Location For MaxxAir Fan

27423 Views 24 Replies 16 Participants Last post by ranxerox, Nov 5, 2018

Rebirth

Discussion Starter · Apr 13, 2016

I have noticed that most camper conversions have located their MaxxFan vent/fan at the extreme rear of the Transit. I have some concern that this location might not be the best for me as I am planning on using a catalytic propane heater from an underboard propane tank and plan on using it four seasons here in New England. Since fresh air is needed to run the heater, I would be susceptible to drafts directly over my bed that will be located in the rear.

I am considering an alternative location just behind the first roof strut after the roofline goes from curved to flat. In that way, I should not be as susceptible to drafts. Should I be concerned about additional road noise or reduction in MPG if I were to locate in that position? Has anyone else installed there? Does anyone else see any pitfalls? It may be advantageous to have it in that location for cooking and for moisture exhaust from a rigged up shower that would be possible as well.

Thanks,

Scott

Save

1 - 3 of 25 Posts

EddieZ

· #7 · Apr 13, 2016

atoine said:
We will also install our Maxxfan forward.
We figured it's going to work better with our layout...
- To allow good air circulation in the back, we will most likely have to cut a ventilation hole (air-in) on the floor at the rear of the van.

You may have an easy solution to the rear air intake need. Under the van, at the bottom of the D pillar on both sides, there is a 3x4-or-5 inch plastic plug that can be removed. I've been running without the one on the driver side (passenger side is too close to the exhaust) for about a month. Need to devise some rodent screen for it. In a cargo van, there are plenty of holes and openings on the D pillar, for the air to come through.

Beside that, the cabin air exit vents (which we assume have one-way flaps), are hidden under the black side moldings behind the rear wheels. It has been speculated that these could be modified for air intake, but, no one has yet taken a shot at it.

Save

Reactions: 2

EddieZ

· #15 · May 1, 2016

foxharp said:
... air from the D-pillar vent exits higher up (i'd rather have that air at the floor), and i haven't yet figured out a good way to open/close it easily. we drive dirt and mud often enough that it needs to be closeable.

I don't think it's been mentioned, but, in the cargo van, you've also got that D pillar wiring access cap on the interior, about 8 inches from the floor, which is as big as the bottom cap. I do agree that the air midship should be cooler, though.

Save

EddieZ

· #20 · Sep 29, 2016

fargy483 said:
Hi EddieZ - this is good info. Do you have to pop any of the interior caps off (ie. near the rear door of the driver side) to get max airflow? Is the airflow created by removing the plastic cap(s) noticeable? Are your interior walls covered? If so, does it hinder the airflow from the D pillar vent opening?

I need to figure out how the air flows from the opening of the D pillar and into the cab I suppose. Perhaps you can shed some light. Thanks!!!

I see Foxharp covered the answers... all WRT cargo van. Don't know about wagon, but, presume trim panels cover all of the openings.

I finally wound up re-covering my D-pillar bottom cap. I was sleeping in the van several nights a week, for a couple of months, while working on a distant project. It was VERY humid. I found the short route from the D-pillar, to the MaxxFan (standard rear roof mount) was not making for enough flow-through circulation from the front windows. I was getting a lot of condensation on the inside of the windshield.

Similarly, AC-off ventilation with windows and fan suffered, because of the easy pull from D-pillar opening, to MaxxFan.

I think the D-pillar vent could still work for some people, with different needs or vent setups.

Save

1 - 3 of 25 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month