RV Bathroom Fan Upgrade - Heng's Vortex
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ส.ค. 2019
- Update - I added a variable speed control to this fan. See the mod video - • Vortex RV Bathroom Fan...
In this video, I replace a defective OEM bathroom roof vent fan with a Heng's Vortex fan.
The Vortex fan is quite a bit larger with a more powerful motor and should move a lot more air. The main purpose of the fan is to evacuate bathroom odors or moisture after a shower. Since that's the only usages I didn't want to spend the extra money on a higher-end Fantastic or Maxx Air roof vent fan.
The install was fairly straightforward involving removal of the old fan blades, motor, switch and screen and install of the new parts. There were 2 wires to connect + and - 12 Volts and a few screws.
Overall I'm satisfied, it does move a ton of air and will quickly move out the bathroom odors. The downside is it's quite loud and blocks out some of the natural roof vent light.
Amazon Product Links:
Heng's Vortex 1 - amzn.to/31T7UzI
Heng's Vortex 2 - amzn.to/31R0jRX
Fantastic Roof Vent Fan - amzn.to/2KLV2pe
Maxx Air Vent Fan - amzn.to/2TPV1U1
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*Update* - I added a variable speed control to this fan. See the mod video - th-cam.com/video/hDzJfgEEHIY/w-d-xo.html
Hi Ray,
I did the same upgrade. Removed the old, useless noise-maker that Winnebago installed. But I wired in an infinite speed control knob so we could have our choice of fan speed. We can have it set to full speed, like yours, or we can dial it down to any speed we want. Much quieter. A suggestion to others doing this upgrade. Make sure your toilet seat lid is closed. Same for your sink drain. It’s not a matter of “if” you’ll drop one (or more) of those little screws, it’s a matter of “when”.
Good idea, thanks for the tip!
Love Your RV
6V-90V 15A Pulse Width Modulator PWM DC Motor Speed Control Switch Controller; about $9.00 on eBay.
Thanks
Thanks so much. Your video helped me in my decision to order and install the Vortex II model. I wanted the 2- feature. It installed easily and is working perfectly. I appreciate you sharing your video.
You're welcome. :) I was able to improve the single speed fan with a small electrical mod, I added a PWM speed controller. Works pretty good - www.loveyourrv.com/rv-bathroom-fan-upgrade-hengs-vortex/ Cheers, Ray
When we bought our new 2017 Keystone Montana High Country 305RL, i had the dealer remove the small noisy fan with a larger, quieter Fantastic Fan.
Thank you for this great video, I purchased the multi speed reversible version and with your help was able to install much easier.
Glad it helped. Cheers, Ray
thanks for sharing your update my fan blades all crumbled over last 12 years
You're welcome Phillip
I put one those and my bathroom in my camper and so far so good I've had no Issues out of it, my has been stalled for about 8 months now and still working perfectly
I installed one of these. Good solution. Clears out the doors and steam in a minute.
Who knew fans could be so much fun? I'd be trying heavier and heavier stuff to see what else it would suck under the door. Gerbils? Small kittens? ...I may have crossed the line there.
Cheers from B.C.
Great little fan. We have one as our main roof fan. I installed a polarity revering switch and a variable speed control and board and ours has in and out blow and as many speeds as we need. Total cost was under $10.
Nice! I plan to add a speed control
@@LoveYourRV I picked up the speed control from eBay for $6 and change. I have also seen it on Amazon.
Ray great minds think a like, I added this fan in our bathroom 3 months ago & love it , it does make a bit off noise, but it keeps upstairs cool and I didn't have to go to all the trouble of putting fantastic fan in the bedroom as it sucks a lot of air out, also in our case we have skylight in bathroom, so we still have a lot of light coming in, all the best always, Willy
Great job Ray! Surprised the old one lasted that long.
You can just add a few led lights inside the fan frame area since you've got power there to give you some additional lighting. Just a thought.
I wired in a 15 minute timer on mine. That way it runs for a while and then shuts off automatically. Works great.
We replaced our cheesy fan as well with the same fan a couple years ago. Still going strong and a good value for the money. One of the first things we did on our fifth.
I installed two of the adjustable speed fans in my RV a while back. In the living area and in the bedroom to just circulate air when it's sitting
Thanks for the DIY inspiration! I ordered it on Tuesday and got it today (shipped from Indiana to Michigan) and installed it. I, of course, wired it in reverse at first, had to fight to get those initial screws in (doing the job myself - no holder) and had to really muscle the shroud back into place. The original screw holes in the shroud didn't line up perfectly for some reason but I got in. Looking forward to seeing all that shower vapor go flying out next week when I hit the road.
Forgot to mention the other reason I wanted to change out the fan... You can remove the screen on the Vortex! This makes cleaning a whole lot easier. The replacement knob however seemed like it might make that difficult so I used the smaller original crank. Seems to fit fine.
One needs a loud fan to cover up those loud exploding exits we all have sometimes :)
I like how you do your videos Concise and in a logical order, very helpful for my way of thinking. Surprised me sucking the paper under the door😂😲, keep up the good work!
I upgraded as well to the Hengs brand. Works really well. Install was pretty easy when you can do the change out below. :) Good video.
I put the same fan into my trailer. It does move a lot of air, but I really wish I had gotten the variable speed model as this one is very LOOUUUDDDD!!
Definity is, but I kinda like to have the fan noise as it masks other noises happening in the toilet room. ;)
thanks for the step by step. I was thinking of doing the same. I guess you'll have to also install a reading light :) !
I did this a couple years ago and it works great, but put some gaffer tape on the holes around the circular part; we had wasps come in through those.
Very clean install👍
I did the same thing in my bathroom about a year ago and was pleased with it. This year I decided to order another one when they were on sale and installed it in my bedroom where there is nothing but a vent. After being closed up without air conditioning on for a period I can go in and turn both vent fan on with the door open and it helps clear out the hot air before I turn on the AC. I am thinking about adding a speed control to the one in the bedroom so on nights where the AC is really not necessary I can turn this on low with my windows open to create a breeze.
Thanks for the feedback, I think I'll add a speed adjust to mine.
I was able to get that fan off amazon for about $50 (U.S.). Love the upgrade
Nice! I looked at Amazon but by the time I get it shipped it wasn't much cheaper here on Canada and I wanted to get it quick as the old one died.
Hi Ray. After seeing this video I decided to change out my old stock fan with the same one you put in here. You made the process so much easier by posting this. Even though you didn't show how you got that useless junction box out but you said that you man-handled it out so that gave me the ok to do the same. Thanks for all your great vids. Keep it up, please! By the way, love you new Haloview cameras. Must be nice getting $900 camera sets out of the blue for nothing. Great job!
Great to hear! Cheers, Ray
We have this exact model.not all that quiet but itll move alot of air 👍
I ordered a replacement from Fantastic and they refer to the trim ring as “garnishes” as well.
Nice job! Thank you for sharing.
Excellent upgrade give us an update in the future Pros/cons
Will do.
I'm using a 12 inch computer fan,running all the time, 0.003 amp and no noise at all
NICE! Can I get one cheap on Amazon? Does it have infinite speed adjusting switch? Danke
@@Hundert1 The antec 200mm squeezed into my vent (barely). 3 speeds, very low amp draw, nearly silent. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V6FKGM
Great work as usual Ray...Thanks! Looks like that fan really sucks!😉
I think i would add a rheostat for variable speed, that thing was cranking, nice job ray.
Good idea, think I will.
I installed the Heng's with the reverse switch and variable speed I think it was around $70 or so. Its noisy and certainly not as good as the more expensive Max Air. We use it in the living area yo move air. I guess it's alright for what it is. I enjoy watching your videos, thank you.
I have a Fantastic Fan in the living area vent is it's much nicer but of course 3 times the cost. This one should do the job for the toilet room, gonna also try installing a variable speed control knob. Cheers, Ray
Damn our fan died after 4 months lol. This is definitely gonna be my replacement
I Installed 3 of the Vortex 2 about a year ago and they work great I think I paid about $69 US
Hey! Great job. I found that you only need to remove the old motor but NOT the bracket. The bracket does not interfere with the new fan in any way. Best regards
Good job.
In french we call this a ‘tire pet’ or fart puller in English. This up grade look a little bit overkill as for fan capacity. And it look like the noise would wake every body up in the morning. The small fan is pulling enough and it is quite. If we up-grade, I think a computer fan would do the job and easy to fit on the aluminum frame. I am sure you will have an other video installing an ajustable speed switch soon. 😉
Seems like it would be pretty easy to add a variable resistor to have an adjustable speed fan. You won't want the clothes pulled off your guests when they use the toilet.
Guess I can just adjust the vent lid to regulate airflow. haha, will see if the toilet paper comes unrolled :) We have had the happen the odd time with vent open on a windy travel day.
Really moves a lot of air and is noisy . Could probably put a rheostat or a 3 speed switch to slow it down. At least would not pull the covers off the bed. 😁 neat installation. Always enjoy your videos. I miss Angie the guard beagle. You guys take care.
Thanks, miss that little beagle a ton. I've already ordered a variable speed control for the motor :) on the way from Amazon. Cheers! Ray
Nice video
Maybe in the future, when these companies get up to date, they will make them completely clear frame so we still have a skylight vent with functional full visibility. That's why I want vent skylight for, to SEE the sky. It's so difficult if not impossible to find clear replacement for the blue and white ones.
Awesome good replacement 🛠🇨🇦🛠
That was easy enough to do... Thanks
You're welcome, a little later I added a variable speed control, has be a good mod th-cam.com/video/hDzJfgEEHIY/w-d-xo.html Cheers, Ray
Great job Ray but I wouldn't want a louder one personally. My original is still working fine and it's not as noisy anymore; it magically got quieter all by itself.
I did a DIY and installed a 200mm computer cooling fan. It pulls very little current so I leave it running almost all of the time because it’s nearly silent. I got the idea to do that from Slim Potatoehead’s TH-cam channel. The fan was about $20 on Amazon.
Nice! I have other fans in my other vents, this one is just for the little toilet room to move a lot of air fast. ;). In the fifth wheels main living area roof vent, we have a 3 speed reversible temperature-controlled Fantastic Fan and in the bedroom roof vent, I have 6 speed reversible Titan dual computer type fans and I also have a super quiet low current wall-mounted 360-degree fan called a Sirroco II. We do a lot of boondocking so like to have plenty of air movement when not able to run AC. :)
www.loveyourrv.com/installing-titan-rv-fridge-and-roof-vent-cooling-fans/
www.loveyourrv.com/more-rv-gadgets-candle-powered-lamp-12v-360-degree-fan/
Cheers! Ray
Hi Ray! I just put a Vortex II in my Minnie Winnie. 61.95 at Amazon. It has two speeds in reverse and three forward. Allows you to calm it down a bit and still moves plenty of air. By way, never run the fan forward without water in the bowl or while flushing. Don’t ask me how I know this.
rbylsma756 I want to know how? How did you come to find out? Did it back flow or?
Good job Ray!
Great install!
Fortunately, our Fantastic Fan is still working well in our Forest River RV.
We use it to help cool the RV when it is borderline between comfortable and needing the AC on.
Also, working on 12V means no genny.
I almost want to install a second one in the rear living room area.
Thanks, we also have a Fantastic Fan in the main living area. :)
Hi Ray It looks as if the old fan eat quite a bit of dust. Hope the new fan is a little better protected.
Yeah, the old motor was out the open, new fan has a lot more protection for the motor. The vent is exposed to the outside air so some dust is gonna happen, especially when on the desert. Cheers! Ray
Ha ha, cracked up when the paper was sucked under the door...no clue why I laughed, but did. ;-)
Me too!
Sounds like a shredder.
Toned it down by adding a variable speed control - th-cam.com/video/hDzJfgEEHIY/w-d-xo.html
Damn you Ray.... I watch your vids.. and I just have to $$ to keep up with you. Damn you!... :) My rv has 4 fans...
We installed one in ours.. boy is it noisy. Quite the breeze though.
I wonder if the fan will suck odor from the holding tank if it is on when you flush?
The old one did the odd time, so I imagine the new one will too if you leave the flush whole open with the fan on. :)
Hi Ray, can't really tell from the video but with the lid open (fan not running) it looks like bugs, flies, mosquitoes, etc. could enter the rv easily. Your thoughts? Thanks, Stanley
There are a few little gaps around the screen where it attaches, will have to see, could always put a screen on my roof vent cover or tape over the gaps, I haven't had any problems with the roof vents, usually, bugs come on mostly when we open and close our front door. Cheers, Ray
Love the video. Can you still use an insulation pillow with the new fan?
Thanks. :) No, but that room has a door so I haven't needed to use a pillow in there, usually, just close the vent.
On yours, do you have any issues with your bathroom light flickering when the fan is running? I get this with mine and haven’t figured out the issue...then again I can put my knowledge of electricity in a thimble.
No, my light remains solid with the fan running. I wonder if somehow in your case the fan has been wired in series with the light bulb. Just a guess. Does the light need to be on to make the fan work?
@@LoveYourRV I’m pretty sure that is the case. When I disconnected the old fan, I wired the Vortex with the corresponding wires, so I didn’t make any other modifications. But it does only with the bathroom lights and the bunk lights which are next to the bathroom, so I’m guessing they’re all on the same line.
No need to pull it out again if it runs backward ever, just reverse the wires. Provided you test it after you connect the wires and before you reinstall it. Any one paying attention would do that..
Yeah, you are right
Most DC stuff is red and black wire, with black being negative. I noticed my RV was white and black with black positive. It's a little confusing. Anymore, I always test polarity. Maybe someone ordered 50 gross of junction boxes by mistake and they wanted to use them up.
All I can think is its something to do within an RV there is a mix of AC and DC wiring. So people don't confuse the hot AC wire as a DC negative, so they make white negative.
I noticed you didnt mention how loud it is.
It's pretty loud, as its running full blast, I'm thinking of doing what another commenter suggested and add in a inexpensive variable control to adjust the speed. Sometimes in the toilet room noise is good though. ;)
LOL Your right. That extra noise in the bathroom is actually nice. Thank you for the video..it was very helpfull.
so if i buy a non powered vent i can install this and make it a fan vent? if the 12v power is there
If it is a standard vent you should be able to make it work.
If it had been my choice, I might have chosen the one that has multiple speeds so that I could use it for helping to vent the bedroom space by pulling air in the window and out through the bathroom. Just my opinion.
I already have 3 other fans in the RV so have lots of ventilation options, but I think I'm going to install a DIY variable speed knob so I can slow it down and bit and lower the volume when desired. Cheers! Ray
Love Your RV didn’t realize you had 3 others! Wow! My husband would be a happy camper! Great idea to do a DIY speed control!
Yup :) In the fifth wheels main living area roof vent, we have a 3 speed reversible temperature-controlled Fantastic Fan and in the bedroom roof vent, I have 6 speed reversible Titan dual computer type fans and I also have a super quiet low current wall-mounted 360-degree fan called a Sirroco II. We do a lot of boondocking so like to have plenty of air movement when not able to run AC. :)
www.loveyourrv.com/installing-fantastic-vent-fan-rv/
www.loveyourrv.com/installing-titan-rv-fridge-and-roof-vent-cooling-fans/
www.loveyourrv.com/more-rv-gadgets-candle-powered-lamp-12v-360-degree-fan/
Can you tell me what your fan hole size is? When I take my "garnish trim" off the hole is 14". With it in its 13 1/2" I'm wondering if this fan will fit in the hole. They say a universal fan. I have a 1992 Fleetwood bounder
Yes, my rig has the standard 14x14 inch roof vents
@@LoveYourRV Do you think if mine is the 13 1/2" with the trim it won't fit?
It should fit
I want to do the same upgrade but with a reversible fan.do they make such a unit
Yes, do a search for the Heng's Vortex II it has 3 forward and reverse speeds
Campbell river camper?New fan is pretty loud
Yup, we spend summers at Thunderbird RV park on the spit, and due to Covid we even spent the winter! :) I solved the fan noise problem buy installing a PWM speed adjust knob - th-cam.com/video/hDzJfgEEHIY/w-d-xo.html Cheers, Ray
Hi - Back again- I just checked my bathroom fan and it's exactly the same one you have.....Question - How did you remove the Junction Box with the wires inside and the metal that held the motor ?? So you just used the 'Black and white' wire that you cut and attach them to the fan wires ? Sorry for the questions - Now that spring is here, I'm just preparing to remove the OLD fan and install the new one..
Yes, I just used a screwdriver and forced it out by breaking the rivets. btw here is an update video where I installed a speed control th-cam.com/video/hDzJfgEEHIY/w-d-xo.html
@@LoveYourRV Thanks
@@LoveYourRV That worked great - removing the junction box..You had mention that 12v wiring can be accessed to tap into the 12v power - I have a Vent (no fan or power), right across from the bathroom where my bedroom is- I was thinking of installing another Vortex II fan in the bedroom and I found a channel where I can run my wires through to the bathroom without any problems.. What wires would I need to tap into for the power ?? Or would I just tap into the wires that currently power the fan in the bathroom ? As always thanks for the great advice..
@@victorlopez2143 I'd use 10 gauge wires and the same power source as the other fan.
@@LoveYourRV Thanks
Nothing wrong with extra fan noise in the bathroom.
True, :)
@@LoveYourRV I saw you mention the other noises in a comment after I commented. Guess we're all thinking about it.
Lol... You do need that background noise😁
You got that right!
Can anyone tell me where I can get just A replacement knob ?
Here is the company contact page hengsindustries.com/contact-us/
Will you do a video on installing a seat belt on the toilet to hold you down? :-) nice video. Watching your videos gives me confidence that I can do these things also.
Ray, I am curious does this fan use more energy than the other one?
Yes, I think the old one was around 1.2 amp motor, this one is over 2 amps
I installed the vortex 1. Big mistake, much noisier than the original cheap fan that was in our rv bathroom. Sorry I bought it, maybe the 2 is better ?
I added a variable speed control to mine and works great - th-cam.com/video/hDzJfgEEHIY/w-d-xo.html Cheers, Ray
a computer fan is super quiet and comes in many sizes. I did it. even had led lights.
I added a variable control to it. Works great th-cam.com/video/hDzJfgEEHIY/w-d-xo.html With its 9-inch blades, this fan moves a ton of air id needed. 188 CFM (Cubic feet per minute)
Does the video make is sound louder than it is?
A little bit I suppose, I don't find the fan much different noise than the original little fan just a bit lower of a tone. A lot will depend on peoples hearing and what frequencies they pick up well. But, its definitely not super quiet like the box says.
By chance came to your video here from this one - th-cam.com/video/Q_IG1LU4EdI/w-d-xo.html - quite a difference. Western societies are very diverse today. And many thanks for sharing your video! Improvements to our mobile homes are always a pleasure to watch.
Looks like Thunderbird campground, Campbell river
Yup. :)
Is there a model that works with a wall switch ?
tortue71 I installed the same Fan in my RV. Mine works off my wall switch just fine.
@@angusmaciver4242 sorry I meant an electric vent cover opening , my roof is 9ft tall
I could be wired to a wall switch, will depend on the RV as to how easy it would be to fish the wires. My bathroom light is right nearby on the ceiling so wouldn't be hard to have the light and fan come on together.
Could you wire a variable speed switch to the wall instead of ann stretching .
The toilet room ceiling is only 6 1/2 feet since its located up in the higher area of the fifth wheel, so not a problem there, but that sounds like a future mod. :)
🤞
That's pretty loud at least on video. Think I would spend the extra money for the fantastic fan.
My Fantastic fan when on full throttle is pretty well as noisy but it has 3 speeds, so we usually have it on the quiet, lowest setting. I'm gonna add a speed control knob to this one, will cost about 8 bucks to DIY it. Then we can use it full blast to suck out odor from the toilet room but have the ability to slow it right down for constant ventilation if we desire. Cheers, Ray
Sounds noisy. Is it louder than the original? I've been eyeing my bathroom fan, don't like the factory toy fan.
I'd say its a bit louder but a little different of a tone, little lower, but it sure moves air, so won't have to have it on very long at all. I think it will do a good job. I kinda like to have the fan noise anyway as it masks other noises happening in the toilet room. ;)
@@LoveYourRV You got me thinking Ray...
@@LoveYourRV It's louder because it only has the one "high" speed. I have a variable speed Max Air in my bathroom and it sounds just as loud on high speed!
Not looking very rain proof?
No need, I have vent covers on all my roof vents. On the coast, we get lots of rain, especially in the fall. That way I can leave my vents open 24/7 to expel moisture, ventilation for fresh air. I rarely close them unless its super windy out or cold.
How many amps does this pull?
I think it maxes out at 2.2 amps when starting up and around 1.4 amps when running. I added a variable speed controller to mine, made it nicer to use. th-cam.com/video/hDzJfgEEHIY/w-d-xo.html
@@LoveYourRV Awesome.
You don't need more light. Your phone lights up enough, doesn't it? :D
Warning: In 3 th position of Fun, use fasten belts in the toilet :-)
Nice Fart Fan upgrade Ray.
Sounds a little noisy ?
Yes, it fairly loud, the box said super quiet, that's a laugh but will do the job I need it for, won't need to run long and we have a door. I kinda like to have the fan noise anyway as it masks other noises happening in the toilet room. ;) Cheers, Ray
Ray,
As shown you have a great channel, I would seek Dometic on there fan. It is more money but I think provides quite and perfect air management. I have bought Two one for each of my trailers, with my recommendation most likely have bought 9! ? I Think you should try a fantastic fan.
Craig
Thanks! I have other fans in my other vents, this one is just for the little toilet room. In the main living area roof vent, we have a temperature-controlled Fantastic Fan and in the bedroom roof vent, I have Titan fans and I also have a wall-mounted 360-degree fan called a Sirroco II
www.loveyourrv.com/installing-titan-rv-fridge-and-roof-vent-cooling-fans/
www.loveyourrv.com/more-rv-gadgets-candle-powered-lamp-12v-360-degree-fan/
@@LoveYourRV lol too funny because I thought the exact same thing when I heard it. That thing pushes a lot of air! I bet a 5min run will expel even the largest of BMs.
Looks like Anazon has them for about $45 (???).
Yes, in the US they are way cheaper. Here in Canada lots of RV parts are overpriced, a smaller, seasonal market I guess is to blame.
@@LoveYourRV Thanks, I thought I may've been looking at the wrong one.
@@LoveYourRV Maybe you should load up the Cougar with Vortex 1s next Spring on your way home.....
Make sure you sit when you go. You wouldn't want it to suck your hair or hat in!
I believe that upon installation of this fan on lesser models of rv's ; it is imperative that you open a "relief" window/door to keep said r.v. from imploding..... you will be fine though🤪 Thanks for the video, I also have a wimpy fan in the bath.
my switch went bad fast. loose relays on the switch. $35 for new one Company didn't help much. Fantastic used to be A1 but new owners have milked that one too. I see comments on those aren't good. Too bad things have to change and they always do.
You could swap it out cheaper for a toggle - www.amazon.com/s?k=toggle+switch&ref=nb_sb_noss_1 Cheers, Ray
@@LoveYourRV I have the vortex II that wouldn't work.
@@jimbobxcityguy5338 Oh, OK I assumed you had the same one like mine in the video.
You may want to look at this mod I did to my single speed fan. I added a variable speed PWM controller th-cam.com/video/hDzJfgEEHIY/w-d-xo.html I think its a better option that the 3 speed switch used in the Vortex II
Just talked to a guy last week with one of these. Have to be judicious in their use. They will suck all the a/c out of your rig in a hurry.
:-)) :-))
And I live in my camper my has been installed for 8 months now
Really? The whole point to watch the video is to see how to remove existing fan!
Pull off plastic fan blades and remove a pair of screws
RV factorys do a very bad job,no matter what you touch.,just see a unprofessional job,junction box......hahhahahaha
Gracias amigo #1