Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Bobby Carter on May 10, 2011, 08:45:41 pm

Title: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Bobby Carter on May 10, 2011, 08:45:41 pm
Greetings,
Have had a couple of hail storms which busted all of the covers on top and 10 clearance lights on the Motorhome everything except the dome over the shower. In the process of changing out the covers now my problem is the kool-o-matic fan which everyone knows is no longer in business. I called and talked with a lady that said they did not have the cover had some parts but no cover nothing else wrong with the fan just need a cover. Thought about installing a fantastic fan but after looking at the roof plate it would be a lots of screw holes to patch. The roof plate is 23 in. x 23 in. setting over a square 14 in. x 14 in. vent opening I have not found any fan that will cover the 23 in. x 23 in. roof plate. I am looking for solutions has anyone installed a MaxxFan Fan/Mate Vent cover over the k-o-m roof plate? If so does it keep out the rain and does it affect air flow?
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: amos.harrison on May 11, 2011, 07:34:08 am
I'd talk to James Stallings about solutions.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: JohnFitz on May 11, 2011, 11:26:54 am
I would imagine having a custom fiberglass cover made would be cost prohibitive but I would start there.  As an alternative, I would try taking the old damaged cover to a local HVAC shop and see what they say about making one out of sheetmetal.  I'm told they are quite handy and quick (thus less $).  It will never look as good as the original but you might see what they say about recreating the same function with the best cosmetics they could come up with.  Probably need to a 2-D design verse the original 3-D shape.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Virginia on May 11, 2011, 12:20:40 pm
We had the Kool-o-matic fans replaced last November at FOT with the remote control rain sensor Fantastic Vents, think the # is 6600.

I don't remember the cost but do remember it took less time than estimated. FOT had 2 guys work on the change out. They reinstalled all the screws on roof and sealed real good.

Very pleased with the Fantastic Vents over the old fans which just did not like at all.

Attached pics roof and inside, can see remote control in pic which was mounted over the hole where the wiring for the control box to the old Kool-0-matic
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: P. Wyatt Sabourin on May 11, 2011, 01:35:29 pm
The Fantastic fan blade (clear plastic) and air vent hole are about 2/3 the size of fan blade (metal) and air vent hole of the Kool-O-Matic. Also, the metal blades of the Kool-O-Matic are probably more efficient than the plastic blades of the Fantastic. Therefore the Fantastic air volume will only be about 2/3 of the Kool-O-Matic air volume.

If the air volume of the Fantastic is adequate, it has the advantages of clear blades and clear outside vent cover which allow noticably more light through, particularly when closed. The inside removeable (thin plastic) vent cover of the Kool-O-Matic is somewhat inconvenient and fragile. 

I am considering replacing the Kool-O-Matic with a Fantastic, in which case I would sell the parts you need. PM me if you are interested.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Jon Twork on May 11, 2011, 02:19:01 pm
I may have a solution for you as I believe that I have two spare shrouds but, I can not check for sure until I arrive in Michigan in a couple of weeks. FWIW.

Regards,
Jon Twork
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Bobby Carter on May 12, 2011, 10:10:17 am
Thanks to everyone for there input and offers. I have decided to install a new fan going with the MaxxFan MaxxAir RV Ventilator, my concerns were the screw holes that the new fan would not cover I will silicone the screws and reinstall one of these days "when my boat comes in" I will have the roof painted.

Thanks Again
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: George Stoltz on May 12, 2011, 10:27:32 am
I will silicone the screws and reinstall one of these days "when my boat comes in" I will have the roof painted.

Before using silicone in the screw holes in the roof, I'd give James Stallings at Xtreme Paint & Graphics a phone call.  He can advise if there is something better to use.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Kent Speers on May 12, 2011, 07:22:03 pm
Bobby, a good quality urethane caulk will be more permanent than a silicone. It's a minor concern but silicone caulks don't bond nearly as good as a urethane, and urethanes are usually paintable. If you can find urethane it is always my first choice.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Bill Willett on May 12, 2011, 07:36:36 pm
Check with RV Stores and ask for Dicor adhesive.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Bobby Carter on May 12, 2011, 10:41:25 pm
As suggested by Amos, and George I called James Stallings he said reinstalling the screws with silicone was ok but he suggested using clear tape the type that you put on your car/truck to protect the paint from bugs going to call him back tomorrow to make sure I get the correct tape, having problems in this large town I live in finding it. After he suggested using the tape I did not ask what type of silicone he suggested to use. I plan on having the roof painted sometime this year the tape may be more of a temporary fix then reinstalling the screws with silicone. Thanks again everyone for the help.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Kent Speers on May 13, 2011, 09:24:09 am
As suggested by Amos, and George I called James Stallings he said reinstalling the screws with silicone was ok but he suggested using clear tape the type that you put on your car/truck to protect the paint from bugs going to call him back tomorrow to make sure I get the correct tape, having problems in this large town I live in finding it. After he suggested using the tape I did not ask what type of silicone he suggested to use. I plan on having the roof painted sometime this year the tape may be more of a temporary fix then reinstalling the screws with silicone. Thanks again everyone for the help.

Bobby, just remember to remove any silicone from the roof before painting. Paint will not bond to most silicone sealants.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Bill Willett on May 13, 2011, 12:52:11 pm
IF you want a permanent repair, go to the auto parts store and get a can of Kitty Hair,take a large countersink ,enlarge the screw holes,clean the area,cover the holes with the Kitty Hair, sand smooth and paint with white epoxy, I have done this to repair a hole in one of the bay doors on our coach.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Monti on March 14, 2012, 04:21:30 pm
I just replaced my Kool-O-Matic fan with a Fantastic Vent and have the following parts available to send to anyone who is willing to pay the cost of shipping and packing (if I don't have a box that will hold the parts desired).

Motor with fan blades attached
control unit
Shroud

If you want any or all of these, send me a PM.

Monti
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Jerryetc on March 15, 2012, 12:25:31 pm
Monti,
I would like to have the motor, with or w/o the blades. My zip is 23927. If you will let me know the shipping cost, I will remit. Also will be glad to pay you for the motor.
Jerry
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Monti on March 15, 2012, 12:40:43 pm
Jerry,

I sent you a PM.

Monti
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: John Duld on March 15, 2012, 12:47:48 pm
Monti

I would like the wall switch and thermostat.
Title: Re: Kool-O-Matic Fan
Post by: Keith and Joyce on March 15, 2012, 04:34:19 pm
Try not to use silicone if you will have the roof painted sometime.  Paint guys hate the stuff as it causes the paint to "fish-eye"

Keith