2021 Navion Bath Fan

Elkman · 11-01-2020, 10:41 AM

We bought a 2021 Navion and will be picking it up at the dealer in a couple of weeks. In the meantime we are having them add 2 more 100W solar panels.

I have read comments regarding the bath fan used in earlier versions of the Navion and of owners replacing it with a Fantastic fan. I know the 2021 has a Fantastic fan for the main salon area but I have no idea as to how good the bath fan is with the current models.

Any input for 2021 owners would be much appreciated.

Winterbagoal · 11-01-2020, 12:38 PM

Our 2018 bathroom fan is loud and is an on/off, with a sliding circular vent open/closed control. Pretty lame, but functional. I would have preferred a FF or Air Maxx smart fan.

rprochnow · 11-01-2020, 03:44 PM

We have a 21VD.

The bathroom fan isn't great. The sliding circular vent open/closed control doesn't completely seal, so there is always a little outside air leakage in the bathroom (which may not be a bad thing).

The fan is basic - with only an on/off control. It seems to be adequate to vent bathroom air to the outside. We'll sometimes leave it on for extended periods (especially after a shower) with the bathroom door closed - pulling in air from the rest of the coach around the top and bottom of the bathroom door.

I checked about getting the bathroom fan replaced with a MF. Because the MF is larger, it would require expanding the opening, and decided it wasn't worth cutting into the roof for that.

Winterbagoal · 11-01-2020, 04:43 PM

I wonder if there are any retrofit "smart fans" that would/could replace the very basic fans Winnebago used as the bathroom standard? Doesn't sound like they've upgraded it in 3 years.

crah · 11-01-2020, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rprochnow

We have a 21VD.

The bathroom fan isn't great. The sliding circular vent open/closed control doesn't completely seal, so there is always a little outside air leakage in the bathroom (which may not be a bad thing).

The fan is basic - with only an on/off control. It seems to be adequate to vent bathroom air to the outside. We'll sometimes leave it on for extended periods (especially after a shower) with the bathroom door closed - pulling in air from the rest of the coach around the top and bottom of the bathroom door.

I checked about getting the bathroom fan replaced with a MF. Because the MF is larger, it would require expanding the opening, and decided it wasn't worth cutting into the roof for that.

The opening is a standard size opening and compatible with any other fan. Whoever gave you that info was incorrect. I've replaced that crappy fan with the Maxfann delux.

crah · 11-01-2020, 04:51 PM

I've replaced mine with a maxxfan deluxe. The opening size is a standard size like all other fans. I also replaced the circuit board controller for the front fan so it can reverse and suck in.

Winterbagoal · 11-01-2020, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crah

I've replaced mine with a maxxfan deluxe. The opening size is a standard size like all other fans. I also replaced the circuit board controller for the front fan so it can reverse and suck in.

Is/are these fixes DIY ready? I have some basic electrical knowledge and an array of basic tools.

crah · 11-01-2020, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winterbagoal

Is/are these fixes DIY ready? I have some basic electrical knowledge and an array of basic tools.

Yes all DIY. Replacing the existing fan is not so much fun removing the roof sealant. O
The wiring is simple 2 wire crimper connections.

If you have particular questions please let me know. I ended up using the exact same roof sealant that winnebago uses. They sell on amazon and elsewhere.

Old Navy · 11-01-2020, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winterbagoal

I wonder if there are any retrofit "smart fans" that would/could replace the very basic fans Winnebago used as the bathroom standard? Doesn't sound like they've upgraded it in 3 years.

What does the fan look like? There is a retrofit for the cheap fans in some RVs that is a 15 minute DIY job that doesn't involve climbing on the roof.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DPJ3RDA

Winterbagoal · 11-01-2020, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crah

Yes all DIY. Replacing the existing fan is not so much fun removing the roof sealant. O
The wiring is simple 2 wire crimper connections.

If you have particular questions please let me know. I ended up using the exact same roof sealant that winnebago uses. They sell on amazon and elsewhere.

I can't recall, haven't been up top for a while. Is it the "black stuff"? It's everywhere up there.
Thanks, will do on questions.

crah · 11-01-2020, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winterbagoal

I can't recall, haven't been up top for a while. Is it the "black stuff"? It's everywhere up there.
Thanks, will do on questions.

Yes on my 2020 View I have the black stuff. I ordered 2 tubes from Winnebago directly a few months back due to a seam opening up on my back cap. They sent via warranty.

Winterbagoal · 11-02-2020, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crah

Yes on my 2020 View I have the black stuff. I ordered 2 tubes from Winnebago directly a few months back due to a seam opening up on my back cap. They sent via warranty.

Thanks for the info/pics.

Morich · 11-02-2020, 08:17 AM

When thinking of working on RV, one of the big things I think about is the sealers we get in so many places. Removing that stuff is a bear but can be much better with the right tool.
If you are tool guy and do any work on removing sealers, on the RV or the house, getting one of the oscillating tools will sure change your thinking! I got my first Dremel brand as a present and wore it down changing out house windows but fell in love with it. But in replacing it, I had no BIG jobs in mind and was on the road, so went to Wal-mart and bought one of these:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tou...010G/730516237
It doesn't come with as many different blades, but works just as well and seems to be lasting just as well as the name brand, so I'm happy!
Once you fit the flat blade on the tool and zip right through removing the caulk around a fan or two without doing any scraping, you may fall in love, too.
Just too versatile and quick not to have one on the RV or home.

Winterbagoal · 11-02-2020, 08:31 AM

I bought one of these to modify the battery box under my steps for the new Relion GR 31 lithiums. They replaced an appropriately sized pair of GR 24 8240 NAPA clunkers that came with the coach. Had to open up the sides to allow for the extra width of the cases.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hyper-Tou...013G/390442865

Same brand as your oscillating cutter, and worked perfectly. Made a potentially pita job simple, and I was done in a few minutes.

crah · 11-02-2020, 10:24 AM

Not sure I would want to use an oscillation tool on the roof. It might scrape off the fiberglass roof more than desired.

What I've used on several RV's is to heat up a 5 in 1 scraper tool with a torch and then us the hot scraper. The sealant scraped off like butter. Then I clean the residue off with acetone. I heat up the scraper repeatedly after each scrape. It's still not fun.

Elkman · 11-02-2020, 01:12 PM

I have used Dicor self leveling sealant with excellent results. I goes on a lot more readily if the tubes are placed out in the sun and allowed to get up to over 80 degrees temperature. I spread it with a plastic scraper/putty knife and for removal I have used naptha or Klean Strip Painter's Solvent.

For a lot of caulk application the Makita 18v caulk gun is fantastic. I tried other brands but the slowest speed setting on them was still too fast.

Elkman · 11-02-2020, 01:15 PM

Forgot to mention it but when we gave our VIN / serial number to Winnebago customer support they sent us a complete listing of everything that was added including model numbers and serial numbers where applicable. It will make it a lot easier to download the owner manuals for everything and have it in digital format.

Learned that our new 24D has a Maxx Air 3800X and also a Maxx Air 8501K so evidently it has an upgraded bath fan.

crah · 11-02-2020, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elkman

Forgot to mention it but when we gave our VIN / serial number to Winnebago customer support they sent us a complete listing of everything that was added including model numbers and serial numbers where applicable. It will make it a lot easier to download the owner manuals for everything and have it in digital format.

Learned that our new 24D has a Maxx Air 3800X and also a Maxx Air 8501K so evidently it has an upgraded bath fan.

The Maxx Air 3800x is not the upgrade. It's the cheapie fan and the same I have on the 2020 view. The model numbers can get confusing. Even the 8501k that is the front fan is not their top of the line. That fan does not run in reverse either though the remote shows it does. All it does is slow down and goes back in the same direction.

rprochnow · 11-03-2020, 06:43 AM

The front fan in our 21VD will reverse - which can be useful to increase circulation by having the front and rear fans in different directions.

crah · 11-03-2020, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rprochnow

The front fan in our 21VD will reverse - which can be useful to increase circulation by having the front and rear fans in different directions.

Are you sure? Like I mentioned, Winnebago put in the remote that has the reverse button. When the push it, the fan will come to a stop and continue again, acting like it is reversing but in reality it spins in the same direction. You will know if it spins in reverse as the fan will blow in very powerful. My 2020 has the 8501k which is not a reverse fan. You can buy retrofit parts to make it reverse. Other 2021 View owners have noted the exact same problem.