Fantastic Fan Vent Opening Knob - Ouch

db_cooper
db_cooper Member Posts: 748
in Modifications & Upgrades
Has anyone found a smaller knob, or done any modification to make this knob more flush to the fan?  It's the most common place I've skinned my head,  and it really doesn't need to be that big of a knob.  If I lived in there full time,  I'd probably have the muscle memory to miss it,  but seems like I at least graze it once a trip.

I took the knob off, hoping I could fashion a smaller one, but it's integrated into the unit with a metal sleeve and the screw goes the entire length. 
2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



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Comments

  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,417
    edited April 2017


    I agree and have wondered the same thing. It really hurts!

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

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  • ericnliz
    ericnliz Member Posts: 4,437
    db_cooper & jkjenn, Wow, I'm tall, and haven't hit it yet..... Only thought I have right now would be a bright colored tennis ball with a slit cut in it to cover it and soften the blow & make 'ya more aware of it. Let's ask the mod gurus....dalehelman, any ideas, Pop-T@B..?
    2016 T@B MAX S-aka: WolfT@B
    TV: 2006 Chevy Avalanche LT Z71 aka: WhiteWolf, or 1972 Chevy Custom10 P/U aka: SnarlingWolf
    Spokane, Wa.
    Eric aka: Lone Wolf  


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  • Verna
    Verna Member Posts: 6,876
    I've never done that either.......;)
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
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  • Nomad
    Nomad Member Posts: 7,209
    My dad always told me being short would be rewarded - You bend down more than you reach up and you don't have to worry about pesky knobs :-)
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  • rfuss928
    rfuss928 Member Posts: 1,181
    edited April 2017
    How about a vinyl cap like those used to protect pipe fittings before installation?   The right size would just slip on the outside surface of the handle and not really interfere with operation.

    These are about 1-1/2 to 2 inches in diameter and 3/4 deep soft vinyl.



    The 2" one fits my MaxFan pretty well.



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  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,417
    Almost every day. It seems to hit right at that softer, more vulnerable part of the head, too.

    The rubber caps wouldn't do it - needs to be thicker. I thought about using a thick batch of Sugru to make a ball around it but I am not sure that would do it. I also thought about one of Rocky's mini tennis balls. 

    I doubt Fantastic Fan ever envisioned their product would go someplace with such low clearance. 

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

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  • hymie
    hymie Member Posts: 150
    Have you looked at the McMaster Carr catalogue? They have every profile / size ever made. 
    James & Jacquie     Almonte, Ontario
    2016 Jeep Cherokee & 2017 T@B Outback
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  • ChanW
    ChanW Member Posts: 3,165
    @jkjenn,
    Soft head?
    Eh?  :open_mouth:

    (I guess yours just hasn't hardened up enough over the years, and developed calluses, from hitting your head too much.)
    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
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  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,417
    edited April 2017

    Yup and 2 concussions....one that gave me headaches for a year. :(

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

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  • db_cooper
    db_cooper Member Posts: 748
    I also lack the stringy protein scalp protector, so every bump shows. ☺
    2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
    2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



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  • db_cooper
    db_cooper Member Posts: 748
    I think JKJenn and myself probably hit the knob more than tall folks because we're just tall enough to hit that thing but not used to having to worry about it anywhere else.

    I may have my tinkering neighbor give it a go, he just got a 3d printer. :)

    2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
    2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



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  • db_cooper
    db_cooper Member Posts: 748
    Problem solved, at least for me.  I removed the knob and screw.  You can just put the knob back sans screw, and adjust fan.  Remove knob and store someplace.  With the Outback cargo nets, I'll just throw it up there in a corner.   Cheapest mod to date. :)

    2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
    2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



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  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    LOL db!
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
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  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,417

    db_cooper said:

    Problem solved, at least for me.  I removed the knob and screw.  You can just put the knob back sans screw, and adjust fan.  Remove knob and store someplace.  With the Outback cargo nets, I'll just throw it up there in a corner.   Cheapest mod to date. :)



    Perfect, thanks. I have the remote so don't use that black handle, anyway.

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

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  • Newfisher
    Newfisher Member Posts: 105
    Tennis ball? Like what Dad used to put on the trailer hitch to keep it from getting grease on his pant leg.
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  • db_cooper
    db_cooper Member Posts: 748
    1 inch of Velcro to secure knob on cargo shelf = .05 c
    Not bumping head on knob = Priceless

    2015 Max S Outback | 2010 Xterra  -- Retired
    2022 Ford F350 Tremor |  2022 Cirrus 620



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