Hot, Stuffy, and Over It? Here’s the Fix.
If your motorhome, caravan, or campervan turns into an oven the moment the sun hits the roof, you’re not alone. Installing a roof vent fan for caravan comfort is one of the best solutions for this problem. It’s one of the most common complaints from touring owners, and a basic push-up rooflight simply doesn’t cut it.
The answer is a proper campervan roof vent with a fan. And right now, one of the best-value options in the UK market is the Freucamp Plus Fan available in both 360mm and 400mm sizes to fit most standard roof openings.
Whether you’re coming from a Maxxair setup, shopping the Nomadic Ark AirPlus, or just replacing an old rooflight, this guide covers what actually matters, what each product offers, and why the Freucamp Plus Fan is worth serious consideration.
What Makes a Good Roof Vent Fan for a Caravan or Campervan?
Before spending money, understand what actually separates a quality campervan roof fan 12v from a cheap unit that’ll frustrate you within months.
- Brushless DC motor: Quieter, more efficient, longer lifespan. Critical for overnight use.
- 10-speed control: You don’t want full blast at 1 am or minimal airflow on a 30°C day. Precision matters.
- Intake and exhaust: Bi-directional airflow lets you push hot air out or pull fresh air in, depending on conditions.
- Built-in thermostat: Set your temperature and leave it. Auto mode does the rest.
- Integrated blackout blind: Essential for overnight stops. Separate blinds are inconvenient and easy to lose.
- Flyscreen: Non-negotiable in summer. Bugs will find a way in without it.
- Remote control: You shouldn’t have to stand on your bed to adjust airflow at midnight.
- LED lighting: Practical bonus that removes the need for a separate ceiling light fitting.
- Clamp-fit installation: Avoid units that require cutting or extra drilling if your roof is already cut.
These aren’t premium extras. For serious touring, they’re the baseline.
The Freucamp Plus Fan: What You Actually Get
The Freucamp Plus Fan is available in two sizes — 360mm and 400mm — and three colour options: White, Black, and Transparent Grey (Smoked). All variants run on 12V DC, making them fully compatible with any standard leisure vehicle electrical system.
Here’s exactly what’s included in every unit:
- 12V brushless DC motor — low amp draw, suitable for lithium and AGM battery setups
- 10-speed fan with intake and exhaust modes
- Remote-controlled fan and motorised dome operation
- Built-in thermostat with auto temperature management
- Integrated LED lighting with adjustable colour temperature and brightness
- Pleated blackout blind for complete light control
- Detachable flyscreen/insect screen
- Clamp-fit installation — no extra drilling required
- Compatible with 27–80mm roof thickness
- UV-protective smoked dome on applicable variants
- Free UK delivery is included in the listed price
The Freucamp Plus Fan 400mm version fits a 400 x 400mm roof cut-out. The 360mm version fits the 360 x 360mm opening. Both are common in European motorhomes, coachbuilts, and panel van conversions.
Compatible vehicles include Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Relay, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, VW Crafter, MAN TGE, and Iveco Daily, as well as coachbuilt motorhomes and caravans. If your roof thickness or cut-out size differs from standard, a compatible Freucamp Roof Adapter Frame is available to ensure a proper fit.
Important: Always check your roof cut-out size and roof thickness before ordering. The 400mm fan requires a 400x400mm opening; the 360mm requires 360x360mm. Both support 27–80mm roof depths.
Freucamp Plus Fan vs Maxxair MaxxFan
Let’s be direct. Both products are 12V roof vent fans with remote control, thermostats, and 10-speed fans. Here’s how they actually differ:
| Feature | Freucamp Plus Fan | Maxxair MaxxFan Deluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Type | Brushless DC | Brushed motor |
| Fan Speeds | 10 | 10 |
| Bi-directional Airflow | Yes (intake & exhaust) | Yes (intake & exhaust) |
| Remote Control | Yes (fan + dome) | Yes |
| Built-in Thermostat | Yes | Yes |
| Integrated LED Light | Yes — adjustable colour | No (not standard) |
| Blackout Blind Included | Yes — pleated, built-in | No (sold separately) |
| Flyscreen Included | Yes — detachable | Yes — detachable |
| Sizes Available (mm) | 360 & 400 | 350 (US) & 400 (EU) |
| Roof Thickness Range | 27–80mm | Approx. 25–60mm |
| UK Availability | In stock / pre-order | Wide UK availability |
| Price (approx. inc. VAT) | £258 (delivery included) | ~£270–£330 (exc. blind) |
| Rain Operation | Yes (suitable for rain) | Yes (integrated rain shield) |
| Adapter Frame Available | Yes (£34) | Not standard |
Maxxair MaxxFan Deluxe does not include a blind or LED light as standard. The Maxxshade blind is sold separately, which adds cost. Factor this into any price comparison.
The Freucamp Plus Fan stands out because it delivers a fully equipped all-in-one unit with LED lighting and a blackout blind already built in at a price that includes free UK delivery. For owners building out a campervan conversion or upgrading a caravan rooflight, it removes the need for additional purchases that other units require.
360mm or 400mm: Which Freucamp Plus Fan Do You Need?
The size you need depends entirely on your existing roof cut-out, not on the vehicle make. Check the actual aperture before ordering.
- 400mm (400 x 400mm cut-out): Most common in European coachbuilt motorhomes and touring caravans. Also fits many panel van conversions (Ducato, Sprinter, Transit).
- 360mm (360 x 360mm cut-out): Less common, found in some older caravans and certain coachbuilts. The Freucamp 360mm fan has a 400 x 400mm external footprint but a 360mm cut-out requirement.
If you’re unsure, measure the hole in the roof (not the existing cover). Both sizes are available from the Freucamp roof vent fan range at Thermo Technica. If your cut-out sits between sizes or uses a non-standard profile, the 400mm adapter frame (£34) provides a clean, secure fit.
Installation: What to Expect
The Freucamp Plus Fan uses a clamp-fit design, meaning it secures to the roof without extra drilling in most cases. What you’ll need:
- A clean 360x360mm or 400x400mm roof aperture (existing or new cut)
- Roof thickness between 27–80mm
- A 12V DC power feed to the roof area
- Suitable sealant for weatherproofing around the frame
- Standard hand tools for fixing the clamp frame
Installation is within reach of a competent DIYer. Installation videos exist for common platforms (Ducato, Sprinter, Transit). If in doubt, consult a motorhome workshop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Freucamp Plus Fan suitable for use while driving?
Yes. The unit is designed for use while driving and in wet weather conditions, making it practical for year-round use rather than fair-weather only.
Does the Freucamp Plus Fan work with lithium batteries?
Yes. The brushless DC motor has a lower amp draw than older brushed motors, making it compatible with lithium (LiFePO4) battery systems. Maximum current draw is approximately 2A at full speed.
Is the Maxxair MaxxFan a better choice if it’s available in the UK?
It depends on your priorities. The Maxxair is a mature product with strong UK availability and a reliable rain-open design. However, the blind and LED lights are not included, which adds cost. The Freucamp Plus Fan offers a more complete out-of-the-box package at a comparable or lower total cost. Both are solid options; the Freucamp is simply a better value for new installs.
Can the Freucamp Plus Fan replace a Maxxair or Nomadic Ark AirPlus directly?
If your roof cut-out is 360x360mm or 400x400mm, yes. Adapter frames are available for non-standard or slightly oversized apertures. The clamp-fit design means no new drilling is required in most cases.
What roof thickness does the Freucamp Plus Fan support?
27mm to 80mm, covering the vast majority of motorhome, caravan, and panel van roof panels in use in the UK.
Ready to Upgrade Your Campervan Roof Vent?
Browse the full roof vent fan range at Thermo Technica, including the Freucamp Plus Fan in 360mm and 400mm, White, Black, and Transparent Grey, with adapter frames available separately.