How do you keep your adventure van cool when a roof vent isn't an option? A circulating fan is usually the next best solution in this case. It doesn't require any roof cut-out yet still delivers powerful airflow that creates an instant cooling effect on your body.
The Sirocco II remains the most popular circulating fan in the caravanning and RV community, though other models β like the watertight Kona featured below β may suit specific areas of your van better, such as the kitchen, due to steam exposure.
In today's blog, we'll introduce you to interior circulating fans and the key things you need to know about them. This includes how they differ from fan vents, their common uses, and how to choose a suitable one for your caravan, campervan, RV, or motorhome.
Key Takeaway: Our All-Time Bestselling Circulating Fans
- Most Popular: Sirocco II 12V/24V Circulating Fan
- Best Space-Saver: Seekr Bora Compact Circulating Fan
- Best Upgrade: Sirocco Elite 12/24V Circulating Fan
What's the Difference Between a Fan Vent and a Circulating Fan?
As you may know, there are two main types of fans suitable for caravans, campervans, and motorhomes: fan vents and interior circulating fans.
A fan vent β such as the Maxxfan β is what you mount on the roof to enhance airflow into or out of the camper. Some compact fan-assisted vents, like the Maxxfan Dome, can also be wall-mounted.
On the other hand, an interior circulating fan β such as a Sirocco fan β is specifically designed to improve air circulation inside the van. It keeps the interior cool and comfortable by moving existing air around and mixing hot and cooler areas.
Circulating fans can greatly improve perceived comfort and air freshness, but they are primarily for targeted airflow. They work best when there is already a good exchange of fresh air entering the vehicle through windows or vents. Once that fresh air is inside, you can direct the fan's airflow exactly where you want it.
When airflow is focused toward your body, it creates an instant cooling effect by speeding up sweat evaporation. Even a small circulating fan can make 30Β°C feel more like 23β26Β°C.
Can an Interior Circulating Fan Reduce Condensation in My Caravan?
Yes, a circulating fan can help reduce condensation to some degree. It works by a strong airflow, helping move the warm, moist air and prevent it from settling on your van's walls, ceiling, windows, or carpet. And with less condensation, your van stays fresher, and you reduce the risk of mould or mildew.
However, a circulating fan cannot prevent condensation on its own. For maximum effectiveness, you should use it alongside a cracked window or a roof vent so that humid air can escape. If you already have a dedicated fan vent, even better.
What Makes a Good Interior Circulating Fan for Caravans and Campervans?
Just like when choosing a roof vent, the circulating fan you select for your camper should be effective, reliable, and suited to your needs. The seven key features to consider include:
1. Size
Choose a fan that fits your small living space without obstructing movement. An oversized fan can get in the way, reduce storage options, and increase the risk of bumping into it.
2. Power Compatibility
Get a circulating fan that matches your vehicle's electrical system β either 12V or 24V. This ensures safe operation without damaging components or requiring extra accessories like voltage converters.
3. Power Efficiency
You certainly don't want your off-grid battery system dying at a critical moment. As such, look for a circulating fan with low current draw so it won't strain your battery bank.
4. Airflow Capacity
While saving power is important, your fan must still move enough air for your needs. A fan with too little airflow will struggle to circulate air effectively, leading to poor ventilation and unnecessary battery drain.
5. Build Material
Durability matters. Select a fan made of high-quality materials (like high-impact plastic) that can withstand frequent use and vibration when driving on untarmacked roads.
6. Noise Level
The circulating fan you pick for your adventure van should also operate quietly to ensure peaceful sleep, work, or relaxation.
7. Extra Features
Other helpful extras you can consider when buying that fan include DIY-friendly installation, intuitive controls, minimal maintenance, and flexible positioning that allows you to direct airflow exactly where you want it.
Which Circulating Fan Is Right for Your Adventure Van?
The best circulating fan for any adventure vehicle β whether a caravan, campervan, RV, or motorhome β depends on your needs and preferences. Some of the most reliable options currently on the market include:
Most Popular: Caframo Sirocco II 12V/24V Circulating Fan
The Sirocco II is the most popular interior circulating fan among caravanning and RV communities. It strikes an excellent balance between price and function, featuring a 360-degree gimbaled design that lets you direct airflow in nearly any direction.
The fan has three operating speeds, allowing you to customise airflow strength to your preference. Its highest speed delivers 185 CFM, while the lowest provides 125 CFM.
Moreover, the Caframo Sirocco II is one of the few circulating fans that can run on both 12V and 24V DC power. Despite this flexibility, it remains highly energy-efficient, drawing only 0.12A on the lowest setting and 0.35A on the highest. Then, you can also save additional power by using the built-in timer to automatically switch off the fan while you sleep.
Best for Space-Saving: Seekr Bora Compact 12V Circulating Fan
If space is limited in your van, the Seekr Bora is the most compact circulating fan in our catalogue. It measures only 76 Γ 165 Γ 241 mm compared to the Sirocco II's 89 Γ 241 Γ 305 mm.
The fan model is also the most affordable in this category, yet it still offers some amazing features to keep your space well-ventilated. This includes three operating speeds, with the highest delivering up to 130 CFM.
As a single-voltage accessory, the Seekr Bora fan is only compatible with 12V DC electrical systems. It supports a voltage range of 9β15V, allowing it to work with nearly any 12V battery setup β even under slightly low or high voltage conditions.
Best for Kitchens: Caframo Kona Waterproof 12V Circulating Fan
Though not as widely known, the Caframo Kona is one of the most rugged circulating fans on the market. It is built with UV-protected ASA plastic, along with aluminium and stainless-steel components for enhanced corrosion resistance.
Unlike the others on our list, this fan features an IP55 water-tight motor. Thus, it's ideal for areas exposed to outdoor weather or kitchen steam.
As for the performance, the Caframo Kona fan offers three speeds, with the highest delivering up to 150 CFM. It is also highly energy-efficient, drawing only 0.21β0.37A, though it's only compatible with a 12V DC power system.
Best Upgrade Option: Caframo Sirocco Elite 12V/24V Circulating Fan
The Sirocco Elite is an upgraded version of the popular Sirocco II. It features a redesigned brushless motor that significantly improves performance and the user experience.
For example, the brushless motor increases airflow capacity, with the Elite delivering up to 240 CFM. It also offers four operating speeds, giving you greater control over airflow.
Like its predecessor, though, the Sirocco Elite fan supports four timer modes and features a dual-voltage circuit compatible with both 12V and 24V systems.
Best Design: Seekr Maestro Dual LED Light 12V Circulating Fan
The Seekr Maestro is not particularly well-known in the caravanning community, but it remains a strong option for caravans, campervans, RVs, and motorhomes. It's essentially an enhanced version of the Bora, featuring a built-in LED light and a wired remote controller.
The dual LED light of the fan offers white and red illumination modes for general or task lighting. Then, you can control both the fan and the light through the integrated wired remote, which has a 6-foot cable. The controller includes a toggle switch for light modes and a rotary dial for fan speed.
At its highest speed setting, the Seekr Maestro fan moves 130 CFM of airflow. It also remains power-efficient, drawing only 0.15β0.28A (while the LED draws 0.15A or 0.20A). However, it is compatible only with 12V DC systems.
Alternative Circulating Fans for Adventure Vans
The Seekr Bora, Caframo Kona, and Seekr Maestro fans mentioned above only support single-voltage 12V systems. However, 24V versions of the Seekr Bora and Caframo Kona are available if your battery system operates on 24 volts.
Caframo has also released the Seekr Bora II, an updated version of the original Bora. It offers dual-voltage (12V/24V) compatibility and a slightly improved airflow of 155 CFM. But, at the moment, we do not have this model in stock.
Final Thoughts
The most important factors when choosing a circulating fan for your caravan, campervan, RV, or motorhome are size, power compatibility, energy usage, airflow capacity, build quality, and noise level. Whichever model you choose should align with your needs and be fully compatible with your van.
When buying a circulating fan, do remember that it can only move the air already inside your space. As such, you'll need to open your van's windows or roof vents (if available) to allow fresh air in and hot, stale air out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caravan Circulating Fans
What's the difference between a Sirocco fan and a roof vent fan?
A roof vent fan (like the Maxxfan) mounts on the roof to move air into or out of the camper, while a Sirocco fan is an interior circulating fan that moves the air already inside your van, mixing hot and cooler areas and directing airflow where you want it.
Can a 12V circulating fan reduce condensation?
Yes, to a degree β the airflow helps move warm, moist air and prevents it from settling on walls, ceilings, windows, or carpet. However, it can't prevent condensation on its own; pair it with a cracked window or roof vent so humid air can escape.
Which Sirocco fan moves the most air?
The Sirocco Elite, with its brushless motor, delivers up to 240 CFM across four speeds, compared to the Sirocco II's 185 CFM maximum across three speeds. Both run on 12V and 24V systems and support timer modes.
Which circulating fan is best for a caravan kitchen?
The Caframo Kona β its IP55 water-tight motor and UV-protected ASA plastic body with aluminium and stainless-steel components make it ideal for areas exposed to kitchen steam or outdoor weather. It delivers up to 150 CFM while drawing only 0.21β0.37A.
Ready to stay cool on your next trip? Start with the community favourite β the Sirocco II 12V/24V circulating fan β or explore the other models above to find the perfect fit for your van.
