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With temperatures hitting new highs in the UK this year, we know that VW campervans can get uncomfortable in such heat so we've come up with a few top tips for keeping cool when the temperature outside is rising.
Diesel heater on fan setting
A handy tip for those who have a Webasto diesel heater is that you can use the fan setting throughout the night to keep the air in the campervan circulating. Simply turn the temperature down to 5 °C, set the fan to a continuous setting (the infinity symbol) and run it indefinitely. This will then blow air through the night until you turn the setting off in the morning, and the good news is it won't use your diesel doing so.
Use foil side of reflective insulation
Our VW T5/T6 Internal Thermal Blinds, which are available to buy from our camping shop, are a popular purchase alongside our campervans because they keep the early morning light out and reduce the temperature inside your van. Using the foil side will help reflect the suns rays from entering the campervan, helping to reduce the overall temperature.
Pre-freeze items for your fridge
You will need to monitor your fridge's battery consumption as the compressor will be working harder in the heat. We'd recommend pre-freezing items to put in your fridge, both to cool it and allow them to defrost over the course of your journey to your campsite.
Park in the shade where possible
Parking away from the sun will prevent direct sunlight from reaching your VW campervan, and keep your van cooler over the course of the day. It will allow you to arrive back to a more relaxed and cooler space.
Avoid cooking indoors
By enjoying the alfresco lifestyle you'll ensure your living area remains cooler than if cooking equipment inside the van was being used. Available from our camping shop, we have a range of barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment that can be used outside your campervan.
Keep air circulating
Opening windows on the opposing sides of the vehicle will create airflow, again helping to keep the temperature down. Alternatively, you can invest in a small camping-friendly 12V/USB fan to plug inside your campervan. These can be bought from various retailers and either use the USB ports or 12V sockets in your vehicle. They're not super-powerful but every little helps.
Park at a higher elevation in the evening
Not something you often think about, but parking at a higher altitude in the evening will keep your campervan cooler. For every 100m of elevation above sea-level you'll experience roughly a 1°C drop in temperature.
Invest in a small camping-friendly air con unit
Desk air con units are a popular nifty product to use to keep cool. They provide much-needed cooler air inside the vehicle, and can be particularly useful overnight when the unbearable heat makes for restless nights. Many simply require topping up with cold water to operate well.
Don't over-inflate your awning
Many campervan owners tend to also invest in an awning. We'd highly recommend not over-inflating an air awning thus allowing the air to expand, unless of course your awning's valves already allow excess air to escape.
Change onboard water regularly
When the temperature rises, we'd recommend replacing the water in your tank when it's not being used as the heat can cause bacteria to build up faster in standing water, especially when not used regularly.
We'd recommend draining the water out of the tank completely through the tap and running a cleaning solution such as PuriSol Advanced Cleaning Liquid, available to buy in our camping shop.
Check air-con and water levels
We'd always recommend doing your regular checks on your van before any journey or long trip but in particular, remember to check your air con is operating properly and you have enough coolant and water before setting off.
Avoid using your duvet
We all know how warm it can get in the summer months when lying in your bed at home and your campervan will be the same. During the night use cotton sheets, instead of your usual duvet and this will inevitably keep you cool and reduce the amount of bedding required. Huzzah for more space!
Keep hydrated, including plenty of water for your pets
You'll be losing more moisture from your body through sweat which is the key cause of dehydration. Nutritionists recommend drinking nearly 3 to 4 litres of water a day when temperatures rise above 30°C.
We hope these tips and tricks will help you keep cool in your campervan over the summer months and if you have any more clever suggestions, contact us at communications@camperking.co.uk.