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Broken FantasticFan Fix
Twice I’ve had the raise/lower motor of the FantasticFan running continuously, not be able to shut it off, and not be able to close the vent cover.
There are two motors in each unit; one motor raises and lowers the vent cover and the other motor spins the fan. As the vent cover is raised and lowered, there are micro-switches that start and stop the fan. There is also apparent circuitry which when the cover is up and the circuitry senses moisture, the cover is closed and the fan shuts off. Once the button is pushed to start the fan, the motor to raise/lower runs until apparently the vent cover is open as far as it will go and the resistance on the motor shuts it off. Same thing for the closing sequence. At least this is what it seems like to me.
What happened both times is that the mechanism to raise and lower the vent cover had its roll pin work its way out of the its hole. The raise/lower mechanism uses a worm gear and the raise/lower arm pivots on the roll pin. Once the roll pin is out, no resistance is created and the motor runs continuously. The first time I disassembled the mechanism, put the roll pin in its place, and reassembled everything. This time I decided to take a different approach. I was going to replace the roll pin with a bolt and lock-nut. Once I had everything apart, I was off to the Polk City hardware store for a #10 ( I think) stainless steel bolt and Nylock nut. I was concerned about the amount of room on either side of the raise/lower device, so I got an Allen button head bolt and thin Nylock nut.
I put it all together, reinstalled it, and I think I’m good to go permanently.
This is a project for which you should NOT have to get on the roof if you don’t want to. If you don’t completely understand how these things work and you can safely get on the roof, watching it cycle will help you understand how they work. I was able to do all the “real work” from inside the coach. Those of us who are shorter in stature might find a stool, short ladder, or small ottoman helpful.
Hopefully these pictures will help.
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3 Replies
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Or replace with a 4500K MaxxAir vent fan. Double arm lifting mechanism and it’s a lot stouter. 10 speeds, rain sensor and thermostat control and remote. One of my Fantastic fans (single lifting arm) snapped in a heavy gust of wind down on the Gulf Coast a couple years ago.
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CALL THE COMPANY, I HAD ONE THAT BROKE. CALL THE COMPANY, IF I RECALL THEY SENT ME A NEW ONE WHICH I THINK I FIXED FROM INSIDE THE COACH.
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Thanks for the writeup – I’ve got the same issue.
After removing the bug screen I was able to poke the cover with a broom handle to get the cover motor to behave. Now considering better & permanent fix.
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