We hear a lot of talk about the MaxxAir fan being the best roof vent fan available on the market today. In fact, in our post on the 3 best RV roof vent fans, we listed the MaxxAir as the #1 choice. Why? Well, that’s what this post is all about.
We should note up front that we didn’t have a MaxxAir fan installed in our Newmar motorhome because it came with Fantastic fans, and we had good luck with them. But our new trailer came with two MaxxAir fans… that we really love! Let’s take a look at what makes MaxxAir vent fans so popular.
What Are the Advantages of a MaxxAir Fan?
There are a number of reasons why the MaxxAir fan is a popular choice among RVers (and there are a lot of reasons why you want to have proper ventilation in your RV).
Built-In Cover
The MaxxAir fan has a built-in cover that serves as a rain shield. This means that you can run the fan to circulate air when it’s raining. It also means that you don’t have to worry about leaving the ceiling fan open inadvertently when you’re away from the rig and it starts to rain.
The built-in cover also means that you don’t need to purchase a separate vent fan cover. That’s one less piece of gear to buy and install. Speaking of which, if you do already have a fan without a cover, you can install one of these awesome Camco Aero-Flo RV vent fan covers (like we did in this video).
The design of the MaxxAir fan’s built-in cover/rain shield not only allows for the fan to be open and running in the rain or while driving but also gives it a low profile.
Slimmer Profile
The lack of need for a tall-ish cover to be added means a slimmer profile. The fewer things sticking up on an RV roof, the better in terms of aerodynamics, noise, and the potential for collisions with overhead obstacles, like tree branches.
Wireless Remote
With the MaxxAir fan’s wireless remote control, you don’t have to run additional wiring. This makes it so much easier to upgrade from a vent fan that only has controls built into the unit (NOTE: not ALL MaxxAir fans come with a wireless remote)
Reversible Fan
Older Fan-Tastic fans (that were so common in many RVs for an extended period of time) only vented air OUT of the rig. Don’t get us wrong – they worked really well for us, and are actually capable of keeping an RV pretty cool when used in conjunction with at least one open window.
With that said, the MaxxAir fans allow you to either blow air out or pull fresh air in (reverse direction for air intake). This has been one of the primary reasons why the MaxxAir fans became a popular choice for camper van builders and RVers who were replacing their original vent fans.
Removable Screen
Another popular feature of the MaxxAir fan is that it has a removable screen, and removal doesn’t require the use of any tools. This makes it so much easier to clean. In our case, we had to upgrade our Fan-Tastic fans with 3rd party “Pop ‘N Lock” screens at extra cost for ease of cleaning (the current generation of Fan-Tastic fans come with pop-out, removable screens).
Can You Drive With a MaxxAir Fan Open?
Yes, you can drive with your MaxxAir fan open. MaxxAir says that all of its fans are designed with dual lifting arms that fully support the lid. If you do leave your fan open while driving, MaxxAir recommends leaving it open all the way so the arms can adequately support the lid as designed.
You can drive with a MaxxAir fan open without concern about the lid flying off!
Can You Use a MaxxAir Fan in the Rain?
You can absolutely run your MaxxAir fan in the rain. All MaxxAir fans come with the built-in rain covers we mentioned above, while most other vent fans simply have a lid that opens up to the elements. However, with a MaxxAir fan, the built-in cover allows you to keep the vent open, even in the rain, while allowing airflow through the screen.
How Much Power Does a MaxxAir Fan Use?
MaxxAir fans are efficient in their use of power. For example, the MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe models use about 4.5 amps while running, and about 9 amps at startup. However, it’s important to remember that these fans have 10 power modes. You can adjust the speed of the blades, but the faster they’re spinning, the more power they’ll consume (they’re still highly efficient).
Is a MaxxAir Fan AC or DC?
MaxxAir fans are designed for 12V DC systems. Installation requires a circuit capable of supplying a minimum of 5 amps to the fan.
Are All MaxxAir Fans the Same?
Not quite. Most function similarly and are flush-mounted in a standard 14″ x 14″ opening. But there are some differences, some of which are very minor.
For example, the MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe roof fans have two different model numbers – 7000k and 7500k. The difference is that the 7000k model is white and the 7500k model is a smoke color. That’s a pretty slight difference, but good to note to make sure you order the color you want. Other than the MaxxFan Deluxe models, there are some other models with different features. But the MaxxFan Deluxe is the only model we’d consider, so the one we’re focusing on in this post.
A fan’s ability to move air is measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Both MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe models offer over 900 CFM for a strong movement of air through your RV.
The Deluxe models also offer the option of remote control. The remote control operates all fan functions, including the electric lid opening.
Both fans can be run with the lid closed to circulate air (Ceiling Fan Mode) and have a built-in thermostat that displays the interior temperature. Each fan has ten blades and ten speeds.
MaxxAir MaxxFan models include a 2-year limited warranty on materials and workmanship.
- ALL-IN-ONE VENTILATION SOLUTION: The Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe combines a vent, fan, and vent cover into a single unit, providing a comprehensive...
- POWERFUL 10-SPEED FAN: Experience optimal temperature control with the powerful 10-speed reversible fan equipped with a thermostat. This advanced...
- ALL-IN-ONE VENTILATION SOLUTION: The Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe combines a vent, fan, and vent cover into a single unit, providing a comprehensive...
- POWERFUL 10-SPEED FAN: Experience optimal temperature control with the powerful 10-speed reversible fan equipped with a thermostat. This advanced...
So, Is the MaxxAir Fan the Best Fan to Vent Air In Your RV?
The term “best” is always a tough one to use because there’s some subjective quality to every opinion. Generally, anything we feel is “best” is the one we think would work best for us.
Our old (2005-era) Fan-Tastic fans worked well for us from the time we bought our rig new in 2005 until we sold it, darn new, two decades later. We were full-timers, so even though they started to get a bit louder than they were when they were new, it was impressive that they were still working so well when we sold the rig. But that hasn’t been everyone’s experience… especially with newer models, which we’ve heard less-than-flattering reports about.
One of our readers noted that their Newmar motorhome, purchased new in 2017, has had numerous issues with its two Fan-Tastic fans, both of which have required replacement more than once. And when parts were needed for repair, the owners were without one of their fans for several months, waiting for parts. That’s not good news, and it’s definitely an experience that would steer one toward a different choice.
Since our old fans were still working, we would only have replaced them if they had eventually failed. And yes, we would have replaced them with MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe fans.
How about you? Whatever brand you have, we’d love to hear about your experience with RV vent fans, good or bad.
Free RVing Tips, Tricks, Reviews & Giveaways
As 20-year full-timers, we share everything we’ve learned about RVing over the years. Join our online community to receive a wealth of great RVing knowledge delivered daily to your inbox.
Whether you’re a new RVer or a seasoned full-timer, you’ll love the wide range of RVing topics we cover. Don’t miss a single article or any of our famous Giveaways. Subscribe to our newsletter today!
Paul
Wednesday 22nd of October 2025
We have had great results with ours. We replace our bathroom one with one. I would also have done the one in the bedroom one but my wife said no.
Tom
Wednesday 22nd of October 2025
Make sure you order and install the free rattle kit! (It's not hard to install on a sunny day.) They rattle while you are driving and the fan is closed.
John
Wednesday 22nd of October 2025
My 2012 Discovery came with Fantastic fans - no issues other than the screen cleaning We traded it in February 2020 for our Renegade Verona LE it also came with Fantastic fans- had to change it once due to some electric issue
Larry
Sunday 22nd of October 2023
I replaced the tiny fart fan in my bathroom with a manual control maxx fan. What an improvement. I have a toyhauler with a tall ceiling with a regular vent, no fan, towards the back of our trailer. With the ceiling so tall we put a remote control maxx air fan up there. I was worried about power for the fan where the no fan vent was. When I removed the vent there was power wires waiting for the new maxx air to be installed. What luck!! We love both of the fans and we usually set one to exhaust and the other to intake.
Gord
Sunday 22nd of October 2023
Does anyone know of an insulating product you can place on the interior of the fan. Cold and damp camping here up north condensation forms on the inside of the fan dripping down. Bit shocking using the facilities durning the night!
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 24th of October 2023
Oh no, Gord! You definitely need a vent pillow like this one available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QqCJrr