Last updated: October 22, 2026
For most van builders the choice between a MaxxFan Deluxe and a Fantastic Fan comes down to features at your price point and how you plan to use the vent. MaxxAir’s Deluxe line is widely known for a remote, a thermostat and a lid that lets the fan run while it rains. Fantastic Fan sells several models, from simple manual-lid versions to ones with automatic lids and rain sensors. Both fit the common 14-inch roof opening, so the decision is about controls, noise, power draw and budget. Always check current specifications for the exact model you are buying.
Quick verdict
Pick a MaxxFan Deluxe if you want a single, well-known model with the features builders ask about most, such as remote control, thermostat, reversible airflow and rain-ready operation. Consider a Fantastic Fan if a specific model in its range matches your needs better, for example one with an automatic lid, or if you find it at a better value. If you have a smaller electrical system, compare the stated current draw at low and high speeds before deciding, since the fan will run for many hours a day.
Side-by-side overview
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| Factor | MaxxFan Deluxe | Fantastic Fan (range) |
|---|---|---|
| Roof opening | Standard 14-inch vent size | Standard 14-inch vent size |
| Model structure | One well-known Deluxe model plus other MaxxFan variants | Several models with different feature sets |
| Controls | Typically a control panel and a remote | Varies: from manual dials to remote and automatic versions |
| Airflow direction | Intake and exhaust | Intake and exhaust on many models |
| Thermostat | Included on the Deluxe | Available on some models |
| Lid operation | Powered lid; designed to run with the lid open in rain | Manual or powered lid depending on the model; rain sensor on some |
| Power | 12V DC | 12V DC |
The right-hand column deliberately says “varies”, because Fantastic Fan’s catalog changes by generation. Compare the specific model name, not just the brand.
Features that matter most in a van
A van is a small, sealed metal box, so heat and moisture build up quickly. The fan has three jobs: remove hot air while parked, clear steam when cooking or showering, and bring fresh air in on mild nights. A good vent fan does all three without draining the battery.
- Intake and exhaust. A reversible fan lets you pull cool air in from a shaded side and push hot air out the top, which is more useful than a one-direction fan.
- Rain-ready lid. Running the fan with the lid open during light rain keeps condensation down. Check the manual for what the lid design allows and its limits in heavy wind-driven rain.
- Thermostat. It lets the fan turn on at a set temperature, which helps when you leave pets or food inside. Safety note: never rely on a vent fan alone to protect animals from heat.
- Remote or panel control. If the fan is above the bed, a remote saves climbing up to change speeds.
- Insect screen. Both brands typically include a screen, but check how easy it is to remove and clean.
Noise and airflow
Manufacturers often quote airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM) and sometimes give sound levels, but they may measure under different conditions, so a direct comparison can mislead. Instead, look at the number of speeds, the lowest speed setting and any user feedback that mentions noise at night. In a van, low-speed behavior matters most, because you will run the fan quietly through the night more often than at full blast.
A fan with many speeds lets you fine-tune airflow without a harsh rush of air. Also remember that wind noise, road vibration and the roof’s shape can change how a fan sounds once it is mounted. Where possible, read the installation and operation manual for the model before you cut anything.
Power draw and your electrical system
A vent fan can be one of the biggest regular loads in a small van system. Draw rises with speed, from a modest amount at the lowest setting to several amps at full speed, so check the manual’s figures for the model in question. A worked example with assumptions: if a fan draws 1 amp at a low speed and runs for 8 hours overnight, it uses about 8 amp-hours from the 12V battery. At 3 amps for 4 hours in the afternoon, it uses about 12 amp-hours. Together that is 20 amp-hours, which is a sizeable share of a modest battery bank.
Use the fan’s rated maximum current to size the wire and fuse, following the manufacturer’s instructions, and keep the fuse close to the power source. If you are charging your house battery while driving, the guide on wiring a DC-DC charger in a van explains fuse sizing principles that carry over to other circuits.
Installing in a van roof
Both fans need a roughly 14-inch square opening, framed so the roof does not flex. On vans with ribbed or curved roofs, builders commonly add a flat mounting surface or a spacer so the vent seats evenly. A roof cut is irreversible, so measure twice, mark the opening with masking tape and check clearances for roof racks, solar panels, wiring runs and the ceiling structure inside. The Ram ProMaster van conversion guide covers how roof work fits into the larger build sequence.
- Disconnect the battery and plan the wire route before cutting.
- Wear eye and hearing protection, and cover the interior to catch metal filings.
- Cut the opening to the template or manual dimensions, then remove burrs and treat bare metal edges against rust.
- Dry-fit the vent, mark the screw holes and apply the recommended sealant, following the sealant maker’s instructions.
- Fasten the fan, wire it with the correct fuse, and check operation of the lid and all speeds.
- Check for leaks after a rain or a gentle hose test before finishing the interior.
Use-case picks
- Full-time van dweller who cooks inside. A reversible fan with a thermostat and rain-ready lid is a strong fit, because steam and temperature swings are daily events. The Deluxe checks those boxes on paper.
- Weekend camper with a small battery. Prioritize a low-current, quiet low speed over extras. A simpler Fantastic Fan model may be enough, provided its draw suits your battery.
- Builder with limited roof space. Measure first. Lid swing, solar panel position and ceiling framing may decide the model before features do.
- Hot-climate traveler. Plan for two vents or a vent plus a window fan, so air can enter and leave. One fan alone moves less air than a pair working together.
When to stop and call a professional
If you are not comfortable cutting the roof, sealing around the opening or wiring a 12V circuit, a van upfitter can do it for you. Get help if the roof has structural ribs in the way, if you find rust, or if you are unsure about wire sizing. Poorly sealed roof vents are a common source of leaks, and a professional install is usually cheaper than repairing water damage inside a finished van.
Choosing: a short checklist
- Do you need a remote, thermostat or automatic lid?
- How much battery capacity can you spare for the fan overnight?
- Does the roof layout leave room for a 14-inch square vent, plus its lid swing?
- Does the model have a low speed quiet enough for sleeping?
- Are replacement screens, lids and parts easy to find? Browse accessories such as ProMaster accessories for camper van builds once the roof layout is final.
Related guides
- How Many Watts Of Solar Do You Need For Van Life
- How Long Will A 100Ah Battery Last In A Van
- Van Awning For Campers
Frequently asked questions
Do the MaxxFan Deluxe and Fantastic Fan fit the same roof opening?
Both are designed for the common 14-inch square RV roof vent opening, so they often fit the same cutout in a van roof. Even so, the flange, lid swing and mounting depth differ, so check the dimensions in the manual for your exact model and confirm clearance for any nearby racks, solar panels or ceiling framing.
Can a vent fan run in the rain?
Some designs allow it with the lid open, and the MaxxFan Deluxe is widely known for that. Fantastic Fan has models with rain sensors that close the lid automatically. Features differ by model. Heavy wind-driven rain can still get in, so read the manual for operating limits and close the lid in storms.
How much battery does a roof vent fan use?
It depends on speed and model, so check the numbers. At low speed some fans draw around an amp, while high speed may draw several amps. As an assumption, one amp for eight hours uses about eight amp-hours. Check the manual’s current figures and total your daily fan hours against your battery capacity.
Which fan is quieter for sleeping?
There is no universal answer, because noise depends on the model, the speed and how the vent is mounted. Look for a low minimum speed and multiple speed steps, then read the manual and recent buyer feedback that mentions night use in a small, quiet space. Check current specifications for each model before choosing.
Should a vent fan be installed by a professional?
Not necessarily, but the job involves cutting the roof, sealing it and wiring a fused 12V circuit. If you lack the tools or confidence, a van upfitter is a sensible choice. A poor seal or incorrect fuse can cause leaks or electrical hazards, so follow the manufacturer’s manual closely and ask a professional if any step is unclear.
