MAXXAir Lid Lifting Gear Repair

[howson]

Some of you may remember my response to Ed Pauly in the thread Max Air Vent Install! [w/pics] letting him know that my vent broke right after telling him to "not worry" about his MAXXair vent lid impacting the cover. Figures.

The part that broke -- shattered, actually (see pics below) -- was the Lid Lifting Gear. 5 minutes searching YouTube and Google and I found a lot of entries. This is not a well made part.




The video below drags out the process, but it does (eventually) show the repair if you are patient enough to sit through the whole thing. (It took me less than 5 minutes, start to finish, to execute the repair.)

Bottom line: if you have a powered MaxxAir fan vent lid you might consider getting one of these gears and tossing it in your spare parts bin. You'll eventually need it.


Howard

[Country Campers]

Howard

Please do not throw away the broken part. If I could get it from you someday I can make a new housing out of aluminum , this will be stronger than the pot metal that was used. Just a simple block with a couple holes.

Brian

[howson]

Howard

Please do not throw away the broken part. If I could get it from you someday I can make a new housing out of aluminum , this will be stronger than the pot metal that was used. Just a simple block with a couple holes.

Brian

The old one shattered when I removed it, Brian!



I bought a second spare--you want me to mail it to you so you can make a replacement? I'd be first in line to get one from you!

[Country Campers]

The old one shattered when I removed it, Brian

That's ok all of the parts are there , not a big deal though if mine brakes I will just build a new one.

Brian

[Ed Pauly]

Howard

Please do not throw away the broken part. If I could get it from you someday I can make a new housing out of aluminum , this will be stronger than the pot metal that was used. Just a simple block with a couple holes.

Brian

That housing might be ?? the weak link in the system. If we beef up this part the motor actuator might burn out? Kind of like the weakest fuse in a electrical circuit.

[howson]

That housing might be ?? the weak link in the system. If we beef up this part the motor actuator might burn out? Kind of like the weakest fuse in a electrical circuit.

The MAXXAir's motor is meant to "overload" which in turn signals the system to turn off. Very similar to how the Schwintek slides set "home" based on the high current draw when the slide is out (or in), thus that's why a Schwintek switch must be held for a second or two after the slide reaches it's limit.

[boyscout]

Howard

Please do not throw away the broken part. If I could get it from you someday I can make a new housing out of aluminum , this will be stronger than the pot metal that was used. Just a simple block with a couple holes.

Brian

Where is the link for ordering one from you?!

[Country Campers]

Where is the link for ordering one from you?!

It will be along once I get my hands on one and a proper rebuild , but will cost may "cold ones" to get the new and improved model.

Brian

[ThePowells]

To what address does the "cold ones
need to be delivered?

[howson]

The kitchen's MaxxAir lift mechanism failed today. Very simple repair, and since I had a spare on hand it went very quick.



If you have a MaxxAir I recommend having one of these parts on hand in your spares kit. Not cheap at $45 at etrailer but better than a non-functioning fan. https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories...0281K-1AF.html

[howson]

7 Oct 2022 Update

Before the GD National Rally I stopped at the Elkhart Fairgrounds the last day of the FROG (to "spy" and check to see what had changed) and discovered there was a MaxxAir rep on site. I discussed the issue of the shattering lift mechanism with him and discovered they'd re-engineered the part. You can tell if it's the new style if it has screws (vs rivets) holding the unit together. The material is more substantial, too, as compared to the "pot metal" (my description) of the older style lift mechanism.



The part number is similar to that shown in post 3 but now has a 1AF suffix. Newest part number is 10A20281K-1AF

Shout out to Airxcel (Maxxair) as they sent me two replacement lift mechanisms free of charge (I have two fans, both of which have suffered from a broken lift mechanism).

Howard

[Lonestar]

howson

Last year my Maxxair started making a "grinding sound" on activation, and the motor would not stop when it reach the vent cover. After reading experiences like yours I assumed the lift mechanism was shattered. I didn't crawl on top of the trailer to check it, but just called Maxxair and they sent me a new one under warranty.

When I installed the new one I found the old one looked like it was in good shape. It appeared to manually work fine with gears intact. Apparently there was another part of the lift damaged.

I did not bother to troubleshoot it further, but instead decided to just manually open and close the lid when needed to prevent future issues. I seldom use the vent/fan anyway so no big deal. My concern is still the lid hitting the vent cover on opening and putting undue stress on the lifting mechanism. I agree that the increased load on the motor is what triggers the motor to stop, but I have the feeling that there may be a weak link that fails before the motor stops exerting pressure.