Need help with Maxxair Maxxfan upgrade

Jeansor

We have a 2020 Tab 320s and are replacing our Fantastic Fan with a Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe 7000K.  The new fan is in place, wired in, and it works but we’re having trouble with the final step, attaching the garnish ring.  We’re unable to screw it to the ceiling.  It looks like there is aluminum framing around the opening.  Do we need to drill pilot holes?

MuttonChops

@Jeansor,  You are correct nüCamp uses Aluminum Tube Framing around the 14x14 fan opening.

If your dry fit looks correct, then drill your screw pilot holes.

Reference:

Jeansor

@MuttonChops That's what we figured.   Thanks!

Keagriver

I just completed this switch to the MaxxAir. In a stroke of bad luck I happened to drill through the 12v wires when drilling the holes to secure the new fan. When the new fan wouldn’t work I had to track down exactly why those wires weren’t getting power. Very frustrating! Eventually I solved it (with patient help from a methodical neighbor who’s good at these things). 

The roof holes can be drilled but be careful (or maybe omit?) the hole near the wires.

RPMustang

We are planning to upgrade to the Maxxair in our 400. I understand you're not supposed to put much weight on the roof and my arms aren't long enough to reach the center of the frame to drill and install the screws. How did you do yours? And thanks for the heads up on the wires! I can certainly see me drilling right thru wires myself!

manyman297

@RPMustang The roof can dent VERY easily. Try to do a test push to find out where the frame is so you aren’t applying your weight in between framing members.

Jeansor

Depending on your size, some of the work can be done from inside popping up through the hole in the roof.  

manyman297

I was able to work on the majority of the install through the hole in the roof. The only time you really need to lean on the roof is to install the two screws on the driver side of the fan. I put down multiple blankets as a safeguard since I needed to lean a little of my weight against the roof. 

RPMustang

Thanks y'all!

jva1000

W.r.t. the question about putting weight on the roof, I just replaced our fan (with a MaxxAir) and found that in order to install the screws and the sealant I needed to be able to see over the top of the fan to the driver's side. So I took a 2x6 that was long enough to reach from side to side, and was able to kneel on that to reach the entire perimeter of the fan. 

manyman297

Yeah, unless you're tall enough (I'm 5'11" and barely was able to install those driver side screws) you'll need some support to help you reach them. The sealant is easy if you can fit through the hole in the roof.

aponteluis

I just installed a 7500K on my 2022 Tab 320S. I was surprised to find out the original fantastic fan was not screwed to the roof. It was glued with some clear glue and looked like hot glue. I did not install the screw that is right above the power cables to avoid damaging them. One screw did not make any difference in the sturdiness of the flange. I also purchased stainless steel self-tapping screws at Home Depot: same size, but self-tapping. The screws included with the fan were too soft, and even though I drilled pilot holes, they were bending, and I was afraid one would break. On the inside, I used one of the self-tapping screws to drill the pilot hole for the screws included with the Maxxair flange. Just don't drill all the way through so the hole is not too big for the screw. I added a magnetic blackout cover when I didn't want any light coming in through the translucent lid. 

bjn2

Just a note that our 2023 320s BD came with a base level MaxxFan. NuCamp trimmed/reinforced the inside of the opening with 1x2 wood. Unfortunately, that wood reduces headroom and Nucamp left sharp corners that put divots in my head until I covered them with foam padding. NuCamp changed the mounting in 2024 so the ceiling fan trim is flush. Eventually, I'd like to upgrade to the Deluxe MaxxFan and hope it's possible to remove the wood to regain headroom.

bjn2

Also,if you find your head intersecting with the three-pronged MaxxFan knob, I posted a link to a 3-D printable round knob that can replace it.

manyman297

@aponteluis From what I remember the original fan is held on with the interior trim/flange screws going up through the roof into the top half of the fan. So it's kind of being sandwiched (squeezed) by the screws, bottom flange, and top of fan. In a way I like this more than the Maxxfan because it's less holes in the roof.