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Review of Caravans Plus Service
Excellent service at a great price thank you for great service
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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The Effects of Heat Load on Air Conditioners
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.
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.
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Excellent service at a great price thank you for great service
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