Useless windshield fans

[MikeandJan]

We tend to run the generator with forward A/C in hot weather. In addition, we use the fans to move air around. They are a little noisy, but ours seems to move a lot of air. When it's cold, we are not there.

[wirefox]

If your windshield is not tinted all those fans do is blow the heat from the windshield on you. They are to assist defogging the glass only.

[Bryantclan]

As many others have said now, they are there to help clear the windshield. We also use them when it is very hot to lower the temp of the glass so it does not radiate so much. That assumes you are running the roof air so the heat has somewhere to go though.

[Jumping Jeepster]

I just purchased a Newmar Bay Star 2013 Model 3209 that has air filters in the round overhead return air vents. How do I get them out to clean them without tearing the vent apart?

[NLOVNIT]

Pretty sure the ones you have are the ones that came OEM w/our Bounder. Those rattled something terrible. We had them replaced with quieter ones, but still the same style. Use them all the time to keep air moving up front as well as keep moisture from accumulating in the cool spring/fall weather. Unfortunately, I can't tell you what brand the new ones are because we had them replaced way back when the coach was still under warranty.

Lori-

[MSHappyCampers]

I've never thought of using the dash fans to defrost the windshield!

[BRex45]

Dash mounted or overhead mounted fans have been in existence since at least the 1950's in OTR trucks. With barely adequate HVAC dash systems the extra fans do help in the defrost mode, especially when the weather is humid, rainy and causing the windshield to fog up. This tradition carried on in OTR buses then motorhomes.

Calling them useless, at the very least, shows lack of vision and awareness of their intended use, IMO.

[MN_Traveler]

Originally Posted by BRex45

Calling them useless, at the very least, shows lack of vision and awareness of their intended use, IMO.

Well now ... I have never before read or heard about the fans being used to defog/defrost the window ... And only once have driven the coach in conditions that might have needed it (and the onboard dash system did its job well enough). I apologize for and regret my lack of vision and awareness - and thank those here who have had that awareness for passing it on.

[Bloodyhell]

Ok. I guess I haven't driven in the right conditions to need them yet, which is possible since we've driven only in the summer so far. There are some big defroster vents in front of the dash which I assumed were up to the task, but maybe not. Anyway I'm not in a big hurry to take them out so I'll wait a bit longer to see they become useful.

I would have been nice, though, if they had installed something that didn't look like it was designed for a prohibition era delivery truck.

Charlie

[DENSHER]

I use mine to circulate A/C air so I don't freeze while driving an DW is sweating sitting on the couch. Mine are noisy and move more air than I would like at times. Will be looking into some type of multi-speed option for them.

[pasdad1]

Perhaps this could be adapted to replace existing fans.....looks a little more modern without exposed blades.

[336muffin]

The fans re there to defrost or dry the inside of windshield in cold or rainy weather. Large windshield s are very hard to clear. Most big rigs come with these still today, I would keep them in place.

[Pepper2]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

Perhaps this could be adapted to replace existing fans.....looks a little more modern without exposed blades.

Attachment 135805

Thanks pasdad1, now I have something to post in the what was the last thing you bought for your RV forum.

[campersRus]

Shortly after purchasing our class A, which did not have defrost fans, we were traveling through Knoxville in June on I-40 on a Friday late afternoon during rush hour and raining hard. I had the defrosters on high however the windshield fogged over so bad I couldn’t see, had to pull off the highway….was not good in all the traffic and rain. Needless to say I just install two fans. I’ve been in OTR’s several times and they are certainly very useful.