Nothing in cart
Hassle free ordering, fast shipping, part was exactly as needed, great people to deal with.
1st order by Paul from SA
Camco Lights Out Retractable Vent Shade - Suits 355mm Roof Hatches
$40.95
As summer approaches, now is a good 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 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 aluminium framing, despite the little sticker by the entry door that proudly boasts "fully insulated aluminium 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, and potentially unsafe.
As someone who worked on the tools as a caravan technician for many years, primarily in aluminium-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. Minimising the window area exposed to sunlight, particularly on the west-facing side in Australia, can also significantly reduce heat gain and prevent the cabin from filling with hot air.
Taking these steps helps keep the internal temperature more comfortable and safer without spending a dollar. It also gives your air conditioner a much easier job later in the day.
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 are a few brand-specific and universal blind options that can be retrofitted to existing hatches to minimise heat ingress.
You might also consider upgrading to another hatch with better thermal protection, including options with passive ventilation 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 is drawing air in or extracting air out. 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:
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 or Fiamma F45/F65/F80, shade screens can help reduce the direct sun hitting the van wall and windows.
During periods of high summer heat, we at CaravansPlus are often asked why air-conditioning units do not seem to cool as expected. To test your air conditioner's performance, follow these five steps:
If the temperature difference falls within this range, it is likely your air conditioner is working correctly. Other reasons for inadequate cooling might include:
Need a replacement air conditioner? CaravansPlus has a range of rooftop caravan air conditioners and under-bunk caravan air conditioners, including newer energy-efficient inverter compressor options. We also offer guides to help you choose an adequately sized unit and compare current models.
If you only need spares, we also stock a large range of air conditioner parts and diagrams to help you find 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 more energy efficient, and it also ensures your neighbours are not disturbed by unnecessary noise while you are out sightseeing or enjoying a meal at the local.
If you are relying on battery and inverter power, treat the air conditioner as part of the whole electrical system. Running current, startup current, battery capacity, solar input and generator support all affect the real result. If you are not confident with 240V supply or inverter wiring, use a qualified electrician.
Hassle free ordering, fast shipping, part was exactly as needed, great people to deal with.
Great service. Prompt delivery
Great service and very quick delivery,.