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Old 03-20-2019, 06:46 PM   #1
crk112
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Hengs Vortex II install

This is my first mod post.. I have a few others in progress that I will be posting on in due time. Credit to this forum of course for all the great ideas...

Here I’ll be outlining the install of my new Vortex II by Heng’s which I purchased on Amazon for $62 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00APSSPEA..._8yVKCbMM18JQY. I picked it because I wanted a bigger, better fan but I wasn’t prepared to take out the whole entire vent frame and redo the sealant on the roof. This was a direct replacement on my factory-installed Ventline inside the same frame. It comes with a crank to operate the same vent lid I have. (Definitely recommend the vent lid covers so you can have it open in the rain!)

First steps of course were to remove the old hardware; the screen, crank, fan, and motor. When removing the 12v wiring make sure not to let the ends touch! take out everything down to the crossbar and the 12v positive/negative wires.
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“The Truck” 2013 Ford F-150 SuperCrew XLT 5.0L 4WD 157WB
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Old 03-20-2019, 06:59 PM   #2
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The most challenging part was finnagelling the Vortex II assembly into place while lining up the screw holes and the vent lid crank gearbox .. I had to get creative and take loose the Vortex gearbox so I could line up the mounting screw holes first.

I only had a short length of 12V wire to work with so I had to install the fan assembly first, remove the fan itself, and then reach through and wire it up. I’m a little concerned about the wire wearing through where it passes between the Ventline frame and the Vortex II frame, so I applied some electrical tape to help protect that.

Several reviews on the product said only one wire nut was included and I had the same experience... had to use one of mine.

Total install time was maybe 90 minutes. Quite easy and the new fan seems to move A LOT of air compared to the old one. On high it seems pretty loud. Not yet sure if and when I might use the reverse direction but I’ll give it a try at time some point.

Camper is in storage for at least another few weeks yet so it will be a bit before I post back with an update after using it in the wild. Looking forward to it!
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Old 03-20-2019, 07:24 PM   #3
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Nice! Just added the fan to our Amazon wish list.
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Old 03-20-2019, 08:22 PM   #4
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Installed 2 of these in the Cougar hoping to bring a little cool air (not using the A/C) into the bedroom area as well as exhaust the bathroom. Opening the windows in the rear of the trailer only worked moderately to create any cross ventilation. Best effect was the ability to reverse the fan and bring outside air directly into the bedroom. Using this method prior to retiring to bed helped lower the temps enough for a comfortable nights sleep while dry camping. Two thumbs up for adding vent covers!
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Old 03-21-2019, 06:18 AM   #5
ADQ K9
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I have been looking at the Maxx Fans with the built in rain shield this seems like a much more economical option. Are the vent covers you used the clip on type?
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Old 03-21-2019, 07:14 AM   #6
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Just installed the deluxe version Maxxfan in the bedroom with remote. Liked it so much took the camper back to Camping World to have one installed in the kitchen
On sale for $274 and $59 next day install. Hear so much negative about Camping World on here but I love our Camping World of Caldwell Idaho.
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Old 03-21-2019, 07:50 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ADQ K9 View Post
I have been looking at the Maxx Fans with the built in rain shield this seems like a much more economical option. Are the vent covers you used the clip on type?
Hi Mike, we got a Camco 40443 vent cover https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EDOSN8..._Ts6KCb58ZJBZ4 for $25 on Amazon.. it actually screws in to "L" brackets which are screwed into your vent frame. Very minor drilling is required, but this only took me around 30 minutes to install. It's not real clear from the Amazon photos but there is a screen on it to help keep insects out.

The Ventline vent frame sticks up out of the roofline a couple of inches or so vertically. You take some "L" brackets from this vent cover kit, lay them out evenly and close to the corners, mark the spots, and drill four holes in the vent frame. Then attach the vent cover onto the "L" brackets using carriage bolts and nuts, and screw the "L" brackets into the holes you drilled in the vent frame and voila!

The hardest part was keeping as much of my weight OFF my roof as possible while I was installing.

Sorry I don't have any photos handy to help with the visuals. I'm a huge visual person so I really like to see it all ahead of time before I dive in. This was a simple task.. I was surprised at how easy it was to install and yet it's sturdy. With the cover in place I've never had an issue camping in the wind and rain, and it's probably ridden close to 1500 miles on the roof now!
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Old 03-21-2019, 09:01 AM   #8
ADQ K9
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Cool, so it sounds like you did all of this with out breaking the factory seal on the vent. good deal I will keep this in mind. I want to do all three of my vents statring with the kitchen and bedroom. The bath can wait since it already has the factory fan but the vent covers are a must for rain in Alaska.
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Old 03-21-2019, 09:35 AM   #9
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I put two Maxxair 2 vent covers on my TT this past weekend in about 45 minutes. If you are good with eyeballing center, then it will go quicker. You really don't need to measure, it all just works. No "factory seal" breaking, drill 4 holes into side of metal frame.

I still have a fan to install, I know there is power available, I expect it will take 30-45 minutes including the cover.

$59 next day install isn't a bad deal if you are pressed for time or don't like heights
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Old 03-21-2019, 09:44 AM   #10
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As stated, vent covers are a super easy add and not overly expensive. I did all three vents. Two seasons of use with no issues. Really nice to have the vents open when traveling to allow air into the Cougar. Plus, leaving the vents open when not "home" keeps things fresh as well.
Heng fan and vent cover were still under $100. Much easier on the pocketbook than the Maxair.
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Old 03-21-2019, 09:54 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ADQ K9 View Post
I have been looking at the Maxx Fans with the built in rain shield this seems like a much more economical option. Are the vent covers you used the clip on type?
I looked at that model as well (deluxe models). Because our camper is brand new and should serve us well into our retirement I went a different route.

Worried that after the warranty expired the fan cover would become brittle due to UV exposure. Not seeing replacement parts being sold for the deluxe I decided to go with the 4000K fan with the fanmate cover.

These are also maxxair products.

The fanmate clips onto the 4000k so it is super easy to replace. No tools other than a ladder.

At some point I'll buy an extra fanmate and put it in storage as insurance.
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