Member III
I really, really want to install a MaxxFan Deluxe in the roof of my 4Runner. With my upper window shades that allow me to leave the windows cracked in the rain, and the rain-proof fan, I could maintain constant airflow through the vehicle in any condition, with minimal security risk. I already have a 2nd isolated battery that would power it.
Pros:
1) When sleeping in the rig (on my sleeping platform) on hotter evenings, I could go as extreme as blowing the fan inward, directly onto us (the fan would be roughly in line with the rear headrests, or at our waists when sleeping in the rig), and keep the windows cracked to allow outflow. This greatly extends our overlanding options into the summer months.
2) During hot summer days, as mentioned above, I can keep the windows cracked while I am away (as I already do), but also allow the fan to run at a low setting. Between this and the winshield shade, the inside temp shouldnt exceed ambient for the most part, which will make returning that much better, and my coming fridge from having to work as hard. Even now, on a breezy day, getting into the rig provides immediate relief from the harsh sun without that "baking in an oven while you wait for the AC" feeling. Of course, the fan would allow me to replicate these conditions all the time. I would likely spring for the remote-controlled version, potentially allowing me to "purge" the vehicle before I wnter on particularly hot days.
Cons:
1) I'd have to cut a big ol hole in the roof. I am indeed planning on keeping this rig forever, or at least well past any point where the value would be significantly affected by this hole (anyone buying it would just be looking for an old reliable 'wheelin' rig). But still, it's not something I can undo if I end up not liking it.
2) It might look a little goofy, especially when open (it is like 9.5" tall when open, and a hair over 5" closed). I plan to mitigate some of this by paint-matching it to my rig, but overall I say form follows function. One real caution will be making sure it is closed before entering any garages or parking structures. My rig isnt terribly tall, and when closed the fan cap will only sit 1-1.5" above the factory roof rack, but it might be a factor with the fan open.
Thoughts?
Pros:
1) When sleeping in the rig (on my sleeping platform) on hotter evenings, I could go as extreme as blowing the fan inward, directly onto us (the fan would be roughly in line with the rear headrests, or at our waists when sleeping in the rig), and keep the windows cracked to allow outflow. This greatly extends our overlanding options into the summer months.
2) During hot summer days, as mentioned above, I can keep the windows cracked while I am away (as I already do), but also allow the fan to run at a low setting. Between this and the winshield shade, the inside temp shouldnt exceed ambient for the most part, which will make returning that much better, and my coming fridge from having to work as hard. Even now, on a breezy day, getting into the rig provides immediate relief from the harsh sun without that "baking in an oven while you wait for the AC" feeling. Of course, the fan would allow me to replicate these conditions all the time. I would likely spring for the remote-controlled version, potentially allowing me to "purge" the vehicle before I wnter on particularly hot days.
Cons:
1) I'd have to cut a big ol hole in the roof. I am indeed planning on keeping this rig forever, or at least well past any point where the value would be significantly affected by this hole (anyone buying it would just be looking for an old reliable 'wheelin' rig). But still, it's not something I can undo if I end up not liking it.
2) It might look a little goofy, especially when open (it is like 9.5" tall when open, and a hair over 5" closed). I plan to mitigate some of this by paint-matching it to my rig, but overall I say form follows function. One real caution will be making sure it is closed before entering any garages or parking structures. My rig isnt terribly tall, and when closed the fan cap will only sit 1-1.5" above the factory roof rack, but it might be a factor with the fan open.
Thoughts?
