​Ventilation & Cooling

A roof vent provides a path for hot, humid air to escape from the highest point of your vehicle. This airflow is critical for preventing the buildup of condensation and mold, which often occurs during humid nights or while cooking in an enclosed space. By venting stale air out through the ceiling, you naturally draw in fresher air from lower openings to keep the cabin environment comfortable.

Maintaining a fresh interior helps protect your bedding and cabinetry from moisture damage during long distance travel. It is a practical solution for managing cabin health in tropical conditions where the air can become stagnant and heavy. To further increase air movement and reach every corner of your build, you can pair your vent with high efficiency internal fans.

Roam Gear stocks roof vents in the standard industry sizes of 355mm x 355mm and 400mm x 400mm. These dimensions are used by the majority of caravan and campervan manufacturers in Australia. Choosing a standard size simplifies the installation process because it matches the existing openings in most roof structures.

The 355mm size, which is often referred to as 14 inch, is the most common format for older vans and canopy builds. Newer motorhomes and larger caravans frequently use the 400mm format to allow for higher air volume exchange. You should measure your existing roof cutout from the inside of the cabin to verify which size fits your specific build before purchasing.

A vented roof hatch includes a permanent gap that allows a small amount of air to flow even when the lid is fully closed. This design is often a mandatory safety requirement for caravans and motorhomes with internal gas appliances to prevent the buildup of dangerous fumes. A non-vented hatch creates a complete, airtight seal when closed, which is more effective at keeping out dust, red dirt, and insects during travel.

The choice between these formats depends on your vehicle type and safety compliance needs. Non-vented models are a popular choice for 4WD canopy builds and van conversions without gas installations because they offer total protection from the elements on outback tracks. If you are fitting out a traditional caravan, you should verify if a vented model is required to meet Australian standards for gas ventilation. Selecting the correct hatch helps you manage cabin air quality while protecting your interior from moisture and dust.

A rain sensing electric fan vent provides automated protection for your interior by closing the hatch at the first sign of moisture. This technology is a significant benefit for travelers who want to maintain airflow while away from their vehicle or during the night without worrying about sudden downpours. The integrated sensor triggers an internal motor that lowers the lid to create a watertight seal, protecting your bedding and electronics from water damage.

Beyond its automated safety, the high volume fan actively exhausts hot air and moisture from the cabin. This active movement is more effective than a passive hatch for managing temperatures and preventing mold growth in tight spaces. You can find these automated units in our rain sensing fans collection to help simplify your climate control.

The Caframo Sirocco II is considered the benchmark because it combines a unique 360 degree gimbal design with industry leading power efficiency. It allows you to direct airflow in any direction while drawing as little as 0.35A on its highest setting. This low current draw is a major advantage for travelers who need to manage their battery levels during humid nights without sacrificing comfort.

The fan also features a specialized design that allows it to fold flat against the wall when not in use, which is a significant benefit in tight campervan or caravan interiors. With whisper quiet operation and four timer presets, it is specifically engineered for remote living. You can find this model in our internal fans collection or browse the full Caframo range to see all available colours.

Yes, Roam Gear sells a range of 12V and 240V air conditioners specifically designed for the Australian climate. These units are engineered to handle the high temperatures and humidity found in the tropics, providing an effective way to control your cabin environment. We stock leading brands such as Dometic that are built to withstand the vibration of long distance touring.

Operating an air conditioner while off grid is a significant task for any power system. These units draw a heavy current, which typically requires a large lithium battery bank and a high output inverter to manage the load correctly. Building a capable setup allows you to maintain a cool interior during the peak of summer. Explore our full range of air conditioners to find a model for your caravan or campervan build.

12V fans and roof vents consume very little current, which makes them a practical way to manage comfort without heavily draining your power system. A high efficiency internal fan like the Sirocco II draws as little as 0.35 amps on its highest setting. Active roof vents with integrated fans typically draw between one and three amps, depending on the speed selected.

These figures are small compared to the daily draw of a fridge. Most travelers can run these units throughout the night with minimal impact on their total state of charge. To support these constant small loads, choose high quality 12V batteries for your rig. You can also use battery monitors to track the exact impact of your cooling setup in real time.