Roof fan upgrade

Ken & Peggy

Ken & Peggy

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I was on the Fantastic Vents website looking for the electrical specs this morning and noticed an upgrade option for the fan.
It's their 6000 RBTA upgrade for $100. It adds a motorized lift arm that senses moisture and closes automatically if it rains. Pretty slick!
I talked to Rodney at FantasticVent who described the procedure, which sounds pretty basic. The motor/roof assembly stays put, so there is no roof seal issue to worry about.
Just an FYI...

Fantastic Vent

Ken
 
Ken, Yeah, keep us updated. I wonder if C-I has looked into this.
Do you know if the fan cover will cycle back open after the rain passes? Steve
 
Steve,

We did look into it. Honestly just didn't think it was something that would be important to our customers. But, we have been wrong before about such things. This could be a good way to get some input on offering this feature. If Ken is going to give it a whirl we will want to pay close attention to his feedback and everyone here's interest in it.


Cary
 
Would a foggy coastal night cause it to close up when you want ventilation?? To me, its one more thing to maintain and fuss with, when I really just want to go camping! Reaching up and closing a hatch is no big deal in my book. i love that the teardrop is sooooo simple! Yet works so well!!
 
FYI, there is another upgrade kit that will be available by mid to late summer. This kit will change your fan from a 3 speed to a variable speed. This means infinite adjustment so you can have a very light breeze or adjust to your noise tolerance. I will likely buy that kit.....

Kent
 
Eileen, Yes, a foggy night could cause it to close, but there is a switch to disable the sensor if that should happen. I, too, like to keep it simple - but being able to leave the hatch open for ventilation, go take a hike, and not worry about rain is kind of appealing. It really seems to add that convenience without adding any complexity. Now, is it worth $100?

Here's a link to the info on this model Fantastic Vent 6000 model info

Ken
 
Kent,
That sounds like it might be nice. I think I'd be interested, too, if it's not much more money.
They do have another model that has 14 speeds, and a remote - could that be what you mean?
Fantastic Vent 6600

According the their distributor, there are variable speed options, but she said that would require add'l. wiring in the walls to a rheostat. That is, unless there's a new model that she's not aware of. Did you talk with someone at Fantastic Vent about it?

Ken
 
Ken, I did talk with Bob at the factory. He appears to be the leader on this project. It will be an upgrade kit for just the one function, fan speed. He has the prototype on his desk, however, it is not to a spec they are yet willing to put into production. He was leading me to an upgrade kit 6000 RBTA until I explained it was a teardrop, not an RV. Guess we have to be patient, but it is on it's way!

Kent
PS, his description was we could make the fan barely turn, turn full speed, or anywhere in between.
 
Well, that's worth waiting to hear more about. Thanks for the update Kent, I was all set to order tomorrow.
Ken
 
We would pay $100 for this option... but then we are suckers for pretty much anything to do with our Camp-Inn.
 
Kent,
I just re-read your post and I want to be sure of what you mean. When you said it 'will be an upgrade kit for just the one function, fan speed', was that an upgrade from the current fan that we all have in our CampInns? If that's true, then the new upgrade won't have the rain sensor? Or did I mis-read you?
Thanks,
Ken
 
Ken, I inquired only about fan speed. I had already rejected the upgrade kit that has the rain sensor. I am confident I understood correctly that by mid summer there will be an upgrade to replace my 3 speed fan and make it variable. That was the discussion.

Kent
 
Kent,

I like talking to Bob over at Fantastic, what a cool guy eh? The whole bunch over there is a great bunch actually, partly why we like doing business with them as much as we do. I remember way back maybe a year ago Bob mentioning something about they were starting a variable speed project (other than the wall mount thing they have now) then never heard about it again. I hope they do, I think that would make alot of sense.

Cary
 
I agree Cary, about the folks at Fantastic and this project making a lot of sense. I recall our discussion about the powered down version of their fan for use in your Camp-Inn trailers. Something then available to the entire teardrop community. That is a real example of your working relationship with your suppliers and how we all benefit from your efforts. For me, even with the powered down version, I want to slow the fan below the lowest of the three speeds. This should do the trick. I just hope they make it really happen.

Kent
 
Kent,
Isn't it great dealing with the people at CampInn? I spoke with Cary about this as well as some solar power issues and the advice he gave is invaluable.

I did call FantasticVent this morning to see if they were planning on including the rain sensor with the updated variable speed option, and after a minute on hold Larry, the owner, got on the phone. Well, just like at CampInn, he took the time to explain the thoughts that are going into the upgrade and how they are working to be sure that what they eventually offer is of the best quality available.

He confirmed what you said about the timing - mid to late summer. The upgrade will include the variable speed as well as the rain sensor features, in addition to the rest.

It's good to see people so committed to making good, high quality, affordable products.

Ken
 
Indeed Ken. There's a reason we purchased Camp-Inn. There are several reasons why there is value in that relationship. Glad you got the full story.

Kent
 
All,
I agree about working with Cary. I saved all my emails to him about our 550, before and after we signed a contract. I sure felt like I was being a bother. He assured me I was no bother. He made it comfortable to work with him. We had the handi-bar added to our 550. They did not have the exact process nailed down, but he said they would get it right. I find those bars to be very useful. They did get it right. Steve
 
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