Our 10 Most Popular Caravan Accessories To Stay Cool This Summer
Summer is the perfect time to hit the open road in your caravan and explore new destinations. But, let's face it – while Aussie summers promise exciting adventures and breath-taking views, they also bring scorching temperatures that can turn your cosy caravan into an oven on wheels. The good news is that Carac offers plenty of caravan accessories designed to help you beat the heat and enjoy your summer adventures in comfort. In this blog, we'll take you through our 10 most popular caravan accessories to help you stay cool this summer.
1. Cooling Fans:
12V Cooling fans are your secret weapon for beating the heat on the open road. Unlike most air-conditioners, 12V cooling fans are energy efficient, easy to install and super quiet. Choose a Cooling Fan with a gimbaled design that allows for complete 360° airflow which you can turn into every direction inside your RV. This way, you only need a few Fans to keep your complete caravan cool! Australia’s favourite 12V Fan, the ultra-quiet Sirocco II, features three speed levels and four auto-off options for a restful night’s sleep. Because of the finger safe blade, these fans are a great option for the kids bunks as well.
2. Lightweight Camping Furniture:
When it all gets too hot and stuffy inside the caravan, we recommend finding a shady spot for your camping furniture outside, preferably close to water or under a nice big tree! Lightweight camping furniture is a must when camping in hot weather: It's easy to transport and set up, reducing the physical strain during the sweltering heat. Choosing furniture made from breathable materials like mesh or lightweight fabrics help prevent excessive sweating and discomfort. Positioning your furniture strategically in the shade, close to water or by using a caravan awning can provide much-needed relief from the sun's heat.
3. Portable Refrigerator:
Nothing beats a nice cold drink on a hot summer's day! Portable fridges have come a long way since the days of the humble cooler box, first invented back in 1951. They now feature much more efficient insulation and temperature control, allowing you to enjoy fresh meals and chilled drinks even in the most rural areas.
And for those who demand even more coolness, there's the myCOOLMAN Power Pack. This 15amp portable lithium battery magnetically ‘sticks’ to the myCOOLMAN portable fridges, powering the fridge for up to 18 hours. So, whether you're out in the wild or just soaking up the sun at the beach, your chilled treats are always within arm's reach!
Using a fridge thermometer in your (portable) fridge allows you to precisely monitor and maintain the temperature, ensuring the safety and freshness of your stored items.
4. Awnings or Canopy:
Caravan awnings serve as effective sunshades, shielding you from the harsh sun and preventing excessive heat buildup inside your caravan. By providing a shaded outdoor area, they create a comfortable space for relaxation and outdoor activities, even on scorching days. Additionally, the shade provided by caravan awnings can help regulate the temperature inside the caravan, keeping it cooler and more comfortable, which is especially beneficial during hot summer months.
5. Caravan Air-Conditioner:
Australia's summer is no joke, and caravan enthusiasts know that a day under the blazing sun can turn your cosy home on wheels into an oven. While we absolutely love 12V cooling fans, some days it feels like they are just blowing hot air around. That's when you know it's time to call in the big guns – caravan air-conditioners. Caravan Air Conditioners differ from residential aircons, as they are specially designed to withstand vibration, wind and rain: they need to be sturdy and waterproof all around. Caravan Air-Cons are lightweight and compact, to ensure optimal cooling efficiency without compromising valuable space or storage.
When considering caravan air conditioners, you typically have two primary choices: rooftop air conditioners and under-bunk air conditioners. Both come with their own pro’s and con’s.
6. Cooling Towel:
Cooling Towels are engineered to provide instant relief by absorbing and locking in moisture, which then evaporates and cools your body when draped around your neck or wiped across your skin. This natural cooling effect can reduce your body temperature and help you stay comfortably cool, wherever your caravan adventures take you.
7. Insulated Drink Bottle:
Insulated drink bottles and cups are a game-changer for those looking to beat the heat while staying hydrated. These innovative bottles are designed with double-walled vacuum insulation, which acts as a thermal barrier to keep your beverages refreshingly cold for hours on end. Whether you're out hiking under the blazing sun or lounging at the beach, these bottles ensure your drinks remain ice-cold, providing a much-needed respite from the scorching temperatures.
Unbreakable drinkware in general is an essential accessory when going caravanning in summer. The Tritan range is made from a new and innovative Tritan co-Polyester material which has all the clarity of actual glass, but none of the fragility. They provide a safe alternative to glass without compromising on style and elegance, plus they are freezer and dishwasher safe.
8. Evaporative Cooler:
Evaporative coolers work by drawing warm air through water-saturated pads or filters. As the air passes through these moist surfaces, it loses heat through the process of evaporation, resulting in cooler, more comfortable air. Evaporative coolers are most effective in hot, dry climates with low humidity, as the air has greater potential to absorb water vapour.
9. Fridge/Freezer Combination:
Built in caravan fridges are essential for every RV, both in summer and winter. There are two primary types of caravan fridges: compressor fridges and absorption fridges, each with its own set of advantages and use cases.
Compressor fridges operate similarly to the refrigerator you have at home. They use a compressor to circulate a refrigerant, which absorbs heat from the fridge's interior and releases it outside, keeping the contents cool. When you're off-grid, these fridges operate on 12V power, drawing from batteries and/or solar panels. When connected to a campsite's main power source (240V), many compressor fridges can also automatically switch to this power source to save your battery's energy.
Absorption fridges, also known as 'three-way fridges,' offer multi-source power flexibility. They can operate on gas, 240V AC, and 12V DC. Gas operation is particularly useful when you are off-grid and don't have access to electrical hookups, making it a good choice for remote camping. When you have access to mains power (240V AC), you can switch to this source for more efficiency. Some absorption fridges can also run on 12V DC, but they are less energy-efficient in this mode compared to compressor fridges and in general this power source is only used while travelling to maintain the current temperature.
Upright Caravan Fridges come in various brands, models and sizes and we stock a variety of them here at Carac. Our workshop staff has extended experience with installing and repairing these fridges, making Carac a one stop shop for everything cooling.
10. Pet Accessories:
Keeping your furry friend cool and hydrated during hot summer days ensures a safe and enjoyable caravanning experience for both you and your four-legged friend. Ensure you have a portable water bowl and plenty of fresh water readily available for your dog at all times. Give your furry friend the perfect 'pawsome' retreat on your caravan adventure by keeping their dog bed in the shade under the cool embrace of your caravan awning.
Remember that staying cool in your caravan during the summer is not just about comfort, it's also essential for your health and well-being. By investing in these caravan accessories, you can enjoy your summer adventures to the fullest while beating the heat. Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or a weekend getaway, these accessories will help ensure that you have a cool and relaxing journey.
Before hitting the road, make sure to check the compatibility of these accessories with your specific caravan model and consult with our experts if needed. With the right gear, you can stay cool and make the most of your summer caravan adventures. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!