Best RV Vent Fan for the Money in 2021 [TOP 7 REVIEWS]
Buying a good quality ceiling vent fan for your RV is important. Not only do you need a unit that will comfortably fit your RV, but the fan should also be powerful enough to efficiently circulate air around your cabin.
There are also features such as fan speed, thermostat, and air extraction, and whether the system can be controlled remotely.
Add all that to the fact there’s a ton of options on the market in 2021, which means deciding which model to buy can be confusing. That’s where this guide comes in.
Below you will find 7 carefully selected RV ceiling vent fans covering a range of budgets, features and fittings.
For our findings at a glance, just head to the table below. For a comprehensive review of each of our picks, plus a detailed buyer’s guide, keep on reading.
Best RV Vent Fans
NAME |
IMAGE |
DETAILS |
|
---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK: Maxxair Vent Corp 00-04000K Maxxfan Plus |
14" x 14" Opening 10 Speed Fan Remote Control |
||
Class A Customs 71112-3 RV Vent & Fan |
14.5" x 14.5" 3” Garnish 6" Fan Blade |
||
BEST BUDGET: Fan-Tastic Vent RV Roof Vent/Fan |
14" x 14" Opening 3 Speed Fan 12", 10 Blades |
||
Heng's 90043-CR Replacement Vortex I Fan |
FAN ONLY 14" x 14" Opening 1 Speed 9" Blade |
||
Fantastic Vent 807351 RV Fan & Vent |
14" x 14" Opening 13 Speed Fan Remote Control |
||
BEST PREMIUM: Maxx Air 00-07500K MaxxFan Deluxe |
14" x 14" Opening 10 Speed Fan 900 CFM Remote Control Electric Lid |
||
Supervent RV Roof Vent & Fan |
16.5" X 16.5" 3 Speed Reverse Mode Large Garnish |
RV Vent Fan Reviews
The following RV vent fans have been selected based on build quality, reliability, ease of installation, and price point.
Our testing method involves a combination of the above criteria, plus recent customer reviews and feedback on performance, as well as analysis of how each of the models fares against others on the market.
1.TOP PICK: Maxxair Vent Corp 00-04000K Maxxfan Plus
Our top pick RV vent fan for 2021 is the excellent Maxxfan & Vent from Maxxair.
These guys know how to manufacturer high-quality RV vents, (check out the premium pick below for a look at one of their top models), and even at the range and price point of this offering we have an impressive unit that will satisfy most RV owners.
Let’s take a closer look at the specifications.
First off, the Maxxfan and vent are designed for standard 14” RV roof openings, so if your needs don’t meet those specs, you should probably move on now.
The vent itself is a no-frills affair compared to more premium models in that it is a manually operated unit for opening and closing.
However, the vent is durable and weatherproof and will not succumb to UV rays in a hurry.
The fan is great. Featuring 10 speeds that can all be accessed via the handy remote control unit, you will have complete control of your RV’s air intake.
Not only that, but you can alter the fan speed, thermostat levels, air intake, and exhaust all from the palm of your hand.
The fan runs with a closed lid in order to circulate the air, (this is called ceiling fan mode) meaning you can use the unit whatever the weather outside.
- Control fan speed, thermostat levels, air intake, and exhaust
- 10 fan speeds for extra versatility
- Runs with the lid closed
- Fits all standard 14” openings
- Easy to use remote control
- If you do experience problems the MaxxAir customer service has had some complaints
Bottom Line
Overall the Maxxair Vent Corp 00-04000K is a top-quality option for RV owners looking for an affordable yet versatile ceiling fan and vent.
If your vehicle has a 14” opening and you don’t mind manually controlling the actual vent, you will not be disappointed with this unit. Highly recommended.
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2. Class A Customs 71112-3 RV Roof Vent & Fan
The next RV ceiling fan and vent to make our top 7 is this simple option from Class A Customs.
This unit is also designed for 14” openings, however, there are strict instructions that the fan can run on only a 12V power source (anything else will damage it).
The vent is a manual crank style and features a white removable screen made from a durable mesh.
The 6” fan is a simple push-button style and is powerful enough to circulate the air via the standard settings.
The exterior mounting flange sits on top of your RV and the dimensions for this come in at: 16 1/2” X 16 1/2”
A flaw with the unit however is the fact it does not ship with any of the required mounting gear. You will be expected to source the necessary caulk/putty and screws in order to install the fan and vent.
- Fits standard 14” openings
- Easy to use manual crank-style vent opening
- Durable internal mesh
- No remote control or variable fan speeds etc
- Doesn’t come with mounting gear
Bottom Line
The Class A Customs 71112-3 RV Roof Vent and fan is a very simple solution to your RV air circulation needs.
If you want a small fan with no extra features (that could go wrong) this unit will suit your needs.
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3. BEST BUDGET: Fan-Tastic Vent RV Roof Vent/Fan
The Fan-Tastic Vent RV Roof Vent and fan balances budget friendly price point with great features to be a top quality choice for RV owners.
Again, this is a 14” fitting model meaning most RV ceiling openings will be able to accommodate the Fan-Tastic 1200, (other more powerful models are available in the series).
The unit kicks the proverbial ass with its 12”, 3-speed fan that will shift the air about your entire cabin with ease.
The system is pleasantly quiet too, meaning as you relax in your RV there’s little in the way of annoying buzzing going on overhead.
The unit seals tight when not in use and when you do need to open up the vent to the outside world you simply manually lift the dome.
- Very budget-friendly
- Powerful, 3 speed, whisper-quiet 12” fan
- Easy to install 14” vent
- Manually lift the dome when outside air required, (unit seals tight when not in use)
- Some users have complained that the fan is loud
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a low priced solution to your RV vent and fan needs, look no further than the Fan-Tastic.
Easy install with 3-speed settings, the air inside your cabin will be circulated with no problems.
However, if you want added features such as remote control operation and more fan speeds, our top pick from Maxxair is the way to go.
4. Heng’s 90043-CR Replacement Vortex I Fan
The Heng’s 90043-CR Replacement Vortex I Fan makes our list as it caters for RV owners that already have a vent fitted and just need to upgrade their fan, (assuming you already have a Heng vent installed that is).
This easy installation unit is a 9” fan model with a single-speed and quiet operation.
No frills may be, however, the level of power provided is still enough to circulate the air in a standard size RV cabin.
Should you want to purchase a compatible vent to fit both fan and vent into an existing opening, you can opt for any of Heng’s vortex vents.
These vents are available for standard 14” openings. The fan itself needs to be powered by your RV’s 12V source.
- Cheap and cheerful 9” fan replacement for Heng vents
- Easy to install
- Powerful yet quiet operation
- This is the FAN only
- Only a 1-speed model
Bottom Line
The Heng’s 90043-CR Replacement Vortex fan makes our top 7 as an easy solution for Heng owners to continue using their installed vent with no fuss or issues.
Should you wish to piecemeal put a fan and vent together you can buy any applicable vent in the Heng Vortex range to have a complete working system.
If this solution speaks to you, you have a good, simple option here.
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5. Fantastic Vent 807351 RV Fan & Vent
The 807351 from Fantastic Vent is a high quality system packed with features.
It fits the standard 14” opening of course, and the vent has a top dome that is manually operated.
This is all easy enough to install and provides both in and out airflow.
The real bonus on this model, however, is the 13-speed fan. This is the highest amount of control out of all of the units reviewed in our top 7.
As with our top pick from Maxxair, the system can be fully operated via remote control. From the palm of your hand, you can have access to those speed settings, as well as a thermostat.
The fan is powered via a 2 wire 12VDC hook-up.
The warranty is also competitive too. You get 2 years of parts and labor, with an additional part only warranty of 5 years.
There’s also a lifetime warranty on the smoke dome however freight charges will be incurred after 4 years.
- Fits Standard 14″ x 14″ Opening (easy to install)
- Remote control – 13-speed fan
- 2 Wire 12 VDC Hookup
- Both In and Out Air Flow
- The most expensive unit in our review round up
Bottom Line
The Fantastic Vent 807351 really is a great system. With 13-speed modes, all operated via remote control your RV air circulation needs will be well taken care of.
Add that to the competitive warranty and you have a RV fan and vent that will appeal to many. Another worthy entry in our top 7 list.
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6. BEST PREMIUM: Maxx Air 00-07500K MaxxFan Deluxe
Our top pick premium RV ceiling vent fan for 2019 is another offering from Maxx Air. This 7500K Maxxfan Deluxe delivers on all counts.
The powerful fan has 10-speed settings for ultimate control. The unit also provides over 900 CFM so that in hotter climes you can keep the cabin cool and comfortable.
A thermostat is built-in enabling the user to control room temperature via the operation of the fan.
Everything is controlled via a keypad that enables you to set fan speed, the thermostat level, air intake as well as exhaust functions.
The premium quality 12v fan motor is fuse protected and features sealed ball bearings. This powers the 12”, 10 blade fan to optimum levels of air circulation.
The unit fits all standard 14″ x 14″ roof openings of course. The vented lid can be easily opened using the rotating knob. The electric lid can also be opened via remote control.
Another benefit of this model is that all mounting screws and installation hardware is included. You will need to purchase roof sealant however in order to properly fix the vent into place.
- Premium quality motor with 10-speed settings
- Large 12”, 10 blade fan for efficient air circulation
- Keypad and remote control
- Select fan speed, thermostat, air intake as well as exhaust functions
- Provides over 900 CFM for cool and comfortable cabin climate
- Electric lid opening with remote control
- As with our top pick, if you experience problems customers have complained about the back up service from MaxxAir
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a premium quality 14” vent fan with top quality features, the Maxxfan Deluxe is the unit to buy.
Fast and efficient with ultimate user control, this is the best RV vent fan on the market right now. Just prepared to dip into your pockets to purchase one as they are not cheap.
7. Supervent RV Roof Vent & Fan
The final RV vent and fan in our review round up is this multi-speed offering from Supervent.
The unit provides 3 speeds with a 2-speed reverse flow too. This enables for efficient removal of air from your cabin too.
It is also easy to install into any 16.5″ X 16.5″ opening, (marking a change from the standard 14” fit that all the other vents in our top 7 require.)
That being said, an extra-large garnish ring is provided in the pack and this can be trimmed down as required.
The smoke lid is a durable, injection-molded unit that sits above the RV without taking up too much space.
On the negative side, the unit does not come with any mounting hardware, so this will need to source separately.
- Simple and affordable unit
- 3 normal speeds, with 2 reverse speeds for air extraction
- Can fit larger, 16” openings.
- Deep inside flange will likely need modification by the user
- Supervent are a little known brand making it difficult to evaluate customer service and reputation
Bottom Line
When compared to other units in our review roundup, this offering from Supervent struggles to shine.
However, its price point is competitive and the variable speed fan does work efficiently. For a no-frills solution to your RV air circulation needs, this will do the job well.
Factors to consider when buying and installing a new RV vent fan
As we explained in the introduction to this guide, there’s all manner of things to consider when buying a new RV ceiling vent fan, that you’d be forgiven for getting headache once you start researching the options.
Hopefully, our review round-up will have helped, however, if you do wish to continue your search the following factors are all worth considering.
These will help you narrow down your choice of RV vent fan to the most appropriate one for you.
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Installation Specs: Size of Your RV Roof Vent
The most important question is to ascertain the size of your roof vent opening. The most common size is 14 inches x 14 inches.
Six of the seven models reviewed above fall into this size category. (The outsider being a 16” x 16” unit).
It is highly likely that your vent opening will be the standard 14” size, however simply pulling out a tape measure to check, (or consulting the user manual of your RV), will provide the confirmation you need.
With those details, you can then begin looking at vents and fans with the appropriate dimensions.
Variable fan speed and power
Most RV fans will be powered by the 12V RV battery. While this provides sufficient power for the basic spinning of the fan, there can still be a great deal of variety in terms of fan speed settings and the size of the fan.
For instance, a 12inch, 10 blade fan with 10-speed settings (such as our top premium pick from MaxxAir above) will circulate air with much greater efficiency than a 1 speed, 6” blade model.
The speed variation clearly provides greater user control too; if you only want a slow and light air movement within the cabin, you have that choice. Conversely, if you want a rapid, fast-moving airflow, you can crank up the settings.
A 1-speed fan motor can never offer such variation.
Ceiling Height (Do you need a remote control?)
If you have a high ceiling within your cabin, or maybe you are vertically challenged in frame, having to pull out a stool every time you need to change the fan settings or lift the vent will become annoying.
That’s where a remote control unit is highly recommended. Have complete control over vent and fan settings from the palm of your hand.
Such features do come at a cost, however, with the units being more expensive than standard models without the remote control.
Other features
Whether extra features such as thermostat control or reverse fan movement for extraction, electric lids, and the aforementioned remote control operation appeal to you is all down to personal taste and requirements.
Clearly the more the fan can do, the higher the price point. However, having that extra functionality can be a real benefit.
Rain Sensors
Inbuilt rain sensors are a real plus point when you leave your RV in hot climes (requiring the vent to be open) yet the rain starts to pour.
Having the peace of mind that the vent will safely and automatically close preventing your RV from a nasty influx of rain is certainly worthwhile.
That being said, if you have pets inside the RV and the open vent is their main source of fresh air, you should consider having a window slightly ajar in order to compensate.
How loud is the fan?
Nobody wants a loud and annoying fan whirring away at night. Or at any time really, (I know I love an afternoon nap, that’s what holidaying in your RV is all about).
That means the noise level of the fan should be carefully researched. You can turn to user reviews for this information.
If one too many customers have voiced concern over the fan noise you may want to avoid that model, especially if you are easily disturbed.
All fans make some noise, but bad design can lead to overbearing levels that will ruin your RV’s peace and tranquillity.
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Ease of installation
Ease of installation is another factor that should not be overlooked. Even if you plan on employing your local RV center to fit the vent and fan, a unit that is easy in this regard should reign supreme.
Another issue is whether the model comes shipped with everything you need to install it, (many don’t).
If you are fitting the vent yourself, having to unexpectedly visit your local DIY center to find the right screws and sealant will be annoying, to say the least.
Check the specifications and sales copy in order to ascertain exactly what’s included, and required in terms of fitting the unit.
Warranty & Brand Reputation
Finally, warranty and brand reputation are factors worth considering. A generous warranty demonstrates the manufacturer’s confidence in the product and is a good sign of superior construction quality.
The latter will also lead to a recognized brand reputation.
That being said, in the case of MaxxAir; they gained two top picks from us in the review round-up (best overall and best premium).
This is based on the quality of the product and the overall positive feedback from customers. However, where users have had problems the company has been slow to respond and difficult to contact.
These issues could understandably make you reconsider buying a unit from them.
A company that offers a good level of after-sales support is always a recommended requirement, whatever you are buying for your RV.