16 Tips To Keep A Caravan Cool

Summer is one of the most popular times to hit the road for caravanning adventures but you want to make sure you can stay cool. Australian summers can be scorchers and it won’t take long for your caravan to heat up. Making sure you have a well cooled caravan will make your travels more enjoyable. There are plenty of ways to keep a caravan cool from parking in the shade to installing air conditioners. Read on for our 16 tips on how to keep a caravan cool.

1. Air Flow

Caravans usually have restricted interior space so internal temperatures and humidity can build up quickly. By making sure there is ample air circulation you can bring the temperature down and make the caravan more comfortable. When you stop for the evening, open the doors and windows wide so the hot air can escape. Caravans with skylights or pop tops often have vents you can open to release the internal heat. By opening vents, windows and doors, a cross breeze is created which allows cooler air to push the hot air out. Remember to be mindful that windows and doors are open and may let in rain or make the caravan not as secure and safe from intruders.

2. Service Vents

Vents in a caravan are openings in the roof or walls that are designed to facilitate air circulation. They can control moisture, reduce temperature and humidity in the caravan and ultimately improve comfort on hot days. To help a caravan stay cool inside, it is important to service any vents that may be blocked up and reduce cool air from flowing. Vents can get clogged up with dust and debris from outside, so it is important to make sure they are free from obstructions. To service vents, they need to be cleaned regularly with a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Vents will also need more detailed attention and inspection on a regular basis, particularly if they are not working as efficiently. Remove vent screens and wipe down the interior of the vent to determine if there are any cracks or sealing issues and that the seams are in good condition. If necessary, contact a professional for repairs.

3. Park in the Shade

A caravan in direct sunlight will attract large amounts of heat as it transfers from outside into the caravan. If possible, find a shady spot to park the caravan on hot days. This will offer some protection from the effects of the blazing sun and help keep your caravan cooler and more comfortable.

4. Insulation

Insulation is essential for creating a stable internal temperature inside the caravan as it acts as a barrier from the heat outside. It is essential to have property installation in the roof and walls of the caravan to help maintain a comfortable temperature on hot days. Insulation means the cool air will stay in and the hot air will stay out. Most new caravans come with insulation in the walls and roof but some older caravans may not. To assess if your caravan has adequate insulation, find out what the ‘R’ value of the insulation materials are. This is the thermal resistance based on the insulation material’s properties and thickness. You can also check for gaps or leaks and think about the climate you will be travelling in to see if your insulation will be sufficient.

5. Upgrade Window and Door Seals

Check your window and door seals for cracks or gaps to make sure they are providing sufficient insulation. Any gaps or weak seals will let more heat into the caravan. By upgrading window and door seals, you can ensure the caravan is as insulated and sealed as possible which will result in it being cooler inside. Upgrading seals simply means replacing them with sealant or high quality weather stripping materials if you feel confident. Alternatively, a professional can upgrade window seals and doors in your caravan.

6. Declutter the Interior

As caravans have limited interior space, if they are too crowded with objects, the less air will be able to circulate. Decluttering a caravan will make it cooler and lighter by improving air flow and reducing the amount of heat trapped inside. A caravan with minimal objects will improve the efficiency of cooling systems as well allowing them to circulate lower temperature air.

7. Window Options

The type of window you have in a caravan can impact the level of comfort on hot days. Some windows promote better air circulation or superior insulation. Sliding caravan windows might be convenient but hinged windows will increase airflow control in the caravan. Hinged windows can be opened in numerous positions depending on how much air you want to let in. Double glazed windows are another option that will help keep a caravan cool. The double glazing on the window pane reduces heat transfer from outside dramatically, improving insulation and keeping the interior temperature down.

8. Close Blinds

Closing blinds is a simple but effective trick for keeping your caravan cooler. By closing the blinds or curtains, the sunlight is kept out and cooler air is kept inside the caravan. Closed blinds are good insulation for windows as it forms a barrier from the direct sunlight. This blocking of the sun’s rays from entering the caravan prevents heat from permeating the interior.

9. Switch Lighting

The type of lighting you have in a caravan makes a difference to keeping it cool. Halogen and incandescent lighting generates substantially more heat than LED or fluorescent lights. Simply by swapping your halogen lights for LED will dramatically reduce the amount of heat in the caravan. LED is inherently low heat producing because it converts a high amount of electrical energy directly into light and requires minimal energy to be wasted as heat. LED produces minimal infrared radiation which is a major reason for the heat felt from traditional light bulbs.

10. Cook Outside

Cooking inside results in heat from a stovetop or oven which then infiltrates throughout the caravan. By cooking outside you can significantly reduce how hot the caravan is inside. Make sure you have outdoor cooking methods like a portable barbecue, camp kitchen or open fire to avoid heat becoming trapped in the caravan kitchen and spreading through the entire interior. Alternatively, plan meals which require no cooking like salads or cold meats.

11. Turn Off Appliances When Not In Use

Appliances like cooktops, stoves, lighting and refrigerators generate heat. By turning off appliances like stoves and lighting you can reduce the amount of heat in the caravan and keep it cool. The effect of these appliances on the ambient temperature is felt more extremely because the caravan interior is small and enclosed.

12. Shade Awnings

By using shade awnings you can significantly reduce the amount of sunlight hitting the exterior of the caravan. When direct sunlight and heat is blocked from the caravan walls, roof and window, it is prevented from transferring to the caravan’s interior. Ideally have the accessory of shade awnings on both sides of the caravan to stop heat from penetrating on either side. Shade awnings also act as a protected area where you can cook and enjoy the outdoors without being subjected to the elements.

13. Reflective Covers

Reflective covers are made from reflective foil or specialised fabrics to block heat from entering the caravan. They reflect the sunlight away from the caravan so it cannot penetrate to the interior and cause the van to heat up. These reflective covering can be used on windows, skylights and the roof to deflect the heat away from the caravan. These simple covers provide an extra layer of heat protection to help regulate the caravan’s interior temperature and keep it cool. They also provide UV protection from sun’s rays damaging the interior of the caravan.

14. Portable Fans and Coolers

Portable fans and coolers are a great way to keep a caravan cool. They not only contribute to air circulation but provide targeted cooling inside the caravan. Portable fans are also energy efficient and can help to reduce the need for air conditioning. When looking into portable fans, they are different types from ceiling mounted fans, to clip-on fans and freestanding fans. Ceiling mounted fans are a more permanent solution while freestanding fans can be placed anywhere within the caravan. When choosing a portable fan, consider the amount of space you want to cool, as well as air flow availability and ventilation in your caravan.

15. Air Conditioning

Having an air conditioner in a caravan is the ultimate way to keep it cool. Air conditioners are essential particularly if you are travelling to outback Australia where the temperatures soar. Caravan air conditioners are different from home air conditioners as they are built to withstand vibration and the elements like rain and wind. Caravan air conditioners are also waterproof and usually designed to be quite light to avoid adding too much weight to the caravan. When choosing a caravan air conditioner, you have two choices – rooftop or built-in (underbunk). Rooftop air conditioners are the most popular on the market but built-in are just as effective. Both types come with their own pros and cons and the right type will depend on your circumstances and the type of caravan you have.

16. Regular Maintenance And Cleaning Of Air Conditioning Units

To ensure your caravan air conditioner is operating properly and keep your caravan cool, it must be regularly maintained and cleaned. This is particularly important if you are going out for long haul trips in extreme heat where you will be reliant on the caravan being cool for a comfortable journey. Clean filters regularly to remove any debris and dust which will impact air flow. Check the condenser coils and see if they need to be cleaned. Before you head out on the road, schedule a professional check up to make sure the air conditioner is working properly and address any issues before they escalate while you are enjoying your caravanning adventure.

Summer caravanning is one of the best ways to see Australia, but sizzling hot days can make a caravan feel uncomfortable. Whether using practical advice like opening windows or installing a top of the range air conditioner, there are always ways to keep a caravan cooler. Our 16 tips for keeping a caravan cool will help you know how to make life more comfortable when caravanning in the hot weather. For further information, talk to the experts in all things caravanning at Canterbury Caravans.