The rain shield assembly and extended lid aren't the only standout features of this roof vent. It also delivers powerful airflow while consuming less than 4 amps of power, even at the highest setting.
Most active ventilation systems for adventure vehicles on the market can't be left open during rain. However, we recently tested the Maxxfan Deluxe Manual Lift Vent, and it's a remarkable improvement over the previous models we've reviewed. The feature we liked most is the built-in lid, which provides maximum protection against rain, even when the vent is open.
In the original Maxxfan roof vents, lifting the lid exposed the fan's electronics and your camper's interior to rain. To use these fans with the lid open, you had to purchase the optional FanMate vent cover, which, unfortunately, isn't always available. The Maxxfan Deluxe with rain dome is now a complete low-voltage fan kit with an integrated rain protection system, ensuring it can safely operate in an open position at any time of the year.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the design, power requirements, power consumption and other essential features of the Maxxfan Deluxe that you should know before buying one for your campervan, caravan or motorhome.
Maxxfan Deluxe with Rain Dome: Summary Specifications
The Maxxfan Deluxe Manual Lift Roof Vent is an excellent upgrade if you've been struggling with poor ventilation in your adventure vehicle. It's an all-weather rooftop air vent featuring an aerodynamic shroud that keeps your campervan, caravan or motorhome's interior cool and fresh, even during heavy rain.
Unlike previous MaxxAir roof vents, this model's lid completely shields the fan from rain, whether it's open or closed. The large lid overlaps the rain shield assembly, ensuring the intake and exhaust vents remain protected.
Maxxair designed the Maxxfan Deluxe after realising that owners of the Maxxfan Plus series weren't satisfied with having to buy an additional FanMate cover for full rain protection. The Maxxfan Deluxe Manual Lift is actually a direct upgrade from the Maxxfan Plus Manual Lift 4000KI. It retains all the features of the 4000KI model, with the key improvement being the addition of a rain protection system.
Below is a summary of these features and specifications:
| Specification | Maxxfan Deluxe Manual Lift Roof Vent |
|---|---|
| Housing | UV-resistant plastic |
| Finish | White or Black |
| Mounting Cut-Out | 14 x 14 inch |
| Type | Manual Opening |
| Fan Diameter | 12 inch (300mm) |
| Fan Speeds | 10 Levels |
| Fan Airflow | Intake and Exhaust |
| Fan Airflow Rating | 900+ CFM |
| Built-in Thermostat | YES |
| Built-in Auto Mode | YES (factory set program) |
| Power Requirement | 12V @ 5A |
| Power Usage Test Results | 0.2 β 3.6 amps |
| Insect Screen | YES (removable) |
| Controls | Manual knob and push-button keypad |
| Ceiling Fan Mode | YES |
| Weather Protection | Built-in rain cover |
What's Included When You Unbox the Maxxfan Deluxe?
When you purchase this roof vent, your first unboxing will reveal the following components:
- Manual fan unit: This is the main component, featuring a built-in fan, lid, rain shield assembly, control system and insect screen.
- Roof flange assembly: This is the part that you secure to your van's roof to hold the fan unit. It comes with pre-drilled holes for easy screwing.
- Interior garnish ring: This is the interior trim that mounts over the fan unit on your camper's ceiling, concealing wires and any cutout gaps left after installation. It provides a clean, professional finish and helps enhance airflow to and from your cabin.
- Installation supplies: These include all components required for installation β such as mounting screws, electrical connectors and an installation guide pamphlet.
Maxxfan Deluxe Design, Styling and Build Quality
The Maxxfan Deluxe is a large roof vent, measuring approximately 25.5" (L) x 19.5" (W) x 11.9" (H). Despite its size, it fits perfectly into a standard 14" x 14" cutout, making it an ideal replacement for most passive roof vents.
True to its name, the Maxxfan Deluxe showcases an elegant, aerodynamic design reminiscent of those sleek car rooftop cargo boxes. It's available in two main finishes:
- White Maxxfan Deluxe Manual Lift Roof Vent: A versatile, classic style that blends perfectly with bright, modern or traditional finishes.
- Black Maxxfan Deluxe Manual Lift Roof Vent: A bold, contemporary style that complements darker or more muted vehicle exteriors.
Tip: Both models feature a white interior garnish ring to ensure a seamless match with your ceiling. The colour difference is only on the exterior lid.
The vent is made from a robust, high-grade plastic that feels both premium and durable. It features enhanced UV-resistant polymers for superior toughness, an essential feature for withstanding Australia's harsh sunlight and extreme conditions. Moreover, the vent includes two solid lift arms (hidden beneath the lid) that provide excellent support and stability, even when driving on rough, corrugated roads.
How Do You Install the Maxxfan Deluxe in a Campervan or Caravan?
If you're a hands-on DIY enthusiast, installing this manual lift vent is a breeze, especially when replacing an existing standard vent. It comes with all essential components, so you'll only need basic tools such as a drill, screwdriver and sealant. Then:
- Remove the old vent from your van's rooftop.
- Clean the cutout surface thoroughly using a silicone cleaner (or similar).
- Apply sealant around the perimeter to prevent potential leaks.
- Align the included roof flange assembly over the sealant and secure it with the provided screws.
- Apply additional sealant around the flange edge and over each screw head.
- Mount the fan unit onto the flange, feeding the electrical wires through the cutout into the van's interior.
- Connect the fan's terminal leads to your camper's 12V DC power supply using the provided connectors.
- Finally, install the interior garnish ring and secure it to the ceiling using the four white-painted screws.
What Are the Maxxfan Deluxe Power Requirements?
The Maxxfan Deluxe operates on a 12V DC power source, which is highly convenient as there's no need for a DC-DC converter or inverter. Maxxair says your DC power supply should deliver a nominal 12V capable of at least 5 amps. However, during our testing, we found that the unit consumes significantly less power during normal operation.
The fan consumes very little power on both its lowest and highest speed settings. At the lowest level, it draws under 0.2 amps, while at full speed, it consumes about 3.6 amps. Therefore, running the fan continuously at the highest speed for 10 hours would use roughly 36 amp-hours (3.6 Γ 10). However, most users rarely run it at full speed for long β maybe for an hour or two β resulting in much lower daily power consumption.
How Do You Operate the Maxxfan Deluxe?
Operating this roof vent is intuitive, thanks to its three-winged manual knob and push-button control keypad, which provide easy control over all fan functions.
Manual Knob
The three-winged knob allows for manual opening and closing of the vent lid. To operate it, simply pull to unlock, then rotate counterclockwise to lift the lid or clockwise to close it.
Tip: Always push the knob back "IN" after adjusting the lid to lock it in place. This prevents unwanted movement while driving or during strong winds. It also allows you to leave your fan partially open.
Keypad Controls
The flush-mounted keypad provides access to all fan functions, including:
- ON/OFF switch: Use the button marked with a power icon and "ON/OFF" to turn the built-in fan on or off.
- Intake/Exhaust mode: Use the button marked with reverse arrows and "IN/OUT" to reverse airflow direction β either drawing air into the van or expelling it outside.
- Fan speed adjustment: Use the "+" or "β" triangular buttons to increase or decrease fan speed.
- Factory auto mode: Use the button labelled "HOLD TO SET" to activate the fan's automatic temperature control feature.
Automated Operation
The fan includes a basic "AUTO" mode that automatically improves airflow inside your adventure vehicle. Once you enable it, the built-in thermostat sensor activates the fan whenever the interior temperature deviates from the programmed 26Β°C (approximately 78Β°F). In addition to turning the fan on and off, this mode also adjusts the fan's speed according to the van's internal temperature for optimal comfort and efficiency.
How Good Is the Maxxfan Deluxe Airflow Performance?
When switched on, this vent significantly improves the air quality inside your van. In intake mode, you can literally feel a fresh breeze blowing on you if directly beneath the fan.
To test exhaust mode, you can use smoke or perform the "paper test". In our case, we used the paper test β the suction was strong enough that the paper stuck to the bug screen, proving just how powerful the airflow is.
Technically, this Maxxfan roof vent offers ten variable speeds, with speed 10 being the highest and speed 1 the lowest. Maxxair also says the 12-inch, ten-blade fan delivers over 900 CFM (cubic feet per minute) of airflow.
A 900 CFM airflow means a standard 1,036-cubic-foot campervan or caravan can complete one full air exchange in under two minutes β or approximately 52 air exchanges per hour. This dramatically improves air quality inside your van, especially during hot summer days or while cooking.
Can You Leave the Maxxfan Deluxe Open in the Rain?
One of the bestselling features of this roof vent is its open-lid operation when it's raining. The lid extends over the rain shield assembly, ensuring the air vents remain open for ventilation without rainwater seeping through.
Maxxair also made the main vent frame slightly elevated to ensure that water running off your van's roof doesn't reach the ventilation slots. However, you must always apply enough sealant along the edge of the flange and over each screw to guarantee maximum waterproofing. If your installation leaks, insufficient sealing is likely the cause.
How Do You Clean and Maintain the Maxxfan Deluxe?
Like any other fan, this vent requires regular cleaning to remove dust, insects and debris. Fortunately, it has a removable bug screen: simply rotate its four locking tabs 180 degrees. After cleaning the mesh screen, fan blades and surrounding components, you just reinstall the screen in reverse order, ensuring the notches align with the locking tabs.
Tip: Maxxair advises against using detergents containing caustic solvents, as they can damage the fan's materials. Use only mild soap and water for cleaning to ensure maximum durability and to avoid voiding the warranty.
Should You Get the Maxxfan Deluxe with Rain Dome?
This manual lift roof vent is an excellent 12V ventilation system for anyone who wants to enjoy clean, cool air year-round. Its extended lid design ensures rainwater never enters your van through the roof opening.
That said, as a premium product from Maxxair, this Maxxfan comes with a slightly high price tag, costing a little over $500 in Australia. But considering its superior build quality, performance and long-term benefits, it's well worth the investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Maxxfan Deluxe stay open while it's raining?
Yes. The large lid overlaps the rain shield assembly, so the intake and exhaust vents remain protected and the fan can safely operate in an open position at any time of the year.
How much power does the Maxxfan Deluxe use?
It runs on 12V DC and Maxxair recommends a supply capable of at least 5 amps. In testing, it drew under 0.2 amps at the lowest speed and about 3.6 amps at full speed β roughly 36 amp-hours over 10 hours of continuous full-speed use.
What size roof cutout does the Maxxfan Deluxe need?
It fits a standard 14" x 14" cutout, making it an ideal replacement for most passive roof vents, despite its overall size of approximately 25.5" (L) x 19.5" (W) x 11.9" (H).
How much does the Maxxfan Deluxe cost in Australia?
It costs a little over $500 in Australia β a premium price that reflects its build quality, 900+ CFM airflow and built-in rain protection.
Ready to upgrade your van's ventilation? Order the Maxxfan Deluxe Manual Lift Roof Vent in white, or the black version, from Campervan Builders today.
