When you’re a motorhome owner, you need to be prepared for anything. Even hot weather! It may not be particularly common in Scotland or other parts of the UK to enjoy a scorching hot summer, but if you’re lucky enough to get some lovely weather on your trip you need to know how to appreciate it.
Motorhomes are ideal for making the most of the great outdoors. Keep cool and explore the countryside with these top tips from motorhome dealers Scotland.
Retreat to a Cooler Climate
When you own a motorhome, you are lucky to be able to drive to other parts of the country to find better weather. If it’s too hot in the city, for example, you can easily decamp to the mountains for some fresh air and space. Getting to a high altitude makes a difference in a heatwave. And choosing a campsite with plenty of shade where the pitches are well-spaced also makes a big difference. Camp close to a lake or the sea for a cooler experience.
Create Shade
Use your awning to best advantage to shade one side of your van and keep the inside at a better temperature. You’ll also have a shady space to sit outside on your chairs, maximising the breezes. This is particularly attractive in the evenings. If your awning doesn’t have sides, peg a sheet down the side to maximise how much is shaded inside.
Create Air Flow
Open skylights in your van to get the air moving around the van, hopefully bringing some cooler air as the daytime heat recedes. You can also open the windows (when you are parked up, obviously!) Cover the open windows that are in the direct sun. Use silver reflectors on the windscreen to direct sun away from the van.
Use the Day Wisely
In an extreme heat wave, make the most of the early mornings to do anything active or strenuous. Getting out and about before the day warms up means you can then relax at lunchtime and in the afternoon when the sun is at its strongest. If you’ve picked a campsite with a pool, enjoy it by sitting in the shade and taking a cooling dip. Try not to do too much sightseeing on very hot days as this often leads to frayed tempers and heat stroke.
Take Care of Your Fridge
Try to shade the outside of your motorhome where the fridge is located, without blocking any of the essential air vents. Keep your fridge full, even if you just add water bottles and ice cube trays, to keep it working more efficiently. And try to open it as little as possible, which will minimise the strain on the cooling mechanism.
Drive During the Day
If it is really hot, make the most of the cool in your van by driving with the air conditioning on. Driving during the hottest part of the day means you can cool down when you reach your destination in the evening.
