Summer is here and temperatures are rising. We all know that hot weather can be a handicap when traveling, and even more so in a motorhome. That’s why we’ve decided to share with you, in this article, our tips on how to beat the heat in your motorhome.
Basic tips for combating heat in the motorhome
First of all, it’s important to remember that adopting everyday habits is the first step in fighting the heat in your motorhome.
1. Stay hydrated
We can’t stress this enough, but drinking water is ESSENTIAL to combat the heat and help your body fight dehydration. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink, and drink in small sips!
2. Choose shady parking areas
It may seem obvious, but looking for a shady spot is essential, and not so easy in the heat. Thanks to CaraMaps and the addition of photos and comments from the community, you can see if the places you want to go to are equipped with shaded parking spaces!
3. Adapt your driving schedule
This too may seem trivial, but it’s important not to drive during the hottest hours of the day, especially if you don’t have air conditioning! Choose early morning and late evening trips. Your motorhome’s engine will thank you too!
4. Minimize the use of electrical appliances
If you don’t want the temperature in your motorhome to rise any higher, it’s in your interest not to use your electrical appliances (TV, household appliances, hobs, etc.) too much. To start with, you can try to adapt your eating habits by cooking mainly cold foods (salads etc.) or by cooking outside.
5. Keep out all sources of light
Close all the shutters, curtains and windows during the day and open them again in the evening to air out your vehicle and create draughts. You’ll be able to sleep cooler!
This list is not exhaustive: you can also think about taking a mister with you, taking lukewarm or cold showers, hanging wet towels in the motorhome…!
Don’t hesitate to tell us about your most effective ideas in comments 😃
Equipment to combat the heat in your motorhome
In addition to the basic rules, you can invest in equipment or accessories to combat the heat.
Air conditioning
This is the most effective solution for fighting the heat in a motorhome and cooling your cell, but it’s also one of the most expensive. You can opt for :
- Ducted RV conditioner: it is a roof-mounted air conditioner that uses air ducts, in the RV ceiling.
- Non-ducted RV air conditioner : it is also roof-mounted but blow the air from a single rooftop location.
- Portable air conditioner: more compact and smaller than the other air conditioners, it can fit in you RV and doesn’t need to be put on the roof.
Evaporative cooler
Less expensive than air conditioners, evaporative coolers are just as effective at combating the heat in leisure vehicles. Some models can also keep mosquitoes away by adding drops of citronella.
Cool boxes
Motorhomes are normally equipped with a refrigerator, but other converted vehicles may not have one, or may have very small ones. In hot weather, you may well want to equip your vehicle with a cool box to keep your food and drinks cold.
External insulating cover
Finally, you can also opt for external insulating cover (shutters or blinds) to insulate your motorhome from the heat and cold in winter.
Our destination ideas for a cooler summer in France
The last piece of advice we can give you if you’re not a fan of the heat is to choose a cooler itinerary for this summer. Destinations such as the south of France, southern Spain and Portugal are notorious for very hot spells during the summer.
Here are some suggestions for destinations to avoid the heat if you are travelling in France 👇
Côte d’Opale (Nord-Pas-de-Calais)
Stretching 120 km between Dunkirk and Berck-sur-Mer, this coastal region will surprise you with its wild stretches of beaches, endless dunes and cliffs.
🚐📍 Stay at Camping Côte d’Opale Le Blanc Nez, close to the beach!
Golfe du Morbihan (Brittany)
Head for Brittany, to see one of the most beautiful bays in the world! Boasting a rich historical, cultural and gastronomic heritage, Morbihan is an ideal destination if you’re looking for a cooler vacation!
🚐📍You can stop off at Camping de Krauchenwies, which boasts shady grounds and is located close to shops and the ocean!
Côtes d’Armor (Brittany)
If you love nature and history, you won’t be disappointed by a trip to the Côtes d’Armor! With its magnificent bays, abbeys and castles, you won’t be disappointed! Don’t miss out on seeing the Pink Granite Coast, the Seven Islands, the medieval city of Dinan or even Cap Fréhel.
🚐📍Don’t hesitate to stay at Camping Panorama du Rohou, in Ploubazlanec, much appreciated by CaraMaps travelers!
Côte Fleurie (Normandy)
Located in the Calvados region of Lower Normandy, this coastline stretches from the town of Cabourg to Honfleur. Here you’ll find sandy beaches, one of the best known of which is Deauville. Take advantage of the opportunity to discover typical Normandy towns such as Trouville-Sur-Mer or Villerville.
🚐📍Are you passing through the Côte Fleurie? Park at the Private area Le Pressoir du Lieu Pieugé, in Blonville-sur-Mer!
Côte d’Albâtre (Normandy)
Head for Haute-Normandie, to discover another ideal destination if you don’t want to suffer from the heat in your motorhome: the Côte d’Albâtre! This coastline is unique in France, with 130 km of chalk cliffs overlooking the English Channel! Don’t miss the famous cliffs of Etretat!
🚐📍Rendez-vous at Camping Les Falaises de Toussaint, which has been awarded the CaraMaps label four years running!
You can find here our special itinerary, which includes all the spots mentioned and more!
You are now ready to travel with Caramaps and face the heat waves of summer 2023!
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