Maxxair Fan Alternative Suggestion ?

[3498hyt]

I am interested in recommendations for an alternative to our failed Maxxair fan assembly in our 2009 19 foot. I have previously replaced the control board, pressure pads, etc. including coating the board from moisture. Frustrated, and would like something more durable and simple (no remotes or automatic features such as rain sensors). “Old school” simple would be best.

Thanks in advance,

Bret

 

[LRL]

I am interested in recommendations for an alternative to our failed Maxxair fan assembly in our 2009 19 foot. I have previously replaced the control board, pressure pads, etc. including coating the board from moisture. Frustrated, and would like something more durable and simple (no remotes or automatic features such as rain sensors). “Old school” simple would be best.

Thanks in advance,

Bret

Bummer about your Maxxfan. I can imagine if it was a 2009, it might need replacing. I know that the same company makes a very basic model with no remote, no thermometer, with the only controls being on the unit itself.

 

[Selkirk]

I believe that both Dometic and Hengs offer fans similar to the Maxxair ....the Fan-tastic Fan and Vortex Fan respectively. I don't know if either are any better in quality compared to the Maxxair product.

IMHO, the big advantage of the Maxxair is the integrated vent shroud. As far as I know, all the competing brands require a separate fixed vent cover.

I wonder if an inexpensive 3rd Party manual speed controller is available for the Maxxair?

 

[3498hyt]

Thanks. A 3rd party, simple fan control alternative would be good. I am fairly handy with low voltage wiring and a soldering gun, but the continuing issues with reliability are having me seek a new path.

Thanks,

Bret

 

[Perry Butler]

Do you have solar? If so, are you charging over 14.2 volts? When I replaced the Maxxfan board 2-3 years ago I was informed by Maxxfan to install a voltage regulator ideally set to 12.8 volts.

If you have lithium batteries and charge at over 14.2 volts I'd install a voltage regulator. Maxxfan told me even their new board had problems with over 14.2 volts.

My understanding is, our Dometic fan's board can handle over 14.2 volts, but this summer I'll be adding either a buck/boost voltage regulator, or the Orion DC-DC, I already own, as a whole house regulator, running as a voltage regulator at 12.8 volts.

Food for thought,

Perry

 

[Selkirk]

Out of curiosity, I performed a quick search and landed on this:

https://www.amazon.ca/DC12V-60V-Con...3&psc=1&mcid=26fca6da4d1831e0a37ec36d4852937a

There are probably other products available.....but it does suggest that options to completely replace the speed controller do exist.

 

[3498hyt]

Thanks all. I liked the 3rd party idea and found this on (of course) Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P6NWJJ3/ref=pe_386300_440135490_TE_simp_item_image

I liked that several of the reviews were specifically addressing my continued frustrations with the Maxxair circuitry and there was even a review video of the completed installation and operation. We are on the road now, but it is already waiting for me at home.

Bret

 

[gklott]

Choose proper PWM controller

Frustrated, and would like something more durable and simple (no remotes or automatic features such as rain sensors). “Old school” simple would be best.

Cheaper, and easier to install alternative. We also like the continuously controllable fan speed. 18+ months without issue. Handles higher LiFePO charging voltages, as it is a 24V controller. Overbuilt…retains good MaxxFan physical features

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f9/maxfan-controller-replacement-23821.html#post432080

73/gus

 

[alanmalk]

Cheaper, and easier to install alternative. We also like the continuously controllable fan speed. 18+ months without issue. Handles higher LiFePO charging voltages, as it is a 24V controller. Overbuilt…retains good MaxxFan physical features
...
73/gus

Clearly it works correctly but I remain puzzled. The controllers of this type all specify a brushed motor. I thought the MaxxFan used a stepper motor. Could someone clarify this for me?

 

[gklott]

DC motor brushes

The controllers of this type all specify a brushed motor. I thought the MaxxFan used a stepper motor. Could someone clarify this for me?

This shows Maxxfan motor insides.

73/gus

 

[alanmalk]

Ok, brushes. (He calls them 'bushings'). Bring on the controller.

 

[gklott]

Maybe better, smaller controller

Suspect there are better controllers available now. Motor spec is 5A, but I went for 20A, 60V controller. Hard part of search is the controller’s case size. Good luck.

73/gus