To clean a Maxxair fan, turn it off, disconnect its power supply and disassemble the unit. Use a cloth and soft brush to wipe and scrub the fan blades and screens. Next, lubricate the motor and clean the housing and seals. Let everything dry before reassembling.
RV vent fans like the Maxxair range constantly draw out stale, contaminated air and trap bugs (Maxxair Dome, Mini, and Mini Plus) and bring fresh, cleaner air into the cabin. The Maxxfan range, like all RV fans, are prone to dirt and debris and need regular cleaning to work efficiently.
This article takes you through each of the Maxxair fans and explains how to best clean them step-by-step.
Types Of Maxxair Fans
Here are all the types of Maxxair Fans that this guide covers:
| Maxxair Fan | Features |
| Maxxfan | – Four-speed exhaust only model – Manual control through knobs (present at the ceiling) – Comes with mounting tabs that allow a tool-free easy installation of vent cover (not included) Weight: 16.7 pounds |
| Maxxfan Plus | – Ten-speed fan – Can function as intake fan and exhaust – Manual and remote control opening – Comes with molded mounting tabs to easily install the vent cover Weight: 9 pounds |
| Maxxfan Deluxe | – Ten-speed reversible fan – Programmable thermostat – Remote control Weight: 8.7 pounds |
| Maxxfan Low Profile | – Four-speed fan motor – Molded tabs for easy installation of the vent cover – Manual lift lid with twin lifting arms that allow you to drive with an open lid – Flush mounted keypads that are easy to clean Weight: 1 pound |
| Maxxfan Mini Plus | – Screens for insects, dust, and debris – Single-speed Exhaust only Weight: 6.8 pounds |
| Maxxfan Dome | – Manual lift lid – Removable screens facilitate cleaning – Locking lid feature – Exhaust only fan Weight: 4.14 pounds |
How to clean a Maxxair Fan
Maxxair recommends thoroughly cleaning each fan component at least twice a year.
All Maxxfan models are designed with minimal mounting screws and are easy to disassemble and clean.
Below are the steps you should follow to efficiently clean Maxxair fans.
1. Turn It Off
Before cleaning any appliance, it is crucial to ensure it is not connected to any power outlet.
There is a “POWER” button on the keypad that you need to press once to switch the fan off. You may find a separate “TURN OFF” button located near the “TURN ON” switch on some older models.
After switching the fan off, unplug it from the main outlet before disassembling the unit.
2. Remove The Vent Cover
Vent covers play an important role in regulating the air through the cabin and protecting the fan from rain. It is an absolute must for RV fans, especially when using a fan while driving.
Although they do not come with the fans, Maxxair sells its vent cover called FANMATE, which you can buy separately direct, or from Amazon.
All Maxxair models come with mounting tabs that allow you to install a vent cover on the fan without using any tools.
The tabs have a slot that aligns with the brackets on the FANMATE. Slide the vent cover out of the slots slowly to detach it from the fan.
Sometimes, technicians insert rubber in the mounting tabs to help prevent water from seeping under the flange. Make sure to check for the rubber and remove it before pulling out the vent cover.
3. Remove The Mesh Screen
The mesh screen is held in place by four removable clips.
Locate the mesh screen on the fan and gently remove the clips.
Next, place the screen on the side and move towards the fan blade assembly.
4. Remove The Bug Screen
Some models like Maxxfan Mini Plus and Maxxfan Dome come with a bug screen that traps bugs and insects from the environment, preventing them from entering the RV unit.
The bug screen is secured with retainer clips that you can easily remove.
Rotate the four built-in pins and to make the screen pop out.
5. Detach The Fan Blades
Although it is possible to clean fan blades while they are attached to the unit, it is inconvenient and can be difficult if the fan blades have hardened debris or dirt.
Each Maxxair model has a fan blade of a different size. They are secured in the unit with tight screws, and you need a wrench to remove them.
- Pick up a wrench of approximately 2.5 mm and locate the mounting screws.
- Attach the socket to the wrench and then place it on the screw.
- Twist it anti-clockwise until each of the screws come loose, and then detach the fan.
6. Clean The Fan Blade
The fan blades and screens are two components that are exposed to dust and, hence, more prone to getting dirty. If you haven’t cleaned the fan blade in some time, it may have hardened build-up that you need to scrub off.
- Start with a dry cloth and clear off all dust from the fan.
- Next, dampen the cloth and use it to wipe the blades.
- If need be, leave the fan blades in a sink filled with moderately warm water and wipe them clean after a few minutes.
- Allow the blades to dry before reattaching them to the motor.
7. Clean The Screens
- Use a dry cloth to dust off the dirt from the screens.
- Now use wet paper towels to wipe off the hard debris. You may also use a soft bristle brush or Q-tips to clean the screens.
- Leave the screens dipped in warm water and some detergent for a few minutes.
- Rinse the soap and let everything dry completely before installing again.
8. Clean The Housing, Seals, and Exterior
After cleaning the main components, i.e., screens and fan blades, proceed to the areas that are difficult to reach, such as the rooftop plastic housing and seals.
Once you open the vent, you’ll get a clear view of the underside of the rooftop housing. Use a clean cloth or Q-tips to clean any dirt from them.
Don’t forget to clean the external body of the unit and control pad with a dry cloth.
9. Clean The Motor
The motor can accumulate debris over time which is generally hard to remove. Use a dry cloth or a soft bristle brush to do the job, but make sure to not let any water or detergent inside the motor.
After cleaning, generously lubricate the entire surface of the fan’s motor with appropriate machine oil.
10. Reassemble
Once all the components have been cleaned and dried completely, reassemble the system.
Make sure to carefully secure the screws and flange. Inspect the screws for rust and check that the caulkings do not have any cracks.
Replace the screws and caulking if need be and ensure that each component is perfectly secured in place before reconnecting the fan to the 12V power supply.
For instructions on how to reset a Maxxair fan and select the mode, temperature, vent and fan settings read this detailed post.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the common FAQ about Maxxair fans:
How Much Does a Maxxair Fan Weigh?
Each Maxxair fan holds a different weight. It ranges from as little as 1 pound (Maxxfan Low Profile) to about 16.71 pounds for the Maxxfan, which weighs the heaviest.
Here is a full breakdown of each model and their weight.
- Maxxfan – 16.7 pounds
- Maxxfan Plus – 9 pounds
- Maxxfan Deluxe – 8.7 pounds
- Maxxfan low profile – 1 pound
- Maxxfan Mini Plus – 6.8 pounds
- Maxxfan Dome – 4.14 pounds
Can You Drive With a Maxxair Fan Open?
A recreational vehicle (RV) with a Maxxair Fan fitted with a FANMATE vent cover can drive with the fan vent open. The vent cover prevents water from entering the unit.
To open the vent, you need to manually pull the knob and open the dome. The twin arms located next to the dome help hold the vent cover open.
The FANMATE vent covers are not included when purchasing a Maxxair Fan, but can easily be purchased either direct from Airxcel or from Amazon.
Which Way Should a Maxxair Fan Face?
Maxxair fans are roof RV units. When installing a Maxxfan, ensure the vent grill faces the rear side. This way, the vent will not let water in beyond the grill.
Each Maxxair fan fits in a different sized space. After determining the area required for your model, place the grill so that it faces the rear of the trailer.
How Many Watts Does A Maxxair Fan Use?
All Maxxair fans require the same amount of power to operate effectively. You should connect the Maxxfan to an outlet that provides 12 watts of power, i.e., 12 V voltage and 1 Amp current.
No matter which model of Maxxfan you are using, it needs an uninterrupted power supply of 12 watts to run. Generally, when a Maxxair fan is plugged in, it gives a beep sound, and the LED lights up solid green.
If your unit does not give a beep when connected to a power, check for a possible connection or circuit problem.
This power value may slightly vary depending on the fan’s speed. For example, if the fan is rotating at minimum speed; it may draw in only 0.17 Amp of current. But since the fan switches speed automatically to adjust to the temperature, the average current always remains 1 Amp.
Conclusion
Maxxair fans are easy to disassemble and do not take more than half an hour to clean. We recommend cleaning your RV fan at least twice a year.
To sum it up, detach the fan blades and screens, and rinse them with warm water after wiping them with a clean cloth. Then use Q-tips to dust off the exterior, plastic housing, and seals. Lastly, lubricate the motor, and let everything dry before reassembling the unit.
