RV FEATURE
News from Canada : The Sirocco II fan , made by Caframo in the land of ice hockey , beavers and long , winding roads , now has a threeyear warranty . The best bit : the warranty applies to all Sirocco II fans already on the road .
If you had your fan installed two years ago , it ’ s still under warranty for another year , for example . You can retrofit many gadgets and gizmos to your caravan , from amber insect-repelling lights to a wi-fi hotspot . But unless it ’ s a wireless ‘ bolt-on ’ accessory , the fact is that it will always be easier to have it added at the factory .
The Sirocco II fan is a case in point . Yes , you absolutely can add them after the fact using the supplied , easy-to-follow instructions . But running 12V wiring through the walls and ceiling of your van to the power source is , well , not always the easiest task . Just like when you need to add or move wires and cables at home , whether for a new TV aerial , or perhaps a new data cable , it can be done , but it ’ s potentially frustrating . You can ’ t argue that having your most vital accessories , including fans , preinstalled and ready to roll is a perk worth investing in .
The supplied base plate . Note the central hole through which the positive and negative wires run .
FACTORY INSTALLATION
We ventured to Titanium Caravans in Campbellfield , Vic , to find out how much easier installing a Sirocco II fan at the factory would be .
The answer : there are a few advantages . One of which is , course , that all wiring is laid in before the cladding is applied . This means the wires are also properly secured , whether by P clips or a different method . The fans will be added to an appropriate circuit , with a fuse at the 12V fusebox , and the wiring run to the power source , whether straight to the battery or via a battery management system . The point is , it will be a cohesive installation that integrates properly with the van ’ s overall wiring plan . This can , of course , be achieved as a retrofit … but why do something yourself if you have good people to do it for you ?
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