Fantastic Fan Upgrade to 7350 - dramatic improvement in efficiency

DenisP

After reading previous posts about the benefits of upgrading Fantastic Fan to 7350 in my 400.  I upgraded prior to a recent 3800 round mile trip to Florida which included some dry camping (Walmart, Cracker Barrel ..) and from 14 to 86 degrees.  After the upgrade, the fan not only was remarkably quieter, had fourteen speeds instead of three and had a handy remote control but it appeared to be less of an energy hog.  I received a Camping World catalog yesterday which had an interesting table of Amp Draw comparison between the three speed fans and the 14 speed Model 7350.  The three speed fans draw 3 - 2.29 -1.86 A at Low, Med and High speeds while the 7330 only draws 0.2 - 1.9A throughout its speed range (low to high).  Pretty remarkable that the draw at low speed is 15 times higher with the three speed fans. 
I know others have noted increased efficiency with the upgrade but to see the actual numbers highlighted the advantage during dry camping even more.

geekmama

Did you replace it yourself? If so, how difficult was it?

DenisP

I did the upgrade myself with the upgrade kit.  It wasn't too hard after re-reading the instructions and viewing YouTube videos.  The upgrade from the kit can be done inside the Tab without disturbing the seals.  The most important issue is obtaining the correct kit as I have read there are two versions one with corner cutouts (newer models) and the other with straight corners (older models).  

BogieMeister

This sounds like a great idea. How do I know which model fan I have in a 2018  320S ?

DenisP

I understand that Fantastic Fan customer service is really good and should be able to help you locate the model number and appropriate upgrade kit.   customersupportcenter@dometic.com

Verna

I can attest to the huge difference in using the upgraded Fantastic Fan over the 3-speed Fan.

The factory was not aware that I, and many others, were not able to regularly use the 3 speed FF while boondocking due to the heavy power consumption. I can now use the upgraded fan daily to exhaust the heat (it’s finally getting warmer in the desert!). The remote control is an added plus.

sranderle

How does this compare to replacing the original Fantastic Fan with a MaxxAir Fan Deluxe, installation effort aside?

MuttonChops

@DenisP ;  nice summary, Thanks.

For those of us not ready to invest the $$ of an upgrade kit, you might review the discussion to change the 3-speed FF to variable speed.

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7200/variable-speed-pwm-ceiling-fan-mod-10-bucks#latest

DenisP

I don’t know personally how the FF 7350 compares to the Maxxair Deluxe beyond the online reviews. The FF is supposed to be a bit quieter but the built in hood of the Maxxair has its advantages also. I had installed a fan cover previously over the FF on my 400 so I decided to go the upgrade route and not disturb the roof seal. 
The remarkable thing to me is the fan motor and fan blades are the same but the performance and convenience is quite different with the bonus of significantly lower energy use at all speeds but the highest. My DW loves the fan and the ease of control. 

BogieMeister

Ok, I’ll finally ask....... I’ve been following this forum for about a year and have figured out most of the terminology and acronyms. But, the one that has escaped my grasp is DW. 
I can only assume it refers to ones spouce. But I’m guessing....
Dear Wife
Dim Wit
Dead Weight
Delightful Wonder
????

DenisP

Dear Wife in my reference. 

Awca12a

@DenisP
Would you mind posting a link to the kit which fit your 400?  Seems like a great boondocking uppgrade

DenisP

@Awca12a  Here is a link to the kit which fits my 2018 400: https://www.etrailer.com/Enclosed-Trailer-Parts/Fantastic-Vent/FV807357.html. 

jkjenn

Yup. This upgrade was a game-changer for me. I was perfectly comfortable with the fan only at about 7500' in 80 degree weather (dry heat) with fan usage and it did not exceed my ability to replenish with solar. I have the range breakdown on my power co sumption spreadsheet.

klenger

Does this same upgrade apply to the 320?

DenisP

Yes. I believe @jkjenn has a 320 which she has made the great spreadsheet tracking specific power usage posted. The upgrade is specific to the vintage of the fantastic fan as there are two types of flanges as noted in previous discussions about the upgrade. My 2018 400 fan has indented corners and at some time earlier the corners are straight. 

pthomas745

There was a thread last summer about replacing the controller on the stock fan.  Using a PWM controller with a rheostat style switch instead of the three speed switch, there were reports the amp usage was much lower than the stock fan, with less fan and motor noise, also.  There are some mentions of the amp savings in the thread, and some owners might find it an easier mod than having to work on top of the trailer.   If I can do it....

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7200/variable-speed-pwm-ceiling-fan-mod-10-bucks/p1

DenisP

This mod is done inside the camper. You don’t need to go on the roof

pthomas745

Thanks, I don't think I worded that well....

DenisP

In addition to the reduction in power consumption the upgrade provided wireless remote to control the variable speeds reverse and thermostat control of the fan.  One feature provided, I didn't install was the rain sensor as I have a Aero-flo cover on the fan.  

jmiller808

I insta6ins the upgrade kit in my 320 last night for the better energy efficiency but am curious if you are having a similar issue to what I'm having.

It seems the remote only seems to want to work if I have it pointed directly at the fan in a very specific location. And it's pure luck if I hit the right spot.

Anyone else have that issue and have a fix? I searched to the end of the internet and have not found anything about it.

DenisP

@jmiller808 I haven't experienced that issue and I purchased additional remote so I could have one mounted between the door and the galley along with one by the head of the bed on my 400.  Both remotes operate the fan from their mounted position and when removed.  Most of the time they stay in their mounts without issue.  Another reason for the second remote is that the upgraded fan will only operate with a remote so if it is lost you can't operate the fan.  

jmiller808

Ok. Wonder if the IR sensor in mine is being interfered with some how. I may have to take it out and take a look

DenisP

Just for the heck of it, replace the remote batteries first to see if that makes a difference.

jmiller808

Good call @DenisP. Apparently the brand new batteries they package with the remote were junk. A fresh set of Duracell was just what it needed.

Now to experiment and see if I can program my Logitech Harmony remote to work with it so I can have everything controlled with just 1 remote, multiple remotes laying around irks me to no end

JeffroNC

Does this upgrade do anything about the whining noise? It is quite loud on any speed except high. 

jmiller808

It definitely seems quieter to me. But results might vary depending on which type of motor your existing fan is, the install instructions showed 2 different motors.

JohnDanielsCPA

@JeffroNC call Dometic (owners of Fantastic Fan) and explain what is going on. They may just give you a new one if it’s not too old.  (866) 869-3118

JEB

I recently installed this upgrade.  It works great, except for one small glitch.  When the rain sensor detects moisture, it closes the dome automatically as it should but the fan continues to run.  The reason is that Dometic presumes that the original fan has a plunger switch mounted in the frame/garnish that cuts power to the fan motor when the dome closes.  The fans we get from the factory have no such switches because they are entirely manual.  Has anyone attempted to retrofit a plunger switch so that the fan motor stops whenever the dome closes?  I know I can call Dometic.  I'm asking whether anyone here has actually done it before I bother.  For those interested, this appears to be the part that's missing.  http://www.dyersonline.com/atwood-fan-tastic-vent-plunger-style-dome-switch.html?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIp_7vgN7Z4QIVCrXACh2cPQf_EAQYASABEgJQAfD_BwE

DenisP

I removed the rain sensor as I have a cover over the fan. I had read that some people had problems with the rain sensor in high humidity locations so instead of any potential false closures, I never installed the sensor. 

JEB

DenisP said:

I removed the rain sensor as I have a cover over the fan. I had read that some people had problems with the rain sensor in high humidity locations so instead of any potential false closures, I never installed the sensor. 

It takes some getting used to but the rain sensor works fine, even in humid conditions.  You just have to override it, raise the hood to get some airflow, and then reactivate it.  I like it much better than the bulky covers which can spoil the teardrop profile.  If I can get a dome switch to work, it should suit my needs well.