Do you know what’s worse than being cold in a van or a motorhome? Being hot, of course! When the mercury rises, your cozy little nest can quickly turn into a rolling oven. We still remember our memorable heatwave in Brittany in 2020 with Xav: we thought we would find coolness near the ocean, but the air became unbearable in the van. That’s when we realized that an unprepared van or motorhome can quickly turn into a solar oven. But don’t panic! Here are our tips to keep your vehicle cool and pleasant, even in the middle of a heatwave.
Know that a vehicle parked in full sun can reach temperatures between 50 and 65 degrees inside, which is 20 to 30 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Let’s just say that without a strategy, your stay in vanlife will turn into a nightmare.
What to remember about the heatwave in Vanlife
- Balanced insulation: Choose appropriate insulation, such as cork or sheep wool, while avoiding over-insulation that can be counterproductive in summer.
- Optimal ventilation: Install an effective ventilation system, like a ventilated roof vent (e.g., MaxxFan), to promote air circulation.
- Strategic parking: Favor shaded spots and orient the van to minimize sun exposure.
- Management of openings: Open windows at night and early in the morning, close them during the day when it’s hot.
- Sun protection: Use insulating curtains and reflective films on windows to block heat.
- Adapted interior layout: Opt for light colors, airy furniture, and reflective materials to promote coolness.
- Hydration and nutrition: Drink regularly and favor fresh and light meals.
- Portable air conditioner: The EcoFlow Wave 2 or the Zero Breeze Mark 2 for quick cooling, if you have the budget and electrical autonomy.
- Sleep low: Hot air rises, lower your bed as much as possible to gain a few degrees at night.
- Seasonal itinerary: Adapt your route according to the seasons, favoring cooler regions in summer and warmer areas in winter.
Video on “Managing high temperatures in vanlife”
Why is heat more difficult to manage than cold in vanlife?
The heat in vanlife can quickly turn your adventure into a nightmare. Unlike the cold, protecting yourself from heat in a confined space like a van or a motorhome is quite a challenge.
Imagine, on a hot summer day, stuck in your little cocoon on wheels. Sweat beads on your forehead, the air is heavy, and you’re desperately searching for a bit of coolness. That’s when you realize: heat is a real puzzle in vanlife!
First, let’s talk about the greenhouse effect. Your van, with its large windows, turns into a real solar oven. Sun rays come in and heat accumulates, creating a stifling environment. A vehicle in the sun can reach 50 to 65 degrees, which is 20 to 30 degrees higher than the outside temperature. That’s the greenhouse effect: the windows let in infrared rays that heat the interior surfaces, and the heat gets trapped.
Next, unlike the cold where you can simply put on an extra layer, just like other tips we give in our article on how to heat your van in winter, cooling off during high heat requires more effort and resources. You can’t keep taking off clothes indefinitely, and once you’re in your birthday suit, options become scarce! (Unless you’re a fan of naturism, in which case, don’t forget the sunscreen!)
The impact on your comfort and sleep is also significant. Hot and humid nights can quickly become hell, turning your cozy bed into an uncomfortable sauna. And believe me, trying to sleep while tossing and turning all night is far from restful!
Heat in vanlife is like trying to hug a cactus: it’s uncomfortable and it hurts!
Let’s not forget the technical aspect: your equipment, like the fridge or batteries, don’t appreciate excessive heat. They risk overheating, compromising their operation and potentially your ability to keep your beers cold. (And that’s a tragedy!)
How to set up your van to optimize temperature management?
This part is for those starting from scratch or those who can make modifications to their converted vehicle. Every decision counts, from insulation to furniture to colors, regardless of the weather!
Insulation: the thermal shield of your van
Let’s talk about materials. Cork is a bit like the Rolls of insulation: natural, efficient, and moisture-resistant. (Bonus: guaranteed wine cellar vibe!) Sheep wool, on the other hand, is the Swiss army knife: it regulates humidity and temperature like a pro.
But be careful, as grandma would say, “the best is the enemy of the good.” Over-insulation can be counterproductive in summer. If heat eventually gets in (which always happens after a few days of heatwave), a van that’s too insulated will trap it like a thermos. It then becomes impossible to cool it down at night. Aim for balance: not too much, not too little.
Don’t forget the roof and windows. The roof is the hot spot of your van (literally). Adding solar panels that aren’t fixed directly to the roof, as we did, but mounting them on an adjustable system allows for a good 5 centimeters of space between the roof and the panels, greatly improving insulation when the sun hits hard.
The color of your vehicle matters: a white van shows between 5 and 10 degrees less than a black or dark gray vehicle in full sun. If you can’t change the color, a reflective film on the roof can help reflect some of the rays.
Interior layout: playing with space to control temperature
Let’s move on to decor and furniture. This is where you can play interior architect vanlife style!
When it comes to colors, forget gothic black or passionate red. Opt for light and pastel shades. White, beige, sky blue—not only are they pretty, but they also reflect light and heat. It’s putting your van in “cool” mode.
For the furniture arrangement, imagine the air as a river. It should flow freely in your van. Avoid bulky furniture that blocks the flow, favor airy designs and suspended storage.
And what about reflective materials? I’m not talking about turning your van into a disco ball (although…), but rather using reflective films on the windows or special fabrics for the curtains.
Our tip
Modifying the insulation after purchase is complicated, in addition to the solar panel technique we explained in the paragraph that allows you to reflect a good portion of the rays thanks to the “mirror” properties of the panel, it is also possible to buy thin cork sheets and stick them inside your cabinets against the wall of the camper van, as these are generally on the sides and high up, this helps to slightly reduce heat (and keep it in 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 free and clever tips to lower the temperature without spending a dime.
Parking choice
It’s a bit like choosing your spot at the beach, except here, you’re looking for shade, not sun. Look for large trees, buildings that cast shadows, in short, anything that can block the rays of that good old sun. Point the front of your vehicle north: the windshield is the largest glass surface and lets in the most heat. By keeping it opposite the afternoon sun, you limit the greenhouse effect. It’s simple, effective, and costs nothing!
Cross ventilation and air currents
Opening just one window is useless if the air doesn’t circulate. You need to create an air current. The trick is to open a window on one side and a vent or an opposite window. This is called cross ventilation. It helps to expel the stagnant hot air and replace it with outside air, which is often more breathable. It’s like creating your own natural air conditioner! (Bonus: it also helps to eliminate the smell of dirty socks)
A well-ventilated van is half the way to comfort!
The placement of air inlets and outlets is an art. Ideally, you want a fresh air inlet at the bottom (like near the floor) and an outlet at the top for hot air. Why? Because hot air rises! It’s like creating a little natural air current in your van. Besides, since hot air rises, sleeping lower in summer can give you a degree cooler.
Managing openings
It’s quite an art. Do like the southern residents: in the morning, open everything to enjoy the coolness. As soon as it heats up, close everything and block the windows. It’s like playing hide and seek with the sun! You can also close the side where the sun is and open the one that is in the shade. Your curtains and vents should remain closed during the day to trap the relative coolness of the morning.
Cooking outside
That’s the secret of the pros. It’s a classic mistake: cooking pasta inside the van at 7 PM. The steam and the gas flame will turn your space into a steam room. Why turn your van into a sauna when you can enjoy the outdoors? A small portable stove, and voila, you become the king of the nomadic barbecue! Your sleep will thank you.
And let’s not forget about moisture management. A poorly ventilated van is a mold paradise. And believe me, you don’t want that as a roommate. Good ventilation helps to expel moisture, whether from your breath (yes, we sweat even while sleeping) or from your makeshift shower.
Our tip
Think about positioning your van so that the sun doesn’t hit the glass areas, and if possible, also avoid the refrigerator grilles, which will need much more energy to function. If you’re in the shade, you may have a little energy problem, as obviously your panels will work less efficiently. If you’re lucky enough to have foldable solar panels, with a good ten meters of cables, you can position the panels towards the sun while you stay in the shade with your vehicle. This is especially interesting for year-round nomads.
Every electrical product generates heat. So in a home, it doesn’t feel too bad, but in 10m2, it’s a different story. Think about working outside if it’s hot to preserve your computer but also to send its heat outside.
What equipment can help fight the heat?
If the free tips aren’t enough, there are some nice pieces of equipment to combat the heat in vanlife. Some are affordable, others more expensive, but all aim to make you sweat less and enjoy more!
The 12V / USB fan
This is the basic little soldier in your war against heat. For an investment of £10 to £30, you get a direct airflow on you. It plugs into a USB port and consumes very little energy. We have two in our van. (Tip: place it strategically to maximize airflow, direct it towards the bed at night)
It’s often enough to endure heavy evenings and it’s the essential basic before investing in anything else.
Portable air conditioners: EcoFlow Wave 2 vs Zero Breeze Mark 2
This is where the serious stuff begins. These little technological gems are like having a portable igloo in your van. We tested and compared the two market references:
EcoFlow Wave 2
- Power: 5,100 BTU
- Consumption: 240W
- Noise: 45 dB
- Weight: 14.5 kg
- Price: ~£1,200
- Autonomous with Delta battery
- Cools 10m2 in 15-20 min
Our choice for vans and campervans.
Zero Breeze Mark 2
- Power:
- 2,300 BTU
- Consumption: 240W
- Noise: 52 dB
- Weight: 7.5 kg
- Price: ~£900
- Clean battery (~5h)
- More compact, less powerful
Good compromise for small spaces.
Be careful, they are energy-hungry. It’s a bit of the vanlife dilemma: coolness vs autonomy. If you want to know more about the necessary autonomy, take a look at our article on wild camping electricity. And for our complete test of the Wave 2, it’s here: our review of the EcoFlow portable air conditioner.
The air cooler: good or bad idea?
Be careful, don’t confuse an evaporative air cooler with an air conditioner! These are two totally different technologies.
The cooler uses the evaporation of water to lower the temperature by 3 to 5 degrees. It’s cheaper (£50 to £150), but it has a major drawback: it adds humidity to the air. In a van that is already poorly ventilated, this can create condensation.
Dry climate (south of Spain, Morocco): the cooler works well.
Humid climate (Brittany, Netherlands): almost useless, it will only add humidity.
For a real cooling effect in a van, a portable air conditioner will always be more effective.
The MaxxFan vent
It’s the Rolls Royce of van ventilation. The vent with integrated ventilation, like the famous MaxxFan, not only allows fresh air to enter but also expels hot air. Additionally, some models can remain open even when it rains. Handy, right? The ideal setup is to have two entry/exit points: a fan that extracts hot air at one end of the van and a window open at the other end. This creates a constant flow that helps to gain precious degrees.
Thermal insulating curtains
Sure, it’s not fancy electronic equipment, but believe me, it can make a huge difference. The windows are the weakest points of your insulation. By using reflective sunshades on the windshield and multi-layer thermal curtains on the windows, some travelers notice a difference of 10 to 15 degrees in the cabin! Plus, it protects the plastics on your dashboard from UV rays. Essential.
Sleeping well in a van in the middle of summer
Finding sleep when it’s 28 degrees inside is the biggest challenge of vanlife in summer. Here are our tips to avoid ending up in a sweat.
Hot air rises, it’s physics. If, like in our integral, you have a “pavilion” bed above the cockpit, it’s a furnace. Try to ventilate it 1 to 2 hours before going to bed while opening the windows as much as possible to release all the heat accumulated during the day in that area. The ideal is to lower your bed as much as possible, near the floor, where the air is coolest. You can gain 2 to 3 degrees just by sleeping down low.
Use a USB fan directed straight at your body. A quick shower just before slipping under the sheets also helps to lower your body temperature. On the textile side, forget synthetic materials and opt for linen or lightweight cotton sheets, which are much more breathable.
If you can, always choose a spot at altitude for the night. We lose about 0.6 degrees for every 100 meters of elevation. Spending the night at 1,500 meters instead of in the valley can make all the difference between a sleepless night and restorative sleep.
How to adapt your lifestyle to better cope with the heat?
Surviving the heat in a van is also a question of lifestyle. A few small changes in your habits can make all the difference between a nightmarish experience and a dream vacation.
Let’s start with the basics: hydration. Your best buddy 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 changes up the routine!
On the food side, forget heavy hot dishes. Go for fresh salads and juicy fruits. It’s the perfect opportunity to eat healthy and discover local recipes suited to the climate. (Tip: gazpacho is life in hot weather!)
When it comes to clothes, do like the locals: light and loose-fitting. Cotton and linen are your allies. And don’t forget your hat, like a modern-day Indiana Jones. It protects from the sun and looks stylish!
Also, adjust your lifestyle rhythm. Do like the Spaniards with their siesta: take advantage of the cooler hours for your activities and take a break when the sun is blazing. It’s the perfect excuse for a little nap or a reading session in the shade.
Don’t hesitate to take more swimming breaks. 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 to the mountains or the northern coasts for some coolness. In 2020, we chose Brittany, in 2021 the Netherlands and Scotland. In winter, head south to escape the cold, the south of Spain, or for us, the Algarve and Morocco. This has several advantages: having a temperature between 15 and 30 degrees during the day year-round, saving on gas (heating, water heater, fridge running on gas), and also having enough sun for the panels in winter.
That’s the beauty of vanlife: you can follow the ideal climate all year round!
What is the best portable air conditioning for a converted van?
There are two references on the portable air conditioner market for vans: the EcoFlow Wave 2 (5,100 BTU, ~£1,200) and the Zero Breeze Mark 2 (2,300 BTU, ~£900). The Wave 2 is more powerful and can operate with the EcoFlow Delta battery, making it standalone. The Zero Breeze is more compact but less powerful. For a converted van, the Wave 2 is our recommendation as it cools a space of 10m² in 15-20 minutes. Budget alternative: an evaporative air cooler (£50-£150) that lowers the temperature by 3 to 5 degrees but only works well in dry air.
How to cool down a camper van without air conditioning?
Several free techniques are very effective. Park in the shade and position the van so that the windows are not facing the sun. Create a cross breeze by opening the opposite windows. Use insulating curtains or reflective films on the windows. Open everything in the morning to cool down, then close and cover when the heat rises. Cook outside to avoid adding heat. Sleep down low (hot air rises). A roof vent with fan (like MaxxFan) is the most effective investment for ventilation.
What temperature is it in a van in full sun?
A van parked in full sun can reach 50 to 65 degrees inside in summer, which is 20 to 30 degrees higher than the outside temperature. This is the greenhouse effect: the windows let in infrared rays that heat the interior surfaces, and the heat gets trapped. With good insulation, reflective curtains, and active ventilation, this gap can be reduced to 5-10 degrees above the outside. The color of the vehicle also plays a role: a white van will be 5 to 10 degrees cooler than a black van.
Does the air cooler work in a van?
The evaporative air cooler works by passing warm air through a wet filter. It can lower the temperature by 3 to 5 degrees in a van. However, it has a major drawback: it adds humidity to the air. In an already poorly ventilated van, this can create condensation. It works well only in dry climates (southern Spain, Morocco). In humid climates (Brittany, Netherlands), it is almost useless. For real cooling, a portable air conditioner (EcoFlow Wave 2) is more effective but much more expensive and energy-consuming.
How to sleep well in a van when it's hot?
Sleeping in a van during a heatwave is the biggest challenge. Our tips: lower the bed as much as possible (hot air rises, gain 2-3 degrees), open all the windows with mosquito nets at sunset, run a USB fan directed at the bed, use a linen sheet instead of a duvet, take a shower just before sleeping. If you have a loft bed (above the cabin), lower it and ventilate that area 1 to 2 hours before going to bed to release the heat accumulated during the day. Finally, choose a spot at altitude if possible: every 100 meters gained = about 0.6 degrees less.
Should you insulate your van against heat?
Yes, but be careful of over-insulation. In winter, insulation keeps the heat from the heating inside. But in summer, it can also trap the heat accumulated during the day. The ideal is a balanced insulation: cork or sheep wool (materials that regulate humidity), reflective panels on the roof and windows, and above all, excellent ventilation. The roof is the priority area because it heats up the most (direct sunlight). The trick of solar panels mounted on tiltable rails creates an air space of 5 cm that acts as a natural thermal screen.
Conclusion
There you go, you now have all the cards in hand to transform your van or motorhome into an oasis of coolness. Whether through layout, equipment, or your habits, every little gesture counts. The heat in vanlife is not a fatality: with the right techniques and a bit of preparation, you can fully enjoy your summer adventures. So, ready to face the heatwave and fully live your vanlife adventure?