When you’re planning your tour, you’re likely to be envisaging relaxing at your chosen site on a bright and sunny day. However, while a heatwave can be a blessing on a camping holiday, you need to make sure you enjoy the sun safely.
One of the main joys of touring is the freedom to set off on tour whenever you want and pitch up at one of the best motorhome sites in the UK, taking in wonderful new scenery and making many happy memories in the process. However, on those hotter days, staying cool – and safe – will be an important part of an enjoyable touring experience. That’s where this guide comes in, as we share our top tips for staying cool while also being able to enjoy the warm weather.
Make the most of your awning
The best motorhome awning is a great way of achieving extra living space when you’re on tour and can also play a part in helping you stay cool. Make sure to extend your awning as far as your pitch allows and try angling it so that the side of your van is in the shade – it can massively help to keep the internal temperature down. If you’ve decided against an awning, think about a tent or gazebo to create the same effect.
Stay hydrated
Don’t forsake water to avoid toilet breaks – dehydration can sneak up on you and cause heat exhaustion which would make it dangerous to drive as well as uncomfortable and unsafe for you. Adults need up to 3 litres of water on a hot day. Some of the best flasks for hot drinks are not just good at keeping your warm drinks at the ideal temperature – they can also do a highly effective job of keeping cold drinks cool.
Use heat reflecting sun shades
Even if you already have curtains or shades in your motorhome, invest in some thermal/reflective materials for your blinds to help keep the internal temperature down. This is especially useful for large surface areas like windscreens
Be mindful of where you choose to pitch up and park
Another useful factor will be taking care of where you choose to pitch up. We’d advise prioritising pitches under the cover of trees to keep the worst of the sun off your vehicle. It also makes it more enjoyable to spend time outside your motorhome while on the campsite.
Choose coastal sites or ones that are high up
Staying cool on tour can also be factored in when you’re thinking about how to choose a motorhome site for your next tour. While seaside views are the main attraction, a sea breeze can make a world of difference on a hot day. Keep your windows open to make sure the van is well-ventilated but remember to keep your sun cream topped up – the wind can make you forget how hot it is.
Consider an air conditioner
Choose between an under-bench unit or roof-mounted. If you’re leaning towards an under-bench model, remember that it’s much better to fit this during the build. If you’re retroactively adding air con, roof-mounted models will be better. Truma and Dometic are your best bet for finding one that suits you.
Small but mighty cooling
If you do most of your touring in summer or if you regularly visit warmer countries, it might be worth investing in one of the best motorhome fans if you don’t want to shell out for air con. These small fans can be effective in moving the air around your motorhome and helping to make it more comfortable. There are some great choices in battery powered and 12V models.
Keep an eye on your windows
When the sun is on your van, open the windows that are in the shade and keep the ones in direct sunlight closed and covered – this keeps the worst of the heat getting into the motorhome and if you’re using reflective window covers that’s even better. Open your windows at the coolest time of day and keep them closed when it’s hottest.
Cooking up a storm
It almost goes without saying, but cooking inside will most definitely make your motorhome hot and uncomfortable. To minimise dinner time temperatures, opt for cold preparation meals like sandwiches and salads. Alternatively, embrace the nice weather and dine al fresco – cook on a barbecue, portable stove or even over a fire.
Get a good night’s sleep
What is glorious heat in the day can turn into a nightmare come bedtime, which is where knowing how to sleep well on tour will come into its own. Try some cooling bedding for your sheets and pillow cases and stay away from fluffy, feathery pillows. If you just can’t cool down, keep an ice pack in the freezer to apply to your pressure points (wrists, temples, elbows and neck) or wrap it in a tea towel and hold it as you drift off!
After more useful tips and advice? Then don’t miss our guide to internet in a motorhome, where we share all you need to know to get connected.
Written with contributions from Peter Byrne.
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