Campervan Ventilation – What You Need To Know

September 3, 2018 by Ben Leave a Comment

It has been said before, but unless you are building a 60 Sq Ft rolling mold farm then you must incorporate a roof vent fan into your Campervan Ventilation System. The addition of a roof vent fan to your build will assist with airflow and in turn, help regulate temperatures and minimize condensation inside your van.

Campervan Ventilation – The Benefits Of Installing A Roof Vent Fan

Air Circulation And Air Exchange

No one likes to be in a hot and stagnant environment. Without a roof vent, your van is a big steel solar oven. If parked in the sun on a warm day, temperatures inside your van will quickly raise well above the outside ambient temperature. Not a nice place to be. With the addition of a roof vent fan, you will have the ability to quickly evacuate hot and stale air and maintain a temperature similar to outside your van.

Regulate Humidity And Limit Condensation

Just by living, we are constantly creating moisture. Breathing, sweating, damp gear, and cooking all produce moisture and humidity. The amount of humidity in the air has a direct effect on the amount of condensation that will form inside your van. Higher humidity levels will also affect your physical comfort when hanging out in the van. Being able to exhaust all that moist humid air will allow you to keep your van feeling as fresh as possible.

Regulate Temperature

Although it won’t have quite the same effect as an Air Conditioning unit. Having a roof vent fan will help you regulate the inside of your van. Some install intake vents on the floor of their van to bring in cooler shaded air from the underside of the van.

Campervan Ventilation – Types of RV Vents

Popup Vents

The first types of RV vents to consider for your campervan ventilation are Popup Vents. With a snap-open hinge and insect screen, Aluminum Popup Vents are a great option.

Mushroom Vents

Mushroom Vents are another great option for an “all ways open” roof vent. With a low profile and discreet look, they are perfect if you are aiming for the stealth van look.

Wind-Driven Vents

Wind-driven vents have specially shaped vanes that catch the wind and drive a rotary motion to draw air out of the van.

Non-Powered Type Roof Vents

Another simple, manual opening option. These are low cost and low tech. They don’t have the forced airflow like the powered option but they could work for some.

Louvered Vent Window Inserts

This option from Eurocampers.com is a perfect non-permanent ventilation option. Easy to install and remove, Louvered Vent Window Inserts would be a great match with a powered roof vent fan. We have a set of these for our Promaster

Louvered Vents

Normally used in the marine and boating industry. These wall-mounted vents make a great option if you need an “all ways open” wall mounted air intake for your van.

Butterfly Vents

Butterfly vents are a great option for a wall vent. These adjustable louvered vents should be installed with a cover to keep out the rain.

Powered Fan Forced Roof vents (Recommended)

Fan Forced Roof Vents are by far the best and most highly recommended choice for the primary vent in your Campervan Ventilation project. Being able to force air in or out of your van will give you the best possible airflow. This will give you the highest levels of air exchange to facilitate the removal of excess humidity. Check Out our most recommended fan vents and the fan I use in my build.

Campervan Ventilation – Intake Considerations

Something to remember when designing and installing your Campervan Ventilation. For the system to perform optimally, air needs a way into the van as well as out. You could just crack a window when you operate your fan but this is not ideal. An open window can lead to security and water intrusion problems. The best option is to install an intake vent to work in conjunction with your roof vent fan. You can use any one of the vents listed above.

Campervan Ventilation – Installation

Check out our detailed how to install a Roof Vent post if you need help with your install.

Finally

Now that you have your Campervan Ventilation System in check be sure to start planning your Insulation and Sound Deadening. Insulation and Sound Deadening are just as important and not to be overlooked.