Installing a roof vent fan is often one of the earliest tasks diy van builders take on. A roof vent fan is one of the most essential parts of any camper van conversion. As covered in our guide on camper van windows, proper ventilation is key to controlling temperature, moisture, and ensuring the air in your camper van stays fresh. Below we’ll lay out the best roof vent fan options for van life.

MaxxAir MaxxFan Deluxe

You can basically stop reading here. The MaxxFan Deluxe line of roof vent fans is the king among van lifers. It’s the fan you see on 99% of converted vans. There’s a good reason for this. It’s really the perfect fan. The Deluxe come in a variety of options but all of them have some key features that make them the best.

To start, all of the deluxe models come with a sweet built in rain cover that allows the fan to operate perfectly even during downpour conditions. On top of that, the rain cover has a streamlined design that can be left open during highway driving with no issues.

Another huge benefit is these fans are incredibly efficient. They have 10 fan speeds to choose from. At the lowest setting they draw only 0.25amps and top out at just over 4amps on the highest setting. 1 doesn’t do much and 10 is hurricane level that won’t likely be used. The middle ground speed of 5 draws just 1amp while moving an impressive 655cfm.

Installation of MaxxAir MaxxFans is also a breeze. Sure cutting the hole is scary but the system they have developed is super simple for even the most novice of builders.

The MaxxAir MaxxFan 5100K Deluxe is the most popular version and has the following features:

• Intake/exhaust
• 10 speed settings
• Thermostat setting
• Built-in Rain Shield

There is a slightly fancier version. The MaxxAir MaxxFan 7000K Deluxe has all of the functionality on the 5100k plus the features below:

• Remote control
• Electric Lid Open/Close

The MaxxFan Deluxe line of roof vent fans are pricier than the competition. The 5100k is just over $200 and the 7100k will set you back just over $300. Even with the higher price we think they are well worth it due to the efficiency, rain cover design and ease of installation.

Fan-Tastic Vent Fan

We included this more just as a comparison than anything else. We seen diy van builders go with this fan as a way to save money. However, many end up dissatisfied and some even rip it out and replace it with a MaxxFan. Don’t believe us? Here’s an example.

Don’t get us wrong. The Fan-Tastic Fan will absolutely serve the purpose of aiding circulation. It has been widely used in camper vans and RV’s for years. However, the MaxxFan 4000K also provides a budget friendly option that has better features for pretty much the same price.

There are also a bunch of other roof vent fans designed for van conversions not covered here because they simply aren’t worth it. They all fall into the same category as the Fan-Tastic. They technically do the job but MaxxFan does it better.

When it comes to roof vent fans, MaxxFan is the only choice.