Summer is almost upon us! And with it comes humid nights, ice cream, and the smell of sun cream. Keep cool in your camper van may seem like an alien concept in a place as changeable as the UK but it is worth considering before you take the family to somewhere far from home. Here are some of the best ways to keep cool and enjoy the Summer when the mercury hits the high 20s.
Methods to Keep Cool your Camper
1. Air Flow
Summer camping is all about enjoying the breeze. The fresh salty wind coming off the surf, a gentle woodland breeze, or a breath of refreshing mountain air, are all part of enjoying the outdoors with a campervan. So why not maximise your airflow during the warmer months? Keep your doors and windows open when at your campsite and keep out the bugs with bug nets and insect repellant.
You can also introduce some fresh air with camping fans. Little electric fans help circulate air within your campervan and can be really useful at night when you want to get a good night’s rest.
2. Shading
Shade is another key consideration. If you’re parking up at a campsite then booking a spot with a shady tree or in the shade of a mountain can give you some much-needed respite from the sun. If shady spots are at a premium then investing in a good awning, tarp or tent with outdoor cover is a good way to create some additional shade to escape the sun during the hotter parts of the day.
Angling your camper towards an amazing view and setting up a campsite with your camper as the windbreak gives you privacy, shade, and breathtaking views. A gazebo or awning with outdoor seating can add some great living space for you to spend time with friends and family, be it keeping an eye on the kids, enjoying a barbecue, or snoozing.
You can also optimise your interior space with shading. Reflective window coverings and thermal insulated blackout curtains are super useful when you want to maintain the internal temperature of your camper.
Place these coverings in windows facing other campers or the direction of the rising sun for maximum efficiency and privacy. Blackout curtains are especially useful in the morning when you want to sleep in, and the last thing you want is to be woken up by bright light or a stuffy bedroom. Reflective window coverings are incredibly versatile and can even be used in winter to keep out the cold.
3. Air Conditioning
Now, the above tips are great for moving air and keeping out the light, but what about when it’s just far too hot and you need to create a cool environment. In these situations, there is nothing more effective than air conditioning. You don’t need to break the bank when looking for an air conditioner either. Larger air conditioners can be loud and interrupt your sleep so going for a smaller unit is the way to go. A smaller air conditioner will be plenty for a camper’s space and take up less room too.
While we’re talking about air conditioning, it’s important to keep the aspect of your camper in mind. If you’re going to leave the doors wide open try to ensure the cab gets shade for significant parts of the day (especially the afternoon) as this will reduce how much your camper heats before going to bed.
4. Al Fresco Living
Last, but not least is cooking is another source of heat during the summer months so why not move your cooking outdoors. Using barbecues or other outdoor cookers allows you to enjoy the good weather without heating the ambient temperature of your camper before bed. If you do use a hob in your camper then try to make sure you have plenty of airflows to move the heat out.
As campervan obsessives, camper versions®️ are always looking for ways to create new and innovative VW campervan conversions. We create premium-built campervans designed to offer you all the comforts of home on wheels. Our campervans are perfect for all seasons, come with a 3-year conversion warranty as standard. If you’re interested in turning this summer into one to remember then contact us today and we’ll help you find a campervan that will bring you memorable holidays for years to come.
