Fitting a Fantastic Fan

[fxr]

Mrs fxr had been asking for a fan in the pop-top vent for some time, and one of her Christmas presents was a Fantastic Fan, from her Dad. My job was to install it. Now I had considered one of these when we first bought the van, but back then I refused to cut into the fibreglass to make the necessary 14" square hole.

I now had the confidence to go ahead, and if it didn't work out, to repair what I'd done.

First thing was to buy an 18" by 24" 1/8" thick piece of HDPE from Tap plastics ($10) to help cover up the indents around the vent. Then to cut a 14" by 14" hole in the middle of it.

Now the cut in the roof:

And add some 'dams' to seal the gaps along the channels.

Ready to locate the cover of the fan, set it down with sealant and screw it in place:

And then fit the fan itself:

That called for a bit of trim to make it neater - hardboard and Krylon Almond Satin paint did the trick:

Mrs fxr made an insulated internal "curtain" for it, held on with snaps:

It worked perfectly while camped and was a godsend in Baja, the only slight downside is that it rattles a bit at speeds over 65mph, but I'll find some way of quietening that.

_________________
Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[mikemtnbike]

Mike want, nice work, thanks for the documentation, especially after you’ve extensively tested. I’ll be copying.
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[fxr]

If you're not relying on Christmas presents, consider the Maxxair products as well before purchasing.

Ours doesn't have the remote, nor does it re-circulate with the lid closed - but we decided we could live without those just fine.

I'll add: I took the wires straight out towards the front, fed around the outside of the pop-top and then underneath the canvas right at the back. Then down the D pillar (rear vent), and then into the storage space under the rear seat where my aux battery lives.
_________________
Jim Crowther
1984 1.9l EJ22 Westy Wolfsburg Edition
Vespa GTS 300

[kourt]

I did this too.

See my post here:

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8796997#8796997

fxr, could you describe how you wired it? Specifically, did you wire it all the way down to the poptop hinges, and how did you bridge that area? Just curious.

kourt

[jimf909]

I love how the fantastic fan moves air through the van. Some folks like the Maxxfan but it seems they eachwork pretty well.

Fantastic fan making the tell-tale flow...

_________________
- Jim

[J Charlton]

The Fan-Tastic 7350 power vent is the vent that I recommend to folks for their NAHT hightop. I'm sure that the MaxAir is a quality product as well but folks who have the Fantastic vent are very happy with it. Those with the remote for the vent like that especially - those that didn't get the remote model, wish they had. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a Fantastic vent, it really pays to search around on line for one - the prices from some of the big RV supply retailers vary widely - and watch the model numbers and features carefully. I've seen the Fantastic vent with remote, rain sensor etc etc etc for as low as $220 but current lowest price seems to be around $300 - so it really pays to shop around. They're really great for controlling humidity inside the van and therefore condensation as well as temperature.
_________________
NAHT hightop availability May 18 2023 -
Bend Oregon - for Oregon, California- (7 tot , 3 available), Kennewick Wa (6 tot, 1 available), Small Car Performance Fife Wa. (7 tot 4 avail ), Fairbanks Alaska (1 tot 0 avail)
Future availability TBD : Springfield Mass. Staunton Va, Florida, Colorado, Grand Junction Co., SLC probably late 2024

[jimf909]

[kourt]

This is the pre-drive checklist I have laminated and stuck behind the driver side visor. Hope this helps!

kourt

[Scubavw]

Good job Jim.
I was wondering how you installed that when I saw it in Mulege.
Marshall

[fxr]

[jimf909]

[1988M5]

Somewhat on topic is this gem by the same company.
https://www.amazon.com/Fan-Tastic-Vent-01100WH-Endless-Breeze/dp/B0000AY2Z6

It fits great in a front window with the glass cranked up a bit and sips power. I use when I leave my dog in the car. Totally worth the C-note for efficiency and power.

BK

[MarkWard]

It’s too bad the install requires cutting the top. Thanks for documenting and sharing the install.
_________________
☮️

[mikemtnbike]

I'm not a 3d printing expert, but if one had a printer big enough wouldn't it be possible to print a step-down adapter that could be plug-and-play? Think I'll link unibagel to this thread.

EDIT: Sent him a PM.
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[fxr]

[danfromsyr]

I'll second the Fantastic fan stand alone too.
Fan-Tastic Vent 01100WH Endless Breeze - 12 Volt Fan

[banksdaname]

Thanks for this post fxr...How'd you end up wiring in your fan?

[fxr]

[heynanc]

Super thank you to all who contributed to this discussion. I was thinking about the vent fan situation, and I certainly will benefit from that pre-flight checklist!
_________________
Nancy
2011 Subaru Outback daily driver
1975 “art bus” transporter “Cherry Garcia”
1984 Westfailia Vanagon EJ22 “ Guinness”
2006 Dodge Sprinter (long/tall)
2006 Winnebago View (in case the buses aren’t cooperating)