If you’ve ever been on a long RV trip, you’ve probably noticed how stale the air inside gets after a few miles. It’s not always practical or safe to drive a huge RV with the windows down. But the best RV vent fan will take care of the problem and give you a comfortable ride.
The average RV owner uses their RV for about three to four weeks out of the year. Lots of miles can get traversed in that amount of time — and, of course, many people use their RVs for even longer trips. Why not do everything you can to make that time spent in the RV even more pleasant?
With the best RV vent fan, you’ll have what you need to travel comfortably with clean, fresh air circulating. Say goodbye to stale air that smells like the garbage you didn’t yet take out.
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Why Do RV Vent Fans Matter?
All living spaces need good ventilation. Poor ventilation can lead to health problems, since contaminants build up in the air where you can inhale them. Ventilation also reduces moisture to keep mold at bay — another source of potential health problems.
Here are some of the top reasons to invest in the best RV vent fan today.
Cool The Air
Improve Ventilation
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Reduce Smells
Let Cooking Smoke And Steam Escape
Your RV vent fan pushes the smoke and steam outside, reducing all of these issues.
Halt Humidity
Do All RVs Need A Vent Fan?
With that in mind, it’s easy to see the appeal of investing in the best RV vent fan for the job. But are they really necessary?
The answer is no. Your RV does need a roof vent to help the air circulate and escape as needed. The vent fan boosts the power of the vent, but you can also have a nice trip without one.
However, in many cases, you’ll find the trip much better after you have an RV vent fan installed. For example, if you’re traveling through somewhere very hot or very damp, the vent fan becomes more essential.
Or, if you want to cook a lot in your RV, you’ll soon find that the RV vent fan matters more than you first expected.
While RV vent fans aren’t necessary for a safe RV trip, they’re an inexpensive way to make the trip a lot better. It’s a small investment that will pay off in a big way, so we recommend picking the best RV vent fan for your needs before your next long RV trip.
Also, some RVs come with a vent fan already installed. However, those stock fans often don’t do a great job of shifting air around — and they tend to be loud.
For better results, you’ll want to upgrade to the best RV vent fan you can find instead.
What to Know Before Buying The Best RV Vent Fan
With that in mind, how can you decide on the best RV vent fan for your needs? Here’s what you should consider before making your choice.
Vent Size
RV roof vents often use the same standard size, but every once in a while, a manufacturer will shift from the standard a bit. Measure your roof vent or your existing fan to make sure you know what will fit.
If you get a fan that’s too small, you won’t be able to secure it in place. And if you get a fan that’s too big, your only option is to cut a bigger hole in your RV roof to install it. It’s much better to take measurements first.
Fan Noise
Some fans operate quietly; others can get loud. Consider your noise preferences before you commit to an RV vent fan. If you’ll only run the fan occasionally, a loud one might seem fine.
But if you plan to run it for most of the time you’re in the RV, the noise will get old fast.
Optional Extras
Some RV vent fans also come with cool perks. For example, you can find models with speed variation, temperature settings, remote controls, rain covers, and much more.
The fancier the fan, the more it will cost. But if those features matter to you, the added cost might become worth it.
How We Reviewed
To create this list, we looked across multiple consumer review and eCommerce sites to find the best-rated RV vent fans on the market. From real RV users to professional review outlets, we weighed the pros and cons of each model.
Then, we selected a variety of the top-rated types, giving a range of options from simple to high-tech. No matter what your RV vent fan needs are, you’ll find something on this list for you.
The Best RV Vent Fans On The Market Today
Ready to choose the best RV vent fan for your needs? Check out these top-rated models.
MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe
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For something on the fancy side, opt for this high-tech MaxxFan model.
The fan can run through 10 speeds, and the electric lid opens and closes to seal your RV when you aren’t using the vent. It even offers a built-in thermostat to keep your RV at the perfect temperature.
Use the handy remote to control this fan and close the rain shield in case the weather turns. It’s solidly built to last a long time, so you won’t have to worry about any component falling apart on your trip.
Amazon users rate this fan 4.1 out of 5 stars. The price is high, though, since you’ll need to pay for all those features.
Pros
- Intake and exhaust fan options
- Easy temperature control
- Easy to install
Cons
- Loud opening and closing process
- Remote only works in sight of the sensor
- May have a short life-span
MaxxAir MaxxFan Plus Roof Vent With 12V Fan
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For a more modest model from the same brand, try this fan plus roof vent from MaxxFan. This affordable MaxxFan model also offers 10 fan speeds. It even has a remote and an electric lid, for a simplified version of the deluxe model above.
If you lose the remote, though, don’t worry — you can install the backup controls on the ceiling, too. This model is also easy to install and use, with a simple keypad to control the settings.
On Amazon, this RV vent fan has 4.4 out of 5 stars. The mid-range price gives you a good deal on a basic fan with some convenient features.
Pros
- Fan works even with lid closed
- Flush-mounted keypad controls
- Very quiet when running
Cons
- Requires manual closing to prevent rust when it rains
- Sensitive to condensation, salt, and other water-related damage
- No remote control
Fan-Tastic Fan Endless Breeze
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Need to outfit your RV on a budget? The best RV vent fan at a low cost might be this Fan-Tastic model. This simple 12-volt fan uses minimal energy and operates quietly to keep the air fresh.
This fan plugs in with a five-foot cord, so it’s a little less sleek than some of the competition. However, it does offer easy installation and good performance in the long run.
Amazon reviewers give this model 4.1 out of 5 stars. The low cost makes it an appealing option if you want to try an RV vent fan without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Works in multiple locations
- Won’t drain RV battery
Cons
- Portable but does not install permanently in an RV vent
- Vibrates at high speeds
- May make a small whistling sound
Fan-Tastic Model 1200 Create-A-Breeze Fan
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If you’re shopping for RV roof vent fans, you’re sure to come across the Fan-Tastic brand several times. They make many great products, but we like the 1200 model for its simple yet high-quality features.
This model offers easy installation and use, minimal noise, and three different speed settings. It even uses minimal energy. When you don’t need it, it seals up to keep the elements out of your RV.
Amazon users give this fan 4.2 out of 5 stars for its reliable performance. The price falls in the low range, perfect for when you need to balance quality and affordability.
Pros
- Compact, lightweight design
- 10-blade fan moves air fast
- Automated opener
Cons
- No manual controls to back up the remote
- Defective models may make noise
- Installation can be difficult
Fan-Tastic Model 7350 Vent Fan
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The Fan-Tastic brand also offers something a little fancier, if that’s more your style. This model uses a high-performance rotary fan to give you the best results.
Not only that, but it also features a built-in rain sensor that will automatically close the vent if rain starts to fall. When the sensor dries, the vent opens again. You can choose from an array of speed settings with the remote control, or even set the temperature control for the perfect temp.
This model gets 4.2 out of 5 stars on Amazon for its great performance and features. The high price range buys you more bells and whistles than most RV vent fans have.
Pros
- Rain sensor also has a manual back-up option
- Fan starts and stops automatically based on temperature settings
- Wall cradle for remote
Cons
- Less visually pleasing than some models
- Motor can get loud
- Lid is unsecured when open
Fan-Tastic Model 7351 Vent Fan
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Finally, let’s close with one of the most high-end vent fan models on the market. This fancy Fan-Tastic fan offers 13 remote-controlled speeds and a thermostat for the ultimate customizability.
It also has a rain sensor to automatically keep your RV dry when you’re not in it and uses minimal energy from your RV battery.
Amazon users rate this model 5.0 out of 5 stars. Although the price falls in the very high range, the great features and performance can make the extra cost worth it.
Pros
- Automated controls are ideal for traveling with pets
- Opens and closes quickly
- Simple installation
Cons
- Controls with remote only
- Remote doesn’t work from too far away
- Very high price
Buying The Best RV Vent Fan
Image Source: flickr.com
With this list handy, you’re now ready to go out and choose the best RV vent fan for your budget and needs. From low-priced options to fancy feature-packed models, you’ll find something on this list that works for you.
If you’re not yet sold on the RV vent fan idea, we’d recommend starting with a basic model to make sure you like the results. Then, you can upgrade to something fancier later.
As you think about your upcoming RV plans, the need for a vent fan will probably soon become clear. Where will you take your vent fan to make the trip even better? Let us know your next (or dream) location in the comments!
Featured Image via Flickr
Last update on 2024-12-13 at 15:29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API