Air circulation idea...opinions?

[vanman2300]

I've mulled over some ideas around the air circulation problem. I consider stealth to be high on my list so hiding the sight and noise of a system is paramount. Having a vent is fine but an addition of a forced air intake would be great. 

So what are your thoughts on putting a 3 inch pipe through one of the back doors behind the license plate so it is hidden and attaching a quiet computer fan to the other end to draw fresh air in? Maybe someone has tried this already? BTW, I would also have a way to cap the pipe so exhaust doesn't enter when the engine is running.

 

[GotSmart]

That spot seems to be where the dust collects. I would look towards the front for installing a hidden air intake.

 

[Almost There]

Well, since I saw a provincial police van on the highway yesterday with a roof vent, I'm thinking that they're so commonplace now on all different types of vehicles that putting one on a van is NOT going to ruin the concept of stealth at all.

I'm leery of the concept of getting enough air flow, even with a fan, from in front of a license plate. The air gap just isn't there to allow enough air in.

If it's intake you're interested in, consider putting in one of the marine deck vents in the floor. They're designed to prevent water entry so they're certainly going to stop air flow when closed. When open they'll allow the cool air from below the van to enter, unless of course you're parked on asphalt in the heat of the day. A piece of window screen inserted during installation will keep the bugs out.

 

[LeeRevell]

I am considering the same type closeable floor vents, and the low profile Marine deck vents for the top of my fiberglass roof. It's high enough they will go unnoticed. I expect to use the computer fans similar to Sternwake's ideas.

 

[Matlock]

If it's intake you're interested in, consider putting in one of the marine deck vents in the floor. They're designed to prevent water entry so they're certainly going to stop air flow when closed. When open they'll allow the cool air from below the van to enter, unless of course you're parked on asphalt in the heat of the day. A piece of window screen inserted during installation will keep the bugs out.

12 Volt Portable Air Cooling 2-Speed Fan 1UCE8
I got mine for $11.50 delivered. Comes with cig lighter plug. Install as Almost There suggested.
At the E-store and Amazon

 

[LoupGarou]

Whatever you decide to use make sure it closes and seals tight. Anyone who has traveled down a dusty road with a open vent knows what I'm taking about.

 

[SternWake]

A vent sucking hot air out the top is best, but there needs to be an equal size aperture to allow cool air in.

Interior circulation is fine and dandy, but air replacement is what keeps the interior cooler.

I use the sliding conversion van window as an intake. It has 3 computer fans on a shroud. 2 of them are adjustable speed fans.

Silverstone AP182, silverstone fm121, and some 120MM fan which came with my fridge.

Rare that it is hot enough that i turn on all three. The S182 can move 160CFM, and on the lowest speed is basically silent and draws only 0.05amps. I have a black carbon filter held on with velcro around the window exterior This is more so light does not exit the window than filtering the air, but that is an added bonus.

Regarding stealth.

"Honey, there is a Van parked on the street I've never seen before"

"Does it have a roof vent?"
"um yes I think so"

"call the cops!!"

 

[66788]

A vent sucking hot air out the top is best, but there needs to be an equal size aperture to allow cool air in.

Interior circulation is fine and dandy, but air replacement is what keeps the interior cooler.

I use the sliding conversion van window as an intake.  It has 3 computer fans on a shroud.  2 of them are adjustable speed fans.

Silverstone AP182, silverstone fm121, and some 120MM fan which came with my fridge.

Rare that it is hot enough that i turn on all three.  The S182 can move 160CFM, and on the lowest speed is basically silent and draws only 0.05amps.  I have a black carbon filter held on with velcro around the window exterior This is more so light does not exit the window than filtering the air, but that is an added bonus.

Regarding stealth.

"Honey, there is a Van parked on the street I've never seen before"

"Does it have a roof vent?"
"um yes I think so"

"call the cops!!"

You guys can dink with your little computer fans all you want, but for me the MaxxAir powered roof vent is all you need.   From unpowered to 900CFM, it just performs.   Stealth is not a problem either, as when slightly open and on a lower setting you can't hear it outside the van but it sucks the hot air right out.   The amperage draw is minimal as well.

I don't for a second believe that a roof vent will make one bit of difference on a stealth van.  I've parked in many areas where there were "No overnight parking" signs and no problems.   The body style, condition, and cleanliness of your van far outweigh any roof vent when it comes to stealth.

I realize that everyone has different expectations concerning ventilation, but mine are all met and often times exceeded by the MaxxAir vent.

 

[SternWake]

There is simply no arguing with 900CFM.  That can replace all the air in the van in under a minute.

One of my first modifications to the van upon purchase was adding a 4" marine type mushroom vent, and that only moved 1000 cubic feet per hour.

The computer fans now allow me to force ~150 CFm a minute through this aperture, and I never worry about what happens if it rains.

 

[SoulRaven]

My van has windows all the way around, and if parked in the sun for a prolonged length of time the interior temps can be 40-50 degrees or more above outside temps. Still, with no roof vent, no added insulation, and only opening side windows and an O2 Cool fan, I can bring the inside temps down to outside temps within a couple of minutes.

I don't care a lot about stealth when it comes to roof vents, but I had my fill of them either leaking or the rain sensors failing, and with opening side windows and a decent fan, it is every bit as good as a roof vent without any of the drawbacks.

I think my O2 Cool fan was under $20 at Walmart. Too many people are quick to suggest $100+ and/or complicated solutions to simple $5- problems.

The only person I need to impress is myself, and throwing away big money for simple, cheap problems doesn't impress me one little bit, and it sure doesn't add to either my comfort level or the value of the van.

EDITED BY MODERATOR TO REMOVE INSULT.

 

[compassrose]

If you already have a roof vent, you can get just a vent cover for it.  I have found them as low as $10 and $17.50. This one is quite a bit less than a Maxxair cover.


These vent covers to not prevent ALL the rain from coming in. I have had a light mist come in when it was raining very, very hard. Also if the wind is strong and blowing from the "open" end of the vent, you may get a little sprinkling. It's not noticeable unless you are standing under the vent or it is over your bed.

 

[66788]

The nice thing about any vent is that it can be completely closed if desired. Open it provides a nice exit for the hot air that builds up inside the vehicle. Powered it does so with much more efficiency.

A roof vent allows one to keep the interior of the vehicle cooler when parked without the security issues associated with leaving a regular window open.

Personally, I would not have a van without a roof vent.

As for leaking, I've owned dozens of RVs and vans and never had one leak.