The E is a wonderful dogbed on wheels. It would be even better if a replacement panel were available for the moonroof, that had a thermostat controlled exhaust fan and temp monitor in it. They currently make temp monitor add in's that signal a remote key fob alarm when it gets above a preset level. If a roof panel had one of these and an exhaust fan, it could be plugged into the second power outlet. Would be awfully nice to have when travelling with the 4 legged kids. In moderate weather, you could crack the windows, and the fan would keep the inside cooled off (while you're in a restaurant for example). In hotter weather, if you leave the car idling in the shade with the AC on, the fob would alert you if the AC quit running and the temp rose above a safe level.

If you do indeed find one of these, please post the info. There are small fans that attach to dog crates, but I don't know if they are AC or battery operated. They would probably work on most days, just supplying enough air flow to keep the doggies comfy, and could probably be velcro-attached in the opening.

I expect you could find something in a boater catalogs. They live in a 12 volt world and needing to get air below deck is very important.

For a thermostat look in a building supply store for an attic fan thermostat that controls attic fans. I could be wrong but I suspect you could find one where the lowest setting would be a good temp.. Then again, if you want the fan for times you are stopping for lunch... Just leave the fan on....

You know the rear power plug does not have power with the car turned off. There is a post on this site that shows how to by pass the relay to have the power on all the time.. I would like to have the power on all the time, but concerned about leaving something on that would pull more current than the battery could substain and still start the car.

good luck

How about something solar powered?

Watch out, the gears are turning... :wink:

Coming up with a panel to replace the glass will be the hardest part of any homemade project. It is going to need just the right stiffness and overall shape to give a water tight seal. It looks to me as though the frame is sturdy enough that such a panel could even be used to hold a full size spare tire. Obviously it would be nice if Honda would produce such a panel, but I won't hold my breath hoping for one.

There must be some other ways of increasing ventilation. Actually I think the ventilation is pretty good - with the side door vents open along with the skylight. Admittedly my experience is with mild Seattle summers.

How about sticking this 12v fan (from Westmarine.com) onto the underside of the skylight, and aim it to blow out the opening:
http://www.westmarine.com/images/full/06287_f.jpg

You could plug it into a portable 12v battery pack, and not have to rework the wiring of the car's outlets.

RVers rave about this Fan-tastic fan, which comes with a thermostat.
http://www.campingworld.com/ts-cwi/images/products/primary/7000/7284.jpg?wid=250&cvt=jpeg
Looks like 14 x14" is standard RV vent size.

paulj

Hint Hint Hint.....we have these for our K9 units to put in the back windows of Ford Crown Vics. I have no clue where they come from. But do Google for Law Enforcement Supply and try calling a few places and tell them what you're looking for. If they don't have it, they may be able to tell you who does!

How about finding or making a shallow box that fits OVER the skylight? Some under-the-bed plastic storage box may work. Mount the fan of your choice in it. At the stop, pot the skylilght open, set the box over it, and connect power. You made need some braces or spacers to keep it from walking around.

paulj

So good to see this thread going. Wanted to add that my car battery went completely dead when I left the lights on for 25 minutes, so leaving a fan plugged into the car may be an issue unless the car is left running. Please be sure to post if any of you find or invent something that works. I'm definitely in the market for something to cool my 'box4dog".

They do make solar powerd fans that fit in your side window. Have no clue where to look on the net, but I know I've seen them. Doesn't make good use of the sunroof, but it still gets the job done.

[quote:6bde061492=" "]They do make solar powerd fans that fit in your side window. Have no clue where to look on the net, but I know I've seen them. Doesn't make good use of the sunroof, but it still gets the job done.[/quote:6bde061492]

I think that either using the side window instead of the moonroof might work, or that someone sufficiently motivated could adapt the window kind to the sunroof. Solar is definitely the way to go...

[quote:dd72666eb2=" "]Solar is definitely the way to go...[/quote:dd72666eb2]

...unless you need the ventilation at night! :)

-brendan

I bought one of those solar powered window vents a number of years ago. It clamps in a nearly closed side window. The air flows though a narrow slot. I think the Element with side and top vents open has more natural ventilation than this fan can provide. Even if I could somehow fit it in the top window it might block air flow rather than increase it.

Boating stores sell solar powered vents, which could be mounted in a box over the skylight. But they are not cheap.

For occasional use, a suction mounted fan with its own D cells may be easiest addition.

paulj

[quote:784cf75af5=" "][quote:784cf75af5=" "]Solar is definitely the way to go...[/quote:784cf75af5]

...unless you need the ventilation at night! :)

-brendan[/quote:784cf75af5]

I prefer to have my windows fog up. Harder for people to see in :wink: