Ventilation, or lack thereof

[66788]

As some of you know, I'm working on 2 builds at the same time. Today I was working inside the Dodge Van Hightop doing some electrical wiring and I had the side barn doors and back barn doors open. There was a gentle breeze blowing that teased me onto the bed for a nap. It was so nice taking that 45 minute break out of the sun, but enjoying the clean fresh breeze.

Now the reality check. My Grumman Olson step van will have one small window on each side (less than 1 sq ft each) and a Fantastic Vent on the roof. The rear roll up door will be to the garage only, with a bulkhead 3 feet away, effectively blocking the airflow when the door is open. The front will have an insulated divider with door, so no airflow there either. I am now thinking that I am building a rolling cave.

I really do enjoy fresh air when the weather is nice, so I'd like that option on the step van too.

Bigger windows on each side? More roof vents? Any thoughts?

thanks,

66788

 

[akrvbob]

Both!
Bob

 

[SternWake]

The fantastic fan on high exhaust ing should draw in A nice breeze

 

[janncoo]

We screened the entire area inside our back doors on our cargo trailer. We love it! It is like a rolling porch on wheels. No bugs. Lots of fresh air. We do not need stealth Jan

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Will your design plans allow you to put windows in the wall between your living space and your garage?

As for your front wall between the living space and cockpit, can't you leave the door open when you want more air? Maybe some roll up screening with velcro for when you do that? Conversely, could you build some windows into the door?

Regards
John

 

[Stargazer]

What Stern wake said.

My 7' x 15' box-style TT has three small windows which I never open because I covered them with insulation. There is a ceiling vent in the bathroom and a fantastic vent fan in the living area. I open the bathroom vent, turn on the fantastic vent, and it creates a very noticeable breeze.

Yep, it's a cave but caves are cool

The more windows you have, the harder it is to control the inside climate.

Good luck and best wishes.

 

[karl]

My stepvan has a screened window in the toolroom wall and roll down windows in the side doors, with the passenger one screened. 4 computer fans in the side wall give me a good breeze.....

I like lying in bed and seeing moon light or sunrise with the rear open. Also like being able to close it all up with no light escaping when stealth.

 

[rvwandering]

I'm going with Bob's answer - both!

We have a lot of windows in our RV. It's only 25' from bumper to bumper but we have screened windows in the cabover, screened windows in the living area, screened windows in the kitchen area and a screened door. They're all opened on warm days. It's almost like living in a screened in porch. Wonderful breezes and views from all sides. If there isn't a breeze we have a Fantastic fan to move the air.

I read a lot of posts about how hot vans get when they're parked in the sun but we actually stay cooler inside than out.

 

[Seraphim]

I'd consider where, in the unit, I plan to spend most of my time, and make sure that spot is directly in the path of the air flow.

---

We have several windows and vents, and can control the air flow by deciding which combination to open. Open too many windows or vents, and the airflow will be destroyed.

 

[Almost There]

IIWM I'd put a door with a screen/window in the bulkhead that is separating the 'garage' area and the living quarters and a screen for the door into the driving compartment. First and foremost, the door into the garage will give you a second exit in case of emergency. It would also give you the ventilation options that you need.

I'm also trying to figure out ventilation plans at this point. The Savanna has fixed windows in both the back doors and the two barn doors. I either swap out the windows, swap out the doors altogether or add more windows which I'm loath to do as I'd have very little wall space left at that point.

 

[akrvbob]

janncoo, do you have any pictures of your cargo trailer screen room? I've been thinking of doing exactly what you are talking about and can think of several different ways to do it. I think I'd like to have a tarp over the top so I can have it open in the rain and total shade, then shade-cloth draped over the opening. One concern I have is would the corners of the doors where it drapes over wear-through over time?

Actually, since 66788 doesn't have barn doors we are hijacking his thread. Janncoo would you be willing to start a new thread if you do have pictures?

If you don't, I understand. Thanks for giving me the thought.
Bob

 

[LeeRevell]

I wonder if for the step-van you could use a floor vent for the intake air and the Fantastic Fan on the roof?

 

[janncoo]

Sorry. Didn't mean to sidetrack the thread. Jan

 

[66788]

No problem with hijacking the thread. A little frolic and detour never hurt anyone.

I'm thinking of putting in a vinyl sliding dual pane window with screen in the rear bulkhead to move the air when the rear roll up door is open. A floor vent with a screen is also a good idea worth pursuing. Maybe a small screened window in the front bulkhead as well.

I like the idea of screening one of the front roll up windows. Probably the driver's side since leaving the passenger side open invites thieves since that's where the only front door is located.

I've never heard the Fantastic Vent run, but my Endless Breeze fan is loud, and they are supposed to be the same motors and blades. I don't like it on anything but low. Are they supposed to be that loud?

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

The only thing about a floor vent is that I worry that exhaust fumes might somehow be sucked up into the van while driving down the road.

Maybe I'm being overly cautious. Perhaps it could be designed to be closed completely airtight when it isn't being used. Or maybe it just isn't a problem. Is there anybody here who actually HAS one in their rig, as opposed to theoretically talking about it?

Regards
John

 

[karl]

The only thing about a floor vent is that I worry that exhaust fumes might somehow be sucked up into the van while driving down the road.

That concern has been a deterrent for me....

 

[LeeRevell]

My minivan does have vents down low right near the floor in back behind the rear wheels - when sleeping there in winter I can feel the cool air coming in. I still crack the rear side window a bit when running the Buddy heater, but I doubt it's that necessary with the low vents. Never smelled exhaust coming in.

 

[highdesertranger]

you could always put a boat port in like this. http://www.iboats.com/Seadog-Watertight-Inspection-Or-Access-Port/dm/view_id.39787 they are water tight. some have screens so bugs can't get in when they are open. highdesertranger