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Post by joni1956 on Apr 15, 2014 16:30:28 GMT -5
Have a 2014 Spree Escape 202s. Want to replace ceiling vent in kitchen with 12v fantastic fan. Is there a way to bring 12 volt from ceiling light to connect fan?
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Post by trickyvic on May 1, 2014 14:14:11 GMT -5
Not sure about the KZ line, but some campers are already pre-wired for them. You might want to pull your vent shroud down from the inside and look to see if the wires are tucked up in the ceiling already. I want to do the same thing, but haven't checked mine yet.
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Post by myredracer on May 18, 2014 12:32:26 GMT -5
Could be easy or could require some elbow grease. Don't know anything about your model. If a flat ceiling, it's not too hard to get access into the ceiling cavity. If you have an arched ceiling, like we do on our 2014 Spree, then the ceiling cavity is quite cramped and hard to get into, especially at the outer edges. Unscrew a nearby light and see if it has continuous 12 volts at it. By that I mean, is there 12VDC there when the switch is on and off or is the 12 volt source connected via the switch? If you don't have "continuous" 12VDC at a nearby light, then it can be more challenging. If you have upper cabinets nearby, if they have lights on the underside, that could potentially be a point for continuous 12VDC. Again, take down lights and see if you can find one that has continuous 12VDC at it. If so, look for some locations inside the cabinet to run wires up and into the ceiling. You can cut a small hole in the ceiling of an upper cabinet to get into the ceiling. Remove the vent bezel for wiring access and any nearby items like speaker, A/C vent, lights, etc. - basically anything that can be an access point for wiring. Then, it's a case of fishing wiring from the 12VDC source location to the new fan location. You may need to leapfrog from an access point to access point to go longer distances. I have been able to run wiring (co-ax, 12VDC & 120VAC) all over ceiling cavities in 3 travel trailers now. I just did some for co-ax and switches in our new 2014 Spree 262RKS. The arched ceiling made it a challenge (as in a "@#$% challenge"). I was able to get a hand up in there in a few spots but I think I have smaller hands than the average male... I used a fish tape used for wiring buildings (cheap at Harbor Freight). I attached a string to the end of the tape as needed. I've used a piece of #14 gauge wire (single piece) and bent it into a U-shape sometimes to get around a corner in the ceiling. It's all do-able and you need to investigate a bit and scope out a wiring route. You could even run into something in the ceiling that blocks the fish tape and you may need to try two or more routes (as I have had to a few times). This *could* possibly take a few hours or more and you'll need to be patient to do it. I have not run into a situation where I could not run wiring through a ceiling or up and down walls where I needed to. I like to use crimp style connectors rather than the twist-on marrette type the factory uses. One thing to be careful of is the wiring gauge of the existing 12VDC wiring that you may tie into. I found on our new Spree that the main wiring runs for the lighting were heavier gauge (#14 I believe). Since LED lighting is common now in newer units, there can be smaller gauge wire sometimes. Not sure of the current draw on the Fantastic Fan but I think you may want the heavier gauge. BTW, we have two Maxair 12V fans in our new 262RKS with remotes. It sure is nice not to have to reach up to the ceiling to open & close the vent.  Good luck and report back on your results.  |
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clown
Newbie RV’er
Bear watching me hook up our E196S to the 2010 F150 with towing package
Posts: 28 
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Post by clown on Aug 18, 2014 10:02:11 GMT -5
I had one installed in the bath area, with the doors open top and bottom it vents kitchen area as well as bath area odors. KZ uses fiber so it was easy for my dealer to run a wire from the vent to the light over the sink and get the 12 volts there. No issues at all, runs great and does a good job. Dealer told me it takes longer to remove the screws and caulk than to connect the wires. Use the connector that goes over the feeder wire without cutting it and then your add on wire goes into the other side, use pliers to crush them into the v and put the cover on. You can get them at any auto store.
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