The Best 12 Volt Fans For Camper Vans & RVs
I live in my camper van full-time with my dog, Oscar. One of the best things I included during my van build was a 12 volt fan. In fact, I loved my fan so much I added another fan for my second year on the road.
During the summer months, one of the biggest challenges I face is staying cool in my van. Temperatures can soar during the day even when I’m actively trying to avoid hot weather, and it can be challenging to get a good night’s sleep if my van is stuffy. That’s where 12 volt fans come in really handy! I have several in my van and couldn’t imagine life without them (or I could… it would just be really hot).
In this article, I’ll take a closer look at 12 volt fans for van life and what you need to know before buying one. Additionally, I share which fans I installed in my own camper van.
Best 12 Volt Fans For Van Life
12 volt fans are available in two categories: portable or hard-wired. It is likely that you’ll need one from each category. Hard-wired fans are more energy efficient and typically more powerful at moving air, but by nature they’re not portable. Portable fans are typically cordless and can be moved around as needed.
The best 12 volt fan for camper vans or RVs is the Sirocco II by Caframo.
Best 12 Volt Fans – Hard Wired (Permanently Installed)
These fans are wired into your van batteries and are often installed permanently on a wall or on the ceiling.
#1 Caframo Sirocco II 12V Fan
The Caframo Sirocco II fan is a powerful and efficient fan that is designed for use in vans. Read my full Sirocco II fan review here.
Pros:
✅ Highly Energy Efficient
✅ 360° Swivel on 3-axis
✅ Quiet Operation
✅ Auto-Off Sleep Timer
✅ Powerful Airflow
Cons:
❌ Expensive
❌ Always-on LED power light for timer
❌ No remote control
One of the most impressive features of the Sirocco II fan is its powerful motor. It can move up to 185 cubic feet of air per minute, which is more than enough to cool down small spaces quickly.
Despite its power, the fan is also very quiet, making it perfect for use in small spaces where noise can be a problem. I have no problems sleeping with this fan on, even when set to full speed.
The Sirocco II fan is also designed to be energy efficient. It uses only 0.14 amps of power on low speed and 0.41 amps on high speed, making it an ideal choice for van life.
Additionally, it is designed to be durable, with a high-impact nylon casing that can withstand the wear and tear of van life.
Another great feature of the Caframo Sirocco II fan is its versatility. It can be mounted in any orientation, which means it can be installed in a variety of locations.
The 3-axis gimbal allows the fan blades to be directed in 360°. Additionally, the fan is able to be stored flat against the wall when not in use, which opens up far more ways to install it knowing it can be moved out of the way.
Next, Caframo Sirocco II has three speed settings. I have found that the lowest speed setting is a great white noise maker for bedtime. At its highest speed the fan throws a lot of air! It’s hard to believe Sirocco II can be so powerful while only drawing .41 amps! I usually have my running for several hours each day and never notice a drop in my battery bank.
Lastly, Sirocco II has a built-in sleep timer. You can choose to auto-off after 3, 6, 9 or 12 hours. This is great for warm nights when the fan is wonderful to have on while falling asleep, but as the evening cools off it becomes too chilly to sleep comfortably with the fan running.
I’ve also found great use for the auto-off timer when I’m running errands and leave my dog in the van for short periods. Setting the auto-off allows me to keep the fan on for him but not have to remember to turn it off later before driving. The fewer things I have to pull-over to adjust when I’ve forgotten the first time, the better!
My primary complaint about the Caframo Sirocco II is that the sleep timer has a blue LED indicator light that’s not possible to turn off while the auto-off timer is enabled. Even so, I actually bought a second one of these fans to install in my van during my first summer because I love them so much!
#2 Caframo Ultimate
If you don’t need all the features of the Sirocco II, consider the Caframo Ultimate fan.
Pros:
✅ Great for tight spaces
✅ Low power draw
Cons:
❌ No safety cage
❌ Limited range of motion
This compact 12v fan has the ability to tilt and can be hard-wired into your van or rv. It’s cage free, unlike the Sirocco II, but still has a low power draw.
#3 Bora by Caframo
Bora is another great option from Caframo, especially if you don’t need the bells and whistles that drive up the cost of the Sirocco II fan.
Pros:
✅ Quiet operation
✅ Durable materials
✅ 3 speed settings
Cons:
❌ No sleep timer
❌ Somewhat expensive
#4 MaxxAir Fan
The MaxxFan Deluxe is a powerful roof ventilation fan for van lifers. This fan has a number of features that make it a great investment.
Pros:
✅ Intake/Exhaust Fan
✅ Remote Control
✅ Built-in Thermostat
✅ Energy Efficient
✅ Ceiling Fan Mode
✅ Very Powerful
Cons:
❌ Expensive
❌ More Complicated Installation
One of the most impressive features of the MaxxFan Deluxe is its ability to provide both ventilation and airflow. The fan can be set to intake or exhaust air, and it can also be set to operate as a ceiling fan. This versatility allows users to customize the fan’s settings to suit their specific needs.
Another great feature of the MaxxFan Deluxe is its built-in rain cover. This cover allows the fan to be used in all weather conditions, even when it’s raining outside or while driving. The cover also prevents debris and insects from entering the van when the fan is in use.
Designed to be energy efficient, the MaxxFan Deluxe only uses 2.8 amps of power on high speed and .1 amp on low speed.
The MaxxFan Deluxe is also easy to use. It has a remote control that allows users to turn the fan on or off and adjust the speed and direction of the airflow from anywhere in the camper van.
Finally, the MaxxFan Deluxe has a built-in thermostat, which allows you to set the temperature you’d like your van to be, and the fan will automatically shut off once it’s reached that temperature. Conversely, the fan will automatically turn on if the temperature exceeds your thermostat setting.
Check out my full MaxxFan Deluxe review.
#5 Fantastic Fan
The Fantastic fan is a great budget option if the MaxxFan Deluxe is not in your price range.
Pros:
✅ Intake/Exhaust Fan
✅ Remote Control
✅ Built-in Thermostat
✅ Energy Efficient
✅ Budget Friendly Roof Fan
Cons:
❌ More Complicated Installation
❌ Not the MaxxFan Deluxe
It is powered by 12 volts and consumes only 3.3 amps of power on high speed and 1.6 amps on low speed, making it an energy-efficient option (although not as efficient as the MaxxFan).
Another great feature of the Fantastic fan is its multiple speed settings. It has three speeds, which means you can adjust the airflow to your liking. This is especially important in hot weather when you need more airflow to stay cool and comfortable.
Lastly, the fan has a built-in thermostat that automatically adjusts the speed of the fan according to the temperature in the room.
Best 12 Volt Fan – Portable Options
These fans are cordless and can be used anywhere. I’ve found these to be great for camping trips, or to bring to local breweries to keep my dog cool when we’re out exploring.
#6 Camping Lantern With Camping Fan
This rechargeable camping fan is great for van life. I purchased this as a portable fan for my dog and am surprised by how much we use it. On warmer days my dog likes to lay on the floor of the van, which is far from the other fans I have installed. This fan is easy to move closer to him. I’ve also used this in my tent while camping. Furthermore, I like that it’s rechargeable, but I do wish the battery life lasted longer.
Pros:
✅ Very Portable
✅ Rechargeable Battery
✅ Cordless
✅ Light Included
Cons:
❌ Not Effective in Larger Spaces
❌ Short Battery Life
❌ Not super powerful
In addition to being portable, this fan has a clip and a hook, which makes it possible to mount just about anywhere. It has 3 operating speeds, and there is even an LED light setting for dim or bright.
This fan is on the cheaper end and it gets the job done!
#7 Treva 10-Inch Portable Fan
The Treva portable fan is battery operated and has a built-in handle. In addition to operating with 6 D batteries this fan can also be operated with AC power (household power) using a supplied adapter.
Pros:
✅ AC power adapter provided
✅ Tilt
Cons:
❌ Non-Rechargeable Battery Operated
❌ Fewer Speed Settings
Treva 12 volt fan comes with 2 speed settings, a compact size and can be tilted to adjust airflow direction as desired.
#8 USB Desk Fan
This 6.5 inch desktop fan works well for van lifers who want to use a fan in different locations without committing to a permanent install. It uses a USB power cable which makes it easy to connect to your vans electrical system, or even your laptop for power.
Pros:
✅ Portable
✅ Powerful High Speed
✅ 4-Speed Settings
✅ Quiet Operation
✅ Adjustable airflow
✅ Inexpensive
Cons:
❌ Corded
❌ Not as energy efficient
In addition to being quiet, this USB fan has 4 speeds and is adjustable up to 90°. On the highest setting this fan uses 2 amps of power.
What is a 12 Volt Fan?
A 12 volt fan is a type of fan that runs on a 12 volt battery or power source. These fans are typically smaller in size and portable, making them perfect for van life. They’re also energy-efficient and won’t drain your battery quickly, which is crucial when relying on solar panels as your primary power source.
Conclusion – Best 12 Volt Fan for Van Life
A 12 volt fan can be a lifesaver for van life during the summer. I have installed both a Sirocco II and MaxxFan Deluxe in my van build, and I get lots of use out of my portable 12 volt fan – especially for my dog.
If you’re planning to travel in colder climates be sure to check out the best Diesel Heaters for Van Life.
