The best cooling other than an AC is a fan. RV roof fans get great reviews and my friend has one in his van which works great. So I decided to install an RV Roof Fan. I used the Fan-Tastic Vent Model 4000 which I bought on Amazon for $142. I chose this model because it is quite, has three speed settings and has a reverse motor which will allow me to remove all the hot air from my van if needed. I did not upgrade to the remote control model simply because I fear that after my modifications, the electric “hood” won’t survive.

Above is a picture of how it looks from the top and below is a picture of how it looks when installed on the roof of your RV or van.



The unique part of my setup is I will not be installing this on my roof. I will be installing this in my floor. The purpose of this is to be covert and because the air under your car is cooler than on top due to the shade your car creates.

To install this in the floor of your van, you will need to do some cutting and flip all the controls. You will need the tinted cover to be inside your van AND the control knobs to be inside your van (see above pictures to understand). If you install it as is and have the tinted cover on the underside of your van, you will risk losing that cover fast when you forget to close it when your subject takes off fast.

First, you want to unscrew everything to get into the controls



Then you want to pull all the controls out of their spots (except for the cover raiser knob)



Then you cut holes for the controls in the opposite panel and install the controls (except for the cover raiser knob)



Then you install the panels back together and seal the original holes (notice the screen location in the pic below)



The fan comes with a 5″ long cover that is meant to mount on the inside of the roof. I used it to raise the location of the fan inside the van. The purpose of this is to further protect the motor from elements. The motor is sealed well, and the dual plastic fans protect it further. The screen also adds good protection from large objects. However by raising the entire system 5″ from the floor into the van, even less water and dirt will reach the motor.



Next we start cutting the floor. I elected to place the vent in the rear cargo area of the van that is usually used for rear seat storage (I removed my rear seats). I placed it on the passenger side because I will be using the driver side for another project. However I recommend you place it on the driver side to avoid heat from the exhaust pipe.

Cut the carpet first. This will make it much easier to cut the steel.



Next we cut the steel floor. Keep in mind the hole does not have to be as large as the box. I made my hole slightly smaller. I painted the cuts with spray paint to avoid rust. I also used tape putty to mount the unit (see below).



Next I place the mounting box onto the clay and seal the box very generously.



Next I place the fan unit on top of the box (it is meant to fit and seal). Then I drill holes using the fan unit holes as guides. I spray painted the drilled steel to avoid rust. After, I inset 5″ bolts with washers and use washers and bolts on the bottom side.





Then I used “Peel and Seal” foil from Lowes to line the 5″ space between the floor and upper fan lip. I did this on both sides as the plastic is thin and I wanted to “deaden” it more.



Your tinted cover cannot be mechanically controlled now as you lost your knob. It will work manually by lifting it by hand and closing it by hand. You will want to use a hook and rubber strap to keep it closed when driving.



I also used a strap to keep the top pressed down to avoid road noise. The above closing system is for short term use. However, if you don’t plan to use the vent for a few days, I recommend using a strap like below.



Because I mounted the unit on the passenger side near the exhaust pipes, I used a heat barrier on the exhaust pipes to avoid heat from the pipes to rise into the 5″ raised area.



A final note. The unit has a cut off switch. So even if the fan is on and working while the hood is open, the unit will shut off automatically when the hood is closed even if you do not turn it off. So if you are on a stakeout, and your subject comes and and you need to go fast, all you need to do is push the hood closed. Later you can using your lock to close it.

Final picture. Excuse the poser and ground wire. I didn’t have time to install it into my dual battery setup yet…