Canopy Ventilation Guide

STOIC DESIGNS | CANOPY VENTILATION

Less hot air. Less dust. The right setup.

Your canopy shouldn't be an oven. Whether you're running a fridge, batteries or a full touring setup, we'll help you choose ventilation that makes sense.

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What are you trying to fix?

Too much heat? You need fresh air coming in and hot air getting out. Dust getting through gaps? You want filtered air entering the canopy to help maintain positive pressure. These are different jobs, and the way you arrange your vents matters just as much as which vent you buy.

Choose your vent

  Premium Filtration Maximum Airflow
Best for Filtering incoming air, especially where fine dust is a concern Moving more air, particularly in hot or leaky canopies
Trade-off Stronger filtration, lower airflow Higher airflow, less filtration
Filter Replaceable Briggs & Stratton 491588S Replaceable G2 air-conditioning filter media
Options 12V fan, thermostat, spare filters 12V fan, thermostat, 10/30/50mm spacers

Shop Premium Filtration →   |   Shop Maximum Airflow →

Three ways to set up your canopy

01 / Keep the dust down: positive pressure

Outside → powered filtered INLET → canopy

Run one fan into the canopy. That can help keep filtered air moving outward through small gaps instead of drawing dusty air in. If your canopy is larger or leaks more air, two powered inlets may be the better option. Choose Premium Filtration where finer dust is the priority; Maximum Airflow may be more suitable for a particularly leaky canopy.

02 / Get the hot air out: balanced airflow

Outside → powered INLET → canopy → powered OUTLET → outside

Use two powered vents: one drawing fresh air in, the other exhausting hot air out. This is our recommended starting point when cooling and air exchange are the main goals, especially in a relatively well-sealed canopy. The fans can be reversed to set their direction.

03 / Simple ventilation: one powered vent

Powered fan + a suitable route for air to enter or escape

A single powered vent is a good starting point, but air needs somewhere to go. A sealed canopy with only one powered exhaust won't exchange air efficiently unless replacement air can enter. For stronger, more controlled cooling, we'd generally choose two powered vents.

Important: positive pressure and maximum air exchange are different goals. Real results depend on canopy size, leaks, filters, installation and fan operation. No vent setup guarantees a dust-proof or waterproof canopy.

Why go powered?

Natural airflow varies with wind and vehicle speed. A 12V fan helps move air when you're parked, working or camping, too. Our optional 120mm high-static-pressure fan is rated at 138 CFM free-air airflow, 10W and approximately 48 dB(A). The assembled vent will deliver less airflow once filter and installation resistance are included. More performance also means a noticeable fan sound.

Want it to switch on only when things heat up? Add the optional 12V thermostat. A useful starting point is ON at 35°C and OFF at 30°C, adjustable for your setup.

Frequently asked questions

These are the questions we regularly get from customers planning or installing canopy vents.

Should I use one vent or two?

One powered inlet can help with positive pressure. For faster heat removal and air exchange, we generally recommend two powered vents: one inlet and one outlet. Larger, hotter or leakier canopies may benefit from a different arrangement.

Which vent is better for outback dust?

Premium Filtration is designed for greater filtration but restricts airflow more. Maximum Airflow moves more air with coarser filter media. If your canvas or aluminium canopy has lots of leaks, maintaining positive pressure may be easier with Maximum Airflow. Neither option can guarantee a dust-free canopy.

Can I use these on a canvas canopy?

Potentially, if you have a suitable rigid, flat mounting plate or reinforced surface. The amount of air leaking through zips, seams and openings matters. In a leaky canvas setup, Maximum Airflow is often our suggested starting point. Check your mounting arrangement with us first.

Can I mount a vent flat on the roof?

Our standard vents are intended for installation on a flat vertical surface, with the outside opening facing down and its lower edge parallel to the ground. We don't recommend rotating them or mounting them horizontally on a roof. Please contact us before cutting a panel if your only available position is on a roof or curved surface.

Are the vents waterproof?

They're designed with a downward-facing exterior opening and an internal mounting arrangement, but correct orientation and a properly sealed installation are essential. We don't claim that a vent will make every canopy waterproof, particularly in severe weather, pressure-washing or water crossings.

Will they fit an ARB fibreglass or ribbed canopy?

Our standard designs need a sufficiently flat mounting surface. Curved fibreglass panels, ribs, roof channels and nearby windows can make installation unsuitable without custom mounting work. Send us photographs and measurements before ordering or cutting.

How large is the hole I need to cut?

Every vent comes with its own cutting template. As a guide, a 100 x 115mm cut-out has been advised for the Premium Filtration vent, but always use the template supplied with your specific product and verify clearances and bolt positions before cutting.

Do I need a spacer?

If you have insulation or plywood lining behind the canopy wall, you may need additional clearance to access or remove the Maximum Airflow filter basket. That model offers 10mm, 30mm and 50mm spacers. Measure your wall and lining depth before choosing.

Can I use a Premium Filtration replacement filter in a Maximum Airflow vent?

No. The Premium Filtration replacement cartridge is not compatible with the Maximum Airflow vent. Choose replacement media made for your vent model. Shop Premium Filtration replacements →

Can the thermostat turn the fan on when it's hot?

Yes. The optional 12V thermostat allows temperature-controlled fan operation. For example, set it to turn on at 35°C and off at 30°C. If the fan runs constantly when the canopy is cool, check the programmed settings and wiring against the controller instructions before changing anything.

How loud are the powered vents?

Our high-flow fan is rated at around 48 dB(A) before installation effects. It is built for strong airflow rather than silent running, and you'll hear it in a quiet campsite or garage. A thermostat helps avoid running the fan when cooling isn't needed.

Will ventilation help my fridge and battery setup?

Ventilation can help remove accumulated hot air around fridges, chargers and other equipment, especially while parked. However, it cannot cool air below the outdoor ambient temperature by itself. Keep the clearances required by each appliance manufacturer and don't obstruct existing ventilation paths.

Still not sure what your canopy needs?

Send us a couple of photos, the canopy dimensions, what you've got running inside and whether heat or dust is your main concern. We'll help you work out a sensible configuration before you cut a hole.

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