No Rust!

[CosmickGold]

On youtube, I have three times watched a vanlife series up to the point where they have to retire their van due to rust (especially underneath) becoming so serious the mechanic informed them their van was too dangerous for anyone to continue to drive.

This morning, I cut a 4" round hole in the floor to install this ventilation fan, the concept being that air from under the van will be the coolest during summer heat. When the circle of floor metal dropped to the ground and I reached down to pick it up, I realized something amazing: NO RUST! I then crawled under my van to see if it were true, and it is; NO RUST anywhere! Also on the sides where paint is scratched or flaked off, NO RUST at all; just grayish metal.

My van is a 1998 Chevy Express 3500 (my avatar here on the left). I have not tried to investigate online how this "no rust" phenomena works, but I bet there are folks here who know and can leave messages explaining this wonderful phenomenon. Unlike those unfortunate people I watched, I'll never have to escort my van to the elephant (that is, "van") graveyard. It's immortal, ready to stay like new forever.

In case you're not sure, my reason for posting this message here is to help others choose the right van for themselves. So let me quietly whisper in their ear: "no rust!"

 

[abnorm]

A Bilge Blower is usually a pretty LOUD fan..........especially on the exhaust side

And make sure you can seal it when the van is running !

 

[CosmickGold]

A Bilge Blower is usually a pretty LOUD fan..........especially on the exhaust side

And make sure you can seal it when the van is running !

Absolutely true! It draws 6 times as much power as my Fan-Tastic fan (to blow that much more air) and roars at least 25 times as loud. I've purchased this roll of sticky-on-one-side automobile sound insulation to cover the entire blower with, and this sheet of sound absorbant foam to line the inside of the ducting from it with. I hope that will make a major difference.

When not in use, I just lift it out of the 4" hole and cover the hole with anything flat. (Also I have this roll of standard window screen and will cut a section to fit on the outside end when running, to keep bugs and mice out.

 

[Carla618]

In case you're not sure, my reason for posting this message here is to help others choose the right van for themselves. So let me quietly whisper in their ear: "no rust!"

Guessing your van hasn't lived near salt. Maybe it was Ziebarted?

 

[user 423]

This morning, I cut a 4" round hole in the floor to install this ventilation fan, the concept being that air from under the van will be the coolest during summer heat.

I'm thinking of doing that but would place the fan in the vertical wall of the step well that is just inboard of the side doors. I have a 4" waterproof CPU fan that may work okay. A closeable door of some type over it would keep out exhaust fumes and road dust. Since I would pass by it every time I got out of the van, it's not likely to be forgotten.