One of the challenges of a van build is ensuring it remains comfortable and breathable. Proper ventilation is crucial, not only for maintaining a pleasant temperature but also for preventing moisture buildup and ensuring good air quality. This is important in normal conditions of course, but as we build and add van life RV features such as a kitchen or a shower and start cooking and running water inside the van, this gets a lot trickier. That’s where the Maxx Air Fan comes in!

Features of the Maxx Air Fan

The Maxx Air Fan is renowned for its robust features that cater to the unique needs of van dwellers. It offers multi-speed functionality, allowing you to adjust the airflow according to your comfort level. Additionally, its reversible motor permits both intake and exhaust operations, ensuring versatility in different situations. Maxx Air Fans are built around energy efficiency so they have a very low power consumption making it an ideal choice for off-grid use. The built-in rain cover acts as a nice skylight during the daytime hours and allows you to operate in all weather conditions, providing peace of mind during those unexpected downpours.

Step-by-Step Guide to Installation

Preparing for Installation

Before you begin, gather all necessary tools and materials to ensure a smooth installation process. You'll need a:

• Marker

• Tape Measure

• Masking Tape

• Body Saw or Jigsaw with Metal Cutting Blades

• Drill

• Screwdriver (Phillips)

• Marine Sealant

Location - Start by selecting the optimal location for your fan. Take your time here. I am placing mine in the center of the van between the sliding door and the third passenger seat. This location will be great for the exhaust fan feature when showering, or using the kitchen galley for cooking, but is also a great central location to provide air movement in tandem with my windows to create cross ventilation and help control interior temperature for comfort.

Marking - Carefully measure and mark where the fan's cutout will be. The ribs along the roof can help with centering the cutout template. Check the location from the inside and outside. Ensure the fan will be between the structural frame supports as we will not be cutting any of those of course. Also consider where other roof top gear will go such as solar panels. Measure, measure, and measure some more! Once the Maxx Fans location has been determined, checked, and rechecked, drill pilot holes from the inside. Confirm the measurements on the roof with the pilot holes, and draw the cut path with marker. If using a jigsaw, place masking tape around the outside of the cut path to protect the surrounding surfaces from the guide of the saw.

Installing the Maxx Air Fan

• Cutting the roof opening - Using a jigsaw or body saw, carefully cut along your marked cut path using one of the pilot holes as a starting point. Test fit the Fan Mount and Fan to the opening and adjust the opening as needed with a grinder until the fan fits cleanly. Lightly grind and debur the cut edges. Seal the exposed bare metal with paint to prevent the possibility of rust and corrosion.

• Interior Frame - To give the Maxx Fan proper and even support all the way around we will build a frame structure. The interior structural support members of the van are 2 inches in width meaning we can use 2x2 sticks of lumber for our frame and it will align flush with the existing structure and be perfect for our future ceiling to secure to. Our fan opening is 14 inches, so for this, we will build a square box frame out of 2x2 lumber with an inside opening of 14 inches. The fan and trim ring will anchor to this frame evenly on all 4 sides ensuring a great seal.

• Mounting the Max Fan - Place the Fan Mount over the opening and mark the location of the mounting holes. Remove the Mount and drill the holes. Apply butyl tape to the outer edge of the Fan Mount and place the mount in position over the cutout being sure to align the mounting holes with the predrilled holes. Secure the mount through the roof to the 2x2 frame structure ensuring a tight, even fit to prevent leaks. Apply a generous amount of sealant around the edges to maintain waterproofing. Place the Maxx Fan in the mount and secure it with the supplied hardware.

• Electrical - Wiring the Maxx Fan is pretty simple. The fan has two wires; power and ground. The fan can be wired directly to a power source, or through a switch. With the Fan having a remote, and being centrally located in the van and easy to access, I did not feel the need to have a switch unless it would cause a parasitic draw on my system. Maxx Fan is reputable and I have not heard of that being a problem so mine will be wired direct to the fuse block which keeps my switch panel cleaner with less switches.

  To power the Maxx Fan directly you need to run the ground wire to the vehicle’s ground, and the power wire to the battery. If wiring straight to a battery, place an inline fuse holder on the power wire near the battery. For my install, I will have a Blue Sea Fuse Block next to my battery bank that will be powered by the Battery bank, and connect to all of my Van’s 12v electronics. I will cover the 12v system in full detail in another write up. For now, I am extending the wire from my fan across the ceiling and down the passenger side wall to the rear wheel well to stage it for the future electrical system. To extend the Maxx Fan’s wiring I used 14g wire and wire connectors. I bought these in bulk as I will use plenty more during the build out of the electrical system.

Installing the Maxx Air Fan can seem daunting at first, but with a little patience and some handy tips, the process isn’t too bad. Make sure to double-check all measurements before cutting to avoid costly mistakes. It's also beneficial to have a friend assist you. Two sets of hands can make positioning and securing the fan much easier. Lastly, take your time and don't rush; careful installation will pay off with years of reliable use.

Maxx Fan Maintenance

To keep the Maxx Air Fan in top condition, regular cleaning is crucial. Dust and debris can accumulate on the fan blades and vent cover, reducing efficiency. Every few months, remove the vent cover and gently clean the blades with a damp cloth. Also check for any signs of rust or wear, particularly after exposure to harsh weather conditions..

Regularly lubricate moving parts to reduce friction and wear. If your van is stationary for extended periods, run the fan briefly every few weeks to keep the motor in good condition.

Extras

The tinted cover of the Maxx Fan acts as a skylight in the van which allows natural lighting of the van during the day. This is a welcome feature in many cases, but there are times when you will want to cover it up such as daytime napping when you may want it dark. More importantly though is thermal regulation. The plastic Fan cover is the only barrier between you and the outside which can be a place to lose a lot of heat from the van in the colder climates. IN the warmer summer climates, the suns heat can transfer into the van through this location as well. A simple and very affective solution is the Maxx Fan Insulated Cover. These covers are made with insulating materials and provide a thermal barrier to keep wanted heat in, and unwanted heat out as desired, as well as blocking out light. The cover attached to the fan opening with magnets making it extremely user friendly.

Final Thoughts

The Maxx Air Fan plays a pivotal role in maintaining a comfortable and healthy environment. It’s crucial for those who spend extended periods on the road. By providing reliable airflow and preventing moisture buildup, it ensures that your van remains a pleasant place to live, sleep, adventure, and more.