Can you keep a motorhome or caravan cool during summer without Aircon?
Motorhomes and caravans are normally white in colour to reduce heat gain, but strong sunshine causes internal temperatures to rise quickly heating both the fabric and contents of the motorhome. After sunset outside temperatures will fall, but the caravan acts as a storage heater and internal temperatures can still be too hot to sleep.
8 simple heat management techniques to keep you cool without air conditioning
1) Always try to park in the shade taking into account where the sun will move to. If space allows move with the sun/shade. The perfect campsite pitch would have early morning and late afternoon sun, with deep shade during the day. 2) Ideally your motorhome will be fitted with window blinds a silver backing to reflect the sun’s rays. 3) Cab windows cause terrific solar gain, so close curtains or blinds on these windows. Alternatively, cover the windscreen with reflective screens. 4) Creating a through draught can be very effective at reducing heat. Unfortunately your insurance will be void if you leave windows or top vents open when your camper or caravan is left unattended. 5) MaxxFan ventilators can be left open or running due to their design. 6) When possible use your rollout awning to shade you and your van. 7) Sleep under a thin sheet and use BedAirer to create a cooling layer between you and your mattress.8)When all else fails, escape high summer temperatures by heading north and high, ideally to a forested area in the mountains so that you can keep cool under the trees.
BedAirer creates an air gap which will keep you cool.
Is it worth fitting air-conditioning to a motorhome or caravan?
Southern Europe is hot enough during August to justify the use of air conditioning. Before handing over a large amount of money, consider the power consumption and supply because most air conditioners require a 230V electricity supply and, even if they do not, they will drain your leisure battery quickly. Some campsites ban aircon due to noise and or electric consumption. Also consider the effects of the weight of the unit on the roof, the wind resistance, additional height, and the cost to run and service one.
Swim before bedtime for a sound nights sleep
You will go to sleep quickly if you get into bed feeling cool and then warm up. There are excellent swimming facilities at French lakes and many municipal campsites are adjacent to swimmable rivers. Norwegian and Swedish fjords often have free recreational areas with facilities such as changing rooms, toilets, barbeque sites, wooden piers, and diving platforms. Even high in the Arctic Circle the water can be warm enough. Italy is the worst place to go for a beach holiday as most of the beaches are private and only small areas are open to the public, often in the most inconvenient places. In addition to a swimming costume, take water shoes (diving suit material with rubber soles) which are available at most seaside towns. Consider taking a waterproof pouch if you have an electronic key fob or don’t want keys to suffer water and salt corrosion.
What are the best countries in Europe to visit in summer to keep cool?
Norway is well worth visiting in June or July as long as you have a healthy budget. Temperatures are similar to the UK with the rain to match, so avoid Scandinavia if forecasters predict a wet summer. If you are lucky and visit during a heat wave, you will be able to make the most of the Arctic Circle’s pristine beaches. Minor motorhome modifications may be necessary, firstly to protect you from the ever-present mosquitoes and secondly to ensure internal darkness as 24-hour daylight plays havoc with natural sleep patterns. People are often out of bed in the middle of the night, so avoid pitching near communal areas as these can be noisy.
Who turned out the Northern Lights? The Aurora Borealis is not visible during the summer and during the winter the Arctic Circle is too cold and icy for most motorhome designs.
Will a motorhome fridge stay cool during summer?
Most motorhomes are fitted with 3-way absorption fridges and these may struggle to keep contents cool in very hot conditions. To give your fridge the best chance, always park with the fridge side of the motorhome away from the sun. Shade from a rollout awning will help. We have a section in Go Motorhoming with a full explanation of how 3-way absorption fridges operate. Campervans normally have compressor fridges, which operate just like your fridge at home. The hotter it gets the more they drain your leisure batteries. Remember the dials are there to select desired internal temperature, not to increase cooling speed or effect.
