A summer holiday in a motorhome means freedom, sunshine and adventure. However, temperatures above 30 °C can quickly become a problem in a camper van – especially for children, dogs and those who are sensitive to the heat. With the right measures in place, the motorhome will stay pleasantly cool and safe for everyone, even on hot days.
Here you’ll find practical tips on keeping your motorhome cool and ensuring proper ventilation, as well as helpful advice for travelling with children and dogs in the summer heat.
Tips for beating the heat in your Carado vehicle: That way, it stays nice and cool even in summer!
1. Darken the interior
Direct sunlight can also cause your Carado Camper Van or motorhome to heat up very quickly. To avoid this, ensure there is sufficient shade:
Shaded spot
Ideally, you’ll be able to park your vehicle in the shade at the camping ground. Bushes, shrubs and trees provide natural shade, offering a good way to protect your vehicle from direct sunlight.
The worst of the heat from late morning to late afternoon can be avoided if the vehicle is parked in the shade during this time.
Tip: Book your place well in advance for the summer months. Here you can let us know your preferences and stand a chance of getting a camping ground with shade.
Shade
Make use of the blinds on the windows and keep them closed after airing the room; ideally, they should already be closed before the sun comes out.
Tip: Don’t forget the skylights!
In strong sunlight, blackout roller blinds or concertina cab blinds should not be closed completely. Heat can build up between the rooflight and the blackout blind, which may cause damage.
We recommend:
- to conclude that the blackouts account for only about two-thirds,
- leave the rooflight slightly open or in the ventilation position.
Tip: During longer periods of inactivity, leaving the fold-down bed open also helps to prevent heat build-up in the interior.
You can also use the awning or any roof tents or sunshades you may have to provide additional shade for your vehicle.
Incidentally, it’s best to park the motorhome facing north-south. This means that the sun does not shine directly on the large side wall all the time, so the interior heats up more slowly.
Install exterior insulated screen cover
Keep the heat out before it can get into the vehicle. To do this, use an additional exterior insulated screen cover for the windscreen – such as sunblinds. These are attached to the outside of your vehicle, covering the windscreen and the cab windows.
You can find suitable sunblinds in the Carado original accessories range: About sunblinds
2. Ensure proper ventilation and allow air to circulate
Proper ventilation
One of the simplest and most effective ways to combat heat in a vehicle is to ventilate it properly. Only ventilate the vehicle when the outdoor temperature is lower than the temperature inside the vehicle. You can air your vehicle out thoroughly, especially during the cooler morning and evening hours.
To do this, open the windows, roof hatches and other doors. If necessary, create a draught to improve air circulation. You can also use fans to help here.
Use air conditioning, fans and the like
If you have air conditioning fitted to your vehicle, you can of course use it to cool down the interior quickly and easily. Alternatively, you can have air conditioning fitted as a retrofit option. Your dealer will be happy to check whether this is possible for your vehicle and, if so, to what extent.
Tip: The air conditioning should be switched on as early as possible, before the interior gets too hot.
It is possible to use fans for air circulation. These won’t be able to bring the warm temperatures down, but they can help make it a little more comfortable inside the vehicle.
Tip: Avoid cooking and showering in the vehicle, as this generates extra heat which can build up inside. Long stays by visitors also contribute to this.
3. Make sure your travel companion is properly protected from the summer heat
Sensitive individuals and children often react more strongly to high temperatures and should therefore be particularly careful to stay well hydrated . Never leave children or vulnerable people alone in a motorhome – even if you are only away for a short while, the temperature inside the vehicle can rise significantly.
Important tips:
- drink water regularly,
- wear light-coloured, breathable clothing,
- It is best to schedule children’s outdoor activities and playtime for the morning and evening hours,
- Make use of the shaded areas under the awning,
- Use damp towels or ice packs to cool down.
You can find further information on first-aid kits and how to store them in hot summer weather here: First-aid kit checklist
The same applies to four-legged travel companions: never leave them alone in the vehicle – high temperatures inside the vehicle can be dangerous for your pet too.
Consider these ways to protect your four-legged friend from the heat
- Shaded spots under the awning,
- Cooling mats or cooling vests,
- several bowls of water,
- Walks in the early morning or late evening,
- cool the skin regularly with damp cloths.
Particularly hot roads or gravel paths can injure a dog’s paws. On long journeys, take breaks and let your dog cool down.
Summary: How to ensure a relaxing summer holiday in a motorhome
With the right preparation and a few simple tricks, you can effectively beat the summer heat in your Carado motorhome. It is particularly important to drinkregularly, to protect yourself from direct sunlight, and to look after vulnerable people, children and dogs.
From good ventilation and clever parking strategies to technical solutions, there are plenty of ways to keep temperatures bearable – so nothing stands in the way of relaxing summer days in your motorhome!