Vanthony Conversions

Fan installations.

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INSTALLING A FAN IN YOUR VAN IS A BIG DEAL.

Before you get started, we’ve put together a list of answers to common questions that can help guide your process!

Why Should I Install a Fan in My Van?

Have you ever been camping in the woods, and after a cold night, woken up to moisture build up on the inside of your tent fly? We have too! This process of condensation build up occurs in vans when we are in them for extended periods of time. Eventually this moisture creates mold and mildew growth in your vehicle. With correct airflow, moisture isn’t allowed to build up, and we’re free to breathe clean air.

Planning on cooking in your home on wheels? While a fan can help keep your van cooler when using your oven and stove, it also removes dangerous fumes from your van. Keeping a good flow of air will prevent carbon monoxide poisoning and ensure any smoke (not that you burn anything ;) will exit quickly!

Considering taking your van to the desert? On those hot summer days, having a little breeze can go a long way! Utilizing the intake mode (available on most Maxxair fan models), you can enjoy a refreshing breeze.

Why We Recommend Maxxair Fans

Full disclosure: we are NOT sponsored by Maxxair. This is our honest opinion.

Now that that’s clarified, you may have noticed most van lifers seem to select the Maxxair brand over alternatives, such as Fan-Tastic Fans or RVLOVENT Fans. In our experience, they’re the best, and here’s why:

1. All deluxe Maxxair fan models have a rainshield. This means that even when it’s dumping buckets, you can get the airflow you need without bringing unwanted moisture into your van. The rainy pacific northwest doesn’t stand a chance!

2. The Maxxair fan 7000k and 7500k models have an electric lid opening. You can stay in bed and open or close your van with a remote. A small, but awesome feature.

3. Most Maxxair fan models have both intake and exhaust modes. This means you're able to push out unwanted air or suck in fresh air when you want it. (This applies to all models EXCEPT the 5301K and 6401K models. These models only have exhaust mode.)

4. The Maxxair fan consumes very little power. With limited battery capacity, keeping your power consumption to a minimum means you’ll be able to journey longer!

5. Maxxair fans stand the test of time. In our experience, Maxxair fans are consistent. We’ve run them for multiple years and have had zero issues. That might be reason enough to choose Maxxair!

Where Should I Install My Fan?

Regardless of the fan you choose, it’s important to select the right location for your fan. Here are a few common options, and the logic behind them.

1. The Back

Many people choose to install the fan in the back of their van so that air can be sucked from the driver and passenger seat windows (intake) through the van and out of the fan (exhaust). This maximizes airflow in your van!

2. Above the Stove

Another popular spot to install your fan is directly above your cooking area. This allows any nasty fumes or smells to be quickly removed. The downside to this option is that it tends to provide less circulation to the back of the van, where the bed is typically located. Hot summer nights might prove sweatier.

3. Double or Nothing

Perhaps the most ideal setup is to install two fans. One in the front, another in the back. This way one fan (turned off) acts as the intake and the other (turned on) acts as the exhaust. Consider this setup if you have a long van, such as the Mercedes Sprinter 170” or 170” extended.

Planning Your Roof Space Ahead of Time

We know you’re excited to start this process, but before you start cutting holes, consider the layout of your roof.

Will you have a solar panel (or two, or three) on your roof? Are you putting in an AC unit? How many fans will you be installing? Will you have starlink? A deck? A roof box?

All of these variables take up precious roof real-estate. Be sure to get the measurements of everything you want up top, and piece together the puzzle before you start cutting for your fan!

Additionally, consider whether or not you need a roof rack, and if so, which type, to ensure the cross bars accommodate all of the components on your roof and don’t interfere with the location of anything that’s attached to your roof.