Fan or mini portable aircon?

Cardie Bob · Member

Fan or mini portable aircon?

Bicyclecamper · Guru

They are not real aircon's, they are evaporated coolers, where you add cold water, and it supposedly puts out cool air. I got caught 20 years ago with the same con. To actually work you need to be in an dry hot area without humidity, otherwise, it puts out heaps of moisture. The one I did buy is a 12/240 volt thing, that is just okay in warm dry weather, but I would give those coolers an average of no more then 3 out of ten. Better off with a cheap 12 volt fan from Jaycar. This is what we have done for our camper/

PeterInSa · Guru

Not $100, but $248 and can run off a Honda 20i Generator. have read of similar being used in Motorhomes, with the outlet out the door/window.

www.homeappliancesplus.com.au/products/devanti-portable-air-conditioner-cooling-mobile-fan-cooler-dehumidifier-white-2000w

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Then $12 for stand fan from Bunnings !!

Cardie Bob · Member

Thanks Ric

Mike Harding · Guru

Try this:

12V fan

I often use mine rather than the AC plus I can sit outside and have it blowing on me.

Don't waste your money on one of those small, so called, "air conditioners".

PS. Shop around a bit and you may find the fan $10 or so cheaper.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I fitted a Sirocco II 12/24v fan above my bed and love it. It's quiet and has 3 speeds but find low is plenty. It usually goes all night. They advertise here on the forum and the add is just at top of page.

Keep Safe out there.

peter67 · Guru

Dougwe is so right. Sirocco fan has brilliant blade design, low speed very effective even 2mtrs away on a hot night. Draws so little power to do such a mighty job and marine grade construction, can't beat them. Did I mention really quiet as well?

hufnpuf · Senior Member

I got a Companion rechargeable mini evaporative cooler for my small van. Bicyclecamper is right-evaporative coolers only work where you've got dry heat, which we get here in the west. They work well over here and they are cooler than just a fan. Forget it in humid climates, it'll only make things worse. The unit is small and easily fits in the cupboard. I'm happy with it but I'm familiar with evaporative coolers and I'm in the right climate where they work. As bicyclecamper said, it's not an airconditioner and doesn't cool the space like an airconditioner, it blows cool air on you.

One other low-tech way of keeping cool is to use "cold water bottles". Wrap an icebrick in a teatowel and put your feet on it. Works like a hot water bottle in winter. Again, probably no good in humidity because as it melts it wets underneath it. Stick a towel underneath.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I fitted a fan inside the roof vent above bed . So it can (if wanted ) draw fresh air from outside in horizontal position . Runs fine off the light circuit .,

Bicyclecamper · Guru

The problem is that the have canvass around their beds, like I have so it is either an crappy Evap. Cooler or a f portable fan of some sort, that they can set up. A Sirocco, would be pretty hard to set up on pull out beds., or in the caravan section, as the whole roof collapses.

hufnpuf · Senior Member

The cooler I got can also just be used as a fan, you don't have to add water. It oscillates, but the unit itself doesn't move, so you don't need a lot of room to allow for the oscillation like with a "normal" fan that moves from side to side. It's got a small footprint so you don't need a lot of room for it. It might suit the restrictions of a camper.

Dick0 · Guru

You can get good cooling results from a good fan.

There are plenty of alternatives available.

I use Ozito cordless products so bought an Ozito skin only fan. Runs off the 18v batteries but also comes with a 12v car adapter cable (similar to 12v TV's).

Mount it anywhere suitable inside and outside van. Powerful and quiet two speed operation. Very versatile. Low speed is adequate for comfortable cooling.

The fan blade measures 25cm in diameter. Price is excellent for the quality.

Other cordless tool brandnames have similar products.

A Link for information and pics is provided.

Ozito PXC Power X Chance 18V Hybrid Fan - Skin Only - Bunnings Australia

Bobdown · Guru

I have the Coleman12 inch rechargeable fan and just noticed Snowy's has one with a Lithium battery now.

Charge it up and completely portable with 2 speeds or leave plugged in to 12v. Runs for 4-6 hours.

Cheers Bob

https://www.snowys.com.au/rechargeable-lithium-ion-fan-12?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIsebqq5ia9gIV2AkrCh3a3gIrEAQYAiABEgKQd_D_BwE

cjt55 · Senior Member

I use a 12 volt fan which is mounted inside my campervan but also carry a Ryobi Fan which is part of the Ryobi range of tools that run off the same removable/rechargeable battery. It can also connect to 240 volt power. They have just released a "misting" version that is designed to sit on top a normal bucket of water.

www.ryobi.com.au/products/details/18v-one-hybrid-fan-tool-only-r18hf-0

Derek Barnes · Senior Member

Our mini evaporative cooler worked well at Lake Mungo, which has a very dry heat.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Yea not much chop in humid !!!

Buzz Lightbulb · Guru

Aus-Kiwi wrote:
Yea not much chop in humid !!!

That's right but they can still be used as a fan. Just don't turn on the water evaporation option.

Izabarack · Guru

Cardin Bob wrote:
mini aircons, for under $100.

Evaporative coolers dont do it for me and age seems to be making me more sensitive to high ambient temperatures. A proper Aircon based on a compressor and heat pump is a lot more expensive than $100. The smaller personal ones are quite effective, my experience, and are in the 300 Watt range. If the day is hot enough to need an Aircon, likely Solar will be enough to run that without effort. Depending on anticipated weather where Im going, I will carry a 1000 watt generator to run my portable air conditioner.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I camp near clean swim able safe water . Once cooled ? Im
Fine .

Buzz Lightbulb · Guru

This is a nomad forum. Surely one would travel to the location with the most suitable climate depending on the time of year? North in winter, South in summer?

Whenarewethere · Guru

Not keen of the north in summer, but are quite happy with the south in winter. Like the cold as long as it is not raining. Usually winters are dry.

oldbloke · Guru

Buzz Lightbulb wrote:
This is a nomad forum. Surely one would travel to the location with the most suitable climate depending on the time of year? North in winter, South in summer?

Yep. We just have an 8" rechargeable 12v fan. Last hours on slow speed.

If we're in for a really hot week just use 240v Air Con at a CVP. Works for us. biggrin