Dashboard fan

by ian Mon May 23, 2011 3:02 pm

I'm planning and equiping my autosleeper for a long trip abroad in the late summer/autumn. It doesn't have aircon and so I was thinking of putting a fan on the dashboard. I've seen these on the big lorrys and thought they must be ok. Does anyone have experience of these ? I'm looking at the chrome ones on ebay that yo screw on the top of the dashboard (link http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=%09+12v+Metal+Oscillating+Car+%2F+Truck+%2F+Van+Fan+-+NEW&_sacat=See-All-Categories). Wouldn't need one today...someone should turn the fan down!

by CC Mon May 23, 2011 5:41 pm

Hi ian

never tried one myself but guess they must work OK as people wouldn't have them otherwise, have you checked the sellers feedback to see if any buyers were unhappy or pleased with the fan? Otherwise someone here may pop along who has experience of these things!

by whisky Tue May 24, 2011 7:37 pm

Hi Ian.
I got a dashboard fan just like the one you are looking at.Thought it would be a good addition to the van. I've an executive too. fixed mine to a large spring clip before attaching permanently to the dash. Sad to say never found the need to use it. Noisy when it oscilates and not that great creating a breeze, better opening the window a bit. mine now lives in the locker at the back of the passenger seat. Best to see if you can try before you buy.
Sorry to be a bit of a downer on this but you wanted an honest opinion.

Good luck. Whisky. think_smiley_46

by ian Tue May 24, 2011 9:24 pm

Thanks Whisky,
Appreciate the reply. I was already dubious and now that settles it. They're not cheap either so I'll give it a miss. up!

by kenjones Wed May 25, 2011 10:32 am

I bought a fan from Halfords. It has a sucker to stick on the screen or dash.

It does work but the noise is just too much. It was a waste of money.

I have mounted a different one in the back and it's good for the (rare) occasions when I leave the dog. Cathy has also found it helps dry her hair on a warm day!

by deckie Sat Jul 09, 2011 4:29 pm

ian wrote:I'm planning and equiping my autosleeper for a long trip abroad in the late summer/autumn. It doesn't have aircon and so I was thinking of putting a fan on the dashboard. I've seen these on the big lorrys and thought they must be ok. Does anyone have experience of these ? I'm looking at the chrome ones on ebay that yo screw on the top of the dashboard (link http://shop.ebay.co.uk/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=%09+12v+Metal+Oscillating+Car+%2F+Truck+%2F+Van+Fan+-+NEW&_sacat=See-All-Categories). Wouldn't need one today...someone should turn the fan down!

Hi Ian,
I am glad you are looking at steel fans, as i had one with plastic blades shatter on me a few years ago (Motorhome,French Autoroute,70 mph) the cage did not stop bits hitting me in the face.
I know i am not pretty but SH...........T,
Frightened the life out of me.
Enjoy your long trip,
Brian

by **roli** Sat Jul 09, 2011 5:32 pm

Some friends of ours had a dash mounted in an Exec that started life as a plug in via the cigar lighter, it was reasonably quiet so he wired direct. I suspect where they live it came from either the nearest Halfords or a Motorhome Dealers Acc'y Shop on their travels

by Alf Sun Jul 10, 2011 10:37 am

Anyone in need of a good 12volt fan should look here both fixed and oscillating ones are stacked at good prices
https://www.roadpro.co.uk/retail/product_search.aspx?search=fans

Alf

by Alf Sun Jul 10, 2011 11:40 am

kenjones wrote:I bought a fan from Halfords. It has a sucker to stick on the screen or dash.

It does work but the noise is just too much. It was a waste of money.

I have mounted a different one in the back and it's good for the (rare) occasions when I leave the dog. Cathy has also found it helps dry her hair on a warm day!

We always have the roof light over the kitchen changed to a fan assisted one,ours will intake or extract and the speed is adjustable its a boon for hot days.
We also use the eberspacher on the fan only setting it does move the air about

by deckie Sun Jul 10, 2011 2:00 pm

Alf wrote:Anyone in need of a good 12volt fan should look here both fixed and oscillating ones are stacked at good prices
https://www.roadpro.co.uk/retail/product_search.aspx?search=fans

Alf

Hi Alf & all,
Adding to my previous warning, the type of fan that exploded on me LOOKED the same as the C3213 in the above advert.
When my side fan shattered i stopped my wifes fan just in case.
Later at the camp site i checked those blades and they crumbled in my fingers.
These fans had been fitted for some years, so prob, lost their plasticity.
Not the kind of experience i want anyone else to suffer.... could have lost an eye.
I will only use a steel bladed one.
Brian

by Cymro Mon Jul 11, 2011 9:16 am

whisky wrote:Hi Ian.
I got a dashboard fan just like the one you are looking at.Thought it would be a good addition to the van. I've an executive too. fixed mine to a large spring clip before attaching permanently to the dash. Sad to say never found the need to use it. Noisy when it oscilates and not that great creating a breeze, better opening the window a bit. mine now lives in the locker at the back of the passenger seat. Best to see if you can try before you buy.
Sorry to be a bit of a downer on this but you wanted an honest opinion.

Good luck. Whisky.

Exactly my experience, too.

by Dutto Mon Jul 11, 2011 4:36 pm

Hi there,

I even bought one with two "inserts".

One was a solid block that could be stuck in the freezer to cool and then inserted to blow cool air across the dashboard.

The second was a sponge affair that could be filled with water; which then "auto-cooled" the air by evaporation as it blew it across the dashboard.

Both were totally useless after about ten minutes and the fans were more noisy than any passing traffic.

We have since made do with black mesh "see-through" screens and suction cups, to shade ourselves, and open windows.

However, a better remedy is to pull over under a shady tree, get a blanket out and then go to sleep until it starts to cool off!! A much recommended way to beat the heat on the continent!

Best regards,

Dutto drinksallround

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