Summer is the perfect time to explore, but the Aussie heat can quickly turn your van into a hotbox if you’re not prepared. Whether you’ve fully embraced van life or you’re just hitting the road for weekend escapes, knowing how to stay cool is key to making the most out of your camping experience. Fortunately, we have a few proven strategies to beat the heat. Let’s dive into our top 10 tips on how to keep your van life cool, no matter how high the temperature climbs.
10 Summer van life tips & how to stay cool
1. Be smart about where you park
Location is everything when it comes to keeping your van cool. During the day, always aim for shaded spots. By avoiding direct sunlight, you’ll be able to keep the interior of the van colder. If you’re travelling along the coast, park close to the beach so you have easy access to the water for quick, refreshing dips.
And to avoid restless nights, stick to higher elevations – temperatures tend to drop more dramatically at night, which will give you a much-needed break from the heat.
2. Insulate your van
Insulation is a game changer during those hot summer months. By reducing heat transfer, insulation effectively keeps the cool air in and the hot air out – ensuring your van is cool and comfortable. Plus, it also increases fuel efficiency because you’re less reliant on air conditioning.
Whether you opt for foam board, wool, spray foam or reflection insulation, all these materials can be installed on the walls, floor and ceiling of your van. For added insulation, you can also seal any gaps around the windows and doors to stop the heat creeping in.
3. Use window covers or blockout curtains
Window covers and curtains are a simple but effective way of keeping your van cool in summer. By blocking out direct sunlight and reducing heat transfer, curtains prevent the interior from overheating. From DIY insulated curtains to thermal blinds, roller blinds and reflective window covers, there are plenty of options to choose from. Plus, window covers give you added privacy when you’re off exploring or sleeping at night.
4. Consider a portable aircon unit
If you plan on venturing into sweltering conditions, a portable air conditioning unit may be your go-to. Easy to set up, an air con can provide instant relief from the heat and you have the flexibility of moving it wherever you need.
However just keep in mind that a portable air con can be bulky, take up valuable space and drain power quickly. So if you opt for one, it’s worth considering a dual battery setup or adding solar panels to your van or RV to keep your power supply steady while parked.
5. Use fans
The key to staying cool in your van this summer? Fans. Designed to boost airflow, fans push out the warm air and pull in fresher air from the outside. You can easily install a fan in your roof vents or place 12V portable fans around your van. Beyond cooling, fans are also great for managing moisture – helping to prevent issues like bacteria growth or the deterioration of natural surfaces.
While fans consume less power than a portable AC unit, it’s wise to consider battery charging or a portable power solution so you don’t end up with a flat vehicle starter battery.
6. Maximise airflow & ventilation
Maximising airflow and ventilation is an easy way to keep your van chilled. You’d be surprised at the difference simply cracking open a window and letting in some fresh air can make. Just be sure to install some bug nets or fly screens to keep the insects at bay.
7. Get a camping fridge
While a fridge may seem like a camping luxury, it definitely beats your standard esky. It not only keeps your food fresher for longer, but ensures you have cold drinks and ice blocks at the ready – sans the hassle of melted ice.
Quick tip: you might want to look into a power solution to keep your fridge (and van) powered up and running for longer.
8. Cook outside
While it can be tempting to bring the heat to the kitchen, opt for cooking outside when the temperatures soar. Firing up the grill not only makes for great camping meals, it also adds to the overall outdoor experience.
On the absolute scorcher days when it’s too hot to cook, switch it up with chilled meals like salads, wraps, sandwiches and cold rolls. You can keep them fresh in an esky with ice or a camping fridge.
9. Install an awning
Ask anyone living the van life and they’ll tell you – an awning is a must for staying cool during summer. By attaching it either directly to your roof rack or to the side of your van, you can extend it to create instant shade and keep the heat at bay.
An awning also gives you extra space for cooking, relaxing or storing your gear and offers year-round protection from the other elements. It’s the perfect way to make the most of the outdoors, no matter the season.
10. Stay hydrated
Our final tip on how to stay cool while living your best van life? Stay hydrated. Keeping up your fluid intake is essential to regulating your body temperature, feeling comfortable and preventing any heat-related illnesses – ensuring you stay safe for your entire trip.
There are a few easy ways you can stay hydrated:
- Drink water often.
- Eat hydrating foods (e.g. apples, cucumbers, melons, lettuce).
- Try drinks with electrolytes.
- Chew on ice cubes or ice blocks.
- Keep your water cool in an esky or a camping fridge.
Keep your van cool with REDARC
Now you know how to stay cool and live your summer van life, it’s time to hit the road!
Whether you’re using fans, a camping fridge or considering an AC unit, pairing them with reliable power solutions – like dual battery chargers or solar panels – ensures you spend more time exploring and less time worrying about a flat starter battery. And with REDARC powering your RV or van, you’ve got everything you need to beat the heat and make the most out of your summer.
FAQs
How to keep a van cool without an aircon?
To keep a van cool without an aircon, ventilation and airflow are key. Open your windows and roof vents so you can catch the cooler breezes, invest in portable fans and ensure your bedding is made from breathable materials like cotton or linen. You can also insulate your van to prevent heat build up, use window covers to block out the direct sunlight and try parking in shaded areas.
How to keep a van cool while sleeping?
To keep cool when you're sleeping in a van, try:
- Opening your windows or roof vents for more airflow.
- Using a portable air con unit.
- Investing in a gel-infused memory foam mattress and breathable bedding.
- Using fans.
- Parking in the shade.
- Insulating your van.
If worst comes to worst, you can always sleep outside in a tent where there's more airflow.
Does insulating a van keep it cooler?
Yes, insulating a van can keep you cooler! Insulation effectively reduces the heat transfer between the inside and outside of your van. This prevents heat from entering during hotter days and it helps to retain the cooler air inside.
