Forced air or interior mounted fan...

[BIGdaddy]

When I think about spending money on my A/C system is makes me want to punch myself in the face. :coffeedrink:

Anyone gone the fan route? I have no issues with heat, but my wife is very susceptable to heat.

I'd love to hear suggestions to that effect. I really like tom sheppards solution on his G-wagon, with the forced air vent, but small, powerful interior electric fanswould be good, too, I think, for low speed passenger cooling.

 

[KG6BWS]

Havent tried it in my pickup, but I had one of those fans in my Freightliner and it worked just fine. I could rotate it to face me while I was driving, or back into the sleeper. Wouldnt say it was as good as air conditioning but it kept the cab comfortable when I was parked or had the windows rolled up.

 

[PhulesAU]

Do you need WIND or a Breeze? I've had really good luck with the 12v cooling fans, like the ones used for 'puters and such. I bought cheap ram like mounts for them. I sit for long periods during suppport actities with the motor off, so there's not much battery draw. Just a thought.

 

[FAW3]

Ive done a fair bit of camping in a van and in back of my truck with a cap...often in the South in summer.

Your trying to live/sleep in an oven unless:

You address two major areas, your first concern is direct heat/sunlight: You need to block direct sun thru windows and have some insulation for roof, walls, and floor (floor more for cold weather). Where I have had space, I have had good luck with sheet foam insulation and fiberglass batting. Where I did not have space spray foam and Refletix worked well.

Second area is ventilation...if there is any way possible try a Fantastic Fan roof vent. These move enough air that you can feel it and keep your living space reasonably comfortable. With a second battery and a good way to keep charged, you can run this rig all night with no problems.

Similar but less capable roof or interior fans will help a lot...but you need two things to feel good based on my experience: an good exchange of interior air AND you need to be able to feel air moving by your body.

If you use a roof venting fan...better have screens. In a buggy area you'll be sucking them in by the bucket full since your windows will be open.

Good luck.