We install a lot of dust reduction systems, so we've compiled a list of the best DRS units to make your choice easier. Specifications, pros and cons, and key features included.
Dometic DRS2
The Dometic DRS2 Dust Reduction System is designed to keep your caravan’s interior free from dust and other airborne particles while traveling on dusty roads. It is one of the most popular options for Australian caravan owners.
Key Features:
Dust Reduction: The DRS2 is engineered to filter and reduce the amount of dust entering your caravan by pressurizing the interior with clean, filtered air as you travel. This is especially useful in arid regions or during outback adventures when you’re travelling behind other road users.
Passive Operation: The system operates without the need for electrical power or moving parts. It works through the natural flow of air while the vehicle is in motion, making it a low-maintenance and energy-efficient solution.
Roof-Mounted Design: Installed on the roof of the caravan, the DRS2 utilizes aerodynamic principles to draw in clean air and pressurize the cabin, pushing out dust and particulates.
Replaceable Air Filter: The system includes a high-quality air filter made from water-resistant materials that are also resistant to bacteria, mold, and odour. The filter is easy to replace, ensuring ongoing effective dust reduction.
How the DRS2 Works:
The DRS2 system is installed on the roof of your caravan, where it takes advantage of the natural airflow generated as the vehicle moves. As air flows over the caravan, the DRS2 unit directs this air into the cabin. The incoming air is passed through a high-quality filter that traps dust and other particles, ensuring that only clean air enters the caravan. Once the air enters the caravan, it increases the internal air pressure slightly. This pressurization is critical because it prevents dust from entering the caravan through small gaps, seams, or openings that might otherwise allow dust ingress. By maintaining a higher pressure inside the cabin compared to the outside environment, the system effectively pushes out any dust-laden air that tries to enter, ensuring a cleaner and dust-free interior. The DRS2 uses a replaceable filter designed to capture fine dust particles while allowing a steady flow of air. The filter is made from water-resistant materials and is treated to resist bacteria, mold, and odours, enhancing the overall air quality inside the caravan. The filter can be easily replaced when needed, ensuring that the system continues to operate efficiently over time. One of the key features of the DRS2 is its passive operation. It doesn’t require any electrical power, motors, or moving parts to function. Instead, it relies entirely on the movement of the caravan to create the necessary airflow and pressure differences. This means that the system is maintenance-free apart from periodic filter changes, and it doesn’t draw any power from the caravan’s electrical system.
Specifications:
The DRS2 is compact, making it suitable for a variety of caravan models without occupying excessive space. It is suitable for roof thicknesses from 30-65mm, and roof openings between 290x290 and 400x400. It’s overall dimensions are 473L x 444W x 284H.
Pros:
Highly Effective Dust Control: Significantly reduces dust ingress, keeping the interior of your caravan clean during travel.
No Power Required: Operates passively, which means no drain on your caravan’s battery and no need for wiring.
Low Maintenance: With no moving parts and an easy-to-replace filter, the DRS2 is simple to maintain.
Health Benefits: Improves air quality inside the caravan, making it a great option for those with respiratory conditions or allergies.
Cons:
Limited Functionality When Stationary: The system only works while the vehicle is moving, so it doesn’t provide dust protection when parked in a dusty environment.
Takes Up Roof Space: Being roof-mounted, it occupies space that could potentially be used for other accessories like solar panels.
CaraFan Sahara CP700
The Carafan Sahara Dust Reduction System works by using dual fans to create positive air pressure inside the caravan, which prevents dust from entering. The air is filtered before it enters the caravan, ensuring a clean and dust-free interior. The system is user-friendly, with adjustable speeds and a remote control, making it an effective solution for travellers who frequently encounter dusty conditions (all of us!).
How the CP700 Works:
The system features two powerful electric fans that are mounted on the roof of the caravan. These fans are designed to draw in external air and push it into the caravan.As the fans force air into the cabin, they create positive air pressure inside the caravan. This positive pressure is crucial because it prevents dust from entering the caravan through small gaps, windows, or doors, which would typically allow dust to seep in during travel. Before the air is pushed into the caravan, it passes through a high-efficiency air filter. This filter is designed to capture dust particles and other airborne contaminants, ensuring that only clean air enters the living space. The filter is both washable and replaceable, allowing for easy maintenance and long-term use without frequent replacements.
The Sahara system provides multiple speed settings for the fans, allowing users to adjust the amount of air being pushed into the caravan. This flexibility lets you balance the level of pressurization with power consumption and noise levels. Lower speeds are quieter and consume less power, ideal for normal conditions, while higher speeds provide more pressurization in extremely dusty environments. The system includes a remote control, enabling users to adjust the fan speed and operation from anywhere inside the caravan. This convenience makes it easy to manage the system without needing to manually adjust the unit. From our experience, even when the fans are not running at full power, the initial pressurization can help maintain a dust-free environment for a period of time, especially if you’re making short stops.
Specifications:
Airflow Rate: 3,000 litres per minute (L/min).
Dual Fans: The system uses two powerful fans to achieve this high airflow rate, ensuring that the interior of the caravan is effectively pressurized and dust-free.
Operating Voltage: 12V DC.
Current Draw: 3.4A on high speed and 2.1A on low speed.
Power Consumption: 40W on high speed and 25W on low speed.
Dimensions: 675L x 525W x 110H
Suits: Up to 27ft Caravan.
Gusto Dust Reduction System
The Gusto Dust Reduction System (DRS) is engineered to maintain a clean and dust-free environment inside caravans and RVs, even in the harshest and dustiest conditions. This system is ideal for travellers who frequently encounter off-road or unsealed road environments where dust infiltration can be a major issue, or those who want to continue using their DRS when parked.
How the Gusto DRS Works:
The Gusto DRS operates by creating positive air pressure inside the caravan, which is essential in preventing dust from entering through small gaps, windows, or doors. The system achieves this by drawing in external air through a roof-mounted fan and passing it through a high-efficiency filter before the air is pushed into the caravan. This process ensures that only clean, filtered air enters the living space, keeping the interior free from dust and other airborne particles.
Technical Specifications:
The Gusto DRS delivers a high airflow rate of 160 cubic feet per minute (CFM), ensuring sufficient air circulation to maintain positive pressure within the caravan. The system has a maximum current draw of 2.8A (12VDC), which translates to a power consumption of approximately 34W. This low energy requirement makes the Gusto DRS suitable for continuous use without significantly impacting the caravan's battery life.
The unit measures 470mm (L) x 450mm (W) x 100mm (H), offering a compact and unobtrusive design that fits neatly on the caravan roof. The system is designed to fit a standard 14” x 14” (356mm x 356mm) roof opening, which is common in most caravans, making installation straightforward. The Gusto DRS uses a replaceable HEPA-grade filter, which is designed to capture fine dust particles and other contaminants, ensuring that only clean air is introduced into the caravan. The filter is both washable and replaceable, allowing for easy maintenance and long-term efficiency. The Gusto DRS is relatively lightweight at 3.8 kg, reducing the strain on the caravan roof and ensuring that the system does not impact the vehicle’s aerodynamics or fuel efficiency.
The system is engineered for quiet operation, with a noise level of less than 60 dB even at maximum speed, ensuring minimal disruption to the comfort of caravan occupants.
Pros:
High Efficiency: The Gusto DRS provides effective dust reduction, ensuring that the caravan interior remains clean and free of dust even in extremely dusty environments.
Energy-Efficient: With low power consumption, the system can operate continuously without significantly draining the caravan's battery.
Quiet Operation: Designed to run quietly, the Gusto DRS maintains a noise level under 60 dB, making it ideal for use during travel without disturbing occupants.
Compact Design: The low-profile and lightweight construction ensures that the system integrates seamlessly with the caravan's roof, without adding significant height or weight.
Cons:
Installation: While the unit is designed to fit standard roof openings, proper installation might require professional assistance to ensure optimal sealing and performance.
Initial Cost: As a premium dust reduction system, the Gusto DRS may come with a higher upfront cost compared to simpler ventilation systems.
Power Dependency: Continuous operation depends on a stable 12V power supply, which may require monitoring during extended trips.