Optimum ventilation for vans - roof ventilators, fans & floor ventilators at a glance

Good ventilation is essential for vans, delivery vehicles, workshop vans and mobile service vehicles. Whether heat, moisture, fumes, gas cylinders, food or tools - without sufficient fresh air circulation, the interior can quickly become a critical area. Modern ventilation systems usually consist of roof fans, wind-driven fans or floor fans, which individually or in combination ensure a stable and safe interior climate.

Why do vans need active ventilation?

The air quality in the closed cargo area has a direct influence on:

• Temperature development
• Condensation and humidity
• Dishes and vapors
• Safety during transportation of gas cylinders
• Welfare of animals and food
• Corrosion and mold growth

For many transports - for example of gases or hazardous goods - ventilation is required by law (GGVS / DSV 0211). Even in everyday life, modern courier and workshop vehicles often transport materials that release moisture or odors. Good ventilation ensures that heat can escape, fresh air flows in and pollutants or gases are reliably removed.

Roof vents in vans – the classic for air exchange

Roof vents are located in the highest part of the vehicle - ideal because warm air always rises upwards. They are particularly suitable for parcel services, tradesmen's vehicles, gas cylinder transportation, campers and all vehicles with a high interior temperature. Warm, stale air can be effectively dissipated via the roof opening.

Advantages of a roof vent

• natural airflow over the highest point of the vehicle
• low body heights possible (important for parking spaces and low driveways)
• Durable protection against moisture and heat build-up
• Air extraction without major intervention in the interior
• Easily retrofittable
• ideally combinable with floor fans

Examples of modern roof vents

Flexy roof louvres: flat design, entry-free and chemical-resistant – ideal for vehicles such as VW T6, Mercedes Sprinter, VW Crafter or Fiat Ducato.

SLIM vehicle fan: wind-driven, extremely flat roof fan with a body height of just 50.5 mm – perfect for vans with roof doors or low driveways.

Push-and-pull roof fan (Easy Aero): DEKRA-certified roof fan with combined fresh air and exhaust air function. It can completely replace floor fans and can optionally be supplemented with an additional electric fan.

Floor fan – fresh air from below

Floor ventilators optimally supplement roof ventilators as they utilize the natural flow principle: Warm air rises upwards, cooler air flows downwards at ground level. They are particularly important when transporting gas cylinders, damp cargo or odor-intensive materials.

Variants of floor fans

• Small and medium-sized floor loaders: compact solutions for vehicles with little space in the floor area.
• Single and duo floor louvers: the duo floor louvers offer a higher air flow rate thanks to two openings and are suitable for larger loaders.
• Large floor fans: with cross-sections of up to 120 cm², they are ideal for transporting hazardous goods and applications with high ventilation requirements.

Push-and-pull roof fans – two air flows in one system

Push-and-pull roof ventilators combine two air flows: fresh air is actively pushed into the cargo area through one opening, while stale air is directed outwards via another opening. This results in a particularly efficient air exchange, which can make the floor air flooded. These systems are particularly suitable for closed panel vans and vehicles with a high gas or heat load.

Push-and-pull roof fan vs. classic ventilation systems

When is one roof vent sufficient – and when do you need more?

A single roof fan is usually sufficient for:

• Packages and neutral load without gas development
• moderate vehicle use
• short downtimes
• Vehicles with limited conversion effort

Combination of roof fan and floor fan is useful for:

• damp or odor-intensive cargo
• frequent use in the workshop
• Transporters with tools, chemicals or plants
• Summer operation and high outside temperatures

Push-and-pull systems are ideal when:

• no intervention in the floor is desired
• the air flow rate should be particularly high
• hazardous goods or gas cylinders are being transported
• a solution without additional floor opening is preferred

Legal requirements (GGVS / DSV 0211)

When transporting certain gases and hazardous goods, the German Dangerous Goods Ordinance for Road Transport (GGVS) and the DSV 0211 leaflet stipulate sufficient vehicle ventilation. As a rule, two free ventilation openings are required - one in the roof area and one in the floor area, each with a cross-section of at least 100 cm and arranged diagonally in the vehicle. Modern push-and-pull roof fans can completely take over the function of the floor opening, provided that the required air performance and opening areas are met.

Electric fans – ventilation even when stationary

Electric auxiliary fans are the ideal addition if the vehicle is frequently used when stationary or sensitive loads are being transported. They ensure air movement even without airstream and improve safety when transporting animals, food or gases. The additional electric fan for the Easy Aero, for example, is simply screwed on from the inside and supports ventilation when the vehicle is stationary.

Conclusion: Which ventilation solution is the right one?

• Maximum ventilation without floor opening: Push-and-pull roof fan (e.g. Easy Aero)
• Extremely flat solution: SLIM vehicle ventilator for vans with roof doors
• Classic, very stable ventilation: Combination of roof fan and floor fan
• Chemically sophisticated inserts: Flexy roof louvers made from ABS plastic
• Maximum air flow from below: large bottom fan with 120 cm² cross-section

The right ventilation solution always depends on the vehicle type, intended use and legal requirements. With the right combination of roof fans, floor fans, push-and-pull systems and, if necessary, additional electric fans, the van remains reliably ventilated, safe and ready for use.