Concealing Your Camper's Ventilation Fan: Creative Disguise Techniques

A ventilation fan is a must-have for any campervan. Without one, the inside of your van will quickly become hot, stuffy and damp, leading to mould, health problems and general grossness.

There are two main types of ventilation: active and passive. Active ventilation uses power-driven fans to constantly work without relying on natural air pressure. Passive ventilation, on the other hand, allows air to circulate using natural air currents and the buoyancy of hot air.

There are several options for installing a ventilation fan in your campervan, from floor and wall vents to roof vents. Roof vents are the most popular choice, with the two top contenders in the marketplace being MaxxFans and Fantastic Fans.

If you're looking to install a ventilation fan in your camper, you'll need to choose a fan, decide on an installation location, mark and cut a hole, install the fan and connect it to your electrical system.

Floor vents are a stealthy option for ventilation, but they can be tricky to install and may cause a draught

Floor vents are a great option for those seeking a stealth setup. They are invisible from the outside of the van, making your camper look less like a camper and more like a plain old van. This is ideal for those who want to keep a low profile when camping in urban areas. However, there are some challenges to consider when it comes to floor vents.

Firstly, installing floor vents can be tricky. Cutting a hole in the floor of your van is more complex than cutting a hole in the roof or side panels due to the presence of fuel lines and other components. It is important to be very careful when cutting the hole to avoid damaging any critical components. Additionally, you will need to ensure that the hole is properly sealed to prevent water ingress, which can be a challenging task.

Another consideration is the potential for draughts. Floor vents are typically used in conjunction with roof vents to create a circulation system. In cold and windy conditions, floor vents can let in cold air, creating an uncomfortable draught in your living space. This can be mitigated by installing a rotary vent or blast gate valve that can be closed when not in use.

Furthermore, floor vents may not provide adequate ventilation on their own, especially in larger vans. They work best when paired with another vent, such as a roof vent, to create a circulatory system. This means that additional modifications and installations may be necessary to achieve effective ventilation.

Overall, while floor vents offer the advantage of stealth, they come with their own set of challenges. They can be tricky to install, may cause draughts, and may not provide sufficient ventilation without additional vents. It is important to carefully consider your ventilation needs and weigh the pros and cons of different vent options before making a decision.

Window deflectors can be used to disguise open windows, but they won't be effective in hot weather

Window deflectors are a great option if you want to keep your windows open during light rain or when it's cool outside. They can help keep the rain out while still allowing some fresh air to circulate. However, in hot weather, you'll need a more robust ventilation system to keep your camper comfortable.

There are a few options for ventilation fans that can help keep your camper cool:

• Roof vent fans: These fans are installed on the roof of your camper and can provide a significant amount of airflow. They can be paired with a cover to maintain stealth and protect from rain. However, some people consider them a giveaway that someone is occupying the camper.
• Rear door vent fans: These fans are installed on the rear doors of your camper and can provide ventilation without the need for a roof installation.
• Floor-mounted fans: This option involves installing a fan with PVC pipe intakes that draw air from the roof. The hot air rises and is replaced by cooler air drawn in through the pipes. This system can be more stealth than a roof vent fan but may be less efficient and more complicated to install.
• Window fans: You can also consider installing fans directly in your windows. This option provides good airflow but may be more noticeable from the outside.

Additionally, here are some general tips for keeping your camper cool:

• Park in the shade: Whenever possible, try to park your camper in a shaded area. This will help keep the sun from heating up the interior of your camper.
• Use reflective window coverings: Covering your windows with reflective material can help keep the sun's rays from heating up the inside of your camper.
• Insulate your camper: Proper insulation can help keep the heat out and the cool air in.
• Use a portable fan: A small, portable fan can help circulate the air and keep you cool while you're inside the camper.

Overall, while window deflectors can be a helpful addition to your camper, they won't be enough to keep you cool in hot weather. It's essential to have a good ventilation system and follow other best practices for keeping your camper comfortable during warm months.

Wall vents are secure and don't require any window openings, but they can be unattractive and may not provide enough airflow

Wall vents are a secure option for ventilating your campervan. They don't require any window openings, which can be a security risk, and they can be discreetly installed. However, they do have some drawbacks.

Wall vents can be unattractive, especially the louvre-style vents, which some people think spoil the aesthetics of their campervan. They may also not provide enough airflow to keep your campervan well-ventilated, especially in hot weather.

If you opt for passive wall vents, they will only work when there is a difference in air pressure, so they may not be effective on still, hot days. They can also create a cold draught in cold or windy weather.

Powered wall vents are a better option for ensuring constant airflow, but they can be noisier and require a constant power supply. They also need regular maintenance to keep the moving parts working effectively.

If you are considering wall vents, it is worth bearing in mind that floor vents are another secure option, which can be used in conjunction with a roof vent to create a constant airflow. However, they can be tricky to install, as you have to cut into the floor of the van, and they may let in fumes from outside when you are driving.

Roof vents are effective, but they can be costly and may require maintenance

Roof vents are a must-have if you want to enjoy your time on the road. In the summer, a campervan is essentially a hot metal box. Without the airflow provided by proper venting, this quickly becomes unbearable. Poor air circulation leads to very bad indoor air quality due to cooking, moisture, and smelly clothes. Smells and moisture infest clothes and bedding, giving an overall air of mustiness. Moisture buildup indoors also produces mould, which ruins your woodwork and insulation. A roof vent effectively keeps your van cool, fresh, and moisture-free.

The two most popular brands of campervan fan are Maxxair and Fantastic. The Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe is a popular choice because it has a built-in rain shield, is reversible, and has a remote control and thermostat. The Fantastic Vent 7350 has a rain sensor which closes the vent automatically when it detects rain.

The cost of roof vents varies wildly. Some only cost a few quid, while others cost a few hundred quid. Installation is a simple process but requires the right tools and know-how. You'll need to locate the site, cut a hole in the roof, file the sharp edges, apply sealant, and screw the vent into place.

While roof vents are effective, they can be costly and may require maintenance. The fans can be noisy, especially on higher settings, and the higher CFM levels may be overkill for most situations. They also require a constant power supply to work and need regular maintenance.

There are alternatives to roof vents, such as office-style fans, air conditioning, and evaporative coolers. Office-style fans are a simple and effective way to improve air circulation within your van. Air conditioning is the most effective way of cooling the inside of your van but is a luxury option that draws a lot of power. Evaporative coolers are a cheaper alternative to air conditioning and work by passing air over or through water-saturated pads, causing the water to evaporate and cool the air. They have a more subtle effect than air conditioning but maintain a humidity level that’s optimal for human comfort.

Active ventilation, such as fans, can work regardless of the weather, but they require a power source and can be noisy

Active ventilation is a must-have for any camper van. Fans are great for keeping your van cool during the day, removing condensation and odours at night, and are vital for cooking purposes. However, they require a power source and can be noisy.

Power Source Options:

• The easiest way to power a 12-volt RV fan is by running wires from the nearest ceiling light. RV lights typically use 12-volt power, making it compatible with 12-volt RV fans.
• Another option is to splice into the wires near the fan or run the fan wires to the point where the light connects, ensuring you keep the circuit intact.
• If you want to avoid splicing wires, you can route the fan wires along the outside of the ceiling, which works well as the wires are small and easy to hide.

Reducing Noise:

• One way to reduce noise is to choose a fan with a low profile and place it under a solar panel, using the panel as a rain screen. This setup can also enhance stealth.
• Another option is to install a low-profile roof ventilator, such as the Le Mans Rooftop Ventilator 12V, which is known for being quiet and efficient.
• If you're looking for a more powerful fan, the MaxxAir fan is a popular choice, but it is louder than other options.

Installation Tips:

• When installing a roof vent fan, choose the ideal location first. If you plan to cook often in your van, place the fan towards the front to effectively vent steam, smoke, and smells. For longer wheelbase vans, consider a rearward location to optimise airflow.
• Before cutting into your van's roof, create a simple cardboard cutout the same size as the fan and use it as a template to trace the opening. Make sure it's straight, square, and aligned with the rest of the van.
• Use a metal punch to mark each corner of the template, making it easier to start drilling and keeping the bit centred. Start with a small drill bit and gradually increase the size to make the process more manageable.
• Use blue painter's tape to mask off the perimeter of the cut lines to prevent the saw from scuffing your van, which can lead to rust over time.
• Smooth out the edges of the cut-out with a metal file and clean the area with isopropyl alcohol. Apply primer spray paint to protect the metal from rust.
• Fill any ribs in the roof of your camper van with butyl tape and place a strip along the perimeter of the fan frame. Butyl tape is extremely sticky, so handle it with care.
• Build a simple wooden frame inside the van to permanently secure the fan. Drill pilot holes through the fan frame, metal van roof, and wooden frame. Use the included screws to secure the fan, being careful not to over-tighten to avoid cracking the plastic.
• Apply a second layer of weatherproofing with self-levelling lap sealant around the perimeter of the fan frame and on the head of each screw for added protection.

Frequently asked questions