[papab]

Does everybody put a roof fan in a campervan? It seems like it, yet I'm questioning if I need one. Am I nuts to not put one in right away? We avoid hot weather, especially hot nights.

• A hole in a roof can be a problem.
• Adding a vent, sticking up on the roof increases the drag

 

[Rambler]

A fan was the #1 thing on my upfit list. Not only for camping, but to keep the interior from becoming an oven when the van is parked in the hot sun in a place where you don't want to leave windows open. Interior temps can reach well over 100 degrees without it, even when outdoor temp is only in the 80s. I keep the "outdoor sensor" part of a portable weather station in the van, to be able to monitor how hot it gets inside. With roof vents open (but fan off and windows closed) the sensor read 105 with the van sitting in full sun on an 85 degree day. And this was after the van interior was insulated. Running the fan cools it down to same as outside temp.

 

[jostalli]

Everybody should add a roof vent. You can get a fantastic vent for $100 that really moves a lot of air. I got the flat lid to decrease the drag but the drag really is negligible. Sticks up off the roof about 3.5".


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[proeddie]

...Sticks up off the roof about 3.5"

That's my problem, our carport where I park the van provides about 3" clearance!

I like the fact that they put a sunroof flat surface in the roof, but it would have been better placed in the back of the van. Then I could put in a sunroof with a fan below the roof and get air flow from front window to the back.

I'm thinking about an opening vent in the (almost) flat area above the back door windows. There's about a 10-12" area that 24" wide on each door. Wish Fantastic Fans made a side vent fan for applications where a roof fan won't fit.

Or, CRL could come up with a replacement back door window that (slide or hinges) opens! Seems to me lots of sales there! I'd rip out my OEM window and replace it. I have thought about removing the factory back door window (drivers side) and making an aluminum replacement that would be modifiable to provide an opening without cutting more holes in the van. That would make it easy to reverse and put the OEM window back if needed.

Other ideas are welcome !

Ed

 

[GapRunr]

I like the fact that they put a sunroof flat surface in the roof,

If I ever get a Promaster (still at the dreaming stage) then I have toyed with the idea of putting in one of these in that flat spot, with the switch mounted on the dash somewhere.

 

[uncubed]

This is in the gallery (kr1200dr) Click on gallery on top of page.
http://www.promasterforum.com/forum/album.php?albumid=34&pictureid=130

 

[proeddie]

unc,

That's nice. I remember seeing the pictures a while back. I'm interested in the fan panel he added too.

Does anyone know the specific sunroof kr1200dr installed. Looks factory fit!

(I still wish the indented area was in the back of the roof instead of up front. Seems like while driving, the air will go in the front windows and out the sunroof, leaving lots of hot air from the sunroof back, no?)

Ed

 

[KilWerBzz]

This is what he used CR Laurence AP1530B5H You might try a couple of 120mm Case Cooling Fans mounted back by the rear side vents for air flow. This is what he posted.
http://www.promasterforum.com/forum/album.php?albumid=34

 

[Ck32250]

I'm also undecided on the fan and would love some feedback. From what I have read, most folks are gong with the Fantastic Fan, others with Max Air Fan, and I think one person with marine style solar vent fans.

Im in Florida and the 100 degree heat really cooks the parked van. I'm curious if you guys set the fan temp option and let it run during the day off the battery- is depleting the battery a concern? I don't have solar or even an aux battery/isolator setup yet. Is it necessary to allow air in for the exhaust fan to work through a window or other means?

My concerns are: loosing headroom- me at 6'4" my hair touches the unfinished roof. Wind drag/noise. Battery drain.

The van is mixed use work/tool hauler and family weekender for road trips and maybe some light camping.

 

[Rambler]

I have MaxxAir Deluxe, which can be left open in the rain. I let the fan run during the day, but from aux battery. Sometimes I drive with it open--notice the extra noise then. Don't notice any noise when it's closed.

 

[jostalli]

I have a basic Fantastic Vent. Three speeds are all you need. Moves a lot of air. You will be pleased. You must crack the window about 4 inches at speed 1, half way at speed 2, and all the way open for optimal air flow at speed 3. I have it wired directly to the van battery while I build out the van. It has run on speed 2 for a few hours with no issues.

 

[Ck32250]

Thanks for the feedback Rambler and Jostelli.

I really wish there was a smaller option- lower profile on both the inside and top. Both those options sound like they move a lot of air, maybe more than I would need... I'm sure it's nice to have the airflow available when you need need it though.

I'm trying not to over think it.

 

[Andrew Crane]

Just ordered the MaxxAir deluxe today. Cant wait to install that thing! Since I installed an AUX battery under my drivers seat, I will be able to set the temp sensor and leave it running all day, should keep it cooler here in FL.

Does anyone know the cutout location they would recommend? I might put a roof rack on top and want to try and get the fan in the back while trying to avoid the mounts for the racks.

 

[Zyzzyx]

After a roll of Thinsulate, a Maxxair Deluxe fan was the first big purchase for the van. Its still in the box while I acquire the parts and tools to get the install going. It will be going at the very back of the roof, unfortunately this means dealing with filling in the valleys between the ridges. Eventually it will get wired to the house battery system, but for now I will probably tap off the 12v power socket at the right rear corner. (haven't checked yet to see if that's live with ignition off)

 

[proeddie]

... but for now I will probably tap off the 12v power socket at the right rear corner. (haven't checked yet to see if that's live with ignition off)

Nope! The 12V outlet at the back is key-on only.... sorry about that!

Ed

 

[Andrew Crane]

After a roll of Thinsulate, a Maxxair Deluxe fan was the first big purchase for the van. Its still in the box while I acquire the parts and tools to get the install going. It will be going at the very back of the roof, unfortunately this means dealing with filling in the valleys between the ridges. Eventually it will get wired to the house battery system, but for now I will probably tap off the 12v power socket at the right rear corner. (haven't checked yet to see if that's live with ignition off)

From what I have read and seen online, you can fill the valleys with extra butyl tape. I was going to use the double sided EtrnaBond but it was $20 more. From what I can find, EternaBond is the way to go when sealing the fan to the roof. Check this tape out EternaBond RSW-3-50, many RV owners swear it is much better than the Dicor sealant in terms of longevity. Not to mention it is way easier to install and no mess!

 

[Ck32250]

From what I have read and seen online, you can fill the valleys with extra butyl tape. I was going to use the double sided EtrnaBond but it was $20 more. From what I can find, EternaBond is the way to go when sealing the fan to the roof. Check this tape out EternaBond RSW-3-50, many RV owners swear it is much better than the Dicor sealant in terms of longevity. Not to mention it is way easier to install and no mess!

Andrew- I'm in Jax Beach. Surprised I haven't seen you on the road. I see the guy with the white transit almost daily- he is in Atl Beach. Did you do the aux battery yourself? I've been checking on an under floor setup- but I may go the under seat route as it seems so much more feasible.

 

[RDinNHandAZ]

Thanks for the feedback Rambler and Jostelli.

I really wish there was a smaller option- lower profile on both the inside and top. Both those options sound like they move a lot of air, maybe more than I would need... I'm sure it's nice to have the airflow available when you need need it though.

I'm trying not to over think it.

Look at this one:
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/TRAILER-UNIVERSAL-71112-C-GARNISH-INCLUDED/dp/B00VGQ0HV4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435019626&sr=8-2&keywords=roof+vent+fan[/ame]

 

[Andrew Crane]

Andrew- I'm in Jax Beach. Surprised I haven't seen you on the road. I see the guy with the white transit almost daily- he is in Atl Beach. Did you do the aux battery yourself? I've been checking on an under floor setup- but I may go the under seat route as it seems so much more feasible.

I'm in Neptune Beach. I did hook the aux battery up myself, plan to cut the fan in and installing a washdown/shower in the next couple of weeks. I need it to keep my SUP's and kite gear I sell clean and cool.

If you need any pointers and want to check out the battery setup let me know. I ordered everything from Amazon except the AGM battery, got that at Interstate as a refurb for $60.

 

[Ck32250]

Wanted to get some feedback on the maxxair deluxe...
My experience went like this- While installing the fan a neighbor came over and was asking about the fan, I told him I'm installing it mostly to help cool/move air for my rear passenger bench seat. His response was "how is that going to work" I explained how the fan has a ceiling fan mode and I intended to use that to move air/ blow down and help mix the cold air from the drivers area to the back/mid of the van. Not to his surprise I cannot feel any air at all in ceiling fan mode on high sitting directly below the fan. The fan seems mostly ineffective for my intended purpose. The fan does seem to work great for its intended purpose of an exhaust fan, and I'll surely get some use out of it for camping.
I'm wondering if any one else is using the fan in a non-camping situation?