Tips for a Comfortable and Cool Road Trip
Summer is finally here! Long days, summer holidays, BBQs, and the irresistible desire to hit the road in your caravan! While you’re out enjoying the beautiful scenery, does your caravan feel more like an oven? Keeping cool when the heat becomes unbearable is key to making your holiday memories even better and enjoying them to the fullest. In this blog, we share some essential tips on keeping cool in your caravan this summer.
The Importance of Proper Insulation
Proper insulation is essential in both summer and winter. It helps to keep the heat out in summer and retains warmth during colder months. Although most modern caravans come with good insulation, it’s important to ensure your caravan is properly insulated, especially if you’re having it custom-built or upgrading an older model. Pay particular attention to the roof and walls, as these areas are crucial in regulating the internal temperature.
Older caravans may lack proper insulation, so this could be an ideal time to consider upgrading your caravan. Adding high-quality insulation to the walls and roof can dramatically improve comfort on your road trips.
Parking in the Shade
Make use of nature by parking your caravan under large trees that provide ample shade during the day. The less of your caravan’s surface area exposed to direct sunlight, the cooler it will stay inside. A shaded area will keep the temperature much lower, especially in hot weather.
Investing in a sunshade or privacy screen can also help block direct sunlight from hitting the side or back of your caravan. Caravan awnings on the door side and exterior will create additional shaded areas, offering relief for both you and your family when you want to relax outside.
If possible, camp near a body of water. The cool breeze near lakes or rivers can significantly reduce the heat and help keep your caravan comfortable.
Embrace Being Offline
Did you know that your caravan’s lighting can actually contribute to heating the space? Incandescent bulbs and halogen lights generate a lot of heat, which you definitely want to avoid during hot weather. Replace these with energy-efficient, cooler LED lights.
Keep in mind that electronic devices also generate heat, especially in small spaces with limited air circulation. Turn off unnecessary devices to keep the temperature down and save energy.
Tip: We’re all connected to our devices, but we encourage you to embrace your surroundings and disconnect for a while. Step outside, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the beauty of nature.
Travel long distances during daytime
If your schedule allows, try to travel during the peak afternoon hours when the sun is at its hottest. It’s also recommended to stay indoors during this time and keep the air conditioning running to maintain a cool and comfortable environment inside. Once the sun starts to set, you can park your caravan, enjoy the sunset, and relax for the evening.
Pay Attention to Ventilation
Good ventilation is essential in keeping your caravan cool. Open windows and doors on opposite sides to create a cross-breeze, especially in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. This helps expel hot air and increases air circulation, preventing the inside from becoming stuffy.
Don’t forget to fit fly screens to keep mosquitoes and other insects out. Additionally, strategically placed fans can amplify the airflow and provide an extra cool boost.
Don’t cook yourself is better to cook outside
Cooking inside your caravan can quickly turn it into a sauna, so it’s best to cook outdoors. Make use of a well-equipped camp kitchen, BBQ, or portable stove. Not only will this keep your caravan cool, but it’s also an excellent opportunity for family or friends to bond over an outdoor meal.
If you do need to cook inside, use a slow cooker or microwave to minimise cooking time and reduce the heat output. And remember to turn off any appliances when you’re not using them, as they can generate unnecessary heat and pose a potential fire hazard.
Staying cool in your caravan during the summer is all about being prepared and making small adjustments to your setup. From proper insulation and smart parking choices to embracing outdoor cooking and managing ventilation, these tips will help ensure that your road trips remain comfortable, even in the heat.
By applying these simple strategies, you can keep your caravan cool, save energy, and make the most of your time on the road. Don’t forget to embrace the beauty of the outdoors and disconnect from your devices – it’s all part of the adventure!
FAQS
Staying cool in your caravan during the summer is all about being prepared and making small adjustments to your setup. From proper insulation and smart parking choices to embracing outdoor cooking and managing ventilation. In this blog, we share some essential tips on keeping cool in your caravan during summer.
Yes, a portable AC is perfect because it is small, uses very little power and is quiet.
Another good thing is that You can power your portable air conditioner with a portable power station
There are several actions you can take to keep your camper cool without AC, insulation is key to maintain temperature. If you want to learn more take a look to our blog that will give you additional tips.
