Do This to Fix and Improve a MaxxAir Vent Fan
#vanlife
Fixing a MaxxAir Vent Fan. It is common for MaxxAir vent fans to have control boards fail. Replacement control boards cost $60 to $100. I’ve found a control board for less than $15 that works better than the original replacement board. In this video, I show how easy it is to fix a MaxxAir fan with a faulty control board.
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My name is Scott and in 2015, I bought a Ram ProMaster City to live in. Even though I didn’t know much about RV’s and campervans, I set about building the van out as a minivan camper. And in April of 2016, I moved into my minivan full time.
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Пікірлер: 94
I bought a cheaper version for some reason that isn’t reversible. I wonder though if the motors are basically the same and if bypassing the controls would allow me to use mine in reverse. Either way, thanks for the insight!
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
Not sure exactly, but I think your motor will reverse direction if you swap the positive and negative wires. For twenty bucks, you should be able to have a variable speed, reversing fan.
@JG-kv4oi
2 жыл бұрын
@Stealthier. The motors are the same. I have a 10 spd reversible Maxxair in my Caravan. I bought two non reversible 3 or 4 speed Maxxairs for approx 140.00 each for my Promaster as I hate the 10 speeds you have to scroll through on the more expensive ones, beside saving 400.00 on the pair of them. Use a 12 volt reversing switch DPDT, as reversing the power to the motor reverses the direction without harm, its a DC motor. Just make sure you let the motor come to a complete stop before reversing it. If you or your loved one can't do that use a PWM controller like Scott bought with a brake function, it'll stop the motor before it reverses it when you flip the switch. I'm going to wire in a line voltage thermostat available at any home supply store for 25.00 so I can set the temp I want mine to turn on or off at.
@stealthierthanthou6480
2 жыл бұрын
@@StaticCamperVan Oh, I should have mentioned that when hooking it up, I tested reversing the wires and it wouldn’t turn on. So that’s why I’m talking about bypassing the onboard controls.
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
@@stealthierthanthou6480 you were reversing the wires going to the motor and not the control, correct? The motor wiring is reversible. The controls wiring is not reversible.
You even made it interesting for non-tech me.
@tillygirl7450
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, that's what he does for me when he explains things😊...But, I still don't think I would attempt to do any of this...and me, being a Master Electrician's daughter.😁
It’s always great to watch you doing different things
I understood all the techno jargon. Woo hoo! Have a great week. Be well and stay safe.
You have terrific problem solving skills. Well done. Even with the time you put into both research & installation, you came out ahead with the added bonus of really convenient placement. Cool.
Woah, nice haircut!!
Great solution for another "replace the expensive part" problem. Likely to last longer, too.
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
Wonder if having the control away from moisture and excessive vibration by moving it outside of the fan housing will have an impact.
@carlaifera5254
2 жыл бұрын
.... yeah, I think he gotta better product .... the expensive one would have failed too, eventually because of incompetent design features.
I’m Scottish and I appreciate the cost difference ! My kind of thinking! 😂👍
@tillygirl7450
2 жыл бұрын
😁
Pretty spiffy.... Nice!
Love the new hair cut❣
Now you can turn it up to eleven!! And for anyone interested.. I'm pretty sure you can buy, either a pot knob or number plate to go behind the pot nut, that goes up to eleven.
Self-sufficiency at it’s finest 👌🏽
Nice haircut, looks literally cool too. Looks a LOT better. Aren't you just dying to sit up straight though?
@tillygirl7450
2 жыл бұрын
Yes, a REALLY nice haircut. 😊He actually look a lot younger..my initial guess of his age is NOW way off 😊😁
I'm impressed ... ☕
Very good job on repair. Have a wonderful day.
Great info thank you🙂 By the way your haircut and beard trim look GREAT👌🏼
@tillygirl7450
2 жыл бұрын
Ditto! 😊
Good work Scott, that’s exactly how I wired a speed control on my fan. Costs little, works well, lasts a long time.
Your hair is on point!
Not bad...excelente work
Ive had my board short out twice now. Max Air says it’s a moister or voltage malfunction. I think it’s a heat issue. The roof of the van gets upwards of 170 degrees sometimes. Getting the controls off the roof is the biggest improvement.
I was lucky to get a free replacement controller under warranty. It only lasted a couple more years. This will be my next fix when I get around to it.
Great job AGAIN!! I'm taking notes !! :)
Morning ☕😊. I'm not confused, it seemed straight forward to me.
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
That’s because you’re a smart young lady. ✌🏼
@katcankan7129
2 жыл бұрын
@@StaticCamperVan 😁
"There are no instruction with this...damm..where did I put that controller.." My father used to always tell me that my eyes or ears must be painted on when I spoke before truly looking or listening! Humans are interesting creatures!
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
Haha!
@tillygirl7450
2 жыл бұрын
My Dad was like this too😁
Always good when you can spend less and get a project at the same time.
Your hair and beard look great!
Excellent. I got the same fan, so I'll be using that hack, thank you. Relocate the control within reach of my bed.
Awesome video as always
Good job!
Excellent! Love the helpful tips.
That looks great! Nice job! Thank you for sharing this because I am about to install a maxxair in my Ford TC.
DIY is the way to go! We're all proud of ya!
This is something I hope I never need thank you
Nice installation there, does the job and works! You probably shouldn't just change the direction switch at full speed potentiometer or the fuse might blow due to the heavy counter-current being pulled. Who knows.... :-) anyway, great video, thanks for sharing.
Pretty smart! 😉👍
That was wonderful. Looks good too!
👍
Hey Scott..that does seem to be a weak point on the maxair fan. I'm using the fantastic fan w/o rain sensor..still going strong after 5 years. Just switches..no control panel to go bad 👍
OMG! Such simple solutions. Love your videos!! Keep up the good work.
Everyone give the video a like 👍! Take care
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
🙏🏼✌🏼
@tillygirl7450
2 жыл бұрын
IF you read each and all of the comments (like I do), it helps with the YT algorithms, to hit the LIKE button/icon👍 for each of the comments too.😊
I love electronics projects! Glad you did it up! Looks great! We need to get you set up with “Home Assistant” running. Then just tell Siri to make your coffee or turn on your lights etc! LoL 😂 You also won’t be wearing out the buttons on the original control panel. Congrats!
🦋
Great vlog Scott, I like these D-I-Y, have-a-go yourself type videos. I have a large high top ex-minibus basic converted campervan, that's what we call them in UK, ,not RV's. So I have done many basic but functional things like you, and to be honest, I like it because it is problem solving and a sense of achievement. It's cheaper, you know how to repair it etc etc One question about the fan, can you explain from real "lived in" experience about your use, when you pull air in or extract. I haven't put a roof fan in but have three small side exiting fans on slider windows. I rarely use the camper so don't know much about air flow and what's good. This might a be good vlog to explain about airflow and what is good/needed? Thanks for sharing as always.
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
I’ve an old video that goes into airflow here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/lHaAycemh5ffdaQ.html My van is a little different than most because I have a floor vent. The floor vent combined with the roof vent means there’s always airflow even when the fan is not running. Unless it’s very warm, I prefer to pull the air through the van. Generally, my preference is to not have air blowing at me.
@bak2back
2 жыл бұрын
@@StaticCamperVan Thanks for the reply and link
👍👍👍
Potentiometer sounds like a made up word from Back To The Future. I thought you were kidding until I looked it up.
Here's a very deep question for you... What do you think of the classic red plastic canister FOLGERS !! ? ( the best part of wakeing up is putting Folger's in your cup )
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
Bwhahaha!
Definitely better than the factory control board. I guess your fan is long out of warranty already. But if someone else has it still in warranty, maxxair will send you a free control board which is what happened to mine less than a year in. That would be the cheapest option in that case. Nice work.
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
This fan is 6 years old and has been used almost daily.
@vanfamilies1562
2 жыл бұрын
@@StaticCamperVan yes I remember you saying that. But for someone else who has a newer one that failed (and there are many) they should get a free replacement instead.
I have the same issue with the circuit board on my max, that'll be a perfect controller to get my maxx air fan to work again. What fuse type did you use? How can i get my fan to work with a regular wall plug 🔌
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
This runs through my main fuse panel, same as before. I don’t believe there is an easy way to run a 12volt fan with a mains voltage. These fan motors are DC current. A regular wall plug is AC current.
@ThePlanet_L.I.
2 жыл бұрын
@@StaticCamperVan so how do i run it using my yeti 500x goal zero
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
Easiest way for a Goal Zero would be to use a 12volt Cigarette Lighter Plug.
@ThePlanet_L.I.
2 жыл бұрын
@@StaticCamperVan 🤔i didn't think of that, i tried using a usb
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
Usb is for 5 volts or less. The motor in a MaxxAir draws more power than a usb can supply.
Does anyone know whether the standard Maxx fan(4 speed) can be modified to run in reverse (intake)?
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
It can. Check the reply to a comment from Stealthier Than Thou. I will pin the comment to the top so you can find it easier.
@ryanmarshall8030
2 жыл бұрын
@@StaticCamperVan Thank you sir, much appreciated!
👍👍🌟🌟🌟🌟👍👍
Amazon???
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
I’m poor. My choices are limited!
If the quality of the original switch was faulty, how do you think the quality of an original equipment replacement switch is going to be? I think your replacement switch is definitely superior. 👍
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
Good point 👍🏼
Well you will never be confused for Nikola Tesla
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
Nope!
Might be more efficient if the fan screen was clean, just saying 😊
@tillygirl7450
2 жыл бұрын
Yes! That was one of my first thoughts too! 😁 And the only (technical/electrical) advice I could offer him😄
PayPal for a sticker. 😁🙏🏼💜
@StaticCamperVan
2 жыл бұрын
Oh, Thanks! I’ll get one out to you tonight or tomorrow! 👍🏼✌🏼
@DivineMojo
2 жыл бұрын
@@StaticCamperVan I appreciate you, thanks!
Being able to mount the control in a location that's most convenient to you is far better, MaxxAir missed a trick by not having a movable control unit.