Heating and Cooling

  • snow01

    “We have been so busy enjoying our Sportsmobile traveling from Brownsville, Texas to Fairbanks, Alaska -that we have neglected to say “Thank You” for your courteous treatment and splendid workmanship. Last Christmas Eve we were comfortable in it when the wind chill factor was 30 below zero. During the past nine months we have traveled over 22,000 miles. Thanks for a job well done.” – Franklin & Joy Harpe

  • Keeping Warm

    An Early Morning Chill Run your van’s engine and the van’s heater will warm the Sportsmobile. At the same time, the van’s alternator will charge your batteries.

    A 110V Hookup or Generator, or a diesel engine van with a Secondary Alternator, (See Systems > Electric, Propane, Water) a small portable electric heater will keep you quite comfortable. Ceramic models work best.

    Propane Furnace (O) It’s compact and installs under a seat/bed or in the bottom of a cabinet. It’s very efficient and has been proven over the decades. A wall thermostat lights the furnace electronically. The furnace uses propane from the standard equipment propane tank. It’s vented to the outside. If your tank has a 7.9 gallon capacity, it will run the furnace around 57 hours.

    Diesel Air Heater (O) uses diesel from the van’s fuel tank. Very fuel efficient.

  • Keeping Cool

    Sportsmobiles Are Well Insulated Throughout. However, the van body is steel, so it tends to heat up when it’s hot. Here are some ways to help keep your Sportsmobile cool.

    Attic Fan (O) We highly recommend this 12V fan. It’s a powerful 12″ 10-blade rotary fan that pulls fresh air through open windows. Very quiet, 3 speeds, pulls 3 amps on high with 920 CFM. Reversible. Made of tough Lexan. Deluxe model, shown right, includes a thermostat and rain sensor to close and reopen vent when it rains. Install front, center or rear on roof. Increases roof height 9″.

    Windshield & Cab Doors Screen (O)
    Blocks up to 70% of sun’s rays, solar heat gain. Also provides daytime privacy and cab door window ventilation. White, vinyl coated nylon, rolls up for storage.

    Retractable Door Screen
    Smoothly rolls open and closes. Enjoy the bug free breezes through the large vans sliding door. Right picture shows a fixed screen over a cabinet and a partial screen door.

    Rear Door Screen (O) provides lots of bug-free ventilation. Zips open. It is necessary to remove the screen when you close the rear doors. A rear screen can also be made to fit a specific area as shown lower right.

    Cab Door Screens (O), top right, permit partial opening of cab windows.

    Artic Cab Window Panels now standard. This is the best way to insulate your cab windows and windshield to help keep the heat out in summer and inside in winter. The bubble foil is laminated and sewn to the fabric curtain. The panels “pop-in” to the side door windows and windshield. Roll up for storage.