How to Manage the Summer Heat in Your Campervan
Beat the heat in your campervan
Is it just me, or are summers getting warmer? A peaceful nap in the van feels challenging. A simple rest turns into a sticky situation. You just want to relax in your van, but the heat has other plans. But don't let this spoil your fun!
Staying cool is not just about comfort. It is the absolute key to getting the most out of a summer road trip. Think about it. You will have the energy for one more hike. You will fully enjoy a stunning sunset view. That’s how a good sleep makes every moment brighter.
So, how do you win against the summer heat? The good news is that it is totally manageable. You do not need a fancy, expensive rig. With some smart planning and a few simple, clever tricks, you can completely transform your van's climate. We are talking about turning it from an oven into your own personal cool haven. Ready to learn the secrets to a cooler, happier campervan journey? Let us dive in!
Master the art of parking
Have you ever heard the old saying in real estate? Well, it is all about location, and it applies to campervanning as well! Where you park for the night is your first and most powerful defence against the heat. And with the right location, you can master two key skills.
- Become a shade seeker: When you’re browsing for campsites on an app or website, don’t just look at the amenities. Look at the photos! A powered site under a beautiful, sprawling pine tree is worth its weight in gold on a hot day. That natural canopy will shield your van from the sun’s full force and keep your interior noticeably cooler. Trust me, that afternoon nap is so much sweeter when you’re not being slow roasted.
- Become a sun strategist: Pay attention to where the sun rises and sets. If you can, try to position your van so the least amount of sun hits it during the hottest part of the afternoon. Think about which side your main windows and bed have. Sometimes, just turning your van 90 degrees can make all the difference. This is useful for those exploring the sunny coast of Wellington. It’s a simple move, but it feels like a secret superpower.
Master the art of ventilation
A stagnant van is a hot van. You need to create a breeze, flow of air that whisks the hot stuffiness away. This is not just about opening a window, it is about creating a system.
- Create a cross breeze: This is your number one, no cost, and super effective cooling method. Open windows on opposite sides of the van. Then, crack open your roof vent just a little. As this warm air comes in through the windows, it pushes the warm stagnant air above it, out through the roof vent. It’s like your van is gently exhaling all that built up heat. You can actually feel the suction effect.
- Use your fans and AC wisely: If your van has built in fans or an air conditioning unit, use them! But here’s the thing, you need to watch your battery. Running an AC unit flat out all night on battery power alone is a surefire way to wake up to a dead van. Not ideal.
The trick is to be strategic. Use the AC or powerful fans to blast the van with cool air for an hour or so before bed, then switch to the cross-breeze method for sleeping. And this is where those powered campsites come in. When you’re plugged into mains power, you can run your AC or fans guilt free all night long without worrying about your battery. It’s a worthwhile splurge on a particularly sweltering night in a place like San Francisco.
“ I learned this the hard way after trying to boil pasta inside on a 35 degree day. ”
Embrace the practical cool down hacks
Beyond the big strategies, there are some simple, practical things and life hacks you can do that add up to a much more comfortable day.
- Block it out: Think of reflective window covers as sunscreen for your van. Those custom fit silver screens you pop in your windshield and windows don’t just provide privacy, they reflect a huge amount of solar radiation. The difference in temperature inside your van with and without them is honestly staggering. It’s one of the best investments you can make.
- Take the party outside: I learned this the hard way after trying to boil pasta inside on a 35 degree day. Just… don’t. Cooking generates a massive amount of internal heat. Embrace the tradition and get that camp stove fired up outside! It’s a chance to enjoy the evening air and share a story with your neighbours. Plus, keeping that heat outside means your van stays cool all night.
- Time your day wisely: This one seems obvious. It is easy to lose track of time on vacation. To stay on schedule, plan your big activities for the early morning or late afternoons. It’s the best time to take a tour or have a cool dip in the river. Then, when the midday sun is at its strongest, go for a quick rest. Find a shady spot to read a book. Or just watch the world go by. It’s not lazy, it’s about being smart! This is a great strategy whether you’re in Melbourne or elsewhere.
Don't forget personal cooling
Alright, so the van is shaded, the air is flowing, and you’ve mastered your schedule. But sometimes, the heat just gets personal. That’s when it’s time to focus on cooling down yourself. Think of it as your own portable and personal climate control system.
- Hydration comes first. Always. It is advisable for travellers to freeze a few bottles of water before departing. They can use them as ice packs in the cooler and sip the ice cold water throughout the day to ease the heat as they melt. It's an easy trick that can really help on a long journey.
- Next, the damp face washer. Draping a cool, damp cloth over the back of the neck or on the wrists provides instant relief from the heat. There is major blood vessels close to the skin in those areas, so cooling them can lower the entire body's temperature. For an extra kick, they can pop the face washer in a zip lock bag and leave it in the cooler for a few minutes.
- And finally, light-coloured, and breathable clothing is a traveller's best friend, and a small, rechargeable personal fan can be directed right at your face while reading or trying to sleep can provide you a focused airflow without draining the van’s main battery. These little comforts might seem small, but together, they make battling the peak afternoon heat so much more manageable especially when you are in the urban heat of Greater London.
The key to a cool summer adventure
Hey, dealing with summer heat in a campervan comes down to smart planning and easy habits on the road. It's about finding shady spots, making air flow, and being smart with your energy and your day.
Remember, a comfortable van leads to happy travellers. And happy travellers? They create the most unforgettable trips. So, don't let that heat stop you. With these tips up your sleeve, you are all set for an amazing summer adventure!
So, are you ready to find your perfect home on wheels? Motorhome Republic has you covered. Browse their selection to find the ideal campervan for your next trip to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Belfast, or Las Vegas. Now, who’s up for an ice cream?
Stay cool out there folks!
