5 tips to beat the heat in your motorhome this summer

Nothing spoils a summer getaway quite like stepping into a motorhome that feels more like a sauna than a holiday home. Whether you're heading to Cornwall, across the Channel or venturing further afield, these simple tips can help keep your motorhome cooler, more comfortable and ready for relaxing after a day of adventure.

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1. Get the air flowing

Good ventilation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay cool. Here's our top tips:

  • Only ventilate your motorhome when the temperature outside is cooler than it is inside. Otherwise, you're simply inviting more hot air into the vehicle.
  • Open all the windows on both sides, along with roof hatches and doors where it's safe to do so. This helps create a cross-breeze that allows fresh air to circulate and hot air to escape
  • Make the most of your AC while driving and use portable fans or a 12V roof fan in the evening and when you go to bed to keep air moving

If your motorhome doesn't have air conditioning, it may be possible to have a system fitted as a retrofit upgrade.

2. Keep the heat out, before it gets in

Once your motorhome has heated up, cooling it down can take a lot longer. The trick is to minimise the heat getting in before it's too late. Close your blinds and curtains during the day and use reflective thermal screens to block sunlight before it enters the vehicle. External silver screens are particularly effective, as they reflect heat away before it reaches the glass. The most important areas to cover are:

  • Windscreen
  • Cab side windows
  • Skylights and roof lights

Think of thermal screens as sunglasses for your motorhome. They're cheap, easy to set up, and can make a noticeable difference on hot days.

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3. Save cooking and showering for cooler hours

Cooking dinner and taking a steaming hot shower might be part of your daily routine at home, but both can add unwanted heat and humidity inside a motorhome. If you can, cook outdoors with a barbecue or portable stove, or prep some cold meals if you're on the go. Salads, sandwiches or whatever you usually include in your picnic are great alternatives to hob cooking If you have to cook inside the motorhome, try doing it early in the morning or later in the evening when the air is cooler. The same goes for showering, as reducing steam and excess moisture will make your living space feel much more comfortable.

4. Consider a few summer-friendly upgrades

If you regularly travel during the warmer months, here's a few motorhome upgrades you could consider:

  • A 12V Roof-mounted fan to improve airflow
  • Awnings to create shaded outdoor living space
  • Solar panels to help power fans and cooling equipment when off-grid
  • Lightweight and breathable cotton bedding for more comfortable nights
  • Fly screens to keep insects out while letting cool air in at night

Not every upgrade needs to be a major investment either. Sometimes something as simple as switching to lighter bedding can make a bigger difference than you'd expect when temperatures stay high overnight.

5. Park in the shade

This one goes without saying, but where you park can make all the difference - it's all too easy to stick your camper in the nearest available spot when you're in a rush. Parking in the shade can significantly reduce the amount of heat your motorhome absorbs throughout the day, helping to keep temperatures more comfortable inside.

Look for natural shade from trees, hedges or nearby buildings, particularly during the hottest part of the afternoon. If shade is limited, try positioning large windows away from direct sunlight to reduce heat build-up.

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Enjoy the sunshine without the sweat

A little preparation can go a long way towards making summer motorhome trips more comfortable. By parking smart, improving ventilation, blocking out excess heat and making a few practical adjustments to your routine, you can stay cooler even when the temperature rises. Happy camping!