Keeping Your Van Cool: How to Beat the Heat in Vanlife
Introduction
Do you know what’s worse than being cold in a van? Being hot, of course! When the temperature rises, your cozy little nest can quickly turn into a rolling oven. But don’t worry! Here are our tips to keep your van cool and comfortable, even in the middle of a heatwave.
Subscribing to our Vantour's newsletter means receiving, once a month, no more, the cream of the crop of our tips and stories. From van travel guides to everyday life hacks, to exclusive tips for fully embracing the nomadic lifestyle.
We promise, no abuse, just quality content to enrich your adventures.
Key Takeaways for Vanlife During a Heatwave
- Balanced Insulation: Choose appropriate insulation, like cork or sheep’s wool, while avoiding over-insulation, which can be counterproductive in summer.
- Optimal Ventilation: Install an effective ventilation system, like a vent fan (e.g., MaxxFan), to ensure proper air circulation.
- Strategic Parking: Prioritize shaded spots and position your van to minimize sun exposure.
- Window Management: Open windows at night and early morning, then close them during the day when it gets hot.
- Sun Protection: Use insulating curtains and reflective window films to block out heat.
- Suitable Interior Design: Opt for light colors, airy furniture, and reflective materials to maintain a cooler environment.
- Hydration and Diet: Stay hydrated by drinking regularly and opt for fresh, light meals.
- Activity Adjustment: Plan activities around the cooler parts of the day.
- Cooling Equipment: Invest in 12V fans or portable air conditioners for added comfort.
- Seasonal Itinerary: Adjust your route based on the seasons, favoring cooler regions in summer and warmer areas in winter.
Subtitles are available for this video and can be activated by clicking the “Subtitles/CC” button on the YouTube player. You can choose from a range of languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. This feature ensures that you can follow along with the content in your preferred language for a better viewing experience.
Why Is Heat Harder to Handle Than Cold in Vanlife?
Heat in vanlife can quickly turn your adventure into a nightmare. Unlike cold, protecting yourself from heat in a confined space like a van is a real challenge.
Imagine this: it’s a scorching summer day, and you’re stuck in your cozy little home on wheels. Sweat drips down your forehead, the air is thick, and you’re desperately searching for a bit of cool relief. That’s when you realize—dealing with heat in vanlife is a serious headache!
First off, let’s talk about the greenhouse effect. Your van, with its large windows, becomes a literal solar oven. Sunlight streams in, and the heat builds up, creating a stifling environment. (Not exactly Instagram-worthy, right?)
Next, unlike the cold, where you can simply throw on another layer—much like the other tips we share in our article on heating your van in winter—cooling down in extreme heat takes more effort and resources. You can’t keep shedding layers of clothing, and once you’re down to the bare minimum, your options are pretty limited! * (Unless you’re into naturism—in that case, don’t forget the sunscreen!)*
The impact on your comfort and sleep is also significant. Hot, sticky nights can quickly become unbearable, turning your once cozy bed into an uncomfortable sauna. And trust me, tossing and turning all night is anything but restful!
Dealing with heat in vanlife is like trying to hug a cactus: it’s uncomfortable and prickly!
Let’s not forget the technical side: your equipment, like the fridge or batteries, doesn’t take kindly to excessive heat. They can overheat, compromising their performance—and potentially your ability to keep those beers cold. (And that’s a real tragedy!)
How to Set Up Your Van for Optimal Temperature Management
This section is for those starting from scratch or those who can make modifications to their converted vehicles. Every decision matters—from insulation to furniture and even color choices—no matter the weather!
Insulation: The Thermal Shield of Your Van
Let’s talk materials. Cork is like the Rolls-Royce of insulation: natural, effective, and moisture-resistant. (Bonus: it gives your van a wine cellar vibe!) Sheep’s wool, on the other hand, is the Swiss Army knife of insulation—expertly regulating both humidity and temperature.
But beware, as grandma used to say, “too much of a good thing can be bad.” Over-insulating can backfire in the summer. Aim for balance, like with a good pasta dish—neither too much nor too little.
Don’t forget the roof and windows. The roof is the hottest part of your van (literally). Consider adding solar panels, not directly attached to the roof, but mounted on an adjustable system. This creates about 5 centimeters (2 inches) of space between the roof and the panels, significantly improving insulation when the sun is blazing.
Interior Layout: Using Space to Control Temperature
Now, let’s move on to decor and furniture—this is where you can unleash your inner vanlife interior designer!
When it comes to colors, forget gothic black or passionate red. Opt for light, pastel shades. White, beige, sky blue—not only are they pretty, but they also reflect light and heat. It’s like putting your van in “cool mode.”
As for furniture placement, think of air as a river. It needs to flow freely through your van. Avoid bulky furniture that acts as a dam, and choose airy designs and hanging storage solutions.
And how about using reflective materials? I’m not suggesting turning your van into a disco ball (although…), but consider reflective films on the windows or special fabrics for curtains.
Our Tip
Modifying insulation after purchase can be tricky. In addition to the solar panel technique we mentioned earlier—which helps reflect a good portion of the sun’s rays thanks to the panels’ “mirror-like” properties—you can also buy thin cork sheets and attach them inside your cupboards, against the walls of your camper. Since these cupboards are usually located on the sides and higher up, this can help reduce heat (and retain it in the winter).
What Are the Free Techniques to Cool Down Your Van?
No need to break the bank to keep your van cool! There are plenty of clever, free tricks to lower the temperature without spending a dime.
Let’s start with the basics: choosing your parking spot. It’s a bit like picking your spot at the beach, except here you’re seeking shade, not sun. Look for large trees, buildings that cast shadows—anything that can block those relentless rays. It’s simple, effective, and doesn’t cost a penny!
Next, let’s talk about airflow. No, not politics—I’m talking about getting air circulating in your van. Open opposite windows and let the breeze cool you down. It’s like creating your own natural air conditioner! (Bonus: it also helps get rid of those dirty sock smells)
Insulating curtains are like your van’s invisibility cloak against heat. Sure, you can buy them, but you can also make your own with an old sheet and some bubble wrap. DIY power!
A well-ventilated van is halfway to comfort!
Managing your openings is an art. In the morning, open everything to enjoy the cool air. Once it heats up, close everything and cover the windows. It’s like playing hide and seek with the sun! You can also close the side facing the sun and open the one in the shade.
The placement of air inlets and outlets is crucial. Ideally, you want a cool air inlet at the bottom (near the floor) and a hot air outlet at the top. Why? Because hot air rises, my friend! It’s like creating a little natural airflow in your van. Smart, right? And since hot air rises, sleeping lower in the van during summer can give you a slight temperature advantage.
And let’s not forget about humidity management. A poorly ventilated van is a breeding ground for mold. And trust me, you don’t want that as a roommate. Good ventilation helps to expel moisture, whether it’s from your breath (yes, we sweat even while sleeping) or from your impromptu shower.
Finally, cooking outside is the secret of the pros. Why turn your van into a sauna when you can enjoy the great outdoors? Grab a portable stove, and voilà—you’re the king of the nomadic barbecue!
Our Tip
Think about positioning your van so that the sun doesn’t hit the windows, and if possible, avoid having it strike the fridge vents, which will need much more energy to function. If you’re parked in the shade, you might face a slight energy issue since your solar panels won’t perform as well. However, if you’re fortunate enough to have foldable solar panels with a good ten meters (around 33 feet) of cable, you can set the panels in the sun while keeping your vehicle in the shade. This is particularly useful for full-time nomads.
Every electrical device generates heat. In a house, you might not notice it much, but in a 10m² (about 108 square feet) space, it’s a different story. If it’s hot, consider working outside to protect your computer and keep its heat outside too.
Finally, as we’ve mentioned, heat rises. If, like in our van, you have a “drop-down” bed above the driver’s seat, lower it well before bedtime while opening the windows as much as possible. This will help release all the heat that accumulated in that area during the day.
What Equipment Can Help Fight the Heat?
If free tricks aren’t enough, there are some great gadgets out there to help you combat the heat. Some are affordable, others are more expensive, but they all aim to keep you sweating less and enjoying more!
Let’s start with the 12V fan, the basic soldier in your battle against the heat. It creates a refreshing breeze anytime and can be plugged into a USB port. We have two of these ourselves. (Tip: Place it strategically to maximize airflow.)
Next up, let’s talk about portable air conditioners like the Wave 2 EcoFlow or the Zero Breeze. These little tech wonders are like having a portable igloo in your van. They’re more powerful than fans, but be warned—they’re also more energy-hungry. It’s the classic vanlife dilemma: cool comfort versus energy autonomy.
The roof vent with built-in fan, like the popular MaxxFan, is the Rolls-Royce of van ventilation. It not only brings in fresh air but also expels hot air. Plus, some models can stay open even when it’s raining. Handy, right?
Don’t forget about thermal insulating curtains. They might not be as flashy as electronic gadgets, but believe me, they can make a huge difference. A must-have.
Finally, if you want to go all out, there are fixed air conditioners. This is the ultimate weapon against the heat, but be aware—it’s also the biggest investment. And they consume quite a bit of power, so unless you have a high-capacity battery or plan to stay plugged in, it might not be the best option for nomadic vanlife.
How to Adapt Your Lifestyle to Better Handle the Heat?
Surviving the heat in a van is also about adjusting your lifestyle. A few small changes in your habits can make all the difference between a nightmare experience and a dream vacation.
Let’s start with the basics: hydration. Your best friend during heatwaves is your water bottle. Drink regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. And why not jazz up your water with a few slices of lemon or cucumber? It’s refreshing and breaks the monotony!
When it comes to food, forget about hot, heavy meals. Opt for fresh salads and juicy fruits. It’s the perfect time to embrace a healthy diet and discover local recipes suited to the climate. (Tip: Gazpacho is life in hot weather!)
As for clothing, follow the locals’ lead: light and loose. Cotton and linen are your best friends. And don’t forget your hat—channel your inner Indiana Jones. It protects you from the sun and adds a bit of style!
Also, adjust your daily rhythm. Take a cue from the Spanish and embrace the siesta: take advantage of the cooler hours for your activities and take a break when the sun is at its peak. It’s the perfect excuse for a little nap or some reading in the shade.
Don’t hesitate to take frequent swim breaks too. A quick dip in a lake or river is the best way to cool off. Plus, it makes for great memories!
Our Tip
Be smart with your itinerary. In summer, head for the mountains or northern coasts to find some cool air. In 2020, we chose Brittany, in 2021, the Netherlands and Scotland. In winter, go south to escape the cold—Southern Spain, or for us, the Algarve and Morocco. This approach has several benefits: enjoying temperatures between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F) during the day year-round, saving on gas (heating, water heater, fridge running on gas), and ensuring enough sunlight for your solar panels in winter.
That’s the beauty of vanlife: you can chase the perfect climate all year long!
Conclusion
There you have it—you’re now equipped with everything you need to turn your van into a cool oasis. Whether through layout, equipment, or your daily habits, every little action makes a difference. So, are you ready to beat the heat and fully embrace your vanlife adventure?
