Smaller fan than Fan-Tastic?

[GuitarPhotog]

I was planning to install a Fan-Tastic 4000 fan in the roof of my Tin Tent.

I measured the trailer, and I have less than 12" between roof ribs, so a 14" square Fan-Tastic won't fit.

I need something that's integrated, has a dome opening, and is assured to be weatherproof. I'm very nervous about cutting a hole in the aluminum roof, and I have no confidence in my ability to fabricate something that is weather proof.

As usual, thanks in advance to a great bunch of folks.

<Chas>

[KenC]

SoCal Teardrop sells a smaller fan unit and draws less amps

[GuitarPhotog]

SoCal Teardrop sells a smaller fan unit and draws less amps

I don't find one on their site? I emailed them to inquire.

Fewer amps would be handy.

<Chas>

[GuitarPhotog]

Found it. Not the most user-friendly site.

Thanks for the lead - 6" will fit my needs.

<Chas>

[KenC]

Found it. Not the most user-friendly site.

Thanks for the lead - 6" will fit my needs.

<Chas>

Funny, I was just about to email you the link. Yes it is hard to find but they do have some neat stuff. I've been to there shop, they have some very nice trailers, I plan on using there hinge for my doors.

your trailer looks awesome, is that an aluminum frame and skin ? .

[GuitarPhotog]

The trailer sits on a chassis of three long tubes with a couple of cross members fore and aft of the axle.

The body frame is 1" iron angle iron welded with atrocious welds. The aluminum skin is riveted to the iron ribs. The cabin storage cabinets and galley cabinets are riveted together and to the skin.

It makes the trailer very light and rigid, but difficult to modify or customize.

My speculation is that it was made by a couple of aircraft engineers who knew how to work with aluminum and how to design, but who couldn't weld worth a damn

<Chas>

[Shadow Catcher]

Or use computer case fans. Cheap, if you use three speed fans adjustable, very low power draw.

[48Rob]

The body frame is 1" iron angle iron welded with atrocious welds.
My speculation is that it was made by a couple of aircraft engineers who knew how to work with aluminum and how to design, but who couldn't weld worth a damn

<Chas>

Is it safe to proceed?

Rob

[GuitarPhotog]

Or use computer case fans. Cheap, if you use three speed fans adjustable, very low power draw.

You didn't read the part about needing a pop-up vent and making it weatherproof did you

[GuitarPhotog]

The body frame is 1" iron angle iron welded with atrocious welds.
My speculation is that it was made by a couple of aircraft engineers who knew how to work with aluminum and how to design, but who couldn't weld worth a damn

<Chas>

Is it safe to proceed?

Rob

Yeah, the riveted skin holds the whole thing together quite well. It's very rigid.

<Chas>

[GuitarPhotog]

Ordered the 6" round fan from SoCal Teardrops. Mike took a lot of time to help me make sure it would work in my trailer.

Thanks to KenC for the pointer, and to everyone else for their input.

<Chas>

[NathanL]

Or use computer case fans. Cheap, if you use three speed fans adjustable, very low power draw.

You didn't read the part about needing a pop-up vent and making it weatherproof did you

Boat places and places like Jamestown distributors sell smaller mushroom vent covers from 2" on up to really large for pretty cheap that could cover a computer 80/100/120mm fan and are low profile like a few inches tall at most.

[GuitarPhotog]

Well, the So-Cal Teardrops fan isn't going to be workable in my situation

So I'm off to the computer store to look at computer fans.

How do you vary the speed of such? Just put a rheostat in series with the motor?

<Chas>

[eamarquardt]

Vent:

http://www.easternmarine.com/Aluminum-2 ... -10-091-0/

Really cool fan controller that will control six fans and displays 6 temperatures (probes included):

http://www.xoxide.com/scythe-kaze-maste ... oller.html

Review of fan controller:

http://www.pcshoptalk.com/showthread.ph ... Controller

Or buy PWM controller for one or more "ganged" fans:

http://cgi.ebay.com/12-40V-7A-80W-DC-Mo ... 25621b34fb

120mm case fans:

http://www.bing.com/shopping/cooler-mas ... ORM=ENCA11

Way cooler (figuratively speaking) and for about the same price or less than a "fantastic fan".

Cheers,

Gus

[eamarquardt]

Well, the So-Cal Teardrops fan isn't going to be workable in my situation

So I'm off to the computer store to look at computer fans.

How do you vary the speed of such? Just put a rheostat in series with the motor?

<Chas>

Use a PWM controller to vary the speed of the fan. See my earlier post.

Cheers,

Gus