Touring (1 Viewer)

Kool Kroozer

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Apr 19, 2014
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How do all you Pro`s cope when touring around Europe with regards to the heat ? we are thinking of getting a roof mounted air con unit fitted but is there any alternatives ? and what do you use ? Big thanks in advance for any help:thumb:
 

Forestboy

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Jul 31, 2007
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Our last 3 vans have all had roof aircon and we've travelled far and wide in all 3 but I reckon we've never used the aircon more than 4 or 5 times. Far better to try and acclimatise than rely on aircon, even in the Sahara all we used was a 12 inch oscillating fan at night running off an invertor. You'll also find a lot of campsites in Europe dont have enough power to run aircon anyway. If you want to keep the van cool in severe heat use vent and blinds. ::bigsmile:
 
Dec 6, 2011
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in the height of summer use the trees for shade over the van. never had habitation aircon or felt the need for it, however, would not be without cab aircon for long drives.

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Apr 27, 2008
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Aircon is heavy and uses a lot of power. We have cab aircon which is useful when travelling but when stationary we have a Fiamma vent fan over the bed, and during the day we close the reflective blinds on the sunny side and open the windows on the shady side.
A roll out awning is useful, among other reasons because if it is on the sunny side the van windows on both sides can be opened. Sun blockers on the awning can make quite a cool spot.
 

hilldweller

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How do all you Pro`s cope when touring around Europe with regards to the heat ? we are thinking of getting a roof mounted air con unit fitted but is there any alternatives ? and what do you use ? Big thanks in advance for any help:thumb:

We've never needed anything more than a cheap noisy fan.

Air-con works on mains.

Try it before you start spending.

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pappajohn

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a tip i was given a long time ago and logically makes sense.

during the day put out your canopy (awning) and open a roof vent.

the air under the canopy will be a little cooler than the surrounding air, as its in the shade, and the convection effect of warm air exiting via the roof vent will pull in that slightly cooler air.

of course, the cooler air may only be 1 or 2 degrees cooler at best but it helps a bit.

we also used a 12" oscillating fan at night.
 
Nov 6, 2008
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In my trailer, i have roof a/c, and a large overhead fan. The domestic type fan with four large blades, and a light in the centre. 3 speed, and reversible. Much better and quieter than the a/c, and much less power hungry. It does the job lovely.
'
Craig
 
Dec 18, 2010
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BUY A FAN BEFORE YOU GO AWAY AS HOT COUNTRIES IN



Make sure you buy a fan before you go away as surprisingly they are very hard to find.As we discovered in Greece Italy and Croatia last year due to everyone having /selling air-con.Martin.:Cool:

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Parcverger

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Aug 13, 2007
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The awning plus roof-vent is the best idea, and keep the curtains/blinds down on windows facing the sun. In our early days here we had a guest who put his aircon on with all windows, doors and vents open. We gently pointed out that we could not afford to cool down the whole of the Limousin! So if you do use it make sure that everything is closed up.

Bob
www.parcverger.com
 
Jun 22, 2012
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Not cheap but very effective, also flat to pack. Not too noisy although I snore very loudly according to my family so perhaps they are immune to nocturnal noises.
 

sdc77

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Jan 28, 2013
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We have a fiamma roof mounted fan.. But also a vornado fan (very quiet) . . Keeping the air moving is the easiest way to keep cool
 

Wyaye wires

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Having livid in the sub tropical part of Australia for a few years, the best advice I can give is get a big 'esky' filled with lots of cold 'uns, mate... :winky::Cool:

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Rapide561

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Aug 5, 2007
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Aircon

Hi

We have aircon but there is a lot that can be done without aircon to keep a van cool.

1) Pitch accordingly - we usually try to have the windscreen towards the south - mid day sun. A white sheet over the screen reflects a lot of heat away.

2) We try to park with the fridge on the "shadiest" side of the van.

3) Open all windows on the shade side of the van

4) Windows on the sunny side - open just an inch or so, blinds closed - keep the sun out but prevents massive heat build up between the windows and the blinds

5) Roof vents open, interior blinds 3/4 closed - keeps sun out and still allows some air movement

6) When it is really hot, we don't use the hot water boiler to get hot water. We have two black plastic pop bottles - these get filled with cold water and stay in the sun all day - ideal for washing up, or we fetch water from the "block". Even on just the hot water setting, there is some heat in the wardrobe/boiler area - the above action avoids this.

7) Trees - do you want some shade?

Russ
 

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