How to Beat the Heat and Keep Your Caravan Cool During Summer

As caravan owners know all too well, there’s nothing like hitting the road and camping out during spring or summer. The sun is out, the skies are clear, and trees and flowers are in full bloom.

Unfortunately, these months are also known as the hottest times of the year, especially during the summer season. With the sun beating down constantly on most days, temperatures can rise to peak levels, making the air much warmer and the days much hotter.

For many caravan owners and guests, these higher temperatures can be a big problem. When not addressed properly, the heat from summer or peak temperature periods can quickly turn any fun outdoor adventure into a nightmare of a trip.

Fortunately, there are many proven tips for keeping caravans cool during these warmer months. If you’re driving out this spring or summer, keep these tips in mind to make your trip cooler and more comfortable all throughout.

Encourage Air Flow

Your first line of defence when the temperature rises is to promote as much air flow inside your caravan as possible. This involves opening your caravan’s windows and doors so that the heat and hot air don’t get trapped inside. If your caravan has a pop-top, make sure to pop it out and open the vents so that hot air can escape and cooler breezes can come in. Keep in mind, however, that if you’re travelling to an area with plenty of insects, it’s best that you consider installing insect or mosquito netting to prevent them from entering.

Keep Blinds and Curtains Down

By keeping blinds and curtains in your caravan down, you can keep the rays of the sun out and help keep the air inside the caravan cooler. It’s a simple trick, but it can make a big difference in how your caravan feels inside.

Insulation is Your Best Friend

Many people think that insulation is only useful during winter, but it’s also a valuable aid during summer. In the hotter months, proper insulation will help keep cool air inside your caravan while preventing heat from getting in. These days, many caravans are built with proper insulation. But if you’re having your caravan custom-built or upgrading it with better fixtures, then make sure it’s properly insulated in both the roof and its walls.

Cook Outside (if possible)

Indoor ovens and stovetops can quickly make any caravan feel stuffy, so it’s best to cook outdoors as much as possible when you’re camping during summer. This is the best time to bring out your outdoor grills and mobile barbeques. If you do have to cook inside your caravan, then make sure to leave your doors and windows open so the heat from cooking won’t get trapped inside.

Switch Lighting

Halogen and incandescent lights tend to generate a lot of heat and get hot when used. A better option during summer would be to use fluorescent or LED lighting, which not only produce light more efficiently but also generate less heat.

Camp Near Large, Shady Trees

The world may be warmer during summer, but don’t forget that you can work with nature and use it to your advantage. If possible, try camping near large trees that can provide plenty of shade during the day. The goal is to stay in a spot with a large tree on your western side, which will provide shade during the hottest times of the day.

Bring Out the Big (Cooling) Guns

If you’ve done all the tips above and your caravan is still unbearably hot, consider investing in air conditioners or mobile fans, especially those that are designed for caravan use. Not only will these units help lower the temperature inside, but they’re also bound to make your entire trip more comfortable.

Remember: the sun may be out of your control, but there are things you can do to help your caravan stay cooler whenever the temperature rises. It’s all about being prepared and taking the necessary steps to ensure heat doesn’t get trapped inside your caravan. And while you may not always be able to beat the heat in every case, you can reduce its overall impact on your trip.