Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe Review

Updated: January 11, 2024

The Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe roof vent fan offers plenty of features for full-time vanlifers and is a nice upgrade for seasoned RV enthusiast. After about two years of use in our Ram Promaster camper van, we came away impressed with its powerful 10-speed motor that provided a wide range of airflow adjustments and its oversized rain shield was the perfect companion for wet-weather use. To see how it compares to other fans on the market, check out our best roof vent fans product guide.

Performance

Airflow

The main reason you buy a roof vent fan for your camper van or RV is for its airflow capabilities, and the Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K (which is the same as the 5100K but with a dark colored rain shield) certainly delivered in this department. Like most Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe models, the 6200K version reviewed here features a 10-speed motor that can be operated in either direction. In terms of fine tuning the fan speed, it’s hard to beat the wide range of choices on the MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K. The highest setting was great for quickly bringing fresh air into the vehicle, and we sometimes found ourselves hastily venting steam or smoke while cooking inside our camper van. One downside to this fastest setting, however, is that it’s quite noisy—it wasn’t a fan speed we enjoyed using for more than a minute or two.  

On the other end of the spectrum, the lower settings were ideal for night time use. Anything under about 4 provided plenty of airflow inside our 136-inch Promaster camper van, but it was quiet enough that it wasn’t a nuisance. Finally, being able to change the direction of the fan was very useful. Mentioned above, we regularly used it as an exhaust vent while cooking, and changing directions provided a house-fan-like experience for some welcome airflow. All said, the Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K roof vent fan exceeded our expectations.

Controls
With five buttons total, Maxxair kept the MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K’s controls simple and easy to use. On the bottom side of the roof vent fan, you’ll find a power button, two fan speed buttons, one for setting the thermostat, and another for changing the direction of the motor. The only one that took a few tries to get dialed was the thermostat, which after reading the manual, made plenty of sense. All said, the Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K controls are easy to reach, use, and understand.

Power Draw
One of the most time-consuming tasks for our Ram Promaster camper van build was figuring out our energy needs. While not overly complicated, it just takes time. Luckily for us, the MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K uses very little power on its lower settings while still moving a sufficient amount of air. Below is a table of the Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe’s power draw.  

After calculating the power needs for our DIY camper van build, we decided to go with the Goal Zero Yeti 1000 and its 91-amp hour battery capacity. While there are less expensive options on the market, it’s hard to beat the all-in-one design and plug and play features of the Yeti 1000. For a very basic and over-simplified example, if our Yeti 1000 was fully charged, we would be able to run the fan for about 90 hours straight on the MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K’s middle setting.

Features 

Thermostat 

One of the cooler features on the MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K is the adjustable thermostat. While it doesn’t quite function as the one you find at home—it doesn’t blow warm or cold air—the basic idea is the same. Once the inside of your camper van or RV reaches a specific temperature, the fan kicks on and automatically adjusts the motor’s speed. I found this particularly convenient if I was parked in the same place for most of the day. I would open up the fan’s cover before heading out in the morning, and as the camper van warmed up throughout the day, the fan would turn on and flow fresh air as needed. Camper van thermostats aren’t absolutely necessary, but they’re a nice feature in regards to comfort and convenience. 

Rain Shield
One of the best things about the Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe series of fans—and what contributes to making the MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K our top-ranked roof vent fan—is the oversized rain shield. Unlike the Dometic Fan-Tastic lineup of fans—whose lids are the same size as their openings—the Maxxair’s extends far beyond. This allows for the Maxxair Deluxe’s vent to be in the open position and operating even when its pouring rain outside. Perhaps it's our Pacific Northwest locale, but we put a high premium on this particular feature. Having said that, if you’re cramped for space on your roof, it’s important to note the larger size of the Maxxair’s rain shield as it takes up a bit more real estate when compared to smaller models.

Reliability

After more than two years and thousands of miles of regular use, we’re happy to report that the Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K has been problem free. From scorching 100-degree days to temperatures dipping down into the teens, it has performed admirably. All the buttons still function as if they were new, the fan hasn’t developed any weird noises, and the large rain cover is free of any cracks. Best of all, we have had zero leaks—leaks are most likely due to improper installation than the actual fan itself. All said, we’ve had zero issues with the MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K and have no problem recommending their products.

Other Versions of the Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe

All of the fans in the Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe lineup have the same basic set of features; they feature a rain cover which allow them to be used in the rain, they come in either white or smoke colors, and they have similar layouts in terms of controls. The 6200K model reviewed here is their middle of the road offering and comes with a 10-speed fan, a motor which changes direction and works for intake or exhaust, and a thermostat for ease of use. Priced at about $250, we think it’s the perfect combination of features and price. Budget-oriented shoppers will likely enjoy the 6401K (smoke) models, which are about $50 less, feature 4-speed motors, and still work in the rain via the overside shield. Those with who prefer the best should consider their 7000K (white) or 7500K (smoke) versions. These fans include everything we love about the 5100K and 6200K versions but have an electric motor to raise and lower the fan as well as a remote control.

How Does it Compare? 

There’s a reason we rank the Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K so high on our best roof vent fan list: the ten-speed motor provides plenty of adjustment in airflow, the oversize rain shield lets you use it in foul weather, and the unit has remained problem free from the get-go. If you like the sound of the Deluxe 5100K but are looking for a bump up in user convenience, check out the Maxxair MAXXFAN Deluxe 7500K. The premium 7500K takes everything we love about the 6200K but adds a remote control for adjustments from bed, and the electric lift is ideal for individuals with hard to reach fans. While the $65 increase in price may be hard for some to justify, others will be happy to pay a premium for ease of use. 

Another popular roof vent fan for vanlifers and RVers is the Dometic Fan-Tastic Vent 2250. For about the same price as the MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K, you get a reliable three-speed motor, a fan that can turn in either direction, a thermostat that helps regulate temperatures inside your camper van or RV, and a rain sensor that closes the lid if it senses moisture. The Dometic Fan-Tastic 2250 is a tried and true model that should serve you well for years to come. With that being said, we think Maxxair’s MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K is the smarter choice overall. The ten-speed motor of the Maxxair lets users fine tune airflow and the oversize rain shield allows for rain day use. All things considered, it’s hard to beat the MAXXFAN Deluxe. 

For a slightly less expensive alternative, we think the Maxxair MAXXFAN 4401K is worth a hard look. For about half the price of the MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K, the MAXXFAN 4301K ($135) has a powerful four-speed motor that provides over 900 cfm of airflow. The dual arm lifts do a great job of supporting the lid in windy conditions or while driving down the road, and the simple design is easy to operate. Having said that, a one-way motor only allows the fan to pull air out of the van (exhaust), and it certainly doesn’t include a remote control. If you need a simple and inexpensive roof vent fan for your camper van or RV, the MAXXFAN 4301K is a great choice. For those willing to stretch their budget, we think the MAXXFAN Deluxe 6200K is worth the added cost.