Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (DWags541)

Wed, 01 May 2013 19:40:37 GMT

This is the system I am using for my exhaust at the back of my rig. The metal fan motor mounts have since been painted, and the fans wired up with their switches at the front of the rig.
The next step is the custom hood, which is being fabricated locally. These fans (12v) move plenty of air and I imagine I will only need them on low. I'll have a 3' propane griddle next to a propane steam table at the back.

I too was not interested in a vertical exhaust setup. Mostly because the fan systems are all AC power and I wanted 12v power for everything. But also because of the aesthetic of a huge fan on top of a moving truck. I did some research and saw some wall mount exhausts and that gave me the confidence to proceed with this custom job.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (cosmo64)

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:46:58 GMT

Thanks edwmax, ease of upkeep is paramount.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (daddywoofdawg)

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 00:57:41 GMT

Someone on here not to long ago built a truck and we talked about where to get the fans like the food trucks used.I forget where he said. but search this forum and you'll find it.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (edwmax)

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 05:33:07 GMT

Keep in mind what ever system/equipment installed, it will need cleaning to remove buildup of grease from the inside of duct & fan. Slope any duct work to drain into a grease collection can or to the outside. ... Yes the ducts are very short in a truck ... usually. So make any access needed easy so cleaning will not be a 'dreaded chore'.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (cosmo64)

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 20:59:32 GMT

Good points Dr of BBQ.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Dr of BBQ)

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:02:38 GMT

To start with you need to keep in mind the overall height of your truck or trailer. And not just for highway use but for city driving as well. Most cities don't trim tree branches that hang out over streets and instead depend on semi trucks to clear low hanging branches. So semi drivers drive in the center lane when possible which means the curb lanes have lots of tree branches that will beat the heck out of your above exhaust fan housing and when it gets dented it loses some of it's designed swirl exhaust ability.
jack

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (cosmo64)

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:19:08 GMT

Since I too am doing all the necessary research on a concession trailer build, I have been reading all of the related threads and taking notes. Does anyone care to post negative/positive results with their type of exhaust fan setups (vertical/horizontal with/without makeup air...etc)?

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Dr of BBQ)

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:12:50 GMT

Good questions and fair points.

In no particular order.

Most builds get done and the builder is busting his or her tail working after that and doesn't post much. Also most folks don't want to come on here and say "oh man I screwed the pooch on my build" and this and this is wrong.So we don't get a lot of after build reports.

I have only been around one system that had ("makeup air") out door air coming inside at the grill front so the system was sucking out the heat and grease from the grill and not the AC, or heat in the winter. It was in the dead of winter and colder than hell outside and as you reached across the grill to turn a burger from your wrist to your elbow was cold I mean frost bite cold. So in my mind they ("makeup air systems") work.

But that said they can get expensive to install, and you need to figure out how much air to bring into your hood area. The only way I know of to do that is get back on the phone with VD and ask them to tell you what system they recommend for your rig.

Tell them you also want to use a make up air system and ask what size pipe etc you need. They can figure it out in a heart beat. And yes they will want to talk mushroom type but you just need the CFM figure that they suggest you need and the CFM "makeup air" figure they suggest you need.Then when you build your system use VD's research, and make sure you get a total coming in and exhaust that matches.

I live in Illinois and we have about two weeks in early to mid August that are just miserable from the heat in a normal year. This year we have had several weeks already and the worst may be yet to come. I do not have AC in the trailer but run the exhaust fan all day to keep air moving thru the trailer. Again under normal conditions it's not bad with out AC.

good luck.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Linairs)

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:05:27 GMT

I did read this thread but what I got from it was a lot of questioning and what if's and such. I was wondering if anyone has actually done it and was either happy or unhappy with how they did it.
I thank you for the links you sent me, but it still seems like no one is talking about a finished project. Didn't know about Pacific Trucks. That looks like a good place to start.
My son talked to Ventilation Direct and they pretty much say only the mushroom will do but I don't want that. Our truck is tall enough as it is. We do ice cream and may want a little cooking so I don't see the need for massive air flow. Plus we have an air conditioner. Sounds like we'd just be sucking out all our cold air. Should we install a vent in the hood system to draw outside air in? Saw some mention of an outside vent on one of the posts but don't really understand the system. Haven't been able to find anyone local to help.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Dr of BBQ)

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 19:24:58 GMT

Linairs
I've been trying to research the side wall venting configuration. Can't find anything. So has anyone done this right? I have a hood that came out of a restaurant. Can I use it or do I need a special hood made for wall exhaust?

Try these links
http://www.roadfood.com/F...ll+mounted+exhaust+fan
http://www.roadfood.com/F...ll+mounted+exhaust+fan
http://www.roadfood.com/F...ll+mounted+exhaust+fan
http://www.roadfood.com/F...ll+mounted+exhaust+fan
http://www.roadfood.com/F...ll+mounted+exhaust+fan
http://www.roadfood.com/F...ll+mounted+exhaust+fan
http://www.roadfood.com/F...ll+mounted+exhaust+fan
http://www.roadfood.com/F...ll+mounted+exhaust+fan

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Dr of BBQ)

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 17:27:37 GMT

Linairs
I've been trying to research the side wall venting configuration. Can't find anything. So has anyone done this right? I have a hood that came out of a restaurant. Can I use it or do I need a special hood made for wall exhaust?

Did you read this thread? It's full of imformation.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Linairs)

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 16:17:55 GMT

I've been trying to research the side wall venting configuration. Can't find anything. So has anyone done this right? I have a hood that came out of a restaurant. Can I use it or do I need a special hood made for wall exhaust?

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (PurpleCheetah)

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:09:36 GMT

Thanks DoB I got in to late to call them today but I'll try Sat. or Monday...I am trying to do both Cool and degrease

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Dr of BBQ)

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 19:58:58 GMT

"how to convert the BTU to CFM part"

Glad to hear you did your home work Congrats on that.

You can't convert BTUs to CFM, that's like converting ice to gallons per hour from a pump. But I need to know what your biggest concern is? Are you just trying to pull the grease and smoke out or are you looking to cool your trailer or both?

Write down your total BTUs, the sq footage of the unit, and fresh air intake= sq footage of the windows or doors that will remain open, but screened and call Ventilation Direct at the number listed on the top of this web page. Ask them what size fan you need for your operation. I think you'll find they are great to work with and have the cheapest prices in the country. I have dealt with them on 2 different units.

There site is
http://www.ventilationdir...gList.asp?cattypeid=39

They will do the math and calculate the proper exhaust fan you need and it will be correct and you'll stop worrying. LMAO.
jack

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (PurpleCheetah)

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:35:20 GMT

I did actually, I talk to prosupply ( another website that had the fan )and they gave me the phone number to TPI Corp who directed me to the catalog ( page 21-22) I looked at the catalog and found most info I needed ....however I can not find enough info on how to convert the BTU to CFM part. I did read this whole thread and got a round about figure as to the CFM from there so I could go off that I guess. http://www.prosupplyco.com/ceseries-3.aspx has the fans for the cheapest I have found. TPI gave me phone numbers for retailer's close to me where I could go pick it up, but they are all closed for the day so I'll try tomorrow and check prices there.

I really do try to find things out on my own but sometimes I need another opinion ( or reassurance you could say) because I don't want to end up with another case of more than I need or wrong thing, or paying someone commission on a sale for selling me to much stuff that I didn't really need, or over thinking a simple situation........I guess I should just get two fans and at least have more than I need than less.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Dr of BBQ)

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:08:37 GMT

PC,
That is a neat looking unit, made by TPI but the add doesn't tell you the amount of cubic feet of air it will put out per minute. And that is what will tell you if it will remove your exhaust and or keep your trailer or truck cool in the hot months.

I called them (their number was on the page you linked) and this web site is just a retailer for lots of other companies, so this is not who you want to buy from. I also found out it moves 1600 FPM which is ok.

But again don't buy from someone that sells all kinds of junk and expect to get any service after you bought it. They don't even carry it in stock.

They would only tell me it was made by TPI and their site is
http://www.tpicorp.com/ you need to download the catalog and or call them and find out if they do internet sales or who will be your cheapest retailer.
Now one more question why didn't you do all this research? It only took 15 minutes?????

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (PurpleCheetah)

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:16:14 GMT

If I used this exhaust fan mounted on the side of my truck, could I use just 1 or would I need 2?
total btu's 215,000:

http://www.neobits.com/tp..._p1581594.html?atc=gbs

I would be mounting it inside my hood from hoodmart

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Sapphirebistro)

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 01:09:36 GMT

I'm really leaning towards back mount fan because of my hood and because I have a window all ready there .

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (kingofcreams)

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 11:59:28 GMT

Yes I returned it to Grainger. Originally I was going to mount it on the side but then ended up mounting it on the roof. The Roof cap I endup up using has a built in flapper

DWags541

kingofcreams

I just got one of the then returned it. You would install it under a fan with the fan discharging out. When the fan is off it prevents outside air back drafting into the interior space. If I had a thicker ceiling I would have been able to use it. They make one for a wall and one for a ceiling / roof. Although the depth is only like an inch and a half once the damper opens its like 2 3/4" deep.
DWags541

What is a backdraft damper? Does it achieve the same thing as a shutter?
I am not sure of the terminology, but I wouldn't want the get something where the flaps open against the exhaust flow.

Well, your description matches what I suspected it would be and a contender for what I will use. Do I understand you correctly in that you said you purchased a vent like this and returned it? If so, why? Is your ventilation on the side or roof?

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (edwmax)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 21:23:31 GMT

You normally don't need a bug screen on operable louvers (back-draft louver). Bug or birds are not going to fly in while the fan is running; and the louvers will not be open if the fan is off. ... But open fixed-louvers would need bug screens.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Dr of BBQ)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:09:43 GMT

Some health department rules are goofy and that's one of them. A fly will come in a 1/4 inch hole in a heartbeat. Or ants what ever.
OK just wondered but I'm not putting one (screen) on. Seems to be a great place to trap a lot of grease. I won't unless they press me on it. lol

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (THE WILD DOG)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:04:31 GMT

if you have a roof mounted exhaust ( bell exhaust ) you should have a bug screen from the factory already installed, The vent flaps are loose and they can and will flap open if the wind hits it the right way. Plus it's a health dept thing. No openings bigger than 1/4 "

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Dr of BBQ)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:39:26 GMT

I have never had any bugs come thru my roof exhaust system and no birds LOL. Why are the side vents with flaps more likely to have those problems?

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (THE WILD DOG)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 18:14:12 GMT

bird and bug protection

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Dr of BBQ)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 17:51:26 GMT

Why would you have to put wire mesh on an exhaust system?

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Jackcon)

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:45:10 GMT

kingofcreams

Check out Grainger and search for single panel wall exhaust shutter. A 10 1/2" x 10 1/2" is $33. The louvers shut automatically with no air pressure and open when there is. You would just either screw it directly to your rig or a frame you build and attach to your rig first then you could easily remove it to clean it. Since I am now going to roof mount my 12 volt fan I am thinking of going with a Broan Wall Cap. It has built in back flow prevention flapper and bird screen ( although I may add some smaller mesh screen for insects). THese are what is used on houses for your oven range exhaust and bathroom exhaust fans. Grainger has them but I also found them at Menards and are much cheaper there.
Bistro a go-go

where are the closing louvered vents sold?? Prices? also MOST important, how are they cleaned of grease cause most cleaners will clean off expensive grafix in seconds OR do damage over short time,..? are the ones on movie trucks installed with some kind of grease filter other than the ones in the hood itself. we all know these hood filters dont trap all the grease, eh?

What size of wire mesh and/or wire screen would you usually use in this situation? I would imagine the mesh is going to be really fine if it can keep insects from getting inside of it? Would you say like a 50 x 50 wire mesh would do the trick? Or do you have to go even finer?
Infor on 50 mesh:

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (DWags541)

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 02:32:40 GMT

kingofcreams

I just got one of the then returned it. You would install it under a fan with the fan discharging out. When the fan is off it prevents outside air back drafting into the interior space. If I had a thicker ceiling I would have been able to use it. They make one for a wall and one for a ceiling / roof. Although the depth is only like an inch and a half once the damper opens its like 2 3/4" deep.
DWags541

What is a backdraft damper? Does it achieve the same thing as a shutter?
I am not sure of the terminology, but I wouldn't want the get something where the flaps open against the exhaust flow.

Well, your description matches what I suspected it would be and a contender for what I will use. Do I understand you correctly in that you said you purchased a vent like this and returned it? If so, why? Is your ventilation on the side or roof?

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (kingofcreams)

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:06:23 GMT

I just got one of the then returned it. You would install it under a fan with the fan discharging out. When the fan is off it prevents outside air back drafting into the interior space. If I had a thicker ceiling I would have been able to use it. They make one for a wall and one for a ceiling / roof. Although the depth is only like an inch and a half once the damper opens its like 2 3/4" deep.

DWags541

What is a backdraft damper? Does it achieve the same thing as a shutter?
I am not sure of the terminology, but I wouldn't want the get something where the flaps open against the exhaust flow.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (DWags541)

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 18:49:22 GMT

What is a backdraft damper? Does it achieve the same thing as a shutter?
I am not sure of the terminology, but I wouldn't want the get something where the flaps open against the exhaust flow.

Re:Roof mount exhaust fan vs wall mount on sides of food truck (Bistro a go-go)

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:58:03 GMT

i wonder what the big louver is covering below the angled ones? thanks for the info. regards, mark