How to keep your caravan or motorhome cool
We use our caravans and motorhomes most in the summer. When temperatures can soar as high as 30 degrees celsius in full sun, it makes sense to work out ways to keep cool whilst you’re away. So, here are some tips on how to reduce the heat and keep cool inside your 'home from home'.
Park in the shade
If you can park your caravan or motorhome in the shade for most of the day, the sun’s rays will have less chance to heat the structure and interior. If you can't shield from the sun, position your home so that it's in shade for the afternoon or evening. This will keep your caravan or motorhome cool when the temperature is likely to be at its highest.
If you’re unsure of the direction of the sun when you arrive on site, ask your new neighbours. Alternatively, download a sun position app from Google Play or the Apple Store which will show (through your phone's camera) the path of the sun.
Extend any awnings to shade the walls of the caravan
Keeping the walls of your mobile home cool can reduce the temperature internally by as much as 10 degrees Celsius. So, it’s worth extending any awnings, including free-standing ones, which cast a shade on the caravan or motorhome.
Open windows on the shaded side of the caravan
Keep a steady flow of cooler air running through your caravan or motorhome by opening windows which are not in full sun. At the same time, run any extra roof fans you may have.
Close windows in full sun and use blinds to stop the rays entering the home. Film-like deflectors are really effective and can stop up to 80% of the sun’s rays entering.
Air conditioning for caravans and motorhomes
If you have air-con on board, you will want to use it economically. You'll need to close all doors and windows for it to be effective. However, as warm air rises, it's a good idea to use your roof extractor fans at the same time to expel it.
On an evening when the outside temperature tends to cool a little, turn off the air-con for a while. Open all doors and windows to let the cooler air circulate through the home. Then, turn the air-con back on if needed and it'll need less energy to keep the space cool. Make sure to check the air-con filter regularly, as a dirty or blocked filter will make the compressor work that much harder.
Plan your cooking
Using a hotplate or oven in the home may significantly increase the ambient temperature. So, where possible, plan meals with less or no cooking - like salads. Consider purchasing equipment which you can use to cook outside, such as barbecues, electric grills, or gas-powered camping stoves.
Keep hydrated
Our final tip is aimed at the occupant rather than the home itself. Drinking plenty of fluids keeps your body cooler in excessive temperatures. Unfortunately, tea, coffee and alcohol are all known to dehydrate. However, cooled fruit juices, soft drinks and plain water should all have a positive effect.
With a little forward planning, you can avoid that feeling of being in an oven during the hottest parts of the day. Follow these tips and stay cool in your caravan or motorhome this summer.
