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Need help with Maxxair Maxxfan upgrade

JeansorJeansor Member Posts: 28
in Modifications & Upgrades
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?
2013 Nissan Frontier
2020 T@B 320 S Boondock Edge: Sm@lls
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Comments

  • MuttonChopsMuttonChops Member Posts: 1,834
    @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:

    '18 320 S,  pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    Adventures:  56   Nights:  379  Towing Miles 47,220
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  • JeansorJeansor Member Posts: 28
    @MuttonChops That's what we figured.   Thanks!
    2013 Nissan Frontier
    2020 T@B 320 S Boondock Edge: Sm@lls
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  • KeagriverKeagriver Member Posts: 18
    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.


    2020 T@b 320 S BD Edge,
    2018 Toyota 4Runner 
    Bowdoinham, Maine
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  • RPMustangRPMustang Member Posts: 5
    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!
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  • manyman297manyman297 Member Posts: 1,411
    @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.
    2021 400 BD
    2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 
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  • JeansorJeansor Member Posts: 28
    Depending on your size, some of the work can be done from inside popping up through the hole in the roof.  
    2013 Nissan Frontier
    2020 T@B 320 S Boondock Edge: Sm@lls
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  • manyman297manyman297 Member Posts: 1,411
    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. 
    2021 400 BD
    2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 
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  • RPMustangRPMustang Member Posts: 5
    Thanks y'all!
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  • jva1000jva1000 Member Posts: 3
    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. 
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  • manyman297manyman297 Member Posts: 1,411
    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.
    2021 400 BD
    2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 
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  • aponteluisaponteluis Member Posts: 8
    edited June 2024
    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. 
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  • bjn2bjn2 Member Posts: 119
    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.
    Utah-based
    2023 T@B 320 S Boondock
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  • bjn2bjn2 Member Posts: 119
    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.
    Utah-based
    2023 T@B 320 S Boondock
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  • manyman297manyman297 Member Posts: 1,411
    @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. 
    2021 400 BD
    2020 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 
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  • ckjsckjs Member Posts: 101
    bjn2 said:
    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 Have you (or anyone) seen how the MaxxFan flush interior mount works? I’m in the middle of replacing the Fantastik fan with a manual MaxxFan (4401K). The sales info for the new one said it works with 1” roof thickness, but the paperwork inside mentions a minimum 2” thickness unless you get the really basic MaxxFan Mini, which I’d never heard of.

    Perhaps nuCamp added an exterior trim ring, on the roof?
    Charles & Judy, Santa Cruz, CA
    2018 T@B 320 CS-S; Alde 3020; 4 cyl 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx XT
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  • qhumberdqhumberd Administrator, Moderator Posts: 644
    ckjs said:
    bjn2 said:
    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 Have you (or anyone) seen how the MaxxFan flush interior mount works? I’m in the middle of replacing the Fantastik fan with a manual MaxxFan (4401K). The sales info for the new one said it works with 1” roof thickness, but the paperwork inside mentions a minimum 2” thickness unless you get the really basic MaxxFan Mini, which I’d never heard of.

    Perhaps nuCamp added an exterior trim ring, on the roof?
    I believe the roof thickness is the same on the 320 and the 400, and I made the mistake of getting the base fan and it does NOT work with a 1 1/8" roof. I had to trim mine out and lost a bit of headroom.

    The story is here and I used wood trim to finish it off after the vinyl stuff would not hold

    https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/15653/2019-t-b-400-bath-fan-replaced-with-maxxfan-4301k-that-is-too-tall-for-the-roof#latest

    The higher cost Maxxfans all can use a 1 inch roof apparently


    2019  T@B400 Boondock Lite "Todd"

    2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7 Crew Cab
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