to find a replacement part! We are on the road for 6 more weeks! Thank you!!

All I can say is “welcome to the club!”