anyone with a Fantastic Vent on their Astro Van?

[thin air]

Hi all,<br><br>I was supposed to pick up an astro awd last fall which didn't pan out because of rust issues, but I bought a few items in anticipation of traveling around the country and visiting the National Parks ect. <br><br>I bought a top model fantastic vent, the one with the remote and the low amp draw... I also got a low profile smoked optional lid for it from the manufacturer and was wondering (as the title suggests) if anyone has one of these full size vent fans ontop their astro van and if it is even doable? <br><br>I jumped the gun buying it I'm sure but it was really hot and worked very well hanging out my side window in my current setup during last summer. So what do you guys think... should I list it or will it work in the van I plan on buying this summer?<br><br>thanks.

 

[Guest]

I don't see why not.if the roof is ribbed just add putty to the low area's and use a good lap sealant. I have installed many of these vents. Even on my high top van. Makes a word of diference in the heat. I boondock 98% of the time and it keeps the interior bearable, and does not kill may battery .

 

[Stargazer]

86bigred,

I have considered doing that. Do you run the fan off your starter battery or do you have a separate bank of house batteries? I see many solar/electrical systems that work for others but much prefer to KISS.

Thank you!

 

[thin air]

thanks bigred, last night after the post I was considering just advertising it... I think I'll wait until I actually have possession of the van to determine. I consider myself a boondocker too, I just prefer it and I feel that is more than half of what this is about for me... nature and away from population centers.

 

[twokniveskatie]

I have considered putting one of these on the rondyvan. I found some pics on my old hard drive of a guy who I stalled one in his rear passenger side window. As soon as I can get it transferred I'll post it.

 

[thin air]

I have considered putting one of these on the rondyvan. I found some pics on my old hard drive of a guy who I stalled one in his rear passenger side window. As soon as I can get it transferred I'll post it.

<br><br>hey thanks man... sounds like an idea but if I put it there I'll be taking in and out everytime I setup. I've been looking again at some astro vans with the racks on top, the nicer low profile angled racks... I think mounting it on the top with the rack around it may just work out though I need to get access to an astro so I can measure the distance between the cross-supports (which I am sure they have) the fantastic vents are 14x14 and a 10in blade. I've got some money invested into this thing and I got it right about when I first went out around the same time I got my house batteries. <br><br>I do want incognito mode for when needed so my build is going to be a hybrid sorta, no raised roof... going to put most of my time into mechanicals and awd upgrades. (not going overboard or too much lift there either, need to retain the stockish look)

 

[twokniveskatie]

The photos I have are of a guy who did a permanent install in the side window. Certainly not stealthy but unique! A friend who has an astro said there is a small indented area on the astro roof that seems prime for a vent, but when checking under the headliner said it was overpopulated with wiring, and was reluctant to mess with it.

My interesr in the side installed vent is that I just added my first solar to the roof of my astro, and would like to add a cargo basket someday too. That would leave no place for the vent. But I change my plans on a regular basis so I'll keep ya posted on what I do.

 

[thin air]

I just found this... http://www.astrosafari.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&amp;t=8310&amp;sid=074eae578c4acc1cb2fd6b59fac45e50<br><br>searched high and low before but I was just doing an image search... I've known of this site too.<br><br>seems this is the hi-profile version, I can tell by the extra inch or so in height and the hole count for the mounting screws. He also mounted it in the rear but looking at his prep photos it looks like the middle of the van has enough room between the cross supports, which is what I would opt for so I wouldn't have to cut thru one of those bad boys and lose integrity (if even a bit)<br><br>looks like it's doable... still need a measurement of the distances between those center cross supports though. On my model it looks like the lid sits nearly flush with the roofline. (low profile)<br><br>here is the image I am referring to,<br><br>

 

[Guest]

I run mine off my coach battery, my starter battery is isolated and only I use it for starting the engine.