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batesrt

ohio

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Posted: 04/16/12 08:56am

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Anyone know where I can buy a DC fan (my RV dealer doesn't sell them...any regular stores like Walmart or Lowes etc ?

Will a fan that plugs directly into the cigarette lighter outlet have the same amp-saving effect?

Huntindog

phoenix arizona USA

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Posted: 04/16/12 01:34pm

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batesrt wrote:

I had a small one about 6" or so a while back in my truck. IMO, you won't be happy with one.
Moving air takes energy. It doesn't really matter whether it is 12 or 110 volts. 110 volt fans are much more powerful, reliable and easier to get. IF, and this is a big IF you could find a 12 volt fan that moved the same amount of air that your 110 volt one does,,,you would find that the energy draw from the battery is about the same. The only difference would be the amount that your inverter is consuming, about 10-20%.

Bottom line is you need more battery capacity or a small generator.

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batesrt

ohio

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Posted: 04/16/12 02:08pm

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Son of Norway wrote:

Chakara stated your problem exactly. Try using a couple of DC fans.

Miles

Where do you get these??? My RV dealer doesn't have them

batesrt

ohio

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Posted: 04/16/12 02:08pm

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Yeah battery is my only option. Would a 6v golf cart type battery be best then, as opposed to a regular deep cycle battery? Looks like they have more Amp Hours, but not sure if I have to do anything differently to hook it up? Do I have to have two of them?

Chakara

New Mexico

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Posted: 04/16/12 09:04pm

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Yes - 6V requires 2 batteries. Search 12V Side of Life.

Fans can be purchased at most automotive sources - local or online.

-Chak

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HappyTrails2U2

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Posted: 04/17/12 09:07am

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batesrt wrote:

Where do you get these??? My RV dealer doesn't have them

Google them and you can find just about every brand made.

Here is one made by Fanstic Vent - called Endless Breeze that Camping World carries and Adventurerv.net has it even cheaper.
http://www.adventurerv.net/fantastic-vent-endless-breeze-fan-p-1456.html

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batesrt

ohio

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Posted: 04/17/12 09:21am

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And if i get this one and plug into the cigarette adapter, and it's a 1amp fan, it's only going to pull 1amp ?

(Unlike my current setup, where my 1amp 110v fan is actually pulling 10amps due to the power inverter it plugs into)

CA Traveler

The Western States

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Posted: 04/17/12 09:38am

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batesrt wrote:

And if i get this one and plug into the cigarette adapter, and it's a 1amp fan, it's only going to pull 1amp ?

Yes. Just saw a 8" DC fan in a truck stop so that is another source.

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bryanl

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Posted: 04/17/12 12:15pm

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re: "Preferably golf cart 6 VDC deep cycles."

there is so much bad information on this ...

Usable battery capacity is about 12 watt hours per pound and the battery voltage (6 or 12) is irrelevant. Battery life is also not a matter of voltage.

If you use proper units for power (watts) and energy (watt hours), it is a lot easier to make sense of things.

Battery energy capacity is rated for draws of about 1 watt per pound. Higher draws mean less available energy. You should only use about half the rated energy (the battery gets down to 12,0 - 12.2 volts after at least a half hour of no significant charging or discharging) for best battery cost efficiency.

A roof vent fan is a good way to improve air circulation in the rig. A 12v table fan such as Fantastic Fan makes is very good for a cool breeze to sit in. These can run at up to 100 watts or so.

A fan from a defunct PC can often be used in the refrigerator vent to help the fridge keep its cool. These can run about 10 watts.

Keep in mind that battery life is degraded when its temperature gets above 90F.

An inverter usually has about a 10% efficiency loss. If you use one of these, it should be connected directly to the battery with proper wiring.

A typical power outlet, cigarette lighter type plug in an RV is usually rated for no more than 100 - 150 watts.

There just isn't that much energy storage in lead acid batteries to do much so keeping your expectations in line with reality can be a learning experience.

Bryan