MaxxFan Deluxe Installation

[chuck5395]

I ordered a MaxxFan Deluxe to install in the roof vent in the bedroom of our 28.5RSTS. Yesterday I pulled down the interior trim ring to look for possible power. What I found was a 110 junction box and a 4-wire cable. I'm thinking that the 4-wire is for some sort of thermostat connection for the A/C. Does anyone know if there is 12v power at this location? If not, any suggestions on how to get 12v power up there?

Thanks
-Chuck

[prm99v6]

Is there a light in the vicinity that you could tap into?

[chuck5395]

Originally Posted by prm99v6

Is there a light in the vicinity that you could tap into?

The ceiling lights in the bedroom are on a switch. I don't think that would work out to well.

[Grumpy]

The 4 wire probably terminates near a slide switch or light switch in the wall, you could attempt to use that for your 12v power.

[Mopar_Earl]

If the 4-wire is typical thermostat wiring, you won't be able to use it. Way too small of gauge size.


Earl

[hyperactive]

I have the same camper and put in the same fan . I pulled 12 volts from the bathroom fan !

[hyperactive]

Note; the trim ring the fan cam with was too short. If you slit the radius'ed corners of the oem trim ring to fit the square corners of the new fan it will work.

[chuck5395]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

The 4 wire probably terminates near a slide switch or light switch in the wall, you could attempt to use that for your 12v power.

Originally Posted by Mopar_Earl

If the 4-wire is typical thermostat wiring, you won't be able to use it. Way too small of gauge size.

That's exactly what I thought when I read this suggestion. I may just call and see how much the RV shop wants to install it.

[DavidJay]

Originally Posted by chuck5395

The ceiling lights in the bedroom are on a switch

That's a nice upgrade. My 2015 doesn't have wall switches (switches are on the light fixtures).

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Mopar_Earl

If the 4-wire is typical thermostat wiring, you won't be able to use it. Way too small of gauge size.


Earl

Fan draws 5 amps 18 gauge is good for 6 amps. Tie 2 wires together for +and- if necessary.

[chuck5395]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Fan draws 5 amps 18 gauge is good for 6 amps. Tie 2 wires together for +and- if necessary.

This is a creative idea and I'll give it consideration. First I'll need to see if I can find the other end.

[Mopar_Earl]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Fan draws 5 amps 18 gauge is good for 6 amps. Tie 2 wires together for +and- if necessary.

Definitely wouldn't recommend it. Even Jayco runs larger gauge wire and they are much cheaper than I. I would run 12 gauge myself. Voltage drop on such small gauge wire would be significant. Especially on a decent run. If I was forced to, and I mean forced, to run the minimum gauge wire, I wouldn't run less than 14 gauge. But I would come back later and put in 12 gauge. Lol 10 gauge if a long run. Especially on a motor load. But some ppl like to go the minimum/cheapest. But at least spec the wire size out on a chart. So measure the distance and wire gauge to be sure. Remember motor loads draw higher amps on start up. My chart calls for 16ga up to 15' at 5 amps and 12ga up to 15' at 10 amps. 14ga at 5 amps up to 20' and 12ga at 10 amps up to 20'. That's not including startup draw or low voltage. Do as you wish but I recommend 12ga wire. Always best to oversize your wire than undersize. Fires aren't started by oversized wiring. Also if you change out the fan later and the replacement has higher draw, bam, your larger wire size will most likely handle the higher draw where your undersize or good enough wire size won't.

Earl

[gorpie]

Originally Posted by chuck5395

I ordered a MaxxFan Deluxe to install in the roof vent in the bedroom of our 28.5RSTS. Yesterday I pulled down the interior trim ring to look for possible power. What I found was a 110 junction box and a 4-wire cable. I'm thinking that the 4-wire is for some sort of thermostat connection for the A/C. Does anyone know if there is 12v power at this location? If not, any suggestions on how to get 12v power up there?

Thanks
-Chuck

I have the same trailer, it's a 2017. I installed a fantastic fan in my bedroom vent. so it sounds like you are prewired for a second ac like mine was. What I did is take the main electric panel off(the one that has your breakers and fuses in it) I then removed the 110 volt wire from the breaker that runs the power to the second ac unit in the bedroom and connected that to the 12 volt dc in the electric panel. my panel had extra 12 volt wires that were unused. just spiced into one of the extra 12 volt wire that is already connected to the fuse panel. just have to put a fuse in the right spot for the correct wire that you tapped into. works great!

Mark

[chuck5395]

Originally Posted by gorpie

I have the same trailer, it's a 2017. I installed a fantastic fan in my bedroom vent. so it sounds like you are prewired for a second ac like mine was. What I did is take the main electric panel off(the one that has your breakers and fuses in it) I then removed the 110 volt wire from the breaker that runs the power to the second ac unit in the bedroom and connected that to the 12 volt dc in the electric panel. my panel had extra 12 volt wires that were unused. just spiced into one of the extra 12 volt wire that is already connected to the fuse panel. just have to put a fuse in the right spot for the correct wire that you tapped into. works great!

Mark

Thanks Mark. I had not considered this.