Build an Inexpensive Camper Fan



On a recent early summer trip, the Grandview SP got a little warm inside during the day, especially while we were setting the unit up. AC was not an option, since we were camping at a state park site with no hookups. A little breeze would have been nice, but the wind outside was calm. Even with all the windows open it got uncomfortable inside. I decided that we needed a Camper Fan.

This is a 12 volt automotive fan that was purchased at Wal-Mart for $7.99. 12 volt automotive fans are also available from auto parts stores and mail order sources. This particular fan includes an "oscillating" feature that moves the fan back and forth while it is running. It can also be operated without the oscillating feature to direct air flow in a single direction. It has a switch with low and high speed positions.

A couple of modifications were necessary to optimize the fan for use in the camper. The fan came equipped with a cigar lighter plug for automotive operation. There are no lighter plugs in the camper, and I have no plans to install any. Instead, I decided to use the same connector that the bunk end lights use to get power from the fixed ceiling lights. The "official technical name" for this type of connector is a "1/4 inch phone plug".

Also needed was a better power supply cord for the fan. The bunk end lights use a coiled power cord, so I procured a 12 volt cigar lighter plug extension cord and lopped the ends off, keeping the cable for the fan. I soldered the plug end to the connection terminals inside of the 1/4" phone plug. For the switch box end, I opened the box and de-soldered the old power supply wire, then soldered the coiled wire where the old wire was originally connected. The coiled wire stretches to allow fan placement anywhere inside of the camper.

Since the fan has a bracket that is designed for attachment to a wall, I needed a way to temporarily clamp it to something on the inside of the camper while it was in use. I had a bunch of spring loaded tarp clamps in the garage. They are designed to hold plastic tarps in place, and are manufactured from heavy duty plastic and include a very strong spring. I liberated one from storage and proceeded to turn it into a Fan Clamp. I drilled some holes in one side of the clamp and attached the fan bracket there.

This fan is a bit noisy, but it really does move some air for its size. When operating, it draws about 0.9 amps on high speed, and 0.7 amps on low speed. This should be fine for the lighting jacks and will allow for at least a weekend's worth of normal operating time with a Group 24 or 27 deep cycle battery. If you decide to wire one up yourself, be advised that basic wiring and soldering skills are necessary if you build yours the same way I built mine. Use caution and inspect your work carefully for short circuit or places where a short circuit could potentially occur after the fan has been used for a while. The lighting circuit in the camper is protected by a fuse, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

 


Close-up view of the 1/4" phone plug. This one was purchased at Radio Shack. Note that it is the "right-angle" variety. just like the plugs on bunk lights.


 


Close-up view of the fan and speed switch attached to the clamp. The switch box is attached to the clamp using a cable tie wrap.

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