INSTALLING A MAXXAIR MAXXFAN DELUXE on our DIY Camper Van Conversion
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- Опубліковано 23 сер 2024
- This video will show you step-by-step how to install a Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe on a DIY Campervan Conversion.
MaxxAir Deluxe: amzn.to/3nRvp9m
Exterior Mounting Flange: ebay.us/c53XJR
Interior Mounting Flange: Contoured interior mounting flange doesn't exist, apparently. I must have been mistaken. Get crafty!
Dicor Sealant: amzn.to/3ypYZHP
➤Shop the EXPLORIST.life Store: shop.explorist.life
➤Shop Battle Born Batteries: battlebornbatte...?afmc=explorist_bb67
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Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful with planning and installing your DIY Camper:
➤DIY Sprinter Camper Van Electrical Install - Full Tutorial: • DIY Sprinter Camper Va...
➤DIY Camper Solar Wiring Diagrams: www.explorist....
➤How to Perform a Power Audit: • How Much Solar Power D...
➤Basic Parts & Components of an Electrical System: • Basic Solar Parts Need...
➤How to Cut Wire: www.explorist....
➤How to Strip Wire: • How to Strip Wire from...
➤How to Crimp Wire: • How To Crimp Wire Lugs...
➤How to Make MC4 Connectors: • How To Make MC4 Connec...
➤How to Wire Solar Panels in Series-Parallel: • How to Wire Solar Pane...
➤How to Crimp Wire Ferrules: • How to Crimp Ferrules ...
➤How to Wire an AC/DC Breaker/Fuse Box: www.explorist....
Excellent vid. Two options when installing these that I learned: 1 = A seller on etsy offers dimensional polymer material about an inch thick to go under the roof sheet metal in place of a wooden ring. Proof against water damage, mold, etc.. I used it for my fan and AC unit. 2 = The electronics boards are prone to failure from moisture via condensation, etc., especially when the fan is installed above a sleeping area and the board cools to dew point at night. Spraying the electronics board with a couple coats of conformal electronics spray will waterproof it. There was an issue with some users finding condensation collecting in the bulb lens that covers the light on the inside control surface of the fan, which cause a short in the light. One fix is to drill a small hole in that lens so the condensation can drain out. I've also read that not all of these fans have that lens now, but mine did. Cheers!
Can you link to the polymer material you spoke of?
Yeah, whats the material called? :)
Thanks for a nice short video which is not unnecessarily around 15 - 20 min for a simple fan to mount. Looks amazing specially the frame with the sealant.
Thanks for watching! Glad it was helpful.
Your installation are very well executed, almost to an ocd type of level where every thing has to be impeccable. Thumbs way up!
Hey calevel florida, Thanks so much! Cheers!
Thank you for this video Nate! Thank you for all your videos. My entire electrical system was learned from you. I can’t thank you enough 🙏🏾
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
What size is the wood that was used for the frame?
Love your videos and we’ve learned a ton and built our van to drive the Pan American. We ship to Cartegena on Monday! Doubtless you know, and I’m now experiencing, the Maxxair is sensitive to over voltage. I just purchased a regulator to help keep the power below the fans max voltage. Apparently, this is being exceeded by my battle born battery output. Just something to keep in mind. Lots of people have had this problem. I have the Deluxe 7500 bought in 2017. Worked fine until my new build changed a lot of the battery and charging system. Thanks for all the amazing content! Brian
This is probably the best channel I've seen for Conversions - most just gloss over everything but this is so SO detailed !!!
Loved your detailed electrical video - it really answered a lot of my questions.
Just subbed....
Awesome! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching!
*Check out the full electrical installation tutorial for this build:* ua-cam.com/video/E5q7_4FH4LQ/v-deo.html
Want another video showing the installation of the Inner Trim Ring? We did that in our 'walls' video here: ua-cam.com/video/cf2BjQxMKDI/v-deo.html
I just installed my Maxxair a couple weeks ago. Your install looks much cleaner, I wish I watched this first.
I wanted to warn you, Maxxair fans tend to shut off unexpectedly. The specs don't say it, but tech support says that they have a voltage range of 10.6 - 13.6. If your system is 12V and you're charging your batteries up to the standard 14.4V for LifePO4 then the fan could have problems at the higher voltages. Most people use a DC-DC converter to keep it right at 12.0V.
Yeah, this install was much cleaner than our first install we did in our Sprinter back 6 years ago or so. I'll let you dig to find that video, though. 🤣 We had 'high' voltage issues with one of the fans in our Sprinter but got the board replaced under warranty. Apparently they've fixed the issue in newer units (like, 2020 and newer, or so). Either way; this go around we are using a 24V battery bank, so all of these small 12V electrical loads will be run through a converter so we will have more control over that voltage as well.
@@EXPLORISTlife You are clearly two steps ahead of me. I just took a laboratory power supply out to my fans and everything worked at 14.6VDC for a minute or two. I would have tested longer but I had to hold the power supply up by hand and the fans were in the ceiling and I was bored. I have some numbers to share if anyone is interested:
Maxxair MaxxFan Deluxe 7000K (main fan):
7V minimum to get the blades spinning, forgot to document current
12V nominal, 0.12A on low, 2.23A on high
14.6V max test, 0.15A on low, 2.88A on high
Maxxair MaxxFan Dome Plus (bathroom fan):
1.5V minimum to get the blades spinning, .056A. You can run it from a AA battery!
5V just because, 0.18A
12V nominal, 0.62A
14.6V max test, 0.83A
LED light for Dome Plus:
7V to turn on, .001A
12V nominal, 0.48A
14.6V max test, 0.82A
I hesitate to run the LED above 12V in the long term. The current goes up with the voltage so it's clearly not well regulated. I've seen LEDs run fine for a few hours, then they start blinking and they're never good again. Without an actual datasheet I just don't know what's safe for these LEDs.
@@EXPLORISTlife I spoke with Tech Support at AIRXCEL about this issue last week. They said the PCB board can now handle a voltage range of 10.3V-15V (I forgot to ask when this improvement was implemented).
Also, they mentioned sometimes a spike from a solar charge controller can occur. So that, plus high voltage from lithiums, can bump it over 15V and start to cause issues. To avoid, they said a regulator can be installed and set at an optimal voltage of 12.9V.
@@EXPLORISTlifeyou mean if im going to order a new circuit board today i may not facing the same issue anymore? Or much more cheaper to buy a regulator? Thanks guys in advance hope you can help me with this issue
Great video! When you do the electrical potion, you may want to address voltage issues some people have experienced. In particular, there is the general impression MaxxAir fans can be damaged by high battery charge voltages, so a "buck power converter" is installed to assure the fan doesn't get fried.
That is correct, Ive had the exact Maxxair fan on my rig and had to install a 12v Regulator to get it to work. Without it, the fan experiences a green light of death and shuts down. Maxxair specs love 12V- 13.5V (my Lithiums hit 14.2 regularly)
We had 'high' voltage issues with one of the fans in our Sprinter back in the day but got the board replaced under warranty. Apparently they've fixed the issue in newer units (like, 2020 and newer, or so). Either way; this go around we are using a 24V battery bank, so all of these small 12V electrical loads will be run through a converter so we will have more control over that voltage as well.
@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks! That's good news! BTW, wether you install a two-way radio or not, please consider putting one or two "type NMO" antenna mounts on the roof and running the feedline to a point under your dashboard. NMO is a sort of industry standard that will take antennas ranging from GMRS to ham radio to Citizen Band. Having the mounts installed and available is a nice plus, just in case.
@@edwardrobichaud6106 Heard about this issue from George over at Humble Road. Thanks for mentioning.
Very nice work and thorough explanation.
Glad it was helpful!
Hi, great video. I am a huge 'fan' (🤭, sorry) of the MaxxFan Deluxe. We have just patented a unique new shade system for it which adds AirMazeTechnology® and this keeps all light out but it allows full airflow (upto 100% Air In). Patented NiteAir® revolutionises hot sleeping by treating air and light differently for the first time.
Perfect video, thankyou.
You're welcome!
Is it best to wire a switch to these or just straight to the fuse box and use remote for all controls? Cheers👍
Another great video! thanks
Glad it was helpful. Cheers!
@@EXPLORISTlife I have one question! I understand that the way vans are designed when it leaks from the roof they have drain holes at the bottom inside where it meets the undercarriage so the water can escape. But if there's insulation in the walls would it not soak up any water that's trying to get out through the drain holes? And if the insulation stays wet it could cause rust on the inside wall eventually rusting to the outside? What would you do to protect this from happening?
I know this isn't the answer you're hoping for... but making sure there are no roof leaks is the answer here.
@@EXPLORISTlife ok thanks! I was thinking some kind of coating on the inside before the insulation for safe keeping
Yeah, the Lizard Skin we sprayed on the van in earlier episodes of this series would likely protect from rust quit a bit; but ultimately; making sure there are no leaks in the roof is the 'correct' answer.
I'm sure that Nate already knows that the 'proper' way to hold the chisel is the other way around. However this works so it's not a big deal.
The proper way to hold a chisel is whatever way works for whatever youre using it for. This Isn't fine woodworking here. 😂
Wonderful video this week just like the rest, but I have 2 questions.
1. Why the wood support ring? Is it a weak place in the roof? I don’t remember you doing the same thing with the much larger air conditioner.
2. I know you need to wait for the ceiling for final measurements, but don’t you need to measure the large inside flange before you install the fan so it will fit correctly (since it’s built to be trimmed to different wall thicknesses)? I am going to assume that question will come up when you install it, but I thought it was measured before the fan went in, so I’m confused
Glad it helped!
1: It gives the screws that are holding the fan to the roof something to 'bite' into for additional strength and keeps the screws from just 'being exposed' on the inside. The Air Conditioner had a steel inner-support ring that was bolted to the air conditioner and pulled the air conditioner to the roof in a similar fashion as the wood ring we made in this video.
2: The flange gets marked and cut once the ceiling panels are up. We just wrapped up this step this past week, so you'll see it in a few weeks when the 'walls and ceilings' video is edited and uploaded; so stay tuned!
Thank you!!
Just a heads up, but that video showing all of that is now live! -> ua-cam.com/video/cf2BjQxMKDI/v-deo.html
Did you use the 3M adhesive to the wood support below as well?
Hi, great video! Thanks for helping with my installation:) just wondering, what is the fuse rating for this fan or what amp fuse did you use? I know most things should be rated 3x the amount of current draw but that requires measurment. The fan has an automatic resettable fuse but thought I'd wire it through one anyway (because of my dodgy wiring routing lol). Any advice will be greatly appreciated, thanks.
Love your videos, thank you. I’m in Australia and have bought the Unakagearco roof rack you designed, and the fan. As I have to import it, just wondering how many tubes of Dicor lap sealant did you use in total for the roof jobs?
Probably a half-dozen?
I would like to thank you mr. and Mrs. Yarbrough first of all for helping me become a little bit more independent as finish carpenter for 24 years and I injured my arm so I had to move into my RV I’m doing everything on my own and you guys probably help me more than anyone so thank you for that.
I spent a summer in 2012 helping a friend he’s the lead solar technician of A company in chico over the years I’ve been fascinated with solar and hope we all can get to zero emissions someday! Since that summer I helped my friend I’ve been thinking and I came up with an idea that I would like to share with you if you wouldn’t mind an NDA agreement? I would be honored to share and propose some kind of arrangement with this intellectual property that I believe could change a huge part of this industry. It would be good in both residential commercial and mobile applications, and unless I’m a complete imbecile,?
it should 100% increase wattage in any system, I’m not formally educated, but ever since I was a teenager I read about 1500 pages of seemingly arbitrary stuff per week. So anyway I guess self educated. I would love to at least have you hear my proposal and maybe with your expertise in this field you’ve heard of this already and I’m just a crackpot or I’m 30 years too late? Or perhaps someone thought of it and you can give me your admirably Colloquial direct response of why it’s just not feasible. Before my 20+ years in finish carpentry I worked at a Manufacturing (cnc machines and automated polishers) When I started as a young man we had six employees when I left there was 36 employees I was the manager of the night shift, I helped push the advancement and expertly came up with time saving procedures, so I have a basic understanding of what needs to be done on that side of it. My idea Has inherent risk and any simpleton would know that. But I am an absolute perfectionist and I believe that if we do things PERFECTLY…..not good….not really good…. But perfect! we can accomplish something amazing for consumers, Im willing to fund the R&D if it seems feasible to you. I’ve tried to email you guys a couple times I don’t know if you got them or if I’m doing it correctly not really good at Internet stuff but I sure make houses look beautiful
Good video, very detailed, the loud bs music blows.
Well, if our music selection choices are the worst thing going on in your life you have to complain about; I guess I'm happy for you. 🤷♂️😂
I am curious as to why you went with a maxxfan in addition to the AC unit. Could the AC unit be used simply as a blower, and do away with the maxxfan? I believe the AC unit only draws a few amps on blower mode with the AC portion of the unit turned off.
It could not; no. The intake is on the inside of the van; so it's not sucking in air from the outside like a vent fan.
@@EXPLORISTlife Thanks for the quick reply and info. The vent fan I use in my current travel trailer (to be replaced with a Transit van in the near future) is always set to exhaust air out of the trailer, even though it can move air in either direction - I've never found the need to blow air into the trailer through the fan. So for my application, it appears that the AC unit set on 'blower' could very well replace the (exhausting) maxxfan that I thought I would also need to purchase. Thanks again for the info.
My buddy and I are following along on your channel and have pretty much got everything we need to get this Sprinter van on the camping program this summer. Have on question about Maxx Air 7500 installation: we are putting as much solar on the roof as possible and would like to move the panels as close to the fan shroud as possible without impeding air flow or getting in the way of its movements. Could we get 2" away from any part of the shroud and have a good safety margin for the above concerns? I have tried to contact Maxx Air by phone and using their website request form but no answer has come back. And we need to get this in so we can complete the solar and the interior ceiling. Nate, your suggestions/comments are greatly appreciated. Love what you do!!!
What are the dimensions for the inner frame
What's the name of the black sealing compound you used
Love your videos, great info 👍🏻👍🏻
Quick question, my E250 has a fiberglass top, do you think this fan can be mounted to my van?
Thanks
Probably? I guess it depends on how sturdy the top is.
Hello mate, I love your channel. There is one thing that I am always wondering - how is it with security when it comes to those fans - I see the fan from the outside. Would it be hard for a thief to jump on your roof, unscrew the fan and hop in to snatch your valuables when youre away?
It'd be SIGNIFICANTLY easier to just smash one of the windows. 😂🤣😂
Plus, a 14 x 14 hole would be hard for most people to fit through!! LOL
What should one do if the load (fan) is 5 metres away from the Source (battery?) Should one replace the black and white cable with 12awg to avoid voltage drop?
Excellent execution. Just a question: how many do or lap sealant tube did you use?
Just one tube is needed, but I always keep one more than I need on hand in case of 'oops'.
i want to get the white one, but now it seems only smoke color is available. How much light does the smoke lid let through?
Some? IDK... like a tinted window. There are also covers: amzn.to/46mt9uh
Did you use the single step primer for the window weld? Or did you not bother?
I don't remember, specifically, which means we probably didn't bother.
Butyl tape width? 3/4” or 1”?
Hey Nate, great video!! I've installed a few fans and I like to add 4 strips of aluminum (cut to fit, one for each side) on top of the fan where the screws go in so that it's tightening down evenly and not into just the plastic top piece. Does that make sense? Also, the Butyl tape should be one solid piece in stead of cutting them, this will help with possible leaks. The only seam should be in the back of the fan.
I'm sure your method works just fine as well, but just for the sake of playing the one-up game you started... If it starts to rain, you should find a garage to park in so there is even less of a chance that the fan will even get wet thus preventing leaks.
I know that the way I do things will never be enough for some people. The way I show in this video is absolutely sufficient, though.
Have you experienced MaxxAir fan's inability to handle higher input voltage from LFP battery? I have a 2014 MY MaxxAir fan and it doesn't care if it receives 13.8v or 12.6v. But newer, circa 2020/2021 same model MaxxAir fans blow out the controller when fed with 13.8v. Known issue...some folks install voltage limiters at the fan as a workaround. Just curious if you've seen this issue.
Yeah, we had issues with the one in our Sprinter about 3 years ago. Warranty board replacement and we were back in business.
Waiting for a link on the outer flange!?
Link updated. 👍🙂
It’s just a fan and no AC or heat options?
Correct.
Were r u guys located
Colorado
You need to buy 12v regulators for these otherwise your board will pop and you'll get the green light of death. these fans require an exact 12v or they will burn up over a very short period of time especially with lithium that can put out 14.5v.
That's just on the old boards. They've fixed the problem on the new ones and have warranties the old ones.
@@EXPLORISTlife I replaced 2 boards now, and am on the phone with them for a motor fix. If they fixed it, they are not sending the corrected boards out for warranty replacements. I bought the voltage regulator to keep this from happening again.
Okie dokie!
$80 for a plastic outer flange? Jeez... I'll stick to a thicker layer of sikaflex!
You can use ramen and bondo for all I care. 😂✌
Nate do you know if the maxair deluxe fans are still blowing motherboards when charging batteries...i.e when in absorption etc at 14.7v
I think they've fixed that.