Van Life

5 Tips To Stay Cool In Your Van Without An AC

5 Tips To Stay Cool In Your Van Without An AC

By Christina Nellemann

Story Design: Levi Henley

Summer Van Travel Means Heat

I’ve lived and camped in the high deserts that reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for many years. I’ve also lived much of that time without coveted AC.

Summer Van Travel Means Heat

There are other ways to stay cool while camping without plugging in or draining your battery bank.

1. Cover Up

Putting reflective covers over all your windows, and blocking off the cab from the living area can drop the temps in your van by nearly 20 degrees.

1. Cover Up

Installing an awning to  block even more sun is a great idea. Van lifers at the Burn would completely cover their vehicles with shade cloth such as Aluminet.

2.Let the Breeze In

2.Let the Breeze In

If you have vents or fans, those should be used liberally, but also let the wind do its job.

2.Let the Breeze In

2.Let the Breeze In

You can find the directions of the prevailing winds in your area by checking out Windfinder.

3.Spray the Heat Away

3.Spray the Heat Away

Keep a spray bottle full of ice water nearby to periodically spray yourself and your clothing.

3.Spray the Heat Away

3.Spray the Heat Away

You can also spray your bed sheets with the spray bottle before getting some shuteye.

4. Choose Cool Fabrics

4. Choose Cool Fabrics

Ensure your bed sheets and pillowcases are cotton or other breathable and non-irritating fabric. 

The same goes for your van seat fabrics and pillows.

5. Cook Outside

5. Cook Outside

Cooking inside can heat a tiny space quickly.

Keep your meals simple and cook outside with a propane or butane stove.

5. Cook Outside

5. Cook Outside

Even better, eat cold foods or food that doesn’t need to be cooked. These include:

hard-boiled eggs salads tuna fish nuts raw veggies and ice cold beer 😉

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