MaxxAir Fan Deluxe Review (After 4+ Years Of Van Life)
I installed a Maxxair Fan Deluxe in my campervan 4 years ago. They’re certainly a more expensive fan (especially compared to Fantastic Fans), but they’re worth it. After a lot of research I settled on Maxxair and it’s held up great for years and across tens of thousands of miles driven. Plus, I’ve meeting tons of people who chose the less expensive Fantastic Fan only to have it break… and then replaced it with the Maxxair Fan Deluxe anyway.
In this article:
- Pros and cons of MaxxAir Fan Deluxe
- Maxx Air Fan features & specs
- A comparison chart of the different Maxxair Fan models to help you choose
Disclaimer: This article features some affiliate links. I only endorse things I’ve personally used or that come highly recommended by trusted peers. If you purchase anything I mention using my referral links from Amazon, REI or other retailers I may receive a small commission. However, there is never extra cost to you. You can read more here. Thank you for your support.
Why I Bought MaxxAir Fan Deluxe:
- Can operate in the rain
- Set thermostat for auto on/off at specific temperatures
- Remote (adjust without getting out of bed)
- Powerful airflow that doesn’t drain my batteries
I also recommend checking the price on Campervan-HQ as they occasionally have a better price.
The short version of this Maxx Air Fan review is “just buy it” – it’s worth it. This fan can operate in the rain (when you really need a vent fan to remove humidity) and that’s enough of a reason to buy it. I also love that I can run mine 24/7 and it doesn’t drain my batteries – it’s super energy efficient.
However, if you want more information I’m including a detailed over view of what I like, what I don’t like, and how to choose the right model.
There are so many MaxxAir models and they aren’t labeled intuitively. I found it frustrating to figure out which features were included with which fans so I scoured the internet for hours and made a comparison chart to simplify it for you! (scroll down)
MaxxFan Deluxe Review: What I love
While there’s a wide variety of MaxxAir Fan models, I installed the Deluxe because
1) it has a built-in rain shield that allows it to be open and running while it’s raining and
2) it has a remote control which makes it easy to adjust the fan (mine is above the bed and hard to reach) quickly from anywhere.
#1 MaxxFans Are Durable
After 4 years (and tens of thousands of miles) living in my van my Maxxair Fan Deluxe is still going strong!
One of the top considerations I had when choosing the best fan for my van roof was a reliable fan that wouldn’t need repairs while I was traveling.
Fixing broken things mid-trip is a major pain. I’d rather just invest in top-quality products to begin with and never have to deal with the hassle of repairs or replacements in a Home Depot parking lot in the middle of Kansas (like my friends with Fantastic Fans have done).
I have never had to fix or replace my MaxxAir Fan Deluxe, ever. Since I purchased it I have spent exactly $0 additional dollars – which I call a good investment!
As far as routine maintenance goes, I have to clean the fan blades a few times a year. It’s an easy job, and one that any brand of fan would require.
The fan blades can be removed with a small Allen Wrench. It’s just one molded piece that I easily hose off in the sink. In total, it’s a 4 minute job.
#2 Maxx Air Fan Deluxe Comes With A Remote
Honestly, I wasn’t sure how much I would use this, but it turns out I use the remote almost exclusively.
I like that the screen on the remote shows the interior temperature (this is only available with a remote, the fans do not have a display screen).
My fan is installed in the rear of my van, above my bed, so during the day I use the remote to adjust the controls instead of crawling across my bed.
When the temperatures drop at night I can easily push a button on the remote to turn it off instead of getting up. (Or, you can use the thermostat feature to have the fan automatically turn off at a specific temperature.)
The remote uses infrared, so as long as it has line of sight to your fan it will work.
You can use the remote to change the speed, intake or exhaust, turn the fan on/off, set the thermostat and to open or close the lid.
#3 Use MaxxAir Fan In The Rain
There are two options if you want a roof vent fan that can run while it’s raining: buy one with a built-in rain shield or buy an additional rain cover.
TIP: Roof vent fans are marketed as “can operate in the rain” and “can sense rain”. These are very different things. Sensing rain doesn’t mean it operates in rain, it just means it automatically shuts off and closes itself.
This is the primary difference between Fantastic Fan vs Maxxair Fan models. Fantastic Fan models sense rain and automatically turn off – they cannot run while it’s raining. All Maxxair fan models can keep running during rainstorms.
Is it necessary to have a fan that can work in the rain? After spending several years living full-time in my campervan I think it’s absolutely necessary.
In fact, when it’s raining is the most important time to have your exhaust fan on. Humidity levels can be very high during rain storms and the inside of my van gets muggy and hot if I can’t vent that sticky air out.
NOTE: You can add a rain cover to most fans, including Fantastic Fans. Keep in mind this is an additional cost (typically +$40) and adds more overall height and clearance to your van than the low-profile MaxxAir fan does.
#4 Powerful Air Flow
My MaxxAir Fan Deluxe can really move some air! On its highest speed it can replace the air inside my van and cool it down in minutes.
It comes with 10 speed settings so it’s easy to adjust to my specific need. In really hot weather the highest speed setting works like a charm, but typically I’m comfortable with running it around 5 or 6.
The best part is that I never worry about draining my batteries. Maxxair Fan Deluxe is incredibly energy efficient.
Even at its max setting it only consumes 2.8 amps. That’s so efficient that even with only one 100ah lithium ion battery you could run your fan for 2 days straight.
MaxxAir Fan Deluxe Airflow
MaxxAir Fan Deluxe moves up to 900 cubic feet per minute (CFM).
MaxxAir Fan Deluxe Power Consumption
The MaxxAir Fan Deluxe power consumption is between 0.1 amps and 2.8 amps depending on which speed setting is selected.
#5 MaxxAir Fan Deluxe Has A Thermostat
If you’re traveling with pets, this feature is an important one!
The thermostat feature is available for MaxxAir Fan Deluxe models (and one MaxxAir Plus model). I love this feature because it allows me to set the temperature I want to maintain in my van.
The thermostat will automatically turn the fan on or off, and will adjust the speed settings in order to maintain the set temperature.
If I have to leave my dog alone in the van for a short time, I set the thermostat so the fan turns on if it gets too warm (I also use a pet temperature monitor as a safety backup, it sends alerts to my phone if the temperature spikes.)
I also set the thermostat to turn my fan off during the night once the temperature drops – which is especially useful in the desert where the nighttime temperatures can drop by over 30°F!
My only complaint about the thermostat is that when it’s on there’s an annoying LED indicator light on the fan that can be bright at night. I’ve covered mine with a small piece of tape.
#6 Easy Installation
I built my own DIY campervan with no previous experience, so finding products that could easily be installed was really important to me.
It was really easy to install my Maxxair Fan Deluxe. Cutting the hole in the roof was the most challenging part, but the fan itself was very straight forward: place the unit into the roof hole, screw it in place, pop the inside trim on and then connect two 12v wires.
In total, it took me less than 2 hours to install my fan. If you’re somewhat handy you can do it in an afternoon. If you’re a pro then it’s probably a 45 minute job at the most.
NOTE: MaxxAir Fan models use a standard 14×14 inch square hole. This is a standard size across the RV community so if you’re replacing an existing fan it’s likely you can use the same hole without making adjustments.
TIP: Go heavy on your waterproofing. I used Sikaflex to seal the screw holes and around the perimeter of the fan. There’s no such thing as “too much” waterproofing, but not using enough will cause leaks.
#7 Multiple Color Options
The MaxxAir Fan Deluxe is available in black or white exterior colors. All models are white on the inside, which is nice because it matches the interiors much better and blends into the ceiling.
I have a black van so I really liked that I could find a black MaxxFan Deluxe that doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb on my roof. Not having a flashy white fan on top of my van definitely helps me blend in better.
My only complaint with the exterior color, is that there are still white components, even though the lid is black. The white parts aren’t obvious when the fan is closed, but when the lid is open they’re more visible.
NOTE: The black MaxxAir Fan cover is opaque, so it lets light in. The White cover is solid so it blocks more light. I added a MaxxShade to block out light at night. I clicks onto the fan base so it’s really easy to install (I recommend the unit without lights – you probably don’t need more lights anyway)
MaxxFan Deluxe Review: What I’d Change
Overall, I’m quite happy with my MaxxAir Fan Deluxe and the pros certainly outweigh the cons… but there are a few things I would like to see changed.
#8 Can Be Noisy On Low Speeds
While I don’t believe all MaxxFans have this problem, my fan seems to be slightly off balance.
This is not a problem on higher speeds because the velocity overrides the imbalance and the squeak goes away.
However, on low speeds (settings 1-3 out of 10) there’s a faint squeaking noise that started after a year.
It doesn’t bother me at all during the daytime as it’s not very loud. However, it can be annoying at night while I’m trying to sleep.
I don’t typically sleep with my Maxxair fan on low speeds. Instead I run my Sirocco fan. If it’s really hot, I have my Maxxair fan on higher speeds so there’s no squeak.
I know plenty of people with the same Maxxair Fan Deluxe model as I have who do not have this issue with noise.
It’s also possible there’s an easy fix for it, I just haven’t cared enough about it to tackle a solution.
#9 Obnoxious Beeps
In the grand scheme of things this is almost a non-issue. But, for the sake of full transparency in my MaxxFan Deluxe review I’m including every tiny thing that bugs me.
Anytime you change a setting, the Maxxair Fan beeps. Including when the thermostat makes an automatic adjustment.
During the day it’s fine, but at night the thermostat beep can wake me up. If you’re a light sleeper you may not like using the thermostat feature at night for this reason.
The intent of the beep is to confirm the fan received your input, but it’d be helpful to have an option to disable it.
#10 MaxxAir Fan Deluxe Price
Look, I’m not afraid to invest money in a high quality product like this. But if it were less expensive I wouldn’t complain.
Considering how well it works, and how much you need it, I think the price is justified.
I’ve noticed that Fantastic Fan costs have been rising for the last few years. This is bizarre considering they’re not similar in cost to the MaxxAir Fans but do far less.
However, MaxxAir Fan prices have remained fairly stead. In general, if you can find a MaxxAir Fan Deluxe for below $350 you’ve got a good deal!
MaxxAir Fan Models Comparison Chart
In case the MaxxAir Fan model numbers and features are just as confusing to you as they were to me, I created a Maxx Air Fan comparison chart to easily outline the differences between models.
|
Color |
Speeds |
Exhaust |
Intake |
Thermostat |
Remote |
Rain Shield |
Electric Open Lid | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MaxxFan | ||||||||
|
White |
4 |
✅ |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— | |
|
Smoke |
4 |
✅ |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— | |
|
4501K |
Black |
4 |
✅ |
— |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
MaxxFan Plus | ||||||||
|
White |
4 |
✅ |
✅ |
— |
— |
— |
— | |
|
4751KS |
White |
4 |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
— |
Sensor |
✅ |
|
White |
10 |
✅ |
✅ |
— |
— |
— |
— | |
|
4050K |
Smoke |
10 |
✅ |
✅ |
— |
— |
— |
— |
|
Smoke |
10 |
✅ |
✅ |
— |
✅ |
Sensor |
— | |
|
MaxxFan Deluxe | ||||||||
|
White |
4 |
✅ |
— |
✅ |
— |
✅ |
✅ | |
|
Smoke |
4 |
✅ |
— |
✅ |
— |
✅ |
✅ | |
|
White |
10 |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
— |
✅ |
✅ | |
|
Smoke |
10 |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
— |
✅ |
✅ | |
|
White |
10 |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ | |
|
Smoke |
10 |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
✅ |
MaxxAir Fan Models Explained
There are 3 primary categories for MaxxAir fan models:
- MaxxFan
- MaxxFan Plus
- MaxxFan Deluxe
Even though the model numbers seem random and don’t make much sense, the general gist is this:
MaxxFan Models – Least Expensive, Fewest Features
- Exhaust only (no intake ability)
- Limit of 4 fan speeds
- No thermostat, remote control, rain shield
- Cannot operate in rain
MaxxFan Plus Models – Mid-range For Cost And Features
- Reversible airflow includes intake in addition to exhaust
- Some MaxxFan Plus models include 10 fan speeds
- Cannot operate in rain
MaxxFan Deluxe Models – Most Features
- Reversible airflow includes intake in addition to exhaust
- 10 fan speed settings
- Thermostat and remote included
- Rain shield allows fan to run during rain storms
Why You Need a MaxxAir Fan Deluxe in Your RV Or Van
#1 Airflow
Camper roof vents create air movement within your van which helps with temperature control, moisture control and odor control.
The best way to create airflow is by having a van roof vent fan in addition to a window that can open and allow air to circulate.
#2 Condensation & Moisture Control
When you exhale, your breath contains moisture. The warm air from breathing hits cool surfaces in your van and turns to condensation.
Cooking and showering in a van can also create condensation. Condensation can lead to mold.
Exhausting air moisture out of your van with a roof vent fan will help keep condensation from accumulating and creating mold problems inside your van.
NOTE: Even in the winter I will leave my vent fan open so warm air containing moisture can vent out my roof. This prevents my windows from frosting, and keeps moisture from normal daily things (breathing, cooking) from leading to mold growth.
#3 Ventilation & Odor Evacuation
Odors from cooking, or using the toilet in a van are easily vented through a roof fan.
Additionally, gas stovetops, diesel heaters and other items that burn fuel can produce dangerous gasses which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning if not properly vented.
#4 Climate & Temperature Control
Regardless of how well you insulate your van, a metal box in the hot sun is going to warm up.
Using a MaxxAir Fan Deluxe helps with climate control by circulating the cooler outside air through your van.
With the MaxxAir Fan Deluxe models, you can even set the thermostat so it knows when to turn on or off and maintain a specific temperature inside your van.
#5 Safety
Personal safety as a solo traveler is something I prioritized when building my van. One of the benefits of having a roof fan is the ability to get fresh air circulating without having to open my windows.
Not only can I be stealthier in cities, but I also have the option to keep my windows closed in areas where I don’t feel comfortable having them open at night.
Conclusion: Is the MaxxAir Fan Deluxe Worth it?
Absolutely. The MaxxAir Fan Deluxe van roof vent fan is undeniably worth the price.
While Fantastic Fan’s might be a few dollars less expensive, they’re far less reliable and have limited functionality.
A good roof vent for your van is one category you don’t want to skimp on, in my opinion. You’ll use it daily and it has a massive impact on comfort.
Buy a MaxxAir Fan Deluxe for your van. If you’re looking for the next best option that’s a little more budget friendly then the MaxxFan Plus is a great option.
Why I Bought MaxxAir Fan Deluxe:
- Can operate in the rain
- Set thermostat for auto on/off at specific temperatures
- Remote (adjust without getting out of bed)
- Powerful airflow that doesn’t drain my batteries
I also recommend checking the price on Campervan-HQ as they occasionally have a better price.
MaxxFan Deluxe Review FAQs
These are some of the common questions I receive about my van’s roof vent fan.
Can You Drive With MaxxAir Fan Open?
Yes! The twin arm design is intended to be strong enough to remain open while you’re driving.
However, I personally do not keep the MaxxAir Fan Deluxe open while I’m driving because I’m skeptical, and also because I’m reluctant to pay for (and install) a new one if mine breaks.
How Much Power Does a MaxxAir Fan Use?
0.1-2.8 amps depending on speed setting.
More power is used when the fan is set to faster speeds.
Are MaxxAir Fans Reversible?
Some MaxxAir Fan models are reversible, but not all.
MaxxFan models will exhaust air only. They are not reversible.
MaxxFan Plus and MaxxFan Deluxe fan models are reversible. They come with the ability to intake or exhaust air.
MaxxAir Fan Deluxe Dimensions
MaxxAir Fan Deluxe dimensions measure 22.5” long x 16.5” wide x 5” tall when closed and 9.3” tall when opened.
They require a standard 14×14 inch opening to be installed.
Are All MaxxAir Fan Models the Same?
No, not all MaxxAir Fan models have the same features.
MaxxFan models are the most cost effective model, and also includes the least number of features. They are not reversible, cannot operate in the rain, and do not come with a remote control.
MaxxFan Plus models can include more speed settings than the basic MaxxFan models, and are reversible. However, they also cannot operate in rain and do not come with a remote control.
MaxxFan Deluxe models include additional features like the ability to operate in rain, thermostat settings, remote control and more fan speed options.
What Is MaxxAir Fan CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)?
MaxxAir fans airflow is up to 900 cubic feet per minute (CFM) for all models on high speed.
Can You Use a MaxxAir Fan in the Rain?
You can use MaxxAir Fan Deluxe models in the rain.
Unfortunately, MaxxFan and MaxxFan Plus models cannot operate in the rain without an additional rain cover installed.
Is a MaxxAir Fan AC or DC?
MaxxAir Fans operate on 12v DC power.
Ηey very nice blog!
I’m thinking of getting the deluxe as mentioned. Should I also put in a second vent or a second fan even? The way I see it, a second fan could mess up the intelligent control feature, which I love. So how about a vent with no fan in addition for more flow? Thanks
That’s an interesting question. I would definitely recommend having an open window, vent or fan in addition to the MaxxFan Deluxe – you’ll need another opening for good airflow.
I have one MaxxAir Deluxe in the back, several windows that open, and two Sirocco II 12v fans and with that I get great airflow. However, in my next build I would highly consider two MaxxAir fans (one at either end of the vehicle) so I can push air through one, and exhaust it out the other to cool the van off even faster – this is really only an issue for me when I get into temperatures over 85.
If you’re interested, I wrote a Sirocco fan review here
Thanks for the detail review Claire, about to invest in a motorhome fan (RV to you), hence scouring online for review info.
One important issue- light ingress and blind cover you have not mentioned. MaxxFan can come with opaque cover, charcoal or clear- we fancy clear to let light in near our kitchen. That will require a blind to stop light ingress early morning in summer and I have heard the MaxxAir version with LEDs is quite disappointing quality, unlike the fan, as it let’s in a lot of light and is flimsy. Any experience on this? What MaxxFan cover do you have and any comments on light ingress or did you fight blind over bedroom?
Thanks in advance
Thomas
Hi Thomas! I have the black MaxxAir Fan Deluxe (smoke) and it is somewhat opaque. Some light does come through at night, but it’s more of a glow than a bright light. I have the MaxxShade without lights and I like it. It clicks onto the interior trim piece and is very easy to install. The one with lights requires an electrical connection and is a bit more expensive – in my opinion it’s not worth it if you already have lights in your RV.
The MaxxShade is blackout and keeps most of the light from coming in, although there are small holes along the edges of the plastic trim to allow airflow (so you can run the fan on low speeds when the shade is closed) so it’s not completely blackout (it’s extremely minimal though).
My only complaint about the MaxxShade is that you cannot use the higher fan speeds if the shade is closed because it blocks too much of the airflow. Realistically, this has rarely been an issue for me.
One other point to make is that regardless of whether the rain shield is opaque or solid, you will still get some light from the fan at night. It comes in around the edges of the exterior cover too, especially when it’s in the open position.
An alternative option is to get a MaxxAir fan cover – these usually have better insulating qualities, but won’t work as well when the fan is on.