This Windshield & Dash Car Fan is a compact, portable fan for keeping you or a passenger cool while driving or parked.
Specifications
4.5” Diameter Model
- Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.7 x 4.7 inches
- Weight: 9.1 ounces
6” Diameter Model
- Dimensions: 6.7 x 6 x 6 inches
- Weight: 12.6 ounces
- Noise Level: <45db
Features
- Integrated suction-cup mounting bracket
- “Stepless” variable-speed switch
- Powered by standard 12-volt DC cigarette lighter socket
- High energy-efficient design moves a lot of air
- Quiet, low-noise
- Child-safe design
Most Vanagons, especially the older models, do not boast air conditioning, so things can get pretty warm in the cab during summer excursions. There are lots of things you can do to help (see “Staying Cool On Summer Road Trips”), and one of the most effective is a quality fan.
But is such a small fan up to the task?
Get the Dash Car Fan here
First Impressions
The compact Dash Car Fan easily attaches to the windshield or door glass using the integrated suction-cup mounting bracket, and can be angled or adjusted for nearly any installation.
Powered by a standard 12-volt DC cigarette lighter, the fan includes a 90” power cord, so it can circulate air in the cab or rear passenger area of your Vanagon.
I opted to cut the original power cords and connect both our fans directly into the van’s power system behind the dash.
There’s even a free-standing, dual-fan unit available.
On The Road or In Camp
This fan is great for use in the Westfalia camper van. Our current Vanagon has no air conditioning, and the fresh air dash vents rely on speed for maximum flow, so when driving slowly or stopped on hot days, things can get uncomfortable.
Available in two sizes, even the smaller 4.5”-diameter really moves some air. In fact, it works so well even on lower speeds that we rarely use it on high. It’s pretty quiet too, so it’s not annoying to use while driving.
In The Long Run
Though small and affordable, this compact fan does a great job of moving air in the Vanagon cab, whether driving or when parked.
The suction cup attachment system works very well to hold the fan in place on any window, though once or twice in very hot direct sunlight it has come loose, but with no damage.
The direction of the fan is very easily adjustable, using a ball joint on the mounting bracket.
A real life saver in hot weather, we’ve also used this fan when winter camping, to help circulate warm air from our LP heater.
All in all, the Dash Car Fan will do an admirable job of keeping you and your family cool, and the little fan moves a lot of air for its size.
Hits: compact, adaptable, affordable, quiet, adjustable speeds
Misses: occasionally detaches in very hot sunlight
Looking at the Dash car fan, how did you get the fans to tap into the power system behind the dash instead of using the cigarette lighter?
To free up the lighter outlet, I opted to “hard wire” the fans into another 12VDC power source behind the dash (possibly something on the main fuse block?).
To make the fans easily removable, I spliced in a pair of quick-disconnects into each power cord:
https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Disconnect-Extension-Connection-Connector/dp/B07D484KR8
Hope this helps!
I have the six inch version of this fan with the spring clip in my Westfalia. I have been very satisfied with this fan and can clip it in a variety of places, but usually it lives clipped to the pop-top crossbar, which is great for aiming it towards the upper bunk when sleeping overnight, or naps on a warm day. It easily rotates down to cover the back seat. It stays attached whether the top is up or down, you just have to make sure the clip part isn’t pointing up to interfere with the pop-top ceiling when you lower the top. In the pop-top’s lower position, the fan can swivel around to blow onto the cab while driving. I have installed additional 12V power plugs in various places throughout the van, so I didn’t need to go the hardwire route and still have options for moving it around the van for various situations.
If you do hardwire the fan, be aware that there is some phantom power being used, as the power indicator LED light is always on, however it’s probably a very small amount of power… I’ve never measured it. You could always add a switch into the hardwiring mix to ensure it’s not consuming any power.
Speaking of power, all of my 12v accessory ports are wired to my house battery so I don’t run down my starter battery using my accessories, including this fan, which I tend to use mostly while camping. Anyway, I also like this fan and can recommend it highly. Excellent price point, too.