Drinks might seem like a small detail, but in a motorhome there's more to them than meets the eye: staying properly hydrated matters (especially in summer), the morning coffee is sacred for many people, and chilling drinks in a heatwave without draining the whole battery has its tricks. Here's how to organise drinks and hydration on the road without complicating your life.
Water first
- Stay well hydrated, especially in summer and when active: keep water within reach and drink often, don't wait until you're thirsty.
- Reliable water: fill the tank at trustworthy points and, if in doubt, filter or purify it (see purifying water) or use bottled water for drinking.
- Reusable bottles for everyone: less plastic, and you always have your own (see reducing plastic).
Coffee (and tea)
For many, the morning coffee is non-negotiable. Options that use barely any power:
- Stovetop moka pot: on the hob, no electricity needed; the camper classic.
- Plunger or manual pour-over: no electricity, great coffee.
- Aeropress or compact brewers: take up very little space.
- Avoid large electric machines (powerful pod espresso makers) if you're running on battery: they use a lot of power (see coffee and breakfasts).
Chilling drinks in summer
- The fridge is the main tool, but chilling warm drinks uses a lot of cooling power (and battery): it's better to put drinks in already cool.
- Ice packs and a portable cool box for drinks, without loading up the main fridge.
- Tricks without a fridge: a damp cloth in the sun and air cools by evaporation; dunking bottles in cool water from a river or spring (carefully).
- In a heatwave, prioritise the fridge for the essentials (see heatwaves).
Organisation
- Secure bottles and cans well so they don't roll around while driving.
- Don't stock up too much: they're heavy and take up space (watch your weight; see weight).
- Go easy on alcohol if you're driving afterwards: never drink and drive.
In summary
Drinks in a camper are best managed by prioritising hydration (reliable water and reusable bottles), using coffee makers that don't drain the battery (moka pot, plunger), and using tricks to chill drinks without reloading the fridge. The step to take today: carry reusable bottles and a stovetop coffee maker, and in summer put drinks in the fridge already cool (or use a cool box with ice packs) to avoid using power on chilling; and drink water often. Pair it with coffee and breakfasts.