Fantastic Fan Vs MaxxAir Fan – The RV Fan Upgrade You Need

When I built my DIY campervan, one of the first upgrades I researched was a roof vent fan. The Fantastic Fan vs MaxxAir Fan debate comes up constantly, and for good reason.

On the surface, Fantastic Fan looks like the cheaper option. But after living in my van full-time and using my fan nearly 24/7, I am fully convinced the MaxxAir Fan is the better long-term investment.

I installed the MaxxAir Fan Deluxe in my van and, even four years later, I’d make the same choice again without hesitation. The extra cost upfront paid for itself in daily comfort, convenience, and flexibility — especially because I travel with my dog.

Below, I’ll break down the differences between Fantastic and MaxxAir Fan models so you can choose the right fan for your setup and budget.

In this article:

• Differences between Fantastic Fan vs MaxxAir Fan
• Which features you need and which you can live without
• Comparison chart for different Fantastic Fan vs MaxxAir Fan models

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.

Key Differences: Fantastic Fan Vs MaxxAir Fan

The biggest difference between Fantastic Fan vs MaxxAir Fan is simple but really impactful to daily use.

Can it run in the rain?

• MaxxAir Fan: ✅ Yes
• Fantastic Fan: ❌ No

MaxxAir’s built-in rain cover lets you run the fan during storms, overnight, or while you’re away from your van.

Fantastic Fan models rely on rain sensors that just close the lid instead, which limits airflow during muggy thunderstorms when you often need it most.

Price Range

• Fantastic Fan Cost: $240–$410
• MaxxAir Fan Cost: $195–$305

Despite offering more features, MaxxAir models are often less expensive than comparable Fantastic Fan models.

Core Features at a Glance

There’s a wide variety of models and features across both Fantastic Fans and MaxxAir Fans.

The base models for both are fairly similar. However, when you get into the higher models MaxxAir Fans have more features and options.

The most important difference between Fantastic Fan vs MaxxAir Fan is the ability to operate in rain.

There are no Fantastic Fans that operate in the rain out-of-the-box. In order to use them in rain or snow you must also buy and install a rain-shield.

In my opinion, these are ugly and add to the cost so you might as well start with MaxxAir Fan anyway.

TIP: If you plan on parking or storing your RV or van for prolonged periods of time, having a roof vent fan that can remain open (even if it’s not running) can help hot air vent out which puts less stress on other expensive appliances, like batteries or your 12v refrigerator.

The second most important difference is the ability to reverse the fan airflow so you can either exhaust air out of your camper, or intake to pull air into your camper.

All Fantastic Fan models are reversible, but the base MaxxAir Fan model is not and can only exhaust air.

Additionally, speed settings let you dial in the fan speed for the best airflow and temperature control.

The benefit to more settings is more control, but I honestly feel like 10 settings is more than I’ve truly needed. On the other hand, 3 settings would not be enough for me.

Finally, you also want to pay attention to which fans offer programmable thermostats for automatic temperature control as well as a remote control.

Neither of these is a deal breaker, but they can make life more convenient, especially if you’re traveling full-time.

I found the remote control to be extremely convenient and would use it to turn the fan on or off throughout the night without having to get out of bed. However, I almost never used the thermostat feature on my MaxxAir fan.

TIP: I also recommend adding an interior 12v fan to your van or RV. I installed this Sirocco fan with 360° rotation to help direct airflow – it’s really helpful for venting while cooking or to keep my dog cool.

Which Models I Recommend

• Best Budget Pick: MaxxAir 4301K
  Comparable to Fantastic Fan’s base model but cheaper and easier to find in stock.
• Best Overall Pick: MaxxAir 5100K or MaxxAir Deluxe 7000K
  These give you rain operation, 10 speed airflow control, and thermostat automation. The only differences between these two models is that 7000K is $50 more and comes with a remote control.

The only Fantastic Fan model I might consider is 7350, but it can’t operate in the rain and the comparable MaxxAir 7000K model can and costs over $100 less.

Installation Differences Between Fantastic Fan Vs MaxxAir MaxxFan

All RV roof vent fans use a standard 14×14-inch opening, so Fantastic Fan and MaxxAir fans are interchangeable.

One thing to note:

• MaxxAir requires ~8 inches of roof clearance because of the integrated cover.

You’ll also need butyl tape and non-leveling lap sealant regardless of which fan you choose.

Warranty Comparison: Fantastic Fan Vs MaxxAir Fan

This is the one area where Fantastic Fan wins.

• Fantastic Fan: 7-year limited warranty
  • First 2 years include parts + labor
  • Remaining 5 years cover parts only
• MaxxAir Fan: 2-year limited warranty
  • Parts covered, labor not included

That said, I’ve had zero warranty issues with my MaxxAir Fan after four years of full-time use.

NOTE: Fantastic Fan’s warranty is for the original purchaser only. They may require proof of purchase before they’ll honor your warranty request.

But What Do Reviewers Say About Fantastic Fan Vs MaxxAir Fan?

Fantastic Fan reviews often mention limited features and regret not upgrading initially. Reviews like these were the reason I decided on the MaxxAir over Fantastic Fan (especially given the price difference isn’t very substantial.)

MaxxAir reviews occasionally mention circuit board failures around the 2–3 year mark. Personally, that hasn’t been my experience, and mine has held up well with constant use.

I have even more detail in my MaxxAir Fan Deluxe review.

However, it’s worth noting that there are very few Fantastic Fan reviews which complain about poor quality.

Which Is Better: Fantastic Fan Vs MaxxAir Fan? (+What I Chose)

After years of constant use, the choice between Fantastic Fan vs MaxxAir Fan is an obvious one for me.

I chose MaxxAir Fan 7000K because:

• It runs in the rain
• The remote is incredibly convenient
• The price difference wasn’t worth sacrificing daily comfort
• It’s still working great after 4+ years

If you’re building or upgrading a van or RV and want something you won’t wish you’d replaced later, go with MaxxAir. The comfort difference is noticeable every single day.

Fantastic Fan & MaxxAir Fan Alternative Buying Options

MaxxAir Fan 5100K and MaxxAir Fan Deluxe 7000K are also available at Campervan-HQ. Occasionally they’re on sale for a better price than Amazon.