All The Best Ways to Beat the Summer Heat!
The American Southwest can get scorching hot in the summer. Even in a spacious, airy campervan, the constant sunshine can dramatically raise the temperature of the vehicle as you drive along.
If you’re planning a road trip soon, you’ll want to know how to keep your RV at a comfortable temperature before you set off. Stay cool this summer with these refreshing tips on how to beat the heat in your campervan!
10 Simple Tips to Reduce The Temperature in Your Campervan
- Park in a Shady Spot: Although it may seem obvious, some people forget to take this into account when choosing an RV park. If you’re traveling in the summer, then call your campsite ahead of time to ensure they have shaded pitches.
- Put Insulation Foil on Your Windscreen: Protect your campervan’s dashboard and reduce the level of sweltering sunlight that reaches your vehicle by placing a layer of reflective, insulated foil on the inside of your windscreen while parked.
- Stay Outside When Possible: Once you’re parked at a destination, try to stay outside in the fresh air for as much of the day as you can. Not only does this reduce the amount of time you’re spending inside a hot campervan each day, but it also removes a prominent heat source from the vehicle: you!
- Keep Your Campervan Well-Ventilated: To avoid your campervan getting too stuffy, open all the windows and doors that you can to allow for constant airflow. Note that this method is only useful if your vehicle doesn’t already have an A/C system.
- Find a Coastal Destination: If possible, plan your summer road trip around coastal destinations. Temperatures are reduced around the ocean as the water absorbs a lot of the sun’s heat and acts as a cooling insulator for the shoreline.
- Avoid Cooking Inside Your Campervan: Cooking generates a lot of heat and can leave your campervan feeling like an oven. Find an RV park that allows BBQs, so you can rustle up an exciting meal while keeping all the cooking heat out of your campervan.
- Bring a Small Marquee Tent: If your campervan doesn’t have an awning, you can bring your own shade along instead. A small marquee tent will give you some much-needed shade so you can sit back and relax near your campervan.
- Avoid Using Electronics Indoors: Electronics produce heat when turned on. Avoid using too many devices at once when inside your campervan. The bigger a machine is, the more heat it will give off. Of course, this doesn’t apply to fans or A/C units as these are actively cooling your campervan.
- Park Facing Towards The North: This is the best direction to face when attempting to keep the inside of your campervan out of direct sunlight. You will be aimed away from the sun and, in the afternoon, your campervan will create its own shade for you to relax in with some foldable chairs and a table.
- Stay Away From Extreme Temperatures: Some parts of the desert-filled Southwest can reach dangerous temperatures in the summer. You’ll need to research your destination beforehand and pay attention to where you park, as staying at an exposed campsite with hot tarmac might actually damage your campervan.
The Best Devices That Help Your Camper Cool Down
Sometimes the weather will just be too hot for any of the tips above. That’s why you may need to invest in one of these cooling devices.
The best machine you can use to dramatically reduce the temperature of your campervan is a portable air-conditioning unit. These small machines pump out refreshingly cold air that can keep your campervan icy, even on the hottest day. A/C units can be plugged into a campervan’s electrical socket, provided you have booked a pitch with an electric hook-up. Remember to funnel the hot air produced by the unit out of a window.
The main disadvantage of an A/C machine is the expense of running it, but most short-term rentals charge a flat rate for electricity, so you should be alright. You should also be wary of using it too often when the campervan is in motion, as it may drain the battery.
Evaporative air conditioners, otherwise known as swamp coolers, are fast becoming a cheaper alternative to typical A/Cs in campervans. These coolers work by running the hot outside air past specialized pads, soaked in cold water. This lowers the temperature of the air being brought in and, consequently, cools down the interior of your campervan. Evaporative air conditioners function best in dry environments and use remarkably little electricity to run. There is a risk of moisture build-up, so it is advisable to have a window cracked to lightly ventilate the room while the cooler is running.
If you don’t want to splash out on a proper air conditioning unit, then a simple fan will definitely do the trick. Just like in your own home, a fan will work to blow cold air throughout a campervan. Depending on the type and size, you may be able to keep a fan running while the vehicle is not plugged in, just keep an eye on your battery. When parked, placing a container of cold water in front of a fan will make the device more effective.
Anyone who owns their campervan should also look into installing a permanent air-conditioning unit on the roof of their camper. These are more expensive than a portable unit but, once installed, a rooftop A/C will keep a campervan cool for years to come!
Stay Cool & Start Camping!
A summer campervan road trip is the best idea you can have for summer vacation. Now you know how to stay cool, there’s nothing between you and the adventure of a lifetime. Book a campervan online today!
If you already have a camping vehicle (RV, motorhome, truck camper, trailer, etc.) then you have the chance to earn hassle-free income by renting your vehicle to fellow outdoor enthusiasts through TB Outdoor Rentals!
Stop by next Wednesday for an in-depth guide to the world-famous Yosemite National Park!
