Fantastic Fans (Really)

[Gubs]

We have a 2020 Montana 3121RL and our most recent trip brought with it two new problems!

First our Montana is a bit taller than our old Heartland Greystone which created a huge problem when we stopped at a gas station we have used for years because it is easy in and out huge lot. However the canopy was only 12'6" high our new Montana is 13'3", hence the need for a new front bedroom A/C

Also neither fantastic fan will open. The one in the bathroom nor the one in the kitchen area will open. Both fans will run and vary speed, but will not open. Back to the dealer again!!!!

[Daryles]

Double check your height when hitched.
Ours is 13' 4" when hitched. Our truck squats just a bit when it takes the pin weight.
For the fan, go up on the roof and Try pulling up on the lid while someone presses the on button.
Once you get it open lubricate the seal with a little silicon grease so it won't stick.

[L0veless]

I agree with Daryl, these fans have small motors and the lids can get jammed.

[Dave W]

Do you actually have Fantastic fans or MAXair? Maxair(sp) fans have an unfortunate history of gearbox failure. The manufacturer MAY replace the gearboxes at no cost though they charged me $25



Then as noted, both Fantastic and Maxair hatches will occasionally stick closed. You may need to manually unstick them then clean and silicone the gasket and vent rim.


Either brand is generally a good product though Fantastic seems to have suffered a "cost improvement" decline after it was sold to Dometic

[Ahdmeyer]

gubs i see you are from glendale az i am north and east of you in new river. what dealer do you use out here? i have had mine in at little dealers on deer valley and i17 a while back for warranty work just wondering sorry to hear about your ac but nothing is done on purpose. good luck
al meyer
3931fb az

[MARK A]

They're just stuck. Open manually while assisting them. Hopefully you haven't stripped the lift mechanism.
If so, you can get new ones.

[Randu]

Montana uses Maxxfans and lids will stick if not used often. Turn the manual crank slowly and increase pressure slowly until lid opens. Then go on roof with some baby powder and lightly rub down seals. That will solve sticking for next 6 months to a year. Lift moter dont have the torque to overcome the sticking seals.

[bcrvman]

Originally Posted by Gubs

We have a 2020 Montana 3121RL and our most recent trip brought with it two new problems!

First our Montana is a bit taller than our old Heartland Greystone which created a huge problem when we stopped at a gas station we have used for years because it is easy in and out huge lot. However the canopy was only 12'6" high our new Montana is 13'3", hence the need for a new front bedroom A/C

Also neither fantastic fan will open. The one in the bathroom nor the one in the kitchen area will open. Both fans will run and vary speed, but will not open. Back to the dealer again!!!!

OUCH, experience says always assume you need 13'6" then you will be ok. If the Fantastic fans are original, they may be done, the cover raising gear is very poorly designed. I have replace both of ours and next spring will attempt to R&R the gear box to extend the life.

[firestation12]

Originally Posted by Dave W

Do you actually have Fantastic fans or MAXair? Maxair(sp) fans have an unfortunate history of gearbox failure. The manufacturer MAY replace the gearboxes at no cost though they charged me $25



Then as noted, both Fantastic and Maxair hatches will occasionally stick closed. You may need to manually unstick them then clean and silicone the gasket and vent rim.


Either brand is generally a good product though Fantastic seems to have suffered a "cost improvement" decline after it was sold to Dometic

Clarification from the quote above, silicone grease or silicone spray lubricant, but NOT silicone sealant.

[Wentpostal]

How did you measure? There is a curve in the roof, I had to measure the curve inside and just add to the edge while hitched up. We are about 13’4” also. That’s cutting it Nighty close to the legal limit