Deep Thoughts on Fans in Camper Vans
When building a camper van, proper ventilation and airflow are crucial for comfort, moisture control, and even safety. While air conditioners are often considered a necessity, vent fans and point-of-use fans are game-changers for maintaining a comfortable environment without the hefty cost or energy consumption of an air conditioner. Here’s an in-depth look at why these fans are essential for any camper van build.
Vent Fans: The Backbone of Van Ventilation
A high-quality vent fan, like the MaxxAir fan we frequently use, is one of the most important additions to any van. Here’s why:
Key Benefits of a Vent Fan
- Rain-Resistant Operation: The MaxxAir fan can run even during rain, ensuring constant airflow regardless of weather conditions.
- Driving-Friendly Design: The fan can remain open and operational while driving, making it ideal for long road trips.
- Effective Airflow: A single vent fan can move a significant amount of air, enough to create a steady breeze through the van.
- Quiet: sturdy and robust, these fans have held up time and time again.
The placement of your vent fan depends on how you use your van:
- Front Placement: Ideal for cooking areas, a front-mounted vent fan can quickly exhaust food smells and steam. Pair it with bed windows and screened vents for cross-ventilation.
- Rear Placement: Less common and less effective, rear-mounted fans don’t work well for direct breeze while sleeping due to the screen diffusing the air, but they do still pull air from outside for cross ventilation.
- Either way: Roost Vans has a bamboo trim ring to dress it up – available for purchase on our website.

Vent fans aren’t just for warm-weather trips. In colder environments, they are essential for managing moisture. Did you know a single person exhales about a liter of moisture overnight? Multiply that by the number of people in the van, and you have a recipe for condensation and mildew.
Here’s a proven strategy for moisture control:
- Set the vent fan to its lowest setting, pointed outward.
- Use a heater to maintain warmth.
This combination ensures your van stays cozy and dry, preventing condensation buildup while keeping you warm all night long.
Point-of-Use Fans: A Targeted Cooling Solution
For those looking for a more focused airflow, point-of-use fans are an excellent complement to a vent fan. These fans are smaller, portable, and incredibly energy-efficient.
Why Point-of-Use Fans?
- Direct Cooling: Perfect for hot nights, these fans provide a gentle, localized breeze to keep you cool without the noise of a vent fan at full speed.
- Energy Efficiency: Designed to consume minimal power, they are ideal for off-grid campers who want to conserve battery life.
- Customizable Settings: Many models include multiple speed options, a timer, and adjustable angles, allowing you to direct airflow exactly where you need it.
Point-of-Use Fans vs. Vent Fans
While vent fans are great for overall air circulation and moisture control, point-of-use fans excel at personal cooling. For instance:
- Vent fans work well for pulling hot air out of the van or managing smells.
- Point-of-use fans are ideal for creating a light breeze while sleeping or relaxing.
For the best results, combine a vent fan with windows that open and point-of-use fans. This setup allows you to:
- Exhaust hot air while drawing in cooler air.
- Use cross-ventilation for better airflow.
- Direct cooling air exactly where you need it without relying on noisy or energy-intensive solutions.
The Budget-Friendly Alternative to Air Conditioning
If an air conditioner isn’t in your budget, this combination can keep you surprisingly comfortable, even in warmer climates. At trade shows in 100°F+ weather, our team has relied on vent fans and point-of-use fans to stay cool at night. By pairing the two, you can create a pleasant sleeping environment without the expense of an air conditioner.
2 Fans or 1?
These fans move so much air that 2 fans is a bit overkill. That in combination with eliminating a lot of roof real estate, adding cost, and just being a bit unnecessary makes 1 fan over 2 a no brainer. Sometimes there is an argument of one blowing in and one blowing out, our answer to that is put that money into a vented window as the vent fan moves so much air, a second is unnecessary. Granted, if your are transporting 10 dogs in your van, maybe a 2nd fan is desirable.
Key Takeaways
- Vent fans are a must-have for effective airflow, moisture control, and overall ventilation in your van.
- Point-of-use fans provide direct cooling and are perfect for those who prefer a targeted breeze.
- Together, they offer an affordable, energy-efficient solution for staying comfortable on the road.
At Roost Vans, we believe in practical, effective solutions for every van build. A well-placed vent fan and a quality point-of-use fan can transform your van into a comfortable, livable space no matter where your adventures take you.
Ready to upgrade your van’s ventilation? Contact us or visit roostvans.com to learn more about our products and services!