Fantastic Fan on a Minivan?

[Pedrothepoet]

Hello,
I have a Mazda 5 that I've turned into a camper van. Been using windows for ventilation but it's not enough. Bought a fan-tastic fan but am a little worried about cutting the 14" hole in the roof, partially because it's a minivan and it's more visible than if it's a cargo van. Also worried about when I go to sell it someday. Any ideas whether or not I should go through with installing the fantastic fan? I'm still leaning towards taking the risk and installing it. Thanks!

 

[Trebor English]

There are contraptions that contain a small number of computer fans that go in a window.  To install you open the window, insert the device at the top then roll up the window to hold it in place.  I searched on Amazon for "car window vent fan"

https://www.amazon.com/Side-Ventilation-Motorhome-Caravan-Trailer/dp/B07V9MQL15 
This one is $36 and needs 12 volts.  I suspect that you will clearly hear it and be aware of it inside but less attention getting outside. 

Amazon has other fans for half that price that are solar.  I think that means they run when the sun shines on the little panel.  Internally there is probably not a 12 volt connection between the solar and the fan making it very difficult / expensive to run it from 12 volts.

I have a 14" square exhaust fan through the roof of my Ford Windstar minivan.  The curved sloping roof and unfortunate location of cross supports in the roof made the installation more difficult than I expected.  I suggest trying other options before cutting.

 

[Trebor English]

Welcome to CRVL.

 

[ckelly78z]

Install a roof rack to hide the fan, it will come in handy for hauling cargo also, and be a base for mounting an awning.

 

[Pedrothepoet]

Cool thanks for the thoughts! Appreciate them.

Based on your thoughts I ordered 3 of these 3 inch black vents:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BY395S0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_4nICFbC6XB12E

I think I'm gonna mount these to a board and attach to a rear window, which does roll down. Then I'll attach fans to the back. If it works, I'll return my fantastic fan. If it doesn't I may end up using the fan. Will keep you posted! Cheers.

Pete

 

[JohnnyM]

^^^ +1 on what ckelly said. I have a Werner roof rack with pvc pipes running along the sides that does a good job of disguising my FanTastic vent , my directional TV antenna, my cargo box, and whatever else I throw up there. The roof rack catches the eye first so you don't notice the other stuff as quickly.

Also, you can check from the inside to see where your roof cross-supports are located before you go to cuttin' that hole in the roof. You might just luck out and have 14" between two of them.

Maybe.

Johnny

 

[bullfrog]

So many people use devices like because they leave pets in their vehicles so maybe a dog on board sticker would help answer passerby’s questions of why anyone would do that.

 

[Pedrothepoet]

Good thoughts everyone. Appreciate them! One concern I have with window fans is waterproofing. I feel that with the fantastic fan properly mounted on the roof, everything will be sealed in nicely...

 

[Pedrothepoet]

I found another cool window fan option on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07S34SNHR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fdjDFb8SFP7Z4