To breathe or not to breathe?

[Kody]

I am now almost ready to apply the second plywood skin to the framework of the T/D wall. Once the second skin is applied, it will be extremely difficult to impossible to make any modifications to the wall/frame. I must now decide if I should fit two small air vents in the wall, located about 8" above the floor. I have to add some more 2 x 1 framing for attaching the vent but it must be done now. Any lower and the vents will be blocked by the mattress and bedding. What have you guys used for an air vent and how big? I figured on a size around 5" x 8" at each end of the cabin sleeping area. Has the fan vent in the roof been enough to supply continuous air and what do you do when it's raining?
An air vent (especially here in Aust.) will need to be able to be sealed to keep the dust down, especially the bull dust as it's so very fine. What have you guys used and how big was your air vent? Did you make it yourself or did you buy one?


Kody

[eamarquardt]

Not sure if you'd like these but they could be installed at any time using a hole saw to cut the hole in the wall. They wouldn't be too hard to trim out on the inside with a screen to keep unwanted critters out and the o-ring ought to keep em weather tight when sealed up.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-inch-Screw-Ou ... 35ad6b18c7

They're available in 4", 6", and 8" sizes.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[hugh]

will you be installing any windows, if so they make a good air vent

[PaulC]

Hi Kody, I've only ever relied on the roof top vent to supply air. I do use Reiner's doors, which give a big advantage in the warmer weather, but when it's cool we only rely on the vent. I only build off road type TD's and dust has never been a problem.
Cheers
Paul

PS South Australia is home

[tony.latham]

On my Hunter tear (there's some pics in the for sale area) it has two 4" louvered vents in the galley (ACE sells 'em). Since there's a computer fan between the galley and cabin, I suppose the vents gave us a bit of fresh air. We still had to crack the windows a half inch or so to prevent condensation. I made a couple of foam plugs to keep the dust from coming through. I don't think I ever removed the plugs after I made 'em.

My new build? No vents. We crack the windows and might open the fan.

TL

[Shadow Catcher]

We have a top vent with two three speed computer case fans and two side windows that open, quite enough.

[Backroads4me]

My TCTeardrop has four all season air vents similar to the ones in earmarquardt's post. These are not the adjustable kind though. While at a TCT gathering, another owner mentioned he had used a 12 volt, plug in wired fan insert for his air vent, made from a computer fan. From what I understand, when there's need for additional air flow in his teardrop, he plugs the thing in. Like mine, his teardrop has the battery box and 12 volt receptacles. While I'm not electronically inclined, am not sure what he meant or how he did it, it sounds like an interesting idea.

[Kody]

G'day guys,
Thanks for all the info and ideas, they are much appreciated. I will skip the air vents and go with the open windows and fan in the roof.

Kody