Extreme heat is one of the biggest challenges of camper life: a small space turns into an oven easily, and heatwaves are becoming more and more frequent. Beyond comfort, there are health issues and equipment to look after too (the fridge and battery both suffer). Here are tricks to keep your motorhome cool and safe when the heat cranks up.
First things first: find shade and cool spots
The best "air conditioning" is free: park in the shade (trees, buildings) and, if you can, in cooler areas (altitude, coast, inland spots with cool nights). Position the van so the sun doesn't hit the big windows during the hottest hours. During a heatwave, heading up into the mountains or towards the sea makes a real difference.
Ventilation and blocking out the heat
- Ventilate at night and in the early morning, when it cools down, and close up during the day to keep the cool air in.
- Block out the sun: blinds, thermal curtains, sunshades on the windscreen and windows; exterior windscreen insulation helps a lot.
- Create a cross-breeze using rooflights and windows on opposite sides.
- An awning to shade one side of the van (mind the wind; see the awning).
Active cooling: watch your battery
Fans and air conditioning provide relief, but they use electricity, right when the fridge is also working harder in summer. An efficient fan uses very little; air conditioning uses a lot (it usually needs a campsite hook-up or a substantial system). If you're relying on cooling, make sure you have enough range; solar helps a lot in summer (use the calculator).
Look after the fridge and the battery
- The fridge works harder in the heat: don't open it more than needed, keep it in the shade and well ventilated at the back (see storing food).
- Extreme heat affects batteries too: lithium (LiFePO4) copes better than lead-acid, but it's still best not to expose it to extreme temperatures; keeping it in a well-ventilated spot helps.
Health comes first
Stay well hydrated, avoid exertion during the hottest hours, and never leave children or pets in a closed motorhome in the sun (temperatures inside can turn deadly within minutes).
In summary
In a heatwave, the key is finding shade and cool areas, ventilating at night, blocking out the sun during the day, and keeping an eye on the fridge and battery, with active cooling weighed against your power budget. The step to take today: if a heatwave is coming, plan to head to the mountains or coast, park in the shade and get your blinds and ventilation ready; and make sure you have enough range for fans and the fridge. Combine it with motorhomes in summer.