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Old 06-10-2019, 03:02 PM   #1
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It’s getting hot in here...

Hi all ,
I’m looking to put in a fan on the bus because it getting hot. I have a pre existing hole that’s 10 x 8 vent, no fan that I would like to replace with a vent fan, but the opening is too small for the standard ones I’m seeing. The space of framed out so I’m wonder what would be the best method that is cost effective. Would cutting through the framing damage the body?
Or if there another option that wouldn’t involve cutting through the metal framing?

It’s just hot and we need options that’s are low energy and cost efficient. Safety is also a thing so I’m hesitant about a window option.

So far we are looking at portable power stations to run the fan. 300 Watts 12V /24V DC

Here are a couple of pictures of what I’m working with. The first one if the opening from the inside and the second is the roof.
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Old 06-10-2019, 03:19 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zelma View Post
So far we are looking at portable power stations to run the fan. 300 Watts 12V /24V DC\

300W seems like alot for what you're asking for.


I have a high speed AC floor fan running:
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Usage without / with:
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That's about 144w. On high. On AC, using my inverter.



If you can build something on the outside of the hole that makes it bug proof and rainproof, you could use a number of 12v computer fans to move the air. 200mm - 240mm is around the size you're looking for.
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Old 06-10-2019, 05:23 PM   #3
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MaxxAir or Fantastic Fan, do what it takes to install.
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Old 06-10-2019, 05:46 PM   #4
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I’ve seen a couple where people bought a fan, and cut a plywood frame. Take off front fan cover, cut out hole size of fan, attach fan to plywood, attach plywood to ceiling. Maybe put a cover on it for when you’re not using it.
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Old 06-10-2019, 05:50 PM   #5
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I’ve been considering a swamp cooler plan. Window mounted, removable. For that, I was considering a radiator fan. This one here is about 60 Watts and moves 2350 CFM.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/prm-19120/
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Old 06-10-2019, 06:31 PM   #6
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Don't know where you reside, but unless you're in a semi-arid area with, at most, moderate humidity, the returns will be quite modest.
(Ya might consider filling in your user profile more fully...)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Danjo View Post
I’ve been considering a swamp cooler plan. Window mounted, removable. For that, I was considering a radiator fan. This one here is about 60 Watts and moves 2350 CFM.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/prm-19120/
Not to be condescending, thought to mention you'll be loading the air with moisture, for later condensation...
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Old 06-10-2019, 06:33 PM   #7
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MaxxAir or Fantastic Fan, do what it takes to install.
One of the best, most essential upgrades ever!
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Old 06-10-2019, 06:55 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by haz.matt.1960 View Post
Don't know where you reside, but unless you're in a semi-arid area with, at most, moderate humidity, the returns will be quite modest.
(Ya might consider filling in your user profile more fully...)Not to be condescending, thought to mention you'll be loading the air with moisture, for later condensation...
Snowbirding to follow good weather, primarily in arid places is my plan! But good point about swamp coolers and humidity.
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Old 06-10-2019, 07:05 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by john61ct View Post
MaxxAir or Fantastic Fan, do what it takes to install.
I like the idea of using the emergency roof hatch hole. Thanks for posting!
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Old 06-10-2019, 07:10 PM   #10
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Arid areas are where evaporative coolers rule! Majority of moisture will dissipate in the drier outside air, just open the windows when the Sun's setting and the world's starting to cool.
Exert your Goo-Fu on, homemade swamp cooler in a bucket, for an awesome solution/ application! Couldn't easily find the 1 I'd viewed b4, but they're all conceptually identical.
Quote:
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Snowbirding to follow good weather, primarily in arid places is my plan! But good point about swamp coolers and humidity.
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Old 06-10-2019, 08:26 PM   #11
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Quote:
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I like the idea of using the emergency roof hatch hole. Thanks for posting!
I used tinted Lexan to cover the hatch hole, then mounted the Maxxair fan in it.
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Old 06-12-2019, 08:44 PM   #12
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Another vote for Fantastic fan. It will take a little work to cut the hole out bigger, but that's what I would do. And I think it is only 20-30 watts. They work great. Not really a substitute for AC though if it's super hot. Much better than stale air that isn't moving though.
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Old 06-12-2019, 09:14 PM   #13
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I find the Maxxaire and the Fantastic fans of equal quality and features. But when comparing apples to apples the Maxx is about 50% cheaper. Mine is 10 speeds, remote control, automatic rain censor.
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Old 06-12-2019, 09:42 PM   #14
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Mine is 10 speeds, remote control, automatic rain censor.
Any link to the Maxx model you've got?
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Old 06-12-2019, 09:46 PM   #15
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Any link to the Maxx model you've got?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/MaxxFan-Plu...orig_cvip=true
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Old 06-12-2019, 10:07 PM   #16
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Thanx marc. Is it 14"x14"? (doesn't say in add)
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Old 06-13-2019, 12:19 AM   #17
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Thanx marc. Is it 14"x14"? (doesn't say in add)
You're right, surprisingly it doesn't give dimensions. But, yes, it is 14 x 14 standard vent size.
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Old 06-13-2019, 04:17 AM   #18
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I like this model, it has its own rain cover built it.
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Vents-an...CABEgLIt_D_BwE

I don't see how Maxxair is "half the price". They're the more expensive of the two.
Comparing Fantastic and Maxxair, you can get a Fantastic vent about 20-40 cheaper.
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Vents-an...iABEgKszvD_BwE
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Old 06-29-2019, 09:51 PM   #19
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How does this look from inside the bus?
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Old 06-29-2019, 10:19 PM   #20
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Quote:
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I like this model, it has its own rain cover built it.
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Vents-an...CABEgLIt_D_BwE

I don't see how Maxxair is "half the price". They're the more expensive of the two.
Comparing Fantastic and Maxxair, you can get a Fantastic vent about 20-40 cheaper.
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Vents-an...iABEgKszvD_BwE
You don't see it because you are comparing apples and oranges.

Pros and Cons

Maxxaire Fantastic

10speeds Remote Control 3speeds Manual control

Opening Vent Remote Control Manual Control

Automatic rain sensor closes lid when it rains Manual Control

Price $149 This one you win $119


For $30 more the Maxxaire is a much better deal. An equivalent fan to the Maxxaire from Fantastic would be around $280.
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