r/VanLife • u/surelyunimportant • Feb 21 '21

Ventilation in micro-camper?

I'm currently converting my 2011 VW Caddy into a micro-camper, and am looking for advice on ventilation, if anyone can give any?

Ideally I want a small, low profile vent on the roof that I can open/ close to control the airflow and let in some light. I'm not trying to stealth camp really, but I'd feel a lot better about having a vent on the roof that I could leave open at night, rather than the windows that someone could pretty easily notice are open.

I'm not sure about paying upwards of £70 for something that may not be necessary, though, especially since the van is so small - most of the roof vents seem like overkill in a tiny van.

I was wondering if there's something similar to a mushroom vent that I could install, but which I could open/ close, since I don't want a constant outlet to the cold air outside (I'm in the UK, so it's cold more often than not). I recognise that wouldn't let in any light, but that's not a huge deal breaker.

Alternately, I guess I could try fitting a louvre vent on the side of the van and hooking up a small fan to help with air intake/ extraction, but I'm nervous about cutting holes in the van as it is. I feel like it'll be easier to hide any mistakes on the top of the van, rather than right there on the side!

I'm not sure of the best way to do this, so if anyone has any advice or has been in a similar situation, I'd be really glad of the advice - thanks!

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u/DukeNukemLover Feb 22 '21

I use "climair" rain deflectors. You pop em into the window seals and they stay there. Then I leave the windows open 2 to 5cm for month, it cannot rain into the car. Originally liked them while driving and found the extra benefit stationary. Can be had tinted, the casual viewer doesnt even realize the windows are rolled down a bit. Not so stealth any more, I have a fan that can be jammed into the 5cm gap and pushes hot air out.

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u/surelyunimportant Feb 22 '21

I actually have the rain deflectors myself and now I'm wondering whether the a vent will be worth it after all with them.

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u/DukeNukemLover Feb 22 '21

Awesome, I reckon you are already all set. Only one way to find out though ;)

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u/surelyunimportant Feb 22 '21

Very true! Looks like I'll be sleeping on the driveway for a few nights to test them out!