Keeping Cool

Sweeney

Sweeney

Administrator
I wanted to share a game-changer for staying cool while camping, especially for those hot afternoons when the heat feels relentless. One thing that doesn’t get enough attention is airflow. A simple fan can make a world of difference, but not all fans are created equal.

I’ve tried countless cheap fans from big-box stores, and while they’re compact and affordable, they tend to break down quickly. Plus, most require an AC cord, which is a hassle when you’re boondocking or at a campground with an overloaded electrical system.

Here’s where it gets good: I’ve been using the DeWalt battery-powered fan, and it’s a camping lifesaver! I’m already deep into the DeWalt battery system (love it or hate it, I’m too invested to switch), and this fan is perfect for portability. It runs off the same batteries as my tools, giving me a couple of hours of solid airflow. I use aftermarket batteries, so OEM ones might last even longer, but I’m happy with the performance. Best of all, no hunting for a power outlet or dragging extension cords around!

AIr movement is on par with 120VAC fans -- but you can take it with you! (Even on the roof of an RV changing out an air conditioner)

I know Ryobi and other brands make similar battery-operated fans, so you’ve got options if you’re in a different ecosystem. If you haven’t tried a battery-powered fan yet, give it a shot—it’s a small investment for a big boost in comfort. What cooling tricks do you all use to beat the heat? Let’s hear your thoughts!


View media item 2853
 
Yup! I have the ryobi clip fan and a handful of batteries.
Drew at Playing With Sticks, just did an episode with the ryobis but there are lots of different options out.
 
Sweeney said:
I wanted to share a game-changer for staying cool while camping, especially for those hot afternoons when the heat feels relentless. One thing that doesn’t get enough attention is airflow. A simple fan can make a world of difference, but not all fans are created equal.

I’ve tried countless cheap fans from big-box stores, and while they’re compact and affordable, they tend to break down quickly. Plus, most require an AC cord, which is a hassle when you’re boondocking or at a campground with an overloaded electrical system.

Here’s where it gets good: I’ve been using the DeWalt battery-powered fan, and it’s a camping lifesaver! I’m already deep into the DeWalt battery system (love it or hate it, I’m too invested to switch), and this fan is perfect for portability. It runs off the same batteries as my tools, giving me a couple of hours of solid airflow. I use aftermarket batteries, so OEM ones might last even longer, but I’m happy with the performance. Best of all, no hunting for a power outlet or dragging extension cords around!

AIr movement is on par with 120VAC fans -- but you can take it with you! (Even on the roof of an RV changing out an air conditioner)

I know Ryobi and other brands make similar battery-operated fans, so you’ve got options if you’re in a different ecosystem. If you haven’t tried a battery-powered fan yet, give it a shot—it’s a small investment for a big boost in comfort. What cooling tricks do you all use to beat the heat? Let’s hear your thoughts!


View media item 2853
Click to expand...
The link doesn’t work for me. “You do not have permission.”
 
Sweeney said:
I wanted to share a game-changer for staying cool while camping, especially for those hot afternoons when the heat feels relentless. One thing that doesn’t get enough attention is airflow. A simple fan can make a world of difference, but not all fans are created equal.

I’ve tried countless cheap fans from big-box stores, and while they’re compact and affordable, they tend to break down quickly. Plus, most require an AC cord, which is a hassle when you’re boondocking or at a campground with an overloaded electrical system.

Here’s where it gets good: I’ve been using the DeWalt battery-powered fan, and it’s a camping lifesaver! I’m already deep into the DeWalt battery system (love it or hate it, I’m too invested to switch), and this fan is perfect for portability. It runs off the same batteries as my tools, giving me a couple of hours of solid airflow. I use aftermarket batteries, so OEM ones might last even longer, but I’m happy with the performance. Best of all, no hunting for a power outlet or dragging extension cords around!

AIr movement is on par with 120VAC fans -- but you can take it with you! (Even on the roof of an RV changing out an air conditioner)

I know Ryobi and other brands make similar battery-operated fans, so you’ve got options if you’re in a different ecosystem. If you haven’t tried a battery-powered fan yet, give it a shot—it’s a small investment for a big boost in comfort. What cooling tricks do you all use to beat the heat? Let’s hear your thoughts!


View media item 2853
Click to expand...
I was just at HomeDepotDogpark wandering around looking at those Ryobi's....thinking
"hmmmm; how do I justify yet another man guy retail therapy purchase...and glamping accessory?

"Say, BW - the Camping Dog needs more airflow...on hot days too!"

@Sweeney yep me too...DeWalt makes good stuff, but burly. Those live on tool bench.

I am collecting a couple battree powered smaller profile tools for the road I can toss in TV, cheap...who knows when I might need to jigsaw a hole in side of the Ci...install in cabin a mini wood burning stove with chimney? Camped on the yellowstone no propane 40 below...if ya can so put it in a ski bum sprinter why not....

or Sawzall a offending treebranch or ten out of my secret parking spot under tamarisk tree for shade in desert...
ok its a stretch that...
One is none, two is one all that. Why bring hand tools when POwAH is available...

or better more often to fit a 3/4" lug to drill bit power up the wheel jacks...Ryobi 18v fits the bill. I think. Testing begins...

Thanks @Jenn, if you and Drew are down with them, i'm sold.

Of course this means yet MOAH POWAH needed while boondocking...can they be dc to dc charged... by solar?
 
Last edited:
TheSongDogHouse said:
I was just at HomeDepotDogpark wandering around looking at those Ryobi's....thinking
"hmmmm; how do I justify yet another man guy retail therapy purchase...and glamping accessory?

"Say, BW - the Camping Dog needs more airflow...on hot days too!"

@Sweeney yep me too...DeWalt makes good stuff, but burly. Those live on tool bench.

I am collecting a couple battree powered smaller profile tools for the road I can toss in TV, cheap...who knows when I might need to jigsaw a hole in side of the Ci...install in cabin a mini wood burning stove with chimney? Camped on the yellowstone no propane 40 below...if ya can so put it in a ski bum sprinter why not....

or Sawzall a offending treebranch or ten out of my secret parking spot under tamarisk tree for shade in desert...
ok its a stretch that...
One is none, two is one all that. Why bring hand tools when POwAH is available...

or better more often to fit a 3/4" lug to drill bit power up the wheel jacks...Ryobi 18v fits the bill. I think. Testing begins...

Thanks @Jenn, if you and Drew are down with them, i'm sold.

Of course this means yet MOAH POWAH needed while boondocking...can they be dc to dc charged... by solar?
Click to expand...
True confessions: I NEVER put the jacks down.
 
I don’t have an extensive to walk collection, just an impact, drill, impact driver, fan, in the shop vac to clean up after jobs. I don’t know the Walt any better or worse than the other brands., frankly in the tool world there seems to be erased the bottom, just like there is an area of manufacturing segment. But at least in this case, I can buy batteries just about anywhere anytime..
 
We have 3 of the Ryobi fans you clip on. Ryobi and its parent company TTI have a big facility in my city. And we have Direct Tools Outlet store here too that sales mostly Ryobi branded stuff. Sometimes the price is no different than at Home Depot, but sometimes it’s a good deal. The fans are great in the heat.

I’ve got a Bluetooth speaker we take camping with us from there.

Home | Direct Tools Factory Outlet

Here at Direct Tools Factory Outlet, we bring you the best brand name tools at huge savings, offering brands such as RYOBI, RIDGID, and Hoover.
www.directtoolsoutlet.com www.directtoolsoutlet.com
 
Warren Mary Ellen said:
We have 3 of the Ryobi fans you clip on. Ryobi and its parent company TTI have a big facility in my city. And we have Direct Tools Outlet store here too that sales mostly Ryobi branded stuff. Sometimes the price is no different than at Home Depot, but sometimes it’s a good deal. The fans are great in the heat.

I’ve got a Bluetooth speaker we take camping with us from there.

Home | Direct Tools Factory Outlet

Here at Direct Tools Factory Outlet, we bring you the best brand name tools at huge savings, offering brands such as RYOBI, RIDGID, and Hoover.
www.directtoolsoutlet.com www.directtoolsoutlet.com
Click to expand...

The tool industry is as bad as the RV - locking you into a single vendor. I have made the conscious decision to pick 1(cordless) brand-- based on availability and general reputation. DeWalt -- when I started buying years ago, they were the job site choice. I think Milwaukee probably has that today. But my batteries are yellow - and it would cost an arm and a leg to change that.

Theres an outlet store in Cinci -- I'm due for a road trip that way, just for the heck of it I might stop in one of these days. Outlet stores used to be a good deal --- but in the 90's they just became factory direct at full retail :(
 
Last edited:
Sweeney said:
The tool industry is as bad as the RV - locking you into a single vendor. I have made the conscious decision to pick 1(cordless) brand-- based on availability and general reputation. DeWalt -- when I started buying years ago, they were the job site choice. I think Milwaukee probably has that today. But my batteries are yellow - and it would cost an arm and a leg to change that.

Theres an outlet store in Cinci -- I'm due for a road trip that way, just for the heck of it I might stop in one of these days. Outlet stores used to be a good deal --- but in the 90's they just became factory direct at full retail :(
Click to expand...
I recently had a Ryobi 18V cordless drill battery that would no longer take a charge. Just for the fun of it, I took it apart and found it had 6 cells in series inside. I found that all but one had a normal charge, but one with a zero charge. I was able to find some correct size pretty inexpensive rechargeable's on eBay . I broke the weld loose from the contact clip on the bad battery, and made a spot welder from a piece of saved broom handle, about a foot of 12 gauge romex, two alligator clips, and a 12V battery(
) , and spot welded the new battery onto the stainless contact clips, and put it all back together. Works great again now! Don't know for how long, but should be worth about the $10 investment made.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top