Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Ok I am sure I am going to Tear Drop hell for alot of my ideas.

I really do not want to do windows that open to vent; I have round ones for the doors yet they do not open. i am also doing a sunroof for the vent, yet some have said that it will not open enough to be effective as a vent. I am looking at the gap thinking it should be enough. its a 30 inch wide opening that opens 2 inches or 60 square inches on just one side and then the sides. if i were to do a regular roof vent that is about 144 square inches, so a little less than half, but i am ok with that.

I do have some 12v computer fans that i planned on sucking air from the sleeping area to the galley, how ever cousin smee said it will not be enough. plus will i really want to have the galley open at the same time i sleep at all times.

So what i was thinking of maybe of running some 4 inch PVC pipe with a grill from a hole in the floor in the galley cabinets into the sleeping area through the bulk head. Add the computer fan at this point to direct air from the vent into the sleeping area. One thing I am thinking is that the cooler air under the trailer will be drawn into the trailer.

Am I heading in the right direction.


Also I think someone needs to slap me around and say its ok to put holes in the sides.

Forrest,

Sounds like you may have a fear of leaks...?

Having a decent sized roof vent is pretty important.
A teardrop can fast become an oven without good ventilation.

While forcing air in, or out with fans will work, natural ventilation is better, as listening to the constant drone of electric fans can fast ruin the camping experience...


That said, using a fan, or fans to supplement natural ventilation is a good idea, and has been used often.

I have a vent in my floor that allows cool air from under the trailer to come in, and push the warmer air near the ceiling out the roof vent.
Both also have fans in them in case "extra" cooling is needed.

The downside to a floor vent is on a humid night, with all your neighbors campfires dying and smoking away, the air near the ground and under your trailer can get a little strong.
Regular windows are usually high enough to avoid smoking you out.

Sleeping with the hatch open in some parts of the country is risky, at best.
Since food is stored/prepared in that area, animals will investigate.
Some like ants, chipmunks, and bugs are mostly harmless, a raccoon can destroy your galley if they so choose.
Bears might check the galley, and then decide you smell better...

To be comfortable, you really need to have at least two windows, one per side is best.
Along with your skylight, or roof vent, you'll be fine.

Remember, you're cutting a hole already for the door, and a huge hole for the hatch...couple small windows are nothing!

How you seal them determines if they will leak...

Rob

I think you should build the way you want, and try it out. I had a 6" bathroom exhaust fan ducted in behind the galley and out the bottom of the trailer, as I didn't want to put a hole in the roof of my teardrop, but I framed in and ran power for a 14" X 14" Fantastic-fan in the roof just in case. Glad that frame was already there, we couldn't sleep in the trailer without better ventilation, and this was with two opening windows. So it was a matter of routing out the skin and putting in the roof vent later.

Of course if you live in Canada, it might not be an issue. The reason for location by your name is if you ask questions sometimes it has a bearing on the answers.

I'm intrigued by the idea of a floor vent to bring in cooler air. Who has done this and how well do they work? I'll have room in the galley to add a floor vent if it's really helpful for good, cooling, ventilation. My doors will have opening slider windows and the roof will have a fantastic vent. Don't mean to hijack the thread. It's a timely idea.

Years ago I had a smoked glass sun roof put in a car hoping for more cooling ventilation. Instead it was an annoying source of heat and glare. Sometimes had to wear a hat to keep from being sunburned. I also wonder if it will work as well as a fantastic vent when there's light rain. I'd think a sunroof would need to be fully closed any time its wet out while a fantastic vent could be cranked open a bit.

This is done as an exhaust for an airconditioner but will work for you if reversed. Be sure to put some really good screening on the bottom and if you use sewer pipe you can get threaded and use a screw in cap when not needed.

See it all here: http://tnttt.com/viewto ... 287#516287

I do have a fear of leaks. I also want a different clean look to the sides.

I do like the idea of pre instalation for a vent just in case.

I was thinking of adding a cap for the under floor to keep out critters and such. great thinking.

There are also something a freind suggested called Jeep snorkles, puts the air intake up above the roof line for crossing in deep water. I could add two of those as the vent on the side and plumbing into just above the head area. Will keep you posted.

It is easier to take advantage, at least in the case of the roof vent of natural convection which hot air rises naturally and then is fan assisted. Your lower vent could work, but I would at least put one in the roof if you can bring yourself to it. You might consider a plug or cover to keep the critters out when normally not in use. If your screen is very fine it will put additional stress on the motor and block the flow.