The Best 12V Fan For Campers
During the summer months, one of the biggest challenges I face is staying cool in my camper 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.
Over the years, I’ve tested several of the best 12v fan options. Some are fantastic, others aren’t powerful enough or drain power too quickly. Below I’ll share the best 12v fans I’ve found!
In this article:
- my favorite 12v fans
- pros, cons and features of each
- options for hard-wired and battery operated 12v fans
Best 12v Fan Options
12 volt fans come in two forms: the kind you hard-wire into your electrical system, and the kind that are powered by replaceable or rechargeable batteries.
Hard-wired 12v fans pull far less power, and are the most powerful 12 volt fans. On the other hand, battery powered fans are portable and great for a backup camping fan.
Hard-Wired 12v Fans
1. Sirocco II by Caframo
2. Ultimate by Caframo
3. SEEKR Bora by Caframo
4. MaxxFan Deluxe
5. Fantastic Fan
Battery Operated 12v Fans
6. Lepro Camping Fan
7. Treva Camping Fan
8. Gaiatop Camping Fan
9. Aecooly Portable Fan
Sirocco II: Best 12v Fan
Of the best 12v fans on this list, the Sirocco II by Caframo is the one I’ve been the happiest with. It’s a bit more expensive (MSRP $120), but the installation is easy, and it is so powerful (while hardly consuming any energy!) and extremely quiet.
After installing one in my camper, I loved it so much I added a second. You can read my full review of the Sirocco II by Caframo here.
1. Caframo Sirocco II 12v Fan
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 12v 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 high 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, which means it sips power and I never have to worry about leaving it on for long periods of time and draining my camper batteries.
Another great feature of the Caframo Sirocco II 12v fan is its versatility.
It can be mounted in any orientation, which means it can be installed in a variety of locations. I have one in the back of my camper near my bed, and one up front near the drivers seat. I travel with my dog, and he loves to hang out behind the drivers seat under the fan when the cab AC is running.
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.
Overall, the Sirocco II is my top pick for best 12v fan.
2. Caframo Ultimate 12v Fan
Pros:
✅ Great for tight spaces
✅ Low power draw
Cons:
❌ No safety cage
❌ Limited range of motion
If you don’t need all the features of the Sirocco II, consider the Caframo Ultimate 12v fan.
This compact 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 12v Fan
Pros:
✅ Quiet operation
✅ Durable materials
✅ 3 speed settings
Cons:
❌ No sleep timer
❌ Somewhat expensive
Bora is another best 12v fan option from Caframo, especially if you don’t need the bells and whistles that drive up the cost of the Sirocco II fan.
4. MaxxFan Deluxe 12v Fan
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 12v fan can be set to intake or exhaust air, and it can also be set to operate as a ceiling fan.
I wouldn’t survive summer in the van without this fan – it can quickly suck hot air out of my van and has so many speed options that I can easily maintain a comfortable temperature all day long.
Designed to be energy efficient, the MaxxFan Deluxe only uses 2.8 amps of power on high speed and .1 amp on low speed. I leave this fan on almost 24-hours a day and it never drains my battery bank.
My favorite feature of this 12v fan is the remote control. I can turn the fan on or off and adjust the speed and direction of the airflow from anywhere in my camper van, and don’t have to crawl across my bed to reach it.
The MaxxFan Deluxe is my top pick for best 12v fan for roof ventilation.
Check out my full MaxxFan Deluxe review.
5. Fantastic Fan 12v Fan
Pros:
✅ Intake/Exhaust fan
✅ Remote control
✅ Built-in thermostat
✅ Energy efficient
✅ Budget friendly roof fan
Cons:
❌ More complicated installation
❌ Can’t operate in rain
Fantastic Fan 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).
Read Next: MaxxAir Vs Fantastic Fan Comparison
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.
While Fantastic Fan is a close second, I still rank the MaxxFan as my top pick for best 12v fan for venting because of the additional features it provides for a comparable price.
6. Lepro Camping Fan
Pros:
✅ Very portable
✅ Rechargeable battery
✅ Cordless
✅ Light included
Cons:
❌ Not effective in larger spaces
❌ Shorter battery life
❌ Not super powerful
The rechargeable Lepro camping fan is great for campers and 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 12v fans I installed. This fan is easy to move closer to him. I’ve also used this in my car or tent while camping.
Additionally, I like that its rechargeable, but I wish the battery life was longer.
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 light.
Overall, this 12v fan is inexpensive and it gets the job done!
7. Treva Portable Camping Fan
Pros:
✅ AC power adapter provided
✅ Tilt
Cons:
❌ Non-rechargeable battery
❌ Fewer speed settings
The Treva portable camping 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 the supplied adapter.
Treva 12 volt fan comes with 2 speed settings, a compact size and can be tilted to adjust airflow direction as desired.
8. Gaiatop Portable Camping Fan
Pros:
✅ Portable
✅ Rechargeable
✅ 3-speed settings
✅ Hook and clip
✅ 360° adjustable airflow
✅ LED light
Cons:
❌ Not as energy efficient
The Gaiatop portable camping fan works well for van lifers who want to use a fan in different locations without committing to a permanent install.
It has rechargeable batteries which makes it extremely portable, and can be clipped or hung which makes it super versatile.
In addition to being quiet, this camping fan has 3 speeds and is adjustable by 360°. Best of all, it includes an LED light which is perfect for tent camping.
9. Aecooly Portable Camping Fan Pocket 01
Pros:
✅ Lightweight portable handheld
✅ Rechargeable
✅ 3-speed settings
✅ Tabletop or hook
Cons:
❌ Not as powerful
This slim, lightweight handheld camping fan is small enough to fit in your pocket!
It can be clipped onto a backpack, or folded back and set on top of a table.
Additionally, there are 3 speed settings and the battery can be recharged using the included USB power cord.
As one of the smallest and lightest 12v fans, this fan is perfect for backpacking or a great gift for an outdoorsy girl!
The Aecooly Portable Handheld Fan Pocket 01 is my top pick for best 12v fan for camping because of how portable and lightweight it is.
Overall Best 12v Fan Picks
The best hard-wired, powerful, and energy efficient 12v fan is the Sirocco II by Caframo. This is a must-have for any camper or RV.
I also recommend installing a roof vent fan to help exhaust hot air and cooking odors. My favorite 12v vent fan is the MaxxFan Deluxe.
Finally, if you need something portable the best camping fan is the Aecooly Portable Handheld Camping Fan Pocket 01. It’s a cost-effective option that’s extremely lightweight and slim, which makes it easy to use while camping or backpacking.
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