10 Best Camper Van Roof Vent Fans

A van roof vent fan is one of the most important components of any van build. It’s a small appliance, but it has a monumental impact. Van roof vent fans will help with temperature and moisture control, as well as create airflow to help with odor and cooking.

The two primary competitors in the van roof vent market are Dometic’s Fantastic Fan and Maxxairs MaxxFan. There are many options for each brand, each with variations in function and feature.

In this article I’ll compare the differences between the fantastic fan and the maxxfan models. Additionally, I’ll recommend the best van roof vent fan depending on your build needs and lifestyle requirements so you’ll know exactly which roof vent fan is best for you.

Best Van Roof Vent Fan

Top 9 Full Size Van Roof Vent Fans Compared

MaxxAir Fan Vs Fantastic Fan

While there are many other brands of van roof vent fans, the primary players are MaxxAir and Dometic with the MaxxFan and Fantastic Fan, respectively.

Each line offers several fan variations with different features and pricing.

In my research for this article I also reviewed the Hike Crew 14” RV roof vent fan, Heng’s 90043-CR fan, Heng’s 71112-C vent fan and Heng’s 71111-C1G1.

However, after researching the features, availability, positive reviews (or lack thereof) and price point, I determined these fans do not compare to the available options with MaxxAir or Dometic’s options.

Especially given similar features and price points are available with both MaxxAir and Dometic, I chose to stick with well known brands with better overall customer satisfaction in this article.

I’ll be the first to admit – the way Maxxair and Fantastic Fan’s are labeled is confusing. Really confusing. The numbering system doesn’t seem to have an obvious rhyme or reason which makes it difficult to tell what you’re looking at or how to compare models.

After a super deep dive into some wild rabbit holes of the interwebs I’ve compiled an easy cheat sheet outlining the various vent fan models and the primary features available.

Best Van Roof Vent Fan

Maxxair MaxxFan 4301K

The Maxxair MaxxFan 4301K is your barebones roof vent fan. It operates as an exhaust fan only and comes with 4-speeds. MaxxFan 4301K is marketed as a low profile van roof vent fan, which would be good for anyone concerned with overhead clearance of their vehicle. The added height from this van roof vent fan installation is under 3”.

It’s also important to note that MaxxFan roof vents come in three primary product categories: MaxxFan, MaxxFan Plus and MaxxFan Deluxe. The 4301K is the only option reviewed here that is in the MaxxFan category.

Price: under $175

Closest FanTastic Fan Option: Fantastic 1250

Best Van Roof Vent Fan

Maxxair MaxxFan Plus 4000K

The Maxxair MaxxFan Plus 4000K builds on previous models and includes intake as well as exhaust airflow directions. In addition, the Maxxfan 4000k has 10-speeds.

This is where Maxxfan numbering makes absolutely no sense. The previous 4301K model, with a higher product number, actually includes fewer features.

Price: under $200

Closest FanTastic Fan Option: Fantastic 1250

Best Van Roof Vent Fan

Maxxair MaxxFan Plus 4751KS

Maxxair MaxxFan Plus 4751KS turns it up a notch by incorporating a thermostat, a rain sensor and an electric lid. This is where the MaxxFan product family starts to get interesting. 

In my opinion, if you’re going to spend money on a van roof vent fan you should consider this model, or a higher model, like 5100K or 7000K detailed further below.

The thermostat option is great because it allows you to set a temperature and the fan will automatically open/close or adjust the fan speed in order to maintain that temperature. I love to use this feature when I leave for the day and know the van will warm up before I get back. The thermostat will automatically turn the fan on when it’s needed so I don’t have to run the battery down by having a fan on all day when I don’t need it.

While this model can’t operate in the rain, the rain sensor will automatically close the lid to keep your van dry, even if you’re away.

Price: under $250

Closest FanTastic Fan Option: Fantastic 2250

Best Van Roof Vent Fan

Maxxair MaxxFan Deluxe 5100K

We’ve now entered Deluxe territory. Just like the previous models, it has intake and exhaust fan settings, a thermostat and an electric operating lid. However, instead of just sensing the rain and shutting the lid automatically, this MaxxFan kicks it up a notch and can actually stay on while it’s raining without flooding the inside of your van.

Price: under $300

Closest FanTastic Fan Option: Fantastic 3350

Best Van Roof Vent Fan

Maxxair MaxxFan Deluxe 7000K

In my opinion, this is the best fan you can buy. The Maxxair MaxxFan Deluxe 7000k has all the bells and whistles. In addition to intake and exhaust fan direction, a thermostat, 10 fan speeds, and ability to operate in the rain, this MaxxFan Deluxe has a remote control.

What’s the big deal about a remote control? You might ask. Let me tell you. Imagine you’ve brushed your teeth, put on your pj’s, done a final check to make sure everything is locked up for the night, and gotten really cozy in your bed… and then you realize you forgot to adjust the fan and the only option you have is to slowly freeze to death during the night or to get out of your cozy little spot to go turn it down. And then you remember you have a remote control. Trust me, it’s nirvana. You want the remote.

Price: under $400

Closest FanTastic Fan Option: Fantastic 7350

Best Van Roof Vent Fan

MaxxAir MaxxFan Dome

If you’re low on real estate space on your roof for a full size van roof vent fan then the MaxxAir MaxxFan Dome is a great option. Instead of the typical 14×14” hole required for installing a full size roof vent this compact fan only requires a 6 ¼” installation hole.

Additionally, MaxxFan Dome can be installed vertically (with an additional rain shield to keep it waterproof when operating in rainy weather), which opens up many more installation options for someone with limited roof space.

While MaxxFan Dome won’t move as much air as the full size options, it’s still a powerful roof vent option for smaller spaces.

Price: under $100

Best Van Roof Vent Fan

Dometic Fantastic Vent 1250

The Fantastic vent 1250 is the lower line model. It has three fan speeds and reversible air flow direction, allowing it to act as an intake or exhaust fan.

Price: under $250

Closest MaxxAir MaxxFan Roof Vent Option: MaxxFan Plus 4000K

Best Van Roof Vent Fan

Dometic Fantastic Vent 2250

Fantastic’s 2250 roof vent fan is similar to the 1250 model. It includes three fan speeds and can intake or exhaust airflow. Additionally, it comes with a thermostat feature which allows the fan to automatically adjust speed to maintain a set temperature in your van.

Price: under $300

Closest MaxxAir MaxxFan Roof Vent Option: MaxxFan Plus 4751KS

Best Van Roof Vent Fan

Dometic Fantastic Vent 3350

Domestic Fantastic Vent 3350 is where features start to get interesting. While the Fantastic Fan 3350 maintains the same features available in lower models, it also includes a rain sensor and an automatic lid.

The primary downside to fantastic fan’s is their inability to run while it’s raining (unless you’ve added an additional rainshield to your install). Fantastic Fan 3350 and higher models have adjusted for this (slightly) by incorporating a rain sensor into the fan.

When the sensor determines it’s raining, it automatically closes the lid. This is a great feature if you leave your fan on while you’re away from your van. The lingering downside is that you’re still unable to use your fan in the rain. Additionally, some users review that the rain sensor can get confused in high humidity and auto-close even if it’s not truly raining.

Price: around $400

Closest MaxxAir MaxxFan Roof Vent Option: MaxxFan Deluxe 5100K

Best Van Roof Vent Fan

Dometic Fantastic Vent 7350

Dometic Fantastic roof vent fan 7350 is the top of the line fantastic fan. It includes all of the features the lower models have, like reversible airflow, a built-in thermostat, and rain sensing. Additionally, this fan jumps from 3-speed on previous models to 14-speeds.

The deal gets even better with a remote control, which allows you to change speed, air direction, and thermostat settings from anywhere within your van.

Price: under $450

Closest MaxxAir MaxxFan Roof Vent Option: MaxxFan Deluxe 7000K

Best Van Roof Vent Fan Overall 🏆

The best van roof vent fan overall is the MaxxFan Deluxe 5100K. This fan has the best features for its price.

Compared to its closest MaxxAir model alternatives, MaxxFan 4751KS and MaxxFan 7000K, the MaxxFan Deluxe 5100K stands out. While it’s approximately $50 more than the 4751KS model, it comes with the ability to operate in the rain (not just sense and auto-off like the 4751KS model).

While the higher model, Deluxe 7000K, comes with a remote control, that’s the only additional feature compared to the 5100K and it increases the price by ~$100. As wonderful as a remote control is, it’s not worth $100.

When compared to the closest Fantastic Fan model, Fantastic Fan 3350, the MaxxFan Deluxe 5100K is the clear winner. For under $300, the MaxxFan Deluxe 5100K has 10-speeds and can operate in the rain.

Fantastic Fan 3350 has all the same features as the MaxxFan Deluxe 5100K except it only has 3-speeds and can sense and auto-shut for rainfall but can’t operate in the rain. And it’s approximately $100 more, for fewer features.

Best Premium Van Roof Vent Fan 🏆

The best of the best van roof vent fans is the MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe 7000K. The 7000K model is white, and the 7500K model is identical and comes in black (smoke).

Most people purchase the 7000K model to match their white vans. I installed the black MaxxFan Deluxe 7500K on my van because my van’s exterior is black, so it blends better. 

This van roof vent fan has it all: it can intake and exhaust air, has 10 different speed settings, a built-in thermostat to automatically control the fan speed and keep your van at a preset temperature.

Best of all it can operate in the rain (not just auto sense and shut off during rainfall) and it comes with a remote control.

For more information, check out my full MaxxFan Deluxe review.

Best Budget Van Roof Vent Fan 🏆

There are only two full size van roof vent options which fall below $200: MaxxFan 4301K and MaxxFan Plus 4000K. Both price in at around $175 and $200 respectively.

The primary feature differences in these two options are fan speed and airflow direction. For an additional ~$25 the MaxxFan Plus 4000K provides 10 fan speed options, whereas the MaxxFan 4301K only offers 4 speeds. 

You’ll also gain the ability to reverse airflow and intake air in addition to exhaust by upgrading from the MaxxFan 4301K to the MaxxFan Plus 4000K – this alone, in my opinion, is worth $25.

The best budget van roof vent fan is the MaxxFan Plus 4000K.

Best Remote Control Roof Vent Fan 🏆

There are only two van roof vent contenders who qualify with a remote control: MaxxFan Deluxe 7000K and Fantastic Fan 7350.

MaxxFan Deluxe 7000K comes with 10-speeds, intake and exhaust directions, a thermostat, ability to operate in the rain, and an electric opening lid. Plus the remote control.

Fantastic Fan 7350 beats MaxxFan Deluxe 7000K on fan speed – it has 14-speeds compared to MaxxFan’s 10. 

Similarly to MaxxFan Deluxe 7000K, Fantastic Fan 7350 also has intake and exhaust directions, a built-in thermostat and an electric opening lid. 

However, the Fantastic Fan 7350 cannot operate in the rain – but it does have a sensor which will auto-shut the lid when it starts to rain.

This category is tricky to determine a winner based on features alone. Fantastic Fan 7350 has better speed options, but MaxxFan Deluxe 7000K can operate in the rain. So, pricing will be the tie breaker.

Fantastic Fan 7350 costs approximately $450 while MaxxFan Deluxe 7000K costs closer to $400.

The best remote control roof vent fan is MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe 7000K.

Best Small Space Van Roof Vent Fan 🏆

MaxxAir MaxxFan Dome is the clear winner for best small space van roof vent fan. Unlike typical full size roof vents which need a 14×14” installation hole, this fan only requires a 6 ¼” installation hole. 

Additionally, its ability to be installed on your van roof or sidewall opens up many more options for installation depending on your layout and limited roof real estate.

While it does not move as much air as the standard size van roof vents, this is still a powerful roof vent for its size.

Some reviewers suggest that roof installation is able to move more air than a wall install. Although this hasn’t been verified it is something to consider when deciding your install location.

Also consider upgrading to the MaxxFan Dome Plus, which includes an interior ring LED light.

How to Choose the Best Camper Van Roof Vent

There are a number of features to consider when choosing the best camper van roof vent fan.

Considerations For Buying A Van Roof Vent Fan

Number of speeds

The number of available speeds on your van roof vent fan will determine several things, including how specific you can be with your airflow and how much control you’ll have over the energy you use.

Van roof vent fans that have built-in thermostats operate by turning on or off and by adjusting the fan speed in order to maintain a preset temperature. The more fan speed options that are available, the easier and more likely it is that you can maintain your desired interior temperature.

Fans are governed by something called Affinity Laws. In a nutshell, when you increase fan speed you exponentially lose efficiency in airflow and power. For this reason, fans are most efficient and consume the least amount of energy (exponentially) at lower speed settings. The more options you have the better you can tweak your usage for comfortable temperature and battery efficiency!

Considerations For Buying A Van Roof Vent Fan

Energy draw

Not all fans are created equal. In general, MaxxAir and Dometic fans have been designed to have low energy draw. Typically, the “cheaper” the van roof vent, the less energy efficient it will be.

For van dwellers who rely on solar power to charge their batteries and power their systems, energy draw is a big consideration.

Considerations For Buying A Van Roof Vent Fan

Rain Shield

There are three primary categories for van roof vents and rain: can’t operate in the rain, can’t operate in the rain but has a sensor which auto-shuts the lid when rain falls, and can operate in the rain.

Can’t operate in the rain would be an absolute deal breaker for me. Any time I leave my van, especially in the heat, I turn on the roof vent to keep the inside of my vehicle from becoming a sauna for my return. At a minimum you should consider a van roof vent that will automatically close in situations like this so you’re able to leave the roof vent open when you’re gone without being concerned that a surprise rainstorm will flood your van.

If you have it within your budget, I highly recommend a van roof vent that can operate in the rain. Realistically, when it’s raining is when you’ll be most appreciative for a fan that can vent moisture out of your van.

Considerations For Buying A Van Roof Vent Fan

Direction of airflow

Lower end van roof vent models will provide exhaust airflow but they don’t always come standard with intake airflow. Both can be important in your ability to keep your van’s temperature controlled.

Fantastic fans reviewed here all come with intake and exhaust. Most of the MaxxFans also include both intake and exhaust, with the exception of MaxxFan 4301K and MaxxFan Dome, which only provide exhaust options.

If you plan to get two van roof vent fans it’s even more important to have one with an intake option. This allows you to set one roof vent to intake and the other to exhaust to get a great amount of airflow through your van to keep it cool and comfortable.

Considerations For Buying A Van Roof Vent Fan

Thermostat

This isn’t actually an air conditioning unit, but van roof vent fans with a built-in thermostat can act similarly to one. You decide what temperature to set the thermostat and then the fan will turn on/off or adjust its speed settings accordingly to meet and maintain that temperature in your van.

My favorite way to use the thermostat feature is when the weather gets really warm during the day and cools off significantly at night. I set the thermostat in my MaxxFan Deluxe and forget about it. When the van starts to get warm during the day the fan will automatically come on. 

The same applies for nighttime, when the van cools off during sleep. I can set the thermostat and once the van gets too cold the fan will automatically shut down or slow down to keep the temperature inside the van comfortable.

This means I don’t have to run the fan constantly and I can save my battery power.

If it’s within your budget, a thermostat in your van roof vent is an incredibly handy feature and will provide added comfort long term.

Considerations For Buying A Van Roof Vent Fan

Dimensions

Luckily, installation is fairly standard across van roof vents. This means that you can replace an existing roof vent with just about any other van roof vent on the market. The standard installation size is 14×14”.

Beyond that, the dimensions of the fan itself can vary. If you’re installing solar panels or other items on the roof of your van you’ll need to consider how much space you’ll need for those and your roof vent.

Pro tip: if you’re installing a van roof vent with a lid that opens, be sure it’s far enough away from your solar panels that it cannot cast a shadow onto the panels which will make them less efficient at harvesting power.

Dimensions to consider are the obvious width and length, but also consider depth because this will increase the clearance required for your van.

Considerations For Buying A Van Roof Vent Fan

Vent Fan Controls

Depending on where you install your van roof vent, it may or may not be easy to get to. You’ll want to consider where the vent fan controls are. If they’re on the unit itself then you’ll need to be able to reach it. If there’s a remote controller, you’ll have more convenience with changing speed, turning it on or off, adjusting the thermostat, etc.

Considerations For Buying A Van Roof Vent Fan

Ease of Install

Most van roof vents have a very similar installation process: cut a 14×14” hole in your van (which is slightly terrifying the first time you do it), seal it, connect two wires. It’s actually a fairly easy process compared to other van build installations.

Every van roof vent in this article comes with well rated installation instructions. Additionally, every fan except the MaxxFan Dome will be installed in a 14×14” space.

Considerations For Buying A Van Roof Vent Fan

Budget

Everything always comes back to budget. The price for a van roof vent fan can range from under $100 to over $400. That’s a fairly large price range for what essentially boils down to a gadget that moves air. The real difference lies in the additional features – remote controls and thermostats being the more expensive side of the range.

Ultimately, you’ll have to decide how much the extra features are something you’ll need, and whether the value you’ll pay for them is worth the added convenience.

Benefits Of Having a Van Roof Vent Fan

There are many benefits to having a camper van roof vent fan.

Benefits Of A Van Roof Vent Fan

Privacy

By installing a vent fan on the roof you inherently have far more privacy than you would if you opened a window. 

The roof installation allows you to have airflow, ventilation and increased comfort inside your van without having to open windows and shades and let the entire world know you’re inside and what you’re up to. 

I have found the van roof vent fan to come in extra handy while stealth camping in cities. It means I can cook inside my vehicle without the door or windows open and still vent smoke or food smells out quickly, quietly and stealthily.

Benefits Of A Van Roof Vent Fan

Airflow

Airflow is a big deal in a tiny tin can. If you’re parked in the sun your vehicle is going to warm up quickly, even if it’s not too hot outside. Using a roof vent to circulate outside air through your vehicle can help keep it cool and comfortable.

Airflow is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Some fans can move more air, faster, than other fans. CFM will allow you to compare different van roof vent fans equally.

In my experience, there’s a point in which more airflow isn’t necessary. The MaxxFan Deluxe moves so much air on its fastest setting that it actually creates a wind tunnel inside my Ford Transit.

Benefits Of A Van Roof Vent Fan

Moisture Control

Moisture control inside of a van is really important, and not always considered. Even in the middle of winter you’ll want a van roof vent fan to extract moisture from inside of your van.

Everyday tasks, like cooking, showering and even breathing will produce moisture. Moisture inside of your van can create condensation. Condensation happens when warm moist air meets cold surfaces (like the walls of your van) and forms water droplets.

And we can all agree water inside your van walls is NOT a good thing. It will increase the risk of rust in your vehicle. Additionally, water can lead to mold which is not only gross but potentially unhealthy as well – and really difficult to get rid of once it starts.

Benefits Of A Van Roof Vent Fan

Temperature Control

It’s one thing to be able to open your windows and doors and allow air to flow through your van and cool it off. It’s another thing to add a van roof vent fan that can actually push or pull air in. It gets the job done so much faster.

Even the best insulated van will require a van roof vent to help exhaust hot air or push in cooler air.

Benefits Of A Van Roof Vent Fan

Odor Control

There is a lot of stuff that happens in a van- cooking, cleaning, pooping. They can make it stinky, and without a roof vent all that stinky stuff lingers.

If you’d like to be able to cook curry in your van, or do a number two, and not have to smell these things for the next 3 hours then a van roof vent is definitely for you!

Benefits Of A Van Roof Vent Fan

Safety

It’s important to be able to evacuate air from your vehicle quickly in case of a propane leak, carbon monoxide leak or other toxic gasses being present.

This is particularly important if you have anything powered by propane, or if you have a diesel heater. These appliances can produce dangerous gasses which *should* vent outside of your vehicle but if there’s a problem you’ll need to vent your van quickly to avoid poisoning or explosive buildup.