how do I keep cool in our camper trailer

[nalicia]

Hi. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas for keeping cool in a camper trailer during the hot summer (queensland ect) particularly during the night. We would really appreciate some of your knowledge. Are air conditioning units good if so what type brand ect. We would love to hear from anyone with some actual experience with this . Thank you

[robcaz]

Hi Nalicia,

We have found if you keep the inside of the camper cool during a hot day the mattress will not hold the heat after dark. There are a few ways you can do this.....

Rolling up all window canvas covers to allow as much breeze as possible to go through the camper will allow the hot air to escape. Of course the larger the screening the more air passes through the camper. We have plenty of large screened windows for tropical camping
http://www.robcaz.net/morettpics16.JPG
http://www.robcaz.net/morettpics15.jpg

You can also peg the canvas window covers out as an awning to prevent the sun coming onto the floor.
http://www.robcaz.net/newcanvas5.JPG

Tropical roofs prevent the heat coming through the roof during the day
http://media2.lifestylecampertrailers.c ... 1/0256.jpg

While some use a heavy duty silver tarp over the roof in hot weather to reflect the heat, you can get thermal blankets
http://www.campertrailers.org/solar_blanket.htm

Our All Terrain canvas has a section of the roof opening to allow the heat to escape which works extremely well
http://www.campertrailers.org/robcazcanvas5.JPG

Vents also allow cool air to be drawn from under the camper
http://www.campertrailers.org/robcazcanvas9.JPG

12volt fans will circulate the air during a hot night. It is a good idea to test them before buying as some do make a loud hum. While not cheap Sirocco have a great range of 12volt fans. Some members have made DIY versions from computer fans http://www.campertrailers.org/mikes_fans.htm

[nalicia]

Hi robcaz, thankyou very much for your detailed reply. We found your information and links addressed exactly our concerns . We are from tasmania and plan to travel through vic nsw ending up in Queensland. As mentioned our only concern was being able to sleep in the camper in the heat and it not get to the point we wish to turn around and go home. Holidays can only be synchronised for us during February, so avoiding the heat isnt really possible. So applying your tips after studying them is something we will be thankful for on them very hot nights and undoubtedly make our experience far more enjoyable. Thanks again

[robcaz]

Hi Nalicia,

Pleased the info was of help to you. If you are along the Queensland coast in February you will find the constant sea breeze will be cooling. By setting up camp on the eastern side of a tree you will also get afternoon shade.

[SocialGeoff]

its old now but I use a all chrome 12v truck fan with multiple speeds...have used a 12v jumper lead clamp on it...so its attach to the base...find I can clamp it then to a camp tent pole or similar and it holds it in place over the bed as I lay there...as its chrome is low on noise and is effective on them muggy nights...

[armbrup]

Coleman AFAIR do a box fan with its own battery which lasts about 4hours and has provision for a second battery. This can be charged while travelling so that you don't tax your fridge battery.
I have one but it only got used one night in Broome when the night temp was27c.
I find the max temp for sleeping to be about 23c and it rarely gets above that on the coast.
Regards Philip A

[SocialGeoff]

I just use a all chrome 12 volt truck fan and to mount it I attach a jumper lead clamp to base...its strong enough to clamp on to a tent pole...works fine for me and since its all metal noise is reduced alot.