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isolating interior fan
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 12:42 pm
by flingwing
Hey Everyone,
wondering if anyone has had any success or any thoughts on how to get the interior fan operating on the ac function of the key setting, as opposed to ignition where it powers up the glo plugs and other systems (if any).
I'd like to be able to circulate air in the cabin while i wait in the ferry lineup or maybe overnight with other considerations. Recently I missed a sailing and ran the fan for an hour or so, had a bit of a hard time getting ol' bowser to start up... even with dual batteries

Re: isolating interior fan
Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 8:33 pm
by Big-Bird
Heater motors use a lot of power which is why they are wired to run when the vehicle's engine is running. There is a resistor pack placed in the air flow stream to regulate fan speed. This resistor pack gets hot and the air flow keeps the temp under control....its this resistor unit that drives up the amperage use. Its not recommended to reroute power from an accessory power connection because of the rapid power drain and no the resistor pack can't be bypassed, its integrated into the speed control of the blowers.
Have you though about getting a 12v fan that plugs into your cig/12v connection? This won't drain your batteries down like a heater motor and then you can move it around where you need it. There are a few different styles on ebay and Canadian Tire sometimes has em in stock.
Re: isolating interior fan
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2014 11:38 am
by flingwing
ahh... that makes sense, thanks for taking the time to reply. Any idea of what kind of draw?
That is a good idea for a temp solution, i have yet to think of that actually....
Ideally I'd like to tap into the air ducts of the vehicle. Maybe plumb in a efficient 12v in line somewhere?
or
I've been wondering about either wiring in a marine battery selector switch in my chamonix dual battery setup (not a lot of space from what I can tell) so that i'd could isolate one battery for this kind of use or was thinking about the arkpak and maybe running the system of it.
food for thought....
Re: isolating interior fan
Posted: Sat Aug 16, 2014 7:39 pm
by Mr. Flibble
Why plumb it into the ducts? Something that can give that kind of airflow will only have a higher draw, and overall give you less airflow for personal use.
Your AC system won't be on anyways with the engine off.
I used to have a small fan in my Hyundai Excel many moons ago. It did a great job in the cigarette lighter.