There is nothing quite like a motorhome holiday in the warmer months. Long evenings, open roads and the freedom to chase the sunshine wherever it takes you. The only downside is that a motorhome can heat up surprisingly quickly, turning your dream holiday companion into something closer to a greenhouse on wheels.
With the UK in the middle of a heatwave, and plenty of owners heading to hotter parts of Europe, knowing how to keep your motorhome cool in the summer has never been more useful. The good news is that you do not need expensive upgrades to stay comfortable. A few smart habits make all the difference.
Below are our top five tips for keeping your motorhome cool, whether you are pitched up in a British field or parked beside a Spanish beach.
1. Park Smart and Make the Most of Shade
Where you park is your first and most powerful defence against the heat. Shade really is nature’s air conditioning, and even partial shade during the hottest part of the day can noticeably lower the temperature inside.
When choosing your pitch, look for natural cover from trees, hedges or nearby buildings. Many campsites publish photos of individual pitches when you book in advance, so you can plan for a shadier spot. If you arrive without a reservation, it is always worth asking the warden what is available.
Think about orientation
If shade is limited, position your motorhome so that the side with the largest windows faces away from the strong afternoon sun. The afternoon is usually the hottest part of the day, so reducing direct exposure during those hours helps enormously.
Once you are set up, roll out your awning. It creates extra shade over the door and main living side, keeping that area cooler and giving you a comfortable spot to relax outside.
2. Block the Heat at Your Windows
Windows are one of the quickest ways for heat to get inside a motorhome. Glass is a poor insulator, so large areas of it can turn your interior into a sun trap if left uncovered.
Keep blinds and curtains closed on the sunny side of the vehicle during the day. Blackout or thermal curtains work especially well, reflecting sunlight before it has a chance to build up inside.
Use reflective screens
Reflective thermal screens for the windscreen and cab windows make a real difference, as this is often where the most heat enters. Many owners also use reflective insulation panels cut to fit side windows and skylights, which can be popped in place on the hottest days and stored away the rest of the time.
The principle is simple. It is far easier to stop heat getting in than it is to cool down an interior that is already baking.
3. Master Your Ventilation and Airflow
Getting air moving is essential, but timing matters more than most people realise. Leaving every window open all day can actually make things worse by letting hot air pour in.
Instead, open everything up early in the morning and again in the evening when the outside temperature drops. Open windows on opposite sides of the vehicle to create a cross breeze, and use roof vents and skylights to let trapped hot air escape. Hot air rises, so roof vents are particularly effective.
Bring a fan or two
During the hottest part of the day, close up the windows and doors to keep the cooler air in. A small 12 volt or rechargeable fan helps circulate air and makes the space feel several degrees more comfortable, even when you are off grid with no mains hook up.
4. Keep the Cooking Outside
It is easy to forget that your own appliances generate heat. Using the oven or hob inside on a hot day adds warmth at exactly the wrong moment.
Whenever you can, cook outdoors. A barbecue or portable stove keeps the heat where it belongs and turns mealtimes into part of the fun. On the warmest days, lean towards lighter meals such as salads, cold platters and fresh local produce that need little or no cooking at all.
Watch your other heat sources
Older halogen and incandescent bulbs give off a surprising amount of heat, so switch to LED lighting where you can. Keeping unnecessary electronics switched off during the day also helps reduce the warmth building up inside.
5. Pre-Cool and Look After Your Air Conditioning
If your motorhome has air conditioning, use it to get ahead of the heat rather than chasing it. On a day you know will be a scorcher, run the cab air conditioning while you drive, then keep the doors and windows closed when you arrive to hold on to that cooler air.
Starting early is the key. Cooling the walls and floors before the temperature peaks makes it far easier to stay comfortable through the afternoon.
Service it before the season
A well maintained air conditioning unit works more efficiently and is less likely to let you down on the hottest day of the trip. It is worth having it checked over before summer begins, along with the seals and filters, so it is ready when you need it most.
A Few Final Touches
Small extras can lift your comfort even further. Keep a jug of water or homemade cordial chilling in the fridge, fill the ice cube tray, and pack a few frozen treats for the children. Staying hydrated and taking regular breaks in the shade keeps everyone happy when the temperature climbs.
Above all, remember that a motorhome is designed for adventure, not for sitting inside on a beautiful day. Some of the best moments come from being out in the fresh air, with your cool and comfortable motorhome waiting for you in the shade.
Thinking About Your Next Motorhome?
Comfort features such as good insulation, quality blinds and built in air conditioning can make summer touring far more enjoyable, and they are well worth considering when choosing your next vehicle. If you are weighing up an upgrade, finance can help you spread the cost of a motorhome that suits the way you like to travel.
At Pegasus Finance, we take a personal, human led approach to leisure vehicle finance. You get your own dedicated advisor who listens to understand your circumstances and helps demystify the whole process, giving you the confidence to get the right finance for the vehicle you love. Our service is free to use, with no obligation, and we say yes, not computer says no.
Enjoy the Summer in Comfort
A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to keeping your motorhome cool. Park with shade in mind, block the heat at your windows, time your ventilation, cook outside and stay ahead with your air conditioning, and you will be set for a comfortable trip wherever the sunshine leads you.
When you are ready to think about your next motorhome, our friendly team is here to help you find finance quickly and affordably, so you can spend more time enjoying the great outdoors. Finance is subject to status and affordability. Terms and conditions apply.
