Welcome to the fourth entry in July’s Medium Mod Contest. One Medium Mod will be published in every Email Alert in July. At the end of the month, we’ll hold a reader vote to determine July’s winner. Click here for information about the 2022 Mod Contest, including how to enter.
Bruce VanAken, Eaton Rapids, Michigan
Calm Down, Bathroom Exhaust Fan
2016 Ram 3500
2019 Northern-Lite 10-2 LE
Our wet bath exhaust fan was noisy with its single high speed which was very irritating while taking care of business. I swear it could stand your hair on end. I wanted to make it variable speed to give you infinite speed options to suit your needs. I also knew the slower speeds would make the fan quieter, providing a more tranquil environment.
I purchased a speed controller and a box to enclose it in. The box had to be small enough to fit in the corner of the vent (see above photo).
I trimmed the edge of the speed controller in one corner to allow it to sit flush in the box and drilled holes in each side of the box to allow for the wiring. Not wanting the controller to be loose inside the box, I used silicone to glue it. The box is held in place with velcro adhesive tape so that I can remove it if needed.
I identified and removed the 12-volt fuse for the fan power then replaced the existing fan switch with the one that came with the controller. Next, I cut and spliced longer wires onto the fan and the power feed and connected them to the speed controller. The locations are marked. With the switch and fan both connected, I reinstalled the fuse and we were back in operation.
I did this last year and it has worked out just as I hoped. We can have the fan at any speed desired. Of course, the slower the speed the quieter the fan is. Quiet equals tranquility.
The small junction box and speed controller were purchased on Amazon. We had the velcro tape and silicone as well as the short pieces of wire needed to extend the wiring. I would say the total cost for all parts needed would be about $25.
It took me 1.5 hours to complete this modification and cost me $25. In my opinion, the skill level of this modification is medium.
Disclaimer: The modifications above are submitted by Truck Camper Magazine readers. It is your responsibility to make sure that any do-it-yourself modification project you undertake is safe, effective, and legal for your situation.
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