Living in a caravan year-round entails experiencing all sorts of weather conditions, each of which brings its own advantages and disadvantages to life on the road. In the winter, you may need to start preparing to keep your caravan warm, whereas, in the summer (especially in Australia), you’ll want to keep your caravan cool as the temperature rises.
Due to the fact that static caravans have less interior space than a standard brick-and-mortar home, they can become extremely hot during the warmer months if you’re cooking, have appliances running, or don’t take the proper measures with ventilation and caravan shade screens.
So here are some weather-protective measures worth your consideration:
1. Open the windows
Airflow is essential for maintaining a comfortable temperature, and one of the most cost-effective ways to increase airflow is by opening the windows. While this may seem straightforward, consider to only open the windows on the side of your stationary caravan that is in the shadow (not the sunny side).
Utilize fans to allow this cooler, shaded air inside your home. Adding window coatings that block light and UV rays from entering a building may be another solution that could come to your help. You may also combine this with auxiliary cooling by ceiling fans or a tiny plug-in fan to keep the air inside cool.
2. Close blinds and/or draw curtains
Keeping your blinds and curtains drawn is a simple approach to maintaining a cooler environment. Both of these will decrease the amount of direct sunshine and heat that enters your static caravan, thereby regulating the temperature. It may seem a shame to have dim lighting during the summer, but it is highly effective, and you can always alter your ways of staying cool throughout the day in order to let in more light.
3. Create a shady area
Take a break from the direct sunlight to relax in the shade and reduce your body temperature when it is hot. Outside your trailer, you can create shade for yourself and your family with the help of convenient caravan shade screens and awnings that are an affordable and easy-to-use solution.
This should also assist the interior temperature if the door is open and the curtains or blinds are closed. Even if your trailer lacks a deck, you can still use the outdoor space to rest in the shade and avoid the sun’s rays. Still, to make proper use of them, be sure to check the sizes and designs available.
4. Invest in air conditioners or portable fans
If you live in a caravan year-round, an air conditioner is a great purchase because it effectively reduces hot air and keeps the interior cold. When using air conditioning, keep doors and windows closed to prevent outside heat from entering. Try to restrict air conditioning use in order to conserve energy; for instance, when it gets cool in the evening, turn it off and open the windows instead.
5. Cook outside
Having indoor ovens on will boost the ambient temperature in your caravan home, and if you live in an open floor plan, it may feel unavoidable on hot days. Take advantage of the opportunity to have a BBQ outside as you bask in the shade under the caravan awnings or if the heat is too intense, stay inside and enjoy salads and other instant and healthy camping foods to replenish your nutrient intake.
6. Turn appliances off
When used, the sophisticated gadgets featured in all modern caravans generate their own heat. This includes not only the obvious, such as an oven or a kettle but also anything electric or gas-powered that generates heat as waste energy when in use. Try to limit appliance use and turn them off whenever possible if they aren’t absolutely necessary. Also, consider switching to LED lighting which is known to prevent the generation of heat when in operation.
7. Maintain a cool temperature at night
Generally, the temperature drops at night, so open all the windows and vents in the evening to enable cold air to enter your home until you feel chilly or plan to go to sleep. You might also leave your caravan shade screens down for the following day. Additionally, you can ask your residential park site if they have any ideas for keeping your caravan cool or summertime recommendations they could offer to residents.
8. Invest in insulation
Modern caravans should be constructed with roof and wall insulation that regulates temperature throughout the year, keeping the interior warmer in winter and cooler in summer. You may check this for your individual model, and if you’re considering purchasing a new static caravan, you should inspect the insulation first.
9. Keep an eye on your pets
If your park allows pets, keep a watchful check on them in the heat, search for indicators that they may be dehydrated, and provide easy access to cool water. They may prefer to remain indoors in a dimly lit area with the blinds closed, or they may opt to sit in the shade outdoors. Wherever they go, ensure that they are in plain view and have adequate ventilation.
10. Consume a lot of water
In warmer weather and when enjoying the outdoors, it is crucial to stay hydrated. Consume copious amounts of fluids, even ice-cold water or fruit juice, and remain vigilant for signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth and feeling lightheaded or dizzy. If you’re a fan of coffee or tea, avoid these beverages as they can dehydrate you further.