[richard]

We constantly travel with our dog (heck, the dog is one reason we buy vans) and we frequently have to leave her in the van while we do other things, like sight seeing or hiking where dogs aren't allowed on trails. And of course, we get worried about heat. We have an AC unit when we're in a campground, but units fail, fuses blow. She always has water and we can leave the windows open slightly. (Only operable windows are in the front.) We do not have a vent fan.

I'd love to put some sort of temperature control with a warning light outside the van, with a little sign that reads "Dog inside. If light is flashing call us at 123-456-0987. If we don't answer it's OK to break a window."

Anyone have any ideas? My cousin makes industrial thermometers and he's never heard of anything like it. I already have a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the van, where can I get a temperature detector?

 

[Andre Jones]

My wife suggested maybe something like this tailgate lock which I guess they make a model that may work for our cars. A cooling bed, or crate fan may be of some assistance as well. In regards to the switched sign a raspberry pi hooked to the sign and thermometer is the only thing that comes to mind.

http://www.ventlock.com/

 

[richard]

My wife suggested maybe something like this tailgate lock which I guess they make a model that may work for our cars. A cooling bed, or crate fan may be of some assistance as well. In regards to the switched sign a raspberry pi hooked to the sign and thermometer is the only thing that comes to mind.

http://www.ventlock.com/

I like that tailgate lock thing and will check it out some more. Thanks.

 

[Andre Jones]

In regards to the sign as well, you may be able to do a laptop w/ a thermal probe hooked to a monitor mounted in the window. Obviously this may attract thieves though.

Something similar to this for a Raspberry Pi or laptop.
https://www.amazon.com/Soondar®-Powered-Thermometer-Temperature-Sensor/dp/B0054U4YKI

In thinking even deeper there are a decent number of tablets that could probably work as well, or maybe even a smartphone.

Sorry brain is rolling now, the Intel NUC is an example of a super small PC that could possibly fit the bill.
https://www.amazon.com/Intel-NUC5CP...df_B00XPVRR5M4433433&tag=52348_iceleadscom-20

Adding another high-tech possible solution -- Smart Outlet for the house A/C and a mifi or basic smart phone with personal hotspot capability. This would send you a text alert if the a/c malfunctions, and to add full control you could get a Nest thermostat. This would obviously not be the cheapest solution.

 

[GaryBIS]

Hi,

A thermal disc limit switch hooked series with a lamp would do the job.

Here is one example: https://www.amazon.com/Thermostat-Switch-Circuit-100°F-Flange/dp/B0026RYU4W

There are a wide variety of these available -- some of them have have an adjustable turn on temperature. You might even find one at Home Depot as its the kind of switch they use to control attic vent fans, and sometimes they have the replacement switch.

The above scheme works with just 12 volts DC from your battery. The circuit is exactly the same as you would use for a 12 volt light in your RV that is controlled by a wall switch -- just replace the wall switch with the thermal switch.

If you have 120 VAC available (eg from an inverter), then you could use something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Itc-...190523&sr=1-3&keywords=temperature+controller
This is really simple, as the warming lamp could just be a 120 VAC light that plugs into the controller, with the controller plugging into a 120 VAC outlet in the van.

I have to say that this seems a bit iffy as a solution to me. I think it could work as you describe, but it seems a bit doubtful that someone is going to notice the light and investigate?

We also take the dog along a lot. We have a MaxxFan in the roof and some windows that can be opened -- this combined with the white (reflective) van color and good insulation works pretty well and keeps the van inside temp close to the outside temp. The MaxxFan even has a mode where it turns on and off at a set temperature.

I'll be interested to hear if others have some good ideas.

Gary

 

[[email protected]]

My dog hangs out in my van when I am at work. We insulated well and installed great ventilation (Maxair fan, two floor vents, and window vents). We also have black out covers on the windows and reflectix on the windshield.

I use a kestrel temp recorder inside the van and one outside the van to confirm that the temp inside is never more than 4 degrees hotter than outside even with the fan off. With the fan on, the inside is often 3 or 4 degrees cooler than outside for the whole 8 or 9 hour work day.

The window vents are available here (they make a version for the transit): http://www.eurocampers.com/2001--20...nserts-for-models-with-5-cyl-engine_p_41.html

The kestrel temp recorders are expensive. But it gave me piece of mind to know that my dog won't cook inside the van. I'm also a data geek and it is fun to see how the van reacts to different sun/shade/temp conditions.

 

[Mdnewfies]

The below list are units that are used in RVs/vans etc and are very common at dog shows. The animal alarm is one of the most com on. You can find other units just Google RV temperature alarms/ monitors

http://www.temperaturealert.com
https://www.sensoredlife.com
http://www.cellsigntechnologies.com/
https://www.theanimalarm.com/

 

[richard]

Thanks, guys. Some good ideas here. Van is white and pretty well insulated already, although I haven't put anything on the windshield.. I really like those vents but am concerned there won't be enough airflow through them, even if I add a Maxair. Besides, we regularly get 90+ here in SoCal, so 3-4 degrees +/- ambient temperature may not be good enough. Originally I was thinking the cheapest unlimited data plan I could get and create a semi-permanent hotspot, then a Nest (or similar) thermostat linking in to the WiFi might do the trick. Using a Pi or mini-computer would still require a WiFi network to get a message out to our cell phones. As long as I could get a text message I'm sure I could always call someone to come to the rescue. In truth we'd probably never be so far away that we couldn't get back quickly.

But I like these ideas and look forward to some others.

 

[yelnam]

Here's a related post and thread that might be of interest.

http://www.fordtransitusaforum.com/...28138-120v-air-conditioning-5.html#post367970

I'm hoping Hein will indeed build a rear door prop like he has for the Sprinter and better than the Ventlock.

 

[brownbear]

This is not a unique problem.

See this link.


http://www.monnit.com/solutions/k9-temperature-monitoring

 

[gmartens]

re: ventlock
I have the 4 inch, with it you can't reach in to the rear door 'pull up knob' .
But you can put your hand in and open with the 'emergency latch.
Also, to 'unlock' you have to use the emergency latch, the remote unlock button will not unlatch it.

With that being said, I do use mine when I am out surfing in the morning leaving my dog in there.
I also use front side window vents.
But where I surf is fairly safe usually with people I know near my van.

 

[richard]

Thank you, BB. I spoke with these people and it might be the best solution - about $300 out of the gate and a monthly monitoring fee of about another $20. (Of course, their website is devoted to 'working dogs', and we have a Dalmation, generally known as the non-working, non-sporting, basically crazy breed, but I think their system will do the job.)

 

[ilovehotshot]

richard, since you are researching this, could you pass on what you have learned. How would this work in a van? (internet or cell phone) what components do you need from them? Please share what you find out. Thanks

 

[richard]

richard, since you are researching this, could you pass on what you have learned. How would this work in a van? (internet or cell phone) what components do you need from them? Please share what you find out. Thanks

Will do.

 

[justcallben]

My wife suggested maybe something like this tailgate lock which I guess they make a model that may work for our cars. A cooling bed, or crate fan may be of some assistance as well. In regards to the switched sign a raspberry pi hooked to the sign and thermometer is the only thing that comes to mind.

http://www.ventlock.com/

Sheesh. I see that and it's like a sign that says "Please steal my dog". I don't like the looks of that thing one bit. For one, it's plastic. A good tug laterally and that thing is done.

If your windows don't open, don't put an animal in there. You would be way safer and cleaner to get aftermarket swing-out windows in the back. They are effective, don't invite thieves and other critters and they look normal when closed.

JMTC.

 

[brownbear]

Thank you, BB. I spoke with these people and it might be the best solution - about $300 out of the gate and a monthly monitoring fee of about another $20. (Of course, their website is devoted to 'working dogs', and we have a Dalmation, generally known as the non-working, non-sporting, basically crazy breed, but I think their system will do the job.)

I know when my dog was still around I worried constantly if we had to leave him in a car. I actually prefer the idea of being notified by phone something is up, rather than rely on blinking lights for strangers who may or may not do something.

I'm glad this option looks promising. A few years back a K9 unit made the news here when a couple dogs died in the heat. There van was running with Air con on but somewhere the AC stopped and went to heat mode. Darn electric gremlins. The dogs didn't have a chance. Big loss.

 

[Keith]

You might want to check into this.
Nimble Temperature Monitors are $30 off making the unit cost $169 until July 30th, 2016 (extended due to high demand). They run on the Verizon network and can be enabled/disabled when you need them. VZW cost per month is $14.99.

There have been some pros and cons regarding customer service and Verizon areas not in range, but this is a more reasonable price than many out there. I am considering one as I travel with my dogs, the reason I got my Transit.

https://rvpetsafety.com/product/pet-temperature-monitor/

 

[Keith]

I included the wrong website. It should have been: http://nimblewireless.com/rv-monitoring/
Here are several other sites devoted to keeping dogs cool in vehicles.
I plan to order the Breeze guards for the (only) two windows that open.

Shade: https://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=254

Ventlocks: https://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm/product/879/ventlock-tailgate-locks.htm

Remote thermometer: https://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=2860&ParentCat=927

Breeze Guards: http://www.petexpertise.com/dog-safety/breezeguard-safety-screens-for-car-windows.html

https://www.amazon.com/AboveTEK®-Du...K3&redirect=true&ref_=as_li_tl&tag=thcobud-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AEQ9X9I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_O6Z0wbT5C94R9

http://nimblewireless.com/rv-monitoring/

 

[[email protected]]

As a point of reference, today in Portland, OR, my external Kestrel thermometer measured 94.5 while my inside Kestrel thermometer measured 97.1. This was at the end of the day with the van windshield directly exposed to the western sun. i also parked my van without installing the window vents or the insulated windshield shade. I had the roof vent open, but the fan was off. It is reassuring to me to know that the inside temp will be very close to the outside temp even with the van in the sun, the fan off, no window vents, and a thin cover over the front windshield. Based on this, I do not feel the need to have an alarm to warn me of high internal temps. It is pretty clear that the temp. inside my van will never exceed the outside temp by more than a few degree, which is better performance than my 1924 Bungalow.

-Jeff

 

[kenjent]

My dog hangs out in my van when I am at work. We insulated well and installed great ventilation (Maxair fan, two floor vents, and window vents). We also have black out covers on the windows and reflectix on the windshield.

Jeff,
Would you give us detail of the materials, locations, and how you insulated your van. The temperature you have achieved is very impressive. I will try to duplicate your method and materials when insulating our Transit wagon.