Best Small RV Fans – The 5 Best Choices

Going around in an RV is fun, but there can be some inconveniences. It can be uncomfortable if it is not well ventilated, especially if traveling in a jam-packed RV. Moreover, turning on the air conditioner can not be a permanent solution in this situation as it wastes a lot of energy. Above all, if you do not keep the RV well-ventilated, it can get warm, and odors can hang around.

RVs are designed so that they heat up quickly in summer. Thus, keeping your RV dry and cool is essential to be comfortable. Having one of the best small RV fans will help expel the air inside the RV and allow fresh air in from outside. If you want to buy an RV fan for the first time, this guide will help.

The 5 Best Small RV Fans

These are our top five picks for the best small RV fans:

  1. Maxxair 5100K Maxxfan – Best Overall
  2. Fan-Tastic Vent 801250 Vent – Best Budget
  3. Livpow RV Roof Vent – Easy to Install
  4. Ventline RV Roof Vent – Best Quiet RV Fan
  5. Hike Crew 11-inch Roof Vent Fan – Best Compact RV Fan

1. Maxxair 5100K Maxxfan Small RV Fan

Maxxair 5100K is our top choice as it offers plenty of features and is a perfect option for RV owners. It has excellent airflow capabilities and a 10-speed motor to use in either direction. The fan is straightforward to use; however, you can also read the manual to understand how it works. The controls include a power button and two-speed buttons on the bottom of the device.

The RV fan features an adjustable thermostat and helps you keep your RV at a comfortable temperature. The fan is robust and reliable; the highest speed setting brings in fresh air quickly. In addition, it includes a convenient rain shield, especially when it is raining outside. The Maxxair RV fan is worth trying as it will help keep the air fresh in your RV. 

Pros

  • Exhaust and intake
  • Built-in rain shield
  • Ten speeds available
  • Automatic thermostat settings

Cons

  • No electronic lid opener
  • No remote control

2. Fan-Tastic Vent 2250 Small RV Roof Vent Fan

The main purpose of having an RV fan is to improve the air circulation inside the RV. An efficient RV fan will quickly move the air in and out of your RV to maintain the temperature. The Fan-Tastic Vent is high quality and heavy-duty that keeps your RV cool even when the weather is hot. Moreover, it features a powerful motor that can regulate the air.

A critical feature of this RV fan is that it has transparent fan blades that allow natural light to enter the vehicle. The vent fan offers three fan speeds, and if it is not too hot, you can run it on one or two-speed settings. The fan’s reverse direction feature blows the air from the outside inside your vehicle. After being installed, the vent is also elevated to stop rainwater from entering the RV.

Pros

  • Multiple fan speeds
  • Ten fan blades for improved airflow
  • Self-sealing RV vent roof cover
  • Clear fan blades
  • Reversible airflow controls

Cons

  • Fan is loud at full speed

3. Livpow RV Roof Vent – Best 14 Inch RV Roof Vent with Fan

Livpow RV roof vent is a quiet and efficient small RV fan. It fits seamlessly into the 14 by 14-inch hole already present in RVs. Therefore, there is no need to modify the opening. All you have to do is connect the two wires to the RV circuit and seal the sides. Once you have done this, you are ready to use the fan to keep your RV cool.

The RV fan also has different speeds and runs in both directions. There are three fan speeds, too, which you can select according to the level of airflow you need. The fan also consumes significantly less energy and draws a lot of fresh air to improve air circulation. The best thing about this fan is that it is cheaper than other big brands.

Pros

  • Variable speeds
  • Reversible fan direction
  • Silent and powerful motor
  • Easy installation

Cons

  • Two air-in speeds

4. Ventline RV Roof Vent – Best RV Roof Vent

The Ventline RV Roof Vent is an easy-to-install small RV fan. The fan operates quietly and keeps the temperature comfortable inside your RV. It has an aerodynamic lid with a wedge shape and includes all the hardware required for setup. The RV fan fits seamlessly into the roof’s opening and also opens smoothly. Moreover, the kit comes with a galvanized flange mounting and other accessories like a garnish ring, screws, and putty tape.

The RV fan also has a reverse feature, which you can use to change the airflow direction. Therefore, the fan works efficiently to pull out the moisture from a closed space and works quietly. It not only maintains the temperature of your RV but also saves you from the headache that occurs due to noisy fans.

Pros

  • Operates quietly
  • Easy to install
  • Affordable
  • Compact design
  • Installation hardware included

Cons

  • Not very sturdy
  • No instructions included

5. Hike Crew 11-Inch Roof Vent Fan – Best 12V RV Fan

The Hike Crew RV fan keeps your RV’s temperature comfortable while traveling. It features a powerful ventilation system and reliable cooling. The fan also provides reasonable moisture control to keep it dry and cool. It is designed to fit in an opening of 11 by 11 inches and is suitable for small RVs. The RV fan features three speeds with reversible airflow. The best thing about this RV fan is that it keeps the RV cool and moisture-free.

The RV fan is easy to put in and does not need to be professionally installed. However, you will need screwdrivers, a drill, and a sealant to install the fan into the opening in the RV’s roof. Although it is a manual fan, it is effortless to operate. You adjust the dial’s speeds like an average ceiling fan in your home.

Pros

  • Good for small RV’s
  • Operates quietly
  • Three-speed intake and exhaust
  • Dial feature for precise control
  • Reversible airflow
  • Long-lasting performance

Cons

  • Screws are low quality
  • Not as powerful as other RV fans

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Small RV Fans

best small rv fans

There are many brands of small RV fans available, and each has different features and operations. Some RV fans have a simple and minimalistic design, while others are advanced and equipped with modern features. If you are shopping for the best fan for RV bedrooms for the first time, we understand that it may be challenging to pick the best one. To help you, we have compiled a list of the factors you should consider to get the best small RV fan. Following is the rundown of these factors:

●    Size of Roof Vent

Most small RV fans have a design that fits in a roof opening of 14 by 14 inches. So, before buying an RV fan, make sure that it can fit into the space. Some RV’s do not have the standard opening, and thus, it is essential to measure the area before buying an RV fan. Apart from the size, the RV fans also come with a design that suits varying thicknesses. Thus, it would be best to consider the thickness of the RV roof.

●    Noise

Noisy RV fans can be annoying, especially if you are looking for a quiet time in your rig. Some RV fans might have small blades and loud motors, making the whole setup noisy. If you need an RV fan that operates silently, consider the ones with larger blades and quiet motors. Moreover, cheap RV fans can be louder than the high-end ones.

●    Speed Control

RV fans come with different speed settings that are pretty handy. The speed control feature allows you to run the fan at different speeds according to your requirements. Some fans even have a reversible direction feature that enables you to blow air inside the RV. Some models also have one default speed setting, while others have three or more speed options.

●    Ease of Installation

It is best to look for an RV fan that is not difficult to install. Moreover, some good RV fan brands provide the hardware for installation. To install an RV fan, you have to insert the screws, connect the electrical leads, and then install the fan into the opening of the roof. If no hardware is present in the package with the RV fan, it will be challenging to install.

●    CFM Rating

CFM rating means cubic feet per minute. The CFM is about the amount of air per minute when it comes to RV fans. A fan with a higher CFM rating is better as it will remove the moisture and heat more efficiently. However, RV fans with a high CFM rating are more expensive. An RV fan with a CFM rating of 900 is considered ideal, but if you have a small RV, you can also use a fan with a CFM below 900.

Frequently Asked Questions

best small rv roof vent fan

1. Why use an RV fan?

An RV fan is put on the roof of the RV. When you switch the fan on, it draws the moisture and air from the car and keeps the air inside fresh. An RV fan helps keep the inside of your RV cool. Moreover, it helps save energy as you do not need to use an air conditioner.

2. Should I buy a separate rain cover for an RV fan?

If you want to save your RV fan from rain, you must look for one that already comes with a rain shield. Some RV fans have rain shields or covers that protect the device from water. Therefore, it is essential to check the features and specifications before buying.

3. How do I replace my old RV fan?

To replace an old RV fan, you will need to take it out by removing the screws. After removing the circuits, unhook the wires, take out the vent, remove the sealant, and install the new fan. After you have installed the new RV fan, apply glue around the edges of the fan. While replacing your RV fan you will want to make sure to not disrupt your RV Wi-Fi booster as they are often close together

4. Should I get a compact RV fan insulator?

RV fan insulators are very affordable, and they keep your RV cool in summer and warm in winter. You can also install them quickly into the vent opening. Moreover, if you permanently live in your RV, you must get an RV fan insulator.

5. Why does my RV fan spin in different directions?

To adjust the airflow, the blades of an RV fan spin in different directions. In addition, the direction is an indication that the fan is either pulling in fresh air or pushing out the old air. The reversible direction feature is beneficial, especially when removing moisture from the RV.

6. What care and maintenance does a small RV fan require?

It is crucial to clean the screen regularly to improve the lifespan of an RV fan. You can remove the screen and wash it with soapy water. Moreover, the fan blades can also get dirty due to prolonged usage. Therefore, you need to clean them too from time to time. Overall, these fans are easy to maintain because of their minimalistic designs.

Bottom Line

Installing an RV fan can change the temperature inside the vehicle. You will quickly notice how it improves the air quality and helps you save on energy costs. Moreover, not only will it help you keep the air inside fresh, but it will also remove all the smoke and odors that accumulate.

We have compiled a list of the best small RV fans that will help you keep your vehicle cool and well-ventilated. When buying an RV fan, it is essential to consider the buying factors mentioned. They will help you make the correct decision when buying an RV fan. You can confidently shop for the best small RV fans with the information.