You invested in a camper van to enjoy a comfortable life while you travel the world, right? Installing a fan is one of the main ways to ensure your camper van gives you the comfort you deserve. The fan will improve the airflow in your RV and cool down the temperatures while it’s hot. However, how do you choose the best fan for your campervan?
The best 12v fan should have a low power consumption to reduce the chances of draining your vehicle’s battery too fast. It should also be lightweight and small-sized for portability. You can use a battery-powered fan or one that a 12-volt battery can power. When choosing the best fan for your RV, consider its power consumption, portability, and power options.
If you are looking for a 12V fan for your recreational vehicle but wondering how to select the best, you are in the right place. This guide will look at what you should consider when buying a 12V fan. You’ll also discover 5 of the best 12V fans you can install in your campervan.
What to Look for in a 12V Fan for Camper Van
Before looking at features to consider when buying a campervan, you might wonder why you need a 12v fan and not any other type. One of the main reasons why a 12V fan is the best for your RV is its compatibility with most RV battery systems.
Your campervan has 12V DC batteries that can power your appliances. Therefore, installing a 12V fan will make it easier and cheaper to cool the temperatures without requiring a generator.
If you run a 5V fan on the 12V battery, it might run too fast and break. Consequently, the 12V battery won’t have enough power to run bigger fans with 24V or 48V fans. The best choice left is a 12V fan since it will run efficiently and for longer without exhausting your battery.
Now that you understand why a 12V fan is an ideal option, let’s consider the factors before buying one.
Power Consumption
The power consumption varies from one model to another. You can check the fan’s power usage by reviewing its amps per hour information. Considering the fan’s power consumption is essential since it affects your van’s batteries.
The best fan should have low power usage so that you can run it for extended periods without risking depleting your vehicle’s batteries. However, you should note that fans with a lower power consumption usually command a higher initial price.
If you will be running the fan for longer hours, it would be best if you invested in a powerful fan that does not use a lot of power.
Portability and Usability
Before selecting a specific fan for your recreational vehicle, you must consider if it will be portable and easy to use. If you use your campervan frequently, you should go for a lightweight fan that is not too bulky or big.
Although lightweight fans are portable, they may not be as powerful as the bigger models. Therefore, selecting a model with enough power but still portable is crucial.
Another essential factor to consider is the usability of the fan. First, the best fan should be easy to install in your van without going an extra cost to pay a professional to install it. Secondly, it should offer different fan speed settings like low and high to match different weather conditions. It’s also vital to consider a fan with minimal noise.
How Frequently Will You Use it?
You must consider how frequently you will use the fan before making the final buying decision. If you only use it a few times a year, you don’t have to spend much money buying an expensive fan.
However, if you love travelling and need a fan to use for a few hours every day, consider digging deeper into your pocket for a powerful and durable product. The expensive models will provide the needed features and won’t fail after continued use.
The Power Source of the Fan
For a 12V fan, consider using a model compatible with the 12V DC batteries in your campervan. Though you can go for portable fans that alkaline batteries can operate, they won’t provide enough power.
You now know what to look for in a 12V fan for your campervan. Now, look at the five best 12V fans you can consider installing in your RV.
1. MaxxAir Deluxe 7500
You should consider the MaxxAir Deluxe 7500 if you are planning to upgrade your campervan ventilation system to a new level. This MaxxAir model comes with a fan, rain shield, and vent to make a complete campervan ventilation system.
Though this unit will cost you more, the investment is worth it since it has unique features and will last long. The unit is made of high-quality materials and has a 5-year warranty guaranteeing its durability.
Operating the MaxxAir Deluxe 7500 is simple as it has a remote control. The unit has an intake and exhaust fan with a 10-speed setting and an inbuilt thermostat that promotes a relaxed environment.
Due to its superior design, this 12V fan will improve the appearance of your campervan without an extra cost as it comes with all the necessary mounting hardware. It operates quietly, consumes less energy, and is fully automated.
Pros
The fans can be set at different speeds
Fully automated controls using a remote
It has an inbuilt thermostat
The fan can take air in or out of the campervan
Cons
Expensive to buy
Requires a skilled individual to install it
2. Caframo Sirocco II RV Fan
Are you looking for a powerful yet energy-efficient fan for your campervan? Look no further as the Caframo Sirocco II Fan will cater to your needs. One of the most outstanding features of the Sirocco II fan is the low energy consumption and ultra-quiet operation.
You can also set the fan to low, medium, or high speed to increase airflow to your preference. It also comes with a programmable timer setting. The timer allows you to program the fan to switch off automatically after 2, 4, 6, or 8 hours.
This uniquely-built and portable fan can deliver 360-degree airflow to ensure perfect temperatures in the entire van. The Sirocco II RV fan also has an automatic sensor that enables it to adjust to your RV’s power supply. Additionally, it is easy to install and operate.
Pros
Easy to install
Consumes minimal power
Ultra-quiet operations
3-speed fan settings
Cons
Expensive to purchase
It is not as powerful as other models
3. Dometic Fantastic Vent 2250
The Dometic Fantastic Vent 2250 is among the best 12V fans with unique features to ensure you achieve the ideal temperatures in your campervan. This vent comes with a 10-blade fan that you can set at three speeds (low, medium, or high), depending on your needs.
It also has a built-in thermostat that you can automatically set to maintain your preferred temperatures. The Fantastic Vent will be a good choice if you like smart devices. The fan comes with a remote control which makes adjusting it effortless.
What’s more interesting about the Fantastic Vent 2250 is the reverse airflow control that enables the fan to push out hot or unpleasant air from the van. After installing this vent, you will enjoy a goodnight’s sleep since it produces minimal noise and low power consumption.
Pros
It has an inbuilt thermostat
A remote control makes the fan easy to operate
It comes with a rain dome which prevents rain from damaging the fan
Low power consumption
Cons
The installation process may be difficult for inexperienced users
You must manually open the hood cover to use the fan
4. Fiamma Turbo Vent
If you want a 12V fan with extra features to make your RV more comfortable, consider getting the Fiamma Turbo Vent with a thermostat. This fan is built with high-quality materials that are UV and shock-resistant.
Though this Fiamma fan is powerful, it is quiet and consumes lesser energy thanks to its Polar Control System, which can lower its consumption by 50%. The vent also has a mosquito screen to keep debris and bugs off.
Pros
Build with high-quality materials to increase durability
The unit is UV and shock-resistant
It comes with an in-built mosquito screen
Quiet and low energy consumption
Cons
The operations are manual, which can be inconveniencing
5. Dometic Fantastic Vent 7350
If you want to enjoy all the features of a ventilation system without manually operating a fan, go for the Dometic Fantastic Vent 7350. This uniquely-designed unit features a thermostat, 10-blade fan, and 3-speed settings.
However, its fully-automated operations and intelligence set it apart from the Fantastic Vent 2250 and other fans. You can control all its settings, including raising/lowering the hood cover with a remote. It also has a rain sensor that closes the vent cover when wet.
Pros
Fully automated operations
It has an intelligent rain sensor
You can raise/lower the hood cover using a remote
Cons
It can be a bit noisy
Requires skilled installation
Conclusion
Maintaining the ideal temperature on your campervan does not have to be challenging. You can invest in a 12V fan which is energy-efficient and won’t require buying a generator.
Before going shopping, refer to the factors discussed in this article to ensure you get the best unit for your campervan. You can also grab one of the 12V fans discussed in this guide and elevate your camper van’s experience.
