It’s no surprise that caravans can get very hot during the peak summer months, especially when you’re cooking, using appliances and not taking any precautions to keep your caravan cool. As well as not wanting your caravan to become a greenhouse on wheels, keeping cool on your adventures is essential both for your comfort, health and safety.
There are lots of simple yet effective tips on how to keep a caravan cool in summer so you can enjoy your sunny adventures without cooking in the process!
When the summer heat kicks in, air conditioning is a reliable way to keep your caravan refreshingly cool and reduce hot air accumulating during the day.
If you own a caravan where the air-conditioning unit is already pre-installed, now is the time to make the most of it. Set your air-con to a comfortable temperature and close all windows and vents to maximise coolness – and relax!
If your caravan does not come with a pre-installed air-con unit, you can easily fit a portable air conditioner for the caravan yourself. These are quick and simple to set up and offer a great way to stay cool in your caravan on the hottest of days.
Our on-site accessories shop, Webbs Outdoors, stocks a selection of air conditioner units for caravans which you can check out here.
Keep your caravan well ventilated by opening windows, rooflights and keeping doors ajar during the day to let the fresh air circulate.
This will also create a natural cross-breeze through your caravan – helping to prevent hot air becoming trapped inside.
Open windows on opposite sides of your caravan to maximise airflow, and use electric fans to keep the air circulating, especially when placed near an open window to help draw in cooler air from outside.
In the evenings once the temperature has dropped, make sure to keep windows and rooflights open (when safe to do so) to allow any built up heat from the day to escape.
Good caravan ventilation at night will help cool down your space and invite a refreshing evening breeze inside, making sleeping a lot more comfortable.
A simple yet effective tip on how to keep a caravan cool is to pick a location that avoids direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Make sure to grab a shaded spot where possible, such as under trees or next to a building that offers natural shelter. Shade can significantly reduce the internal temperature of your caravan and protect it from the sun’s harshest rays.
Aim to arrive at your campsite earlier in the day so you can choose from more available pitches in the shade!
You can also fit an awning or sun canopy to your caravan to create more shaded and sheltered space outdoors, which can also help block direct sunlight on one side of your caravan.
You can read our previous blog post all about caravan awnings here!
Instead of cooking inside your caravan and making it even hotter, opt for cooking outdoors.
Use a BBQ, portable stove or camping grill to prepare delicious meals outside and keep excess heat out of your living space. Plus you can make the most of the warm weather whilst enjoying your meal and dining alfresco!
Consider installing blinds in your caravan, which can help to block out the harsh sun. Having blinds shut during the day will help to regulate the temperature inside by reducing direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.
Turn off appliances when they’re not in use to reduce heat build-up and save energy.
Appliances like TV’s, chargers and lights can all generate warmth, especially in a compact space. Unplugging these or using energy efficient alternatives can make a noticeable difference.
By taking the right precautions, you can keep your caravan cool and ventilated this summer. From choosing a shaded pitch, using fans and air conditioning, to keeping windows open and adding an awning for extra shade, these simple steps can make a big difference. Stay comfortable, sleep better, and enjoy your summer adventures without overheating!
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