(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best rv appliances & ventialtion products

Put a 12v Fantastic Fan in the roof of your van. Just cracked open they will allow air flow but on a hot day, with the fan on high, they move a ton of air and it makes even a small space comfortable. Come highly recommended by all RVers.

http://www.amazon.com/Fan-Tastic-Vent-4000R-Reverse-Switch/dp/B000BRCGNQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1451925284&sr=8-2&keywords=fantastic+fan

There's also a free standing version if you dont want to cut your roof and it's cheaper. Hang it in front of a cracked open window.
http://www.amazon.com/Fan-Tastic-01100WH-Endless-Breeze-Stand/dp/B0000AY2Z6/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1451925284&sr=8-4&keywords=fantastic+fan

They're not cheap but you won't regret it. Beats all other fans with their efficiency and low power draw.

I probably wont be doing much until the weather warms up and I can afford to deck it out. My plans are to get a Fantastic fan, some solar panels, batteries and wire it all up. After that I am thinking of mounting a propane tank underneath where one of the fuel tanks was as well as a fresh water tank. It will have a very small kitchenette with a propane powered stove with oven. Not sure if I will go with a minifridge or just use a cooler. Also there will be a toilet. Sounds like a lot to cram in there once I write it all down, but I think it will be great. Keep an eye on the sub, Ill definitely post pictures when I do make progress.

Hi vandwellers community!
I'm the author of this video and it's part of my sprinter van conversion project (vantourist)

Fans and installation kit i bought from amazon:

Fan-Tastic 803350 12V Vent - $225

Camco 25003 Universal Vent Installation Kit - $5.54

The fan is quite pricie, but i love it already - various speed, automatic lead open/close, rain sensor, in and out air blowing direction, temperature on/off sensor. I hope fans will last long for me!

Question about fans- for those of you who have installed ventilation fans into vans that did not have anything from the factory. I am looking at the MaxxAir 4500K. It looks like the cheapest way to get a remote control opening fan. Has anyone installed one of these in a van that started its life as a passenger van? It seems like it needs a 14x14 hole. In addition to that, is there anything special you need to install? I removed the driver's side interior panel and there was a 12V DC lead there. I think I am going to run it to the roof to power the fan. Has anyone done anything similar or have any experiences to share? This is totally new territory for me.

I have these three things:

Small compressor based frige/freezer

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005X9E6IK

Lithium battery

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M45PI56

12v adapter for lithium battery

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IR6WTHQ



adapter->battery->fridge

The fridge will run 10-20 hours off the battery alone, range depending on the fridge setting and ambiant temp. When the car is powered on, the battery recharges from the console 12v connector. The battery pulls 60watts when charging so it's well under the max that can be pulled from the 12v outlet in the car.

Edit: and to add to that, when I use it, I put it in the trunk space right by the back of the car. I have a 12v line from the front console run into the back and just plug the battery into it and fridge into battery. It sticks up above that space but wedges in nicely when the battery is placed along one side and something else like a folded towel is placed along the other. Also keeps the air intake and output with good ventilation by being spaced from the sides.

I'll go take a pic shortly and edit with pic.

You'd have to get creative to get it to stay in the window. There are some premade ducted ones for exterior mounting here (2nd picture): https://www.wayfair.com/ClimateRight-5-000-BTU-Portable-Air-Conditioner-with-Remote-CR5000ACH-L6229-K~CRGT1001.html

You'd need a trailer hitch secure storage rack but it could hold a generator and extra gas too: https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Cargo-Carrier/Carpod/M2205-01-02.html

I like the idea of a rooftop unit better but then you're cutting a big hole: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VZ547WG/

No, not difficult at all - but the fan I'm installing is solar, so I didn't have to worry about any wiring. All you have to do is cut a hole, insert the vent, and put the fan cover on top of the vent.

Here's the fan I got (although you have to buy the vent separately): White Solar RVblaster RV Vent Cover with Dual Fans https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CA2ZMGI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_xEQf87mQcwcj4

If you get a fridge, pick one like this Dometic not the one you linked to.

You won't be able to keep a fridge going in the summer from the engine unless you drive a lot. I would suggest starting off with something like this Coleman


Save your money as much as possible and then see what you will need once you have been living in the van for a while.

Well I went ahead and ignored everyones advice. :) I ended up contacting the owner through the website and found out they also have some charcoal infused filters as well that are the same template as the white ones. So I got one of each, our Travel Supreme has two AC units so I got one for filtering and one for cutting down on cooking and dog oder. So far so good. They were really easy to install and the fit is perfect, smells better too. We'll see how they hold up, but feeling optimistic. I guess if they don't work out I will try cutting up some other filters, I'm just lazy I guess didn't want to spend about the same amount of money and have to go to the trouble of cutting it out. If anyone is interested this is the one I picked up for our Fifth Wheel. https://www.amazon.com/AC-105G-RV-Air-Filter/dp/B071GRY6RL/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500566044&sr=8-1&keywords=rv+air+105+g

Like the other guy mentioned, you can get a vent cover for the fantastic fan that lets you leave it open in the rain or while you're driving. see here: https://www.amazon.com/Fan-Tastic-Vent-UB1500WH-White-Breeze/dp/B007HGF398/

Hi everyone!

I'm currently getting my van (a Ford 15 passenger) ready to roll, and am looking at heaters. Seems the easy way to go is a Mr. Buddy or catalytic heater, and the luxurious way to go is one of those Propex heaters.

What about this? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T6KT9OI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_ocnJyb7NNFNVY

I might be able to mount it underneath and duct up through the floor.

Thoughts? Concerns?

This is purely speculation, as I have never owned one, but I would guess these to put out very very little heat. Per their site these fireplaces are described as "decorative", not so much for heat.

In my space I have one of these, they REALLY pump out the heat if it could be something you could fit into your place. I run my whole house off two 100# tanks, but you could run this for cold occasions only on a 5lb tank.

Alternatively, I also have two of these, which REALLY pump out the heat, but you need to make sure you crack a window as they are not externally vented and do use oxygen.

Here is what we had in our class-B Sprinter RV. Simple, and an easy install, and good quality product. In our class-A motor home, we have these.

The price differences are basically features (remote, automatic shutdown when rain is detected, power opening, etc.)

The control and ducted vs non-ducted is determined by the "ADB" (Air Distribution Box). So, in addition to the roof box you'd have to buy something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-Air-Conditioners-3314851-000-Control/dp/B00HJQ86UO/Or for Coleman/Airxcel, this: https://www.amazon.com/AIRXCEL-Standard-08-0059-Deluxe-Non-Ducted/dp/B00RQSP400/


Probably worth seeing if the pre-wiring involves wires running to a thermostat that could control both units. If so, just match the brand/model of the one you already have.

http://www.amazon.com/Ventline-V2092SP-28-Radius-Screen-Garnish/dp/B0030G7XWY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377196197&sr=8-1&keywords=camper+roof+vent

You could install one of these. They also make them with dc fans you could easily wire. Could probably just buy a cigarette lighter jack and wire and plug it in that way. Cheers.

Road pro d cell powered fan https://www.amazon.com/RoadPro-RP8000-Indoor-Outdoor-Power/dp/B00KJGRLJI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526014405&sr=8-1&keywords=roadpro+fan
powered with a couple sets of these D Cells https://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-10000mAh-Rechargeable-Batteries-Flashlight/dp/B001AYIRH8/ref=sr_1_sc_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1526014459&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=ternergy+d+cells

Charge them with this charger
https://www.amazon.com/Tenergy-T-1199B-Universal-Battery-Charger/dp/B0019273U8/ref=pd_bxgy_121_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0019273U8&pd_rd_r=6AKQTFQM053GGVEPMPC4&pd_rd_w=f0PUk&pd_rd_wg=S4GRX&psc=1&refRID=6AKQTFQM053GGVEPMPC4&dpID=41pRtqenYEL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

Charge up at the local libraries
that setup should power the fan for a few days on high per set of batteries.

Sure. Seems the price went up on the solar panel since I bought it. Now they're $60. Here's an amazon link to that.

And the price went down on the charge controller! Here's the link to that.

Also if you're going to buy that charge controller, look in the mail for those "valpak" coupons. There's usually one for 20% off at Harbor Freight.

If the fridge is empty the temperature changes quickly. When the compressor runs it gets down to the set temperature quickly. Put a 6 pack of your favorite beverage in it. Put a thermometer in it. It is supposed to run a short period of time and shut off. The time depends on the temperature inside.

About $20 :
https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-4451037733-Volt-Power-Refrigerators/dp/B01GVTBN5E/

Then you can keep your original cord intact and cut the end off the new one.

Hmm. When you say butyl tape, is that the same as putty tape? I bought this for my install. Just assumed it was right. Now I'm not so sure...

https://www.amazon.com/Fan-Tastic-Vent-4000R-Reverse-Switch/dp/B000BRCGNQ

Fan-Tastic Vent 4000R Off White Vent with Reverse Switch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BRCGNQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_FUsEDb056YT3Z

So I believe the Wave heater aswell as the Mr.Buddy are Propane with no external intake/exhaust. I believe this means it is a wet heat and will not necessarily 'dry' things.


I have heard of people running their Fan-Tastic fans with their heaters to help push out the moisture. The Propex propane heaters have external intake/exhaust vents so there is no moisture build up.

I am perplexed as I was hoping the Mr.Buddy was going to answer all of my problems. I may have to invest in the propex to get the heat/dryness I need for the Winters in the Pacific North West.

hey all,

I'm in my Ford Explorer currently, out of neccessity, but plan to move into a van out of choice at the end of October.

I was thinking of getting this Goalzero Solar Kit, a long with this 12Volt Dometic to store some cold items.

Do you think I'd be able t run that fridge off of the Yeti 400 and still be able to charge my laptop about once a day at least? I'm in Portland Oregon, so I plan to also charge the yeti off my vehicle engine when the weather goes to shit.

What type of Solar & refrigeration set ups do you all have?
My budget initially should be around 600-700 bucks.