4 November: Over 90% of orders sent within 2 business hours. Posting Australia wide.
CaravansPlus Accessories Shop
Cart
CaravansPlus.com.au

Beat the Heat: Essential Tips for a Cooler Caravan

Article by Mike - Nov 2024 - Caravans Plus
Read Time: 4 mins

Caravan cooling tips

Minimising Caravan Heat Load

As summer approaches, now's a great time to consider caravan heat load and how to avoid a potentially hot and sticky situation. Many caravan owners underestimate just how much heat a caravan can absorb when sitting in direct sunlight.

Realistically, several factors contribute to the heat load in a caravan. This issue is especially pronounced in older caravans, which often lack adequate insulation. Typically, the insulation is sadly limited to scraps of 19mm packing foam sheet stuffed between timber or aluminum framing, despite the little sticker by the entry door that proudly boasts 'fully insulated aluminum frame.' I've seen it all.

Many older models also have large exposed single-glazed windows and flimsy plastic vent lids that allow a significant amount of heat and hot air to enter the interior. As temperatures rise to 40 degrees and above, the internal temperature can quickly become uncomfortable, even potentially unsafe.

As someone who worked on the tools as a caravan technician for many years, primarily in aluminum-clad caravans, I can tell you that the difference between a comfortable caravan and one hotter inside than outside at 35 degrees can be a mere two hours. A closed, comfortable caravan at 10am was often unbearable to work in by noon.

Effective Management of Environmental Heat Load

To manage and reduce heat load, practical measures can make a big difference. Parking the caravan in shaded areas is one of the most effective strategies to reduce direct sun exposure. Additionally, minimising the window area exposed to sunlight, particularly on the west-facing side (in Australia), can significantly reduce heat gain and prevent the cabin from filling with hot air.

Taking these steps helps ensure the internal temperature remains comfortable and safe, enhancing your overall experience without spending a dollar.

Roof Hatches

As mentioned, roof hatches can contribute to heat load in your caravan, especially if they have small wind-up hatches with flimsy plastic lids and no blinds. Fortunately, there a few brand specific and universal blind options which can be retrofitted to your existing hatch to minimise heat ingress.

Camco Lights Out Retractable Vent Shade - Suit 355mm (14in) Hatch

Camco Lights Out Retractable Vent Shade - Suit 355mm (14in) Hatch

3 In Stock Now.
$39.95
View
06310-01: Fiamma Rollo Vent 40. Suit 400 x 400 Vents

06310-01: Fiamma Rollo Vent 40. Suit 400 x 400 Vents

$125
View
98683W045: Fiamma Rollo Kit - Suit 500 X 500 Vents

98683W045: Fiamma Rollo Kit - Suit 500 X 500 Vents

1 In Stock Now.
$225
View
MaxxShade Standard - Suit Maxxfan Roof Hatch

MaxxShade Standard - Suit Maxxfan Roof Hatch

18 In Stock Now.
$158.24
$135
View

You might also consider upgrading to another hatch with better thermal protection, including options with passive (no fan) or 12V fan ventilation.

Tip: If you only have a traditional 12V, 14-inch hatch, check the direction of airflow with a piece of paper to see if it's drawing or extracting air. In many cases, you can simply remove and flip the fan blade to change airflow direction.

Window Blinds and Curtains

Before summer, check that your blinds are in good, serviceable condition. CaravansPlus offers a range of blinds for various windows, including Dometic's SEITZ S4/S7P and Mobicool ranges, Aussie Traveller's EuroVision, and others like Maygood, CHAL, and Good Bang.

We also have several helpful guides to help you identify your windows here:

Guide to Caravan Window Blinds

Guide to Caravan Window Blinds

Information Articles, FAQ & Guides by the CaravansPlus Team...
Read
Aussie Traveller Windows and Doors

Aussie Traveller Windows and Doors

A quick rundown of the different style windows and doors available by Aussie Traveller. What you need to know to correctly determine model & size, or...
Read
Complete Guide to Maygood / Mobicool Windows

Complete Guide to Maygood / Mobicool Windows

Mobicool Windows look almost identical to the Dometic Seitz S4, however the spare parts are not interchangeable. This article shows you how to tell t...
Read
Identifying Seitz Windows & Replacement Parts

Identifying Seitz Windows & Replacement Parts

We explain how to determine the correct window model & size when ordering replacement parts. Step 1 - Put the tape measure away! You will find inscrib...
Read

If you have a camper van based on a Fiat Ducato, Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit, or VW Transporter T5/T6, we offer Universal Internal Windscreen & Side Window Thermal Blinds to help keep the front cabin cool.

For pop-up campers, such as those by Jayco or Goldstream, consider adding bed-end flies or camper shade screens.

pop-up camper with bed-end flies
Pop-Up Camper With Bed-End Flies

If you have an awning, whether a roll-out model like the Carefree Fiesta or Dometic 8300/8500/8700 or a box awning like Thule 5200/6200, Fiamma F45/F65/F80, we also have a range of shade screens to help minimize heat load, all conveniently listed here:

Tip: On a day with high temperatures forecast, open your caravan early in the morning to allow fresh air in and cool it quickly, then close up before the day's heat arrives. Closing window blinds and curtains can also help reduce heat load.

The Effects of Heat Load on Air Conditioners

During periods of high summer heat, we at CaravansPlus are often asked why air-conditioning units don't seem to cool as expected. To test your air conditioner's performance, follow these five steps:

1.Use a thermometer for accurate temperature measurement.
2.Measure the temperature of the air returning to the evaporator.
3.Measure the temperature of the cool air emitted by the air conditioner.
4.Calculate the difference between the two temperature readings.
5.Ensure the temperature difference is approximately 11C to 12C.

If the temperature difference falls within this range, it's likely your air conditioner is working correctly. Other reasons for inadequate cooling might include:

1.A blocked return air filter - remove and clean if necessary.
2.Low refrigerant gas - you may need an air-conditioning technician to re-gas your unit.
3.High external temperatures - evaluate the overall conditions as per the advice above.

Need a replacement air conditioner? CaravansPlus has a range of powerful caravan air conditioners with the latest energy efficient inverter compressors. We also offer guides to help you choose an adequately sized unit and comparisons.

Selecting The Correct Caravan Air Conditioner

Selecting The Correct Caravan Air Conditioner

Which Air Conditioner is best for your Caravan or RV? What size do you need? Roof top or Built-in? This quick guide answers the most frequently asked ...
Read

If you only need spares, we also stock a large range of air conditioner parts and diagrams to help you find just what you need.

Further Suggestions

Some air conditioners have a timer. Plan your trip, so your air conditioner cools your living space just before your return. This is not only energy efficient, but it also ensures your neighbors aren't disturbed by unnecessary noise while you're out sightseeing or enjoying a meal at the local.

Was this helpful?

0 Comments

Please sign in if you want to add a comment. Sign In

Other Guides

How To Level Your Caravan Or Trailer

How To Level Your Caravan Or Trailer

Confused by Caravan Measurements?

Confused by Caravan Measurements?

Popular New Caravan Accessories

Popular New Caravan Accessories

Beginners Guide To Caravans & RVs

Beginners Guide To Caravans & RVs

Camec Caravan Accessories - Top 10

Camec Caravan Accessories - Top 10

COVID Caravan Adventures

COVID Caravan Adventures

Coast to Coast RV - Big Name Brands

Coast to Coast RV - Big Name Brands

Canvas Storage Bags - Giving Everything a Home When You're Away From Yours

Canvas Storage Bags - Giving Everything a Home When You're Away From Yours

See All Articles