Ventilation (Alternative to Roof Fan)

[rlepperson]

Rather than cutting into the roof to install a fan, has anyone removed the back window panels in a cargo vanand installed a louvered window device to provide for increased airflow? Ideally, the louvered window would have a baffle system, that can open and close? From the inside of the van, a fan would provide for airflow. If there is not an aftermarket window(s) available, perhaps it is possible to craft something that can be removed, with mosquito netting or substitute, for overnight stealth camping?

 

[ScottReb]

Cut a hole, use an existing window, whatever is easiest, then add a Scirocco fan. They're 12 volt fans don't draw a lot of power and throw out a ton of breeze. More common on boats than overland.

 

[brianjwilson]

I've seen a fantastic fan, mounted on the side of rigs. Seems legit, when opened the rain should shed off of the cover. However I don't know how well it would handle driving in the rain or if it would be noisy mounted on its side.

 

[Acheateaux]

When I cut slider windows into my high top, the circulation went through the roof. I crack my front windows with rain guards on and have all the airflow I need. To the extent that I wish I had done that before I added the maxxair fan.

 

[calicamper]

https://www.google.com/search?q=hat...ilboat-cruising.com%2Fwind-scoop.html;500;375

 

[mhiscox]

I've seen a fantastic fan, mounted on the side of rigs. Seems legit, when opened the rain should shed off of the cover. However I don't know how well it would handle driving in the rain or if it would be noisy mounted on its side.

That's the setup in the XV-JPs. It works fine. It doesn't seem noisier than the ones I've had mounted in the ceilings, except that the cabin is small so you are pretty much sitting right next to it.





I don't believe rain would get in unless the motor was on with the fan switched to intake. Which I don't do often, as my experience is that it usually works best to have the fan exhausting, pulling air through from a window open elsewhere.

There's a small problem that the revolving fan blades are exposed when the vent cover is raised and the fan is on. The vent on mine is, however, about at eye-level, so it's not likely a four-year-old is going to get into it.