Sleeping with side and/or rear doors open?

[karaald]

On summer nights, I found there's not much fresh air coming into the coach. Too few windows actually open and the "fan-tastic" vent fan doesn't pull enough air in. Anyone have a class b where the windows slide open and provide decent ventilation?

Anyone sleep with the side or read doors open? For a solo camper, seems like security would be an issue... maybe cameras or motion detectors in the doorways could be used? Is the pop-top the only way to sleep getting enough fresh air while the coach is locked?

Suggestions welcomed! short of getting a watch dog...

 

[GroupB]

Have slept with doors open when weather warrants. No less security than a tent in a campground.

Wouldn’t do it in a parking lot.

 

[MsNomer]

“ No less security than a tent in a campground.”

No less personal security, but when sleeping in a tent, valuables are usually in a locked vehicle.

My biggest concern would be critters with 4-8 legs.

 

[GeorgeRad]

I often keep my rear door in the Sprinter Camper Van slightly opened but still locked using this gadget from Hein.

https://diyvan.com/collections/sprinter-products/products/door-prop-for-sprinter-or-ford-transit

 

[jrobe-ClassB]

We use this cheap 12 volt fan if we need some extra cooling and ventilation. It is very quiet and moves a lot of air with a high and low setting.

On the other hand, our Fantastic fan moves a lot of air with one side rear window opened. In fact it gives us more ventilation than an open door would give on a still night.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NKTBNJ6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[karaald]

Great ideas re: getting fresh air

Thanks to all for the input! Now I will not limit my search to just class b's with pop-tops

 

[booster]

Thanks to all for the input! Now I will not limit my search to just class b's with pop-tops

I think you are wise to do that as popups have their own issues and compromises, like everything else to do with RVs.


We have a Chevy Roadtrek 190 so bed in rear and two relatively small side awning windows. As was mentioned, it there is no breeze it can be hard to cool off the van after a long drive (heat soak for engine and drivetrain) or a hot day.


We upgraded the ceiling fan to a Maxxair 10 speed, remote controlled, model for less energy use and more speeds available.


We also have added to Caframo Scirroco fans the ends of the front eye level cabinet ends. The allow us to select 3 speeds on each and aim either or both to front of rear to cool the cab area after driving and/or push hot air to the ceiling fan to blow it out.



With this setup we can cool the van down quite well unless the body itself is very hot from a hot and sunny day of driving when even with all the doors and windows open it can take hours to get it cooled down.


Opening the hood helps to cool the engine quicker, also, after driving.


The Carframo fans are not cheap, but they work so well for us we would replace them instantly if they ever fail.

 

[Jloeber]

Skeeter Beaters

We use Skeeter Beaters on the front door windows. They attach magnetically around the windows on the outside. You can put the windows partially up so no one can reach in.

 

[B&JinNC]

On summer nights, I found there's not much fresh air coming into the coach. Too few windows actually open and the "fan-tastic" vent fan doesn't pull enough air in. Anyone have a class b where the windows slide open and provide decent ventilation?

Anyone sleep with the side or read doors open? For a solo camper, seems like security would be an issue... maybe cameras or motion detectors in the doorways could be used? Is the pop-top the only way to sleep getting enough fresh air while the coach is locked?

Suggestions welcomed! short of getting a watch dog...

On my home built camper van I used two Maxxair Deluxe roof mounted fans, one in the bath and one over the sleeping area. They were reversible so I kept the bath fan blowing outward and the other inward. Even on a low speed they moved a remarkable amount of air through the van with no concern about rainstorms or unwanted entry.

 

[HappyCamper1-ClassB]

In our 2016 Roadtrek Simplicity we were very fortunate to have side and back screens installed when we bought our camper. Down south with the humidity with the fan on it does give us a nice breeze coming thru either back or side door. These screens are tight, top to bottom..price-wise I haven't a clue..maybe something to look into Good Luck[COLOR="[COLOR="DarkGreen"]Black[/COLOR]"][/COLOR]

 

[HappyCamper1-ClassB]

......I forgot to mention, when not in use they both roll up and out of the way!

 

[Jhv2]

Awning windows

Thanks to all for the input! Now I will not limit my search to just class b's with pop-tops

If you are looking, check out the Coachmen Nova or brand new Pixel. They have “awning style” windows that open outwards. They let a tremendous amount of air in. They can even be opened in a light rain. The newer Novas windows can be locked in “vent” mode. This allows airflow via the max aire fan even when away from the van. The possible downside to awning window is they can be more “telling” that the window is open (not in vent mode though)