How to Keep Your Caravan Cool in Summer

Whether you're planning on caravanning in the UK and your trip coincides with a heatwave, or you're driving to hotter parts of the continent, don't let the heat spoil your caravan adventure. Knowing how to effectively keep your caravan cool is vital to staying comfortable and enjoying your time.

Plan Ahead

Static or touring, before you embark on your caravan holiday, you should check the weather forecast for your destination. Once you know what to expect, you can pack wisely. In addition to your usual essentials, don't forget to bring the following for a summer caravan holiday:

• Sunglasses
• Suncream
• Water bottle
• Lightweight and breathable clothing

Park In The Shade

If you have a touring caravan, it's best to drive to the campsite early in the morning or late at night when it's cooler and you're more likely to find shaded pitches.

Parking under trees or on the shaded side of buildings means the chance of your caravan becoming unbearably hot is significantly reduced. If you can't guarantee parking in the shade all day long, then try to get parked in the afternoons or the evenings.

If you own a permanently sited caravan, consider longer-term solutions such as planting trees or setting up shade sails to block any direct sunlight.

Once you have arrived, open windows on the shaded side to let in cooler air and encourage airflow.

Awnings

In the absence of shade, investing in and putting up an awning is the next best thing. They expand your shaded living area and help block direct sun from hitting your caravan walls.

Unzip the windows and door panels to allow air to circulate and prevent the awning from becoming uncomfortably stuffy and hot.

Air Conditioning for Caravans

Cooling Unit Type	Pros	Cons	Ideal Use
Portable Air Conditioners	Plug it in and works right away Easily moved Some include dehumidifier too	Often bulky and heavy Often requires window venting Can be noisy	Great for touring caravans that need flexible cooling without installation
Roof Mounted Air Con Units	Space saving Powerful cooling Often includes a heating function as well	Typically expensive Requires professional installation A permanent fixture	Ideal for static caravans or long-term stays with a mains hookup
Split System Air Con Units	Quiet and efficient Dual heating and cleaning Low visual impact	High upfront cost Not portable Needs an external unit	Best for static caravans with regular use and a stable power supply
Evaporative Coolers	Low energy use Environmentally friendly Lightweight and portable	Less effective in humid weather Water needs to be refilled	Suitable for touring caravans in dry climates
Tower Fans	Slim and stylish Oscillates for wide coverage Lightweight	Doesn't actually cool the air Limited effectivity in large spaces	Great for both touring and static caravans where space is limited
Ceiling Fans	Quiet and energy efficient Permanent airflow solution	Requires installation Only circulates the air	Ideal for static caravans with mains power and a fixed layout
Desk/Table Fans	Ultra portable Low power draw Affordable	Only cools the immediate area Limited reach	Perfect for touring caravans or personal use in any caravan type

Maximise Ventilation

Cross-ventilation can reduce the internal heat of your caravan. To improve ventilation, open windows on opposite sides and consider portable fans or vent covers that draw out the hot air.

If you have a skylight, this is another great way to ventilate your caravan as it will allow you to funnel the rising heat outdoors rather than leaving it trapped inside the caravan. This setup is known as the 'chimney effect' because as hot air rises and escapes, the cooler air can draw in from below.

Create A Cross Breeze Tunnel

To create a cross-breeze tunnel, you need to place two fans strategically:

• One fan should face inwards at the coolest and shadiest window
• The other fan should face outwards at the hottest side

This setup draws in the cool air and pushes the hot air out so you can enjoy a refreshing cross-breeze through your caravan.

Insulate To Keep the Heat Out

Insulation is often associated with winter warmth however proper insulation also keeps heat out during the summer. You could:

• Use reflective window films
• Hang lined curtains
• Apply UV-reflective roof coatings

For a quick DIY cooling trick, you could hang damp towels in front of open windows or place bowls of ice nearby. As air passes over them, it creates a gentle evaporative cooling effect, which is particularly great for dry, hot days.

Cook Outside

Using the hob or oven inside your caravan adds unnecessary heat. Instead, you can make the most of the nice weather and cook outdoors: light a BBQ, use a portable gas stove or prepare no-cook meals such as a salad.

This not only keeps your caravan cooler but also means you can enjoy your holiday with some al fresco dining.

Stay Hydrated

Staying cool is not just about your environment. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent heat exhaustion, sunstroke or dehydration. Carry extra water with you at all times, especially if you are heading somewhere remote or particularly warm.

Protect Your Caravan With Caravan Insurance

Hot weather can cause unexpected damage to your caravan, from warped fittings to power surges. Eversure provides coverage for both touring and static caravans, including protection against extreme weather such as storms, floods, and fires.