Just replaced my previous Fantastic fan with a new MAXXAIR 7500k MaxxFann. We haven’t had time to fully test it out but with my brief experience with it I can say it is a definite upgrade. This is the fan that should be installed as factory equipment. It is considerably quieter across the board. Love the fact that at startup it defaults to 50%. And the sleek look just fits our Tab 320s
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Ken / 2023 Tab 400 “La Bolita” (23,000+ miles) / 2024 Toyota Sequoia
2024 - 3 Trips - 35 nights - 9 National Parks, 3 National Forests
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Oneonta, NY
Ken / 2023 Tab 400 “La Bolita” (23,000+ miles) / 2024 Toyota Sequoia
2024 - 3 Trips - 35 nights - 9 National Parks, 3 National Forests
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models)
2020 Subaru Outback XT
Pacific NW
2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road
I did a write up of my experience installing the fan:
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/14265/maxxfan-deluxe-7500k-install-tips-tricks#latest
What did help (and I don't think I mentioned this in the write up) was the use of a heat gun to remove the dicor sealant. Dicor is great in that it doesn't really "cure" in the sense that silicone does. It remains pliable so heat makes it soft again and using a plastic razor blade really helps aide in removal.
2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Yes, getting the old fan out is a bit tedious at first. Heat gun or score and peel the dicor, then run a small putty knife under one side of the flange. Once you get one side going, it pops up pretty easily.
The mounting flange slides around easily on the top when you're marking the holes to drill. If I were doing it again, I'd drill two opposite corner screws to temporarily secure it, then use that as a template for the other holes.
Definitely use clamps to keep the roof from separating, and as Manyman says, the flange screws are easy to break or strip. Have some extras on hand, they're just #8 pan headed sheet metal screws, I believe.
It was worth waiting overnight to let the butyl caulk settle out and re-tighten the flange screws. Most of the work is up till then, putting the fan in and finishing was pretty quick. Use the butt connectors he recommends, they definitely are easier to fit in the opening.
Ken / 2023 Tab 400 “La Bolita” (23,000+ miles) / 2024 Toyota Sequoia
2024 - 3 Trips - 35 nights - 9 National Parks, 3 National Forests
From what I remember the screws in the interior trim piece actually go up through the roof and screw into the exterior flange. So it’s not just being held on with adhesive. The screws are pulling the inner and outer components together and holding it all.
2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road
Oneonta, NY
2018 Nissan Titan Pro 4X "Big Bird"
Leadville Colorado
Oneonta, NY