Portable fans

[lmgericke]

We are trying to figure out the best way to provide portable fans\ventilation for sleeping in our van, usually in a public campground. If we have electric at our site, obviously no problem plugging in some fans. But, we don't a always have that. Recently purchased a 10 inch O 2cool fan that runs on 6 D batteries but can't get it mounted or secured well to provide air where we want it in our Toyota Sienna. The back of van has a sleeping platform about 15 inches off floor. 

Can we run this fan all night plugged into our 12V cigarette lighter without draining the van battery completely?

We are not sure that this fan will even move enough air or that the batteries will last very long.  We are wondering if some type of battery source that we can plug our fans into would be a better option. Packs that have jumped cables and outlets in them.  I don't understand all the electrical lingo and trying to learn all about electricity and all that.


Any small clip on fan recommendations that could run all night and not cost a fortune in batteries? Other suggestions? Thanks!

Appreciate any advice/suggestions from folks who have already addressed this issue in their vans. 

Lisa

 

[John61CT]

Get the fan that clamps into the front window opening, exhaust mode.

Leave the rear "wings" open.

Plug into ciggie port, one day replace with an Anderson plug.

Have a lithium jumpstarter pack fully charged on standby in the glove box.

If you use it for charging screens, get two and rotate.

If you need to use the jumpstarter much, plan on putting in a House bank.

 

[tx2sturgis]

These O2 fans will run for many days or nights on just the 6 D-cells. Your starter battery can run it thru a cigarette power outlet for at least that long and still manage to start the van.

However, I would have a backup plan in case you leave it on accidentally all night, the next day, and need it the next night, or if your starter battery is weak or has other loads on it while camped. 

You might want to invest in a jump-starter power pack or at the very least carry a set of jumper cables.

You can also start the engine and let it idle (and charge the starter battery) for 20 minutes or so, every other day while camped if you wont otherwise be driving around.  

Of course if you add a small portable solar panel and controller, you can keep that starter battery charged while parked for several days.

 

[bullfrog]

Ryobi makes an 18 volt fan that uses one system batteries that will run 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high. The batteries can be charged using their vehicle charger. It works well for us as we usually drive enough each day to recharge the batteries. They even make a misting one that mounts on a 5 gallon bucket.

 

[RogerD]

I run two 02 cool fans for 8 hours each night without any problems.

However, I have the smart power fans, which is different from the one that you can run on 6 d batteries.

I'm in FL (humid) and find that as long as it's under 80 degrees, the 2 fans keep me comfortable.

I plan to get a couple Fan-Tastic Vent Endless Breeze fans. They move much more air, but also use a much more power.

Here is a good video comparing them.

 

[RogerD]

I run two 02 cool fans for 8 hours each night without any problems.

However, I have the smart power fans, which is different from the one that you can run on 6 d batteries.

I'm in FL (humid) and find that as long as it's not too much above 80 degrees, the 2 fans keep me comfortable.

I plan to get a couple Fan-Tastic Vent Endless Breeze fans. They move much more air, but also use a much more power.

Here is a good video comparing them.