Fan: auto rain lid, or cowl?

[LHaven]

I'm planning to add a powered fan (FanTastic, or equivalent) to the simple screened roof vent over our bed.

One must-have feature is rain protection. I could get that either with a rain-sensing model that automatically closes the lid, or I could have a cowl added to the roof. The cowl has the advantage of no moving parts, but I don't know how efficient they are at keeping rain (especially driven rain) out. Another advantage of the cowl is that it kills direct sunlight, which is a bear here in Arizona (I've been keeping a Camco push-fit vent insulator in both roof vents just because).

I'm assuming the cost of the cowl and installation is going to exceed the incremental cost of the auto-close lid feature.

I'm interested in hearing people's experiences with both options.

[chuckster57]

MaxxFan, no need for a vent cover and yes the rain doesn’t get inside even with the vent in operation. I have 1 at each end, 10 speed, reversible so I can circulate the air.

Link for picture only.
https://www.amazon.com/Maxxair-Vent-...29089632&psc=1

[bsmith0404]

Do you need a maxxair type vent cover? No. Wouldn’t add one? Absolutely. I live in New Mexico so I deal with the same sun/heat that you do. The sun is brutal on bent covers. Add a maxxair to it for the sun protection not only while in use, but year round. Also, you can leave the bent open while traveling. It creates a bit of a vacuum and pulls the heat out making your rv cooler when you get to your destination.

[LHaven]

Thanks. I was not aware of this product, and it looks perfect.

The sales material on this unit seems really short of photographs from various angles as opposed to drawings. I've found only one photo (installation, from the underside) that actually shows that there is a "window" portion at the very top to let the light through, and in that photo, the window is clear. Am I right to assume that this window is clear on the white units, and smoked on the dark units?

[solv3nt]

I've been reading poor reviews of the Maxxair deluxe, are they accurate?

[chuckster57]

I have 2 that are 10 speed reversible. One with a remote and I haven’t had a single issue. Previous fiver had one for 10 years without any issues.

[travelin texans]

Had 3 Max Air vent covers for a 6+ years that spent the last 3 years I had the rv in the Arizona sun & had 0 issues. Would highly recommend them.
Had 3 of the cheaper brands, 1 set from Walmart & 1 cheap brand from CW, on a previous 5er that only lasted about 2 years each before getting brittle & breaking.

[solv3nt]

Do you need to use the tape for the install, or just three self leveling sealer?

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by solv3nt

Do you need to use the tape for the install, or just three self leveling sealer?

Butyl/putty tape on the bottom of the flange. Cover screws and flange with self leveling Dicor.

[solv3nt]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Butyl/putty tape on the bottom of the flange. Cover screws and flange with self leveling Dicor.

So tape between the fan flange and roof, then self leveler on top?

[Socaldave]

Yes, tape between the flange and roof.

[Bill-2020]

Mind if I chime in on semi-related question? Are the MaxxFan units truly sealed when in the closed position? New Cougar has two vents (one bathroom, one bedroom), the bathroom vent doesn't seal completely when closed and I get small biting visitors who have poor manners and barge in! Dang Skeeters!! I'd like to change it to a Maxxfan but if the maxxfan doesn't seal properly, then there's no use.

Thank you in advance.

[chuckster57]

If your vents are the generic metal ones with the plastic lids, the “gasket” that is attached to the top edge of the vent is IMO a joke. If you look at a MaxAir or MaxFan the frame is plastic and there is a foam gasket. As far as I know, they do truly seal.

[Bill-2020]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

If your vents are the generic metal ones with the plastic lids, the “gasket” that is attached to the top edge of the vent is IMO a joke. If you look at a MaxAir or MaxFan the frame is plastic and there is a foam gasket. As far as I know, they do truly seal.

Yes they are the generic ones. A foam gasket sounds like a better seal. Interesting, the 2020 Passport we have (for sale) also has generic vents with metal frames but they seal up just fine. The two are slightly different so it's a different brand I suspect.

Thanks for your reply, a MaxFan it is then.

[LHaven]

Originally Posted by Bill-2020

Mind if I chime in on semi-related question? Are the MaxxFan units truly sealed when in the closed position? New Cougar has two vents (one bathroom, one bedroom), the bathroom vent doesn't seal completely when closed and I get small biting visitors who have poor manners and barge in! Dang Skeeters!! I'd like to change it to a Maxxfan but if the maxxfan doesn't seal properly, then there's no use..

My Maxxfan just arrived and is still in the box, so I can't say from experience. But you should be able to fix your current fan issues with proper gasketing.

I need to do that myself on one corner of the lowest panel of my louvered side window, which still whistles when shut all the way. But at least there's a screen on it.

[LHaven]

Originally Posted by LHaven

I've found only one photo (installation, from the underside) that actually shows that there is a "window" portion at the very top to let the light through, and in that photo, the window is clear. Am I right to assume that this window is clear on the white units, and smoked on the dark units?

I notice this never got resolved here. I asked the company back in May, and they responded:

"There is no window in them the entire cover is either white or black."

The "window" is just an illusion caused by the raised area on the top surface.

I bought the white (mainly because anything black on a roof sux in Arizona) so I should get some light through it.

[Ron B]

I installed a Maxx fan on my Cougar 29RKS several years ago in the bedroom and it works great in moving air. No leaks and the rain sensor works great

[slow]

If you get hail in your area, get the vent cover. A rain sensor is of no value if the vent has a hole in it from hail. The vent cover gives you an extra layer of protection from hail damage.