Keep interior blower running while ignition off?

[jeduir3]

Evening gents,

A quick question. I'm using my LX470 as a camper when I do overnight trips. I have a bed in the back on top of slee drawers. Works a treat. However I am often finding it a bit hot. I leave the windows open a few inches (with mosquito netting) but the interior air still stagnates and heats up, especially when overnight is 70+.

I'm not expecting to go above 80 degrees comfortable but in the 70s I thought a fan would do the trick. However, I've tried small fans running on a USB powerbank and also the cigarette lighter, but they lack the power to move air sufficiently.

While I'm open to other suggestions but it would be amazing to use the rear AC blower (blower only - not AC). The same as if they key is in the "ON" position. I've read a post on keeping the radio running in the 100 LC but curious if keeping the blower running might be possible - the same as if the igntion were in the "ON" position, but without all the other gadgets firing up as well.

Any chance this is possible?

 

[reznunt]

Can you wire in your own power/ground/relay/switch direct to the blower?

 

[scottryana]

I am not sure I would want to risk waking up with a dead battery for the fan. If you have a dual battery setup I guess it isn't a big deal, but I am sure you could find a lithium ion battery pack that could decently power a fan, be rechargeable and not leave you with the possibility of a dead primary battery.

 

[vman07]

If you're just trying to move air why not get a USB powered fan or two. Run them off an external battery and you won't need to worry about powering the LX blower or having a dead car battery when you wake up...

https://www.amazon.com/SIMBR-Portab...e=UTF8&qid=1513746820&sr=8-7&keywords=usb+fan

 

[scottryana]

Ditch the USB idea they are low power, low current, just get a decent fan and wire it to a lithium ion battery pack yourself.

 

[jeduir3]

Can you wire in your own power/ground/relay/switch direct to the blower?

Willing to do this but don't know where to begin. How in depth would I need to get into electrical diagrams?

I am not sure I would want to risk waking up with a dead battery for the fan. If you have a dual battery setup I guess it isn't a big deal, but I am sure you could find a lithium ion battery pack that could decently power a fan, be rechargeable and not leave you with the possibility of a dead primary battery.

My next question would be what the amp hours drainage would be But I'm looking to get a second battery in anyway.

Ditch the USB idea they are low power, low current, just get a decent fan and wire it to a lithium ion battery pack yourself.

Can you provide a bit more info on how to do this? What LiON battery do you recommend? What sort of fan?

 

[scottryana]

Well USB is 5v and either 0.5 or 0.9A so max you could draw with USB is 5v x 0.5/0.9A = 2.5-4.5W

If you used a 12.8v Lithium ion battery and say a 2-3A fan, you now can have 25.6-38.4W That is a lot more useful when you are talking about moving air.

I would look at one of the 130-175mm fans from Spal. They should be about that amperage. As far as batteries go it is very expensive to ship a Lithium Ion battery international so I would look at what your options are there for a 12.8V say 30Ahr battery and you should be good to go. Just so you know I looked up a couple batteries here with that spec and they are about 4lbs/1.8kg and 130mm x 94mm x 90mm. So pretty small and portable.

 

[yeti in ga]

When I sleep in the back I run a USB fan and / or a rechargeable Fan and I get down right cold. But that is not in the summer time...

https://www.amazon.com/Cool-inch-Ba...A0&pd_rd_wg=bU0vJ&refRID=CZGXGTBNXHA90D52MX20

 

[Ager Venator]

All the dog people are hooking up Ryobi lithium battery powered fans to dog crates. Here's a review from someone using it for the same purpose as you.

Ryobi One+ Battery Fan Review – Naive Nomads

 

[TXLX100]

12v fan for sure (those clip on ones you could aim at your area). Or open the windows up all the way with mosquito netting.

 

[jeduir3]

All the dog people are hooking up Ryobi lithium battery powered fans to dog crates. Here's a review from someone using it for the same purpose as you.

Ryobi One+ Battery Fan Review – Naive Nomads

Thanks for that idea mate.

So quick update just to close out the thead. I decided leaving the blower on would be a dumb idea - too difficult, too much battery draw, and too damn noisy as well!

The battery operated work fan turned out awesome. I didn't get the ryobi - it only has two speed settings. I found one with 10 settings which is way better for getting just the right speed! With a 6aH battery it lasts about a week running overnight. So that's the problem solved.

Thanks for all the help everyone!

 

[BillZ260]

I have the same arrangement and I think the main issue is that the rear of the truck isn't open for air flow through the truck. I use a small usb fan and it does OK but is only good for about 65 to 70 outside temp at night. I think opening the rear hatch with a car tent or something would help a lot. I may try one out.