We've been in France for twelve days now ... another six weeks to go ... and wonder how others are dealing with the high temperatures.
Our caravan does not have an AC fitted ... and I'm pondering whether to get one?
During the day we keep the reflective blinds down on the sunny side of the caravan ... windows open on other sides, couple of fans going ... at night all windows open, meshes down, fans blowing (one over bed) ... which has been quite successful and we've slept OK.
We have a wind out Fiama awning with a side netting extension on the sunnier side ...
But, temperatures are forecast to continue in the 30's, and there are times during the day when refuge in an AC zone would be great.
So ... any tips, or tricks, from anyone else?
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As well is two words!
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As above. We were in France in June when temperatures hit 40C. Had it not been for the AC it would have been awful. We were parked in full shade, but even so, it was just too hot inside the MH without it running. Ours is a roof AC and depending on settings can be noisy inside, but we managed to sleep with it running on low. Even overnight it didn't cool down. Don't envy you, but yes, get one. It's bliss going inside and in the cool air.
Not been away in my caravan during the high temps this year yet, but year before last year I bought a compact domestic portable A/C unit that I can put in the van only when needed, the vent hose goes out of one of the skylights with a custom made foam adaptor to ensure it vents correctly and doesn't let hot outside air back in.
Bloody wonderful! I REALLY don't like excessive heat. Only needed to use it on a couple of trips so far.
Cost less than one of those split inside/outside through the window removable units, and weighs less too, but more powerful! Cost a LOT less than a fully fitted either roof or under bench dedicated Caravan/MH A/C. I haven't got the permanent payload reduction of a fitted unit, as the portable unit is only put in the van when I'm going to need it, and gets used at home when it's not in the van - all round winner!
ONLY downside I can see is that it only does cooling, whereas many dedicated units do heating or cooling as needed, but that convenience comes at a £1k extra cost!!!!
As I've got Truma blown air heating, you can use the blower to suck in cooler air from the shadow under the van and blow it out of the heating vents - it's a great way of keeping the van cooler. - beware, it's only cool air if you haven't had the water heater on recently though, otherwise it's heated!
When it was unbearably hot (high 30s) in France earlier this year, we did similar to you with blinds, fans etc, then would go out in our air-conditioned car to the air-conditioned supermarkets for an hour or so!
Worked for us!
We were in Europe at the end of June/beginning of July when temperatures never dipped below 30°C, often it was around 36-39°C!
We have found over recent years that the silver screen we use in winter on the cab is a big bonus in summer too (glass being a poor insulator to heat works both ways).
at Kelper, like you we keep the windows and vents open with the reflective blinds shut on the sunny side and have fans going. Finding a pitch that was shady throughout the day was nigh on impossible, finding one that was shady during the hottest part of the day and into the evening was the goal but not always possible when you're allocated a specific pitch.
I have Truma blown heating so I need to investigate that for a bit of nighttime cooling.
For those of you with AC, how does that work on sites with only 6A electric?
at Monty15, can you provide details of the portable domestic unit you have please?
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by MrWez on 20/7/2026
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For those of you with AC, how does that work on sites with only 6A electric?
at Monty15, can you provide details of the portable domestic unit you have please?
Dedicated Caravan/MH A/C can often run on less than 3A, so whilst taking the Lions share of power and still excluding many other electrical appliances at the same time, it doesn't need to be the ONLY thing running. AFAIK, the dedicated units have a very low power surge on compressor start up which makes them more suitable for low power EHU.
My domestic unit runs at circa 3.2A on full power (I've measured it) but I couldn't vouch for it's startup surge (it's rated input current is 4.8A, that may be allowing for startup surge!), as it's meant for a 13A domestic mains supply where that is not an issue! It certainly hasn't been a problem with 16A EHU, or the caravan's internal 10A circuit breakers.
Can't really help with my portable domestic A/C model Mr Wez, it was discontinued last year, and no direct replacement seems to have emerged. It's performance is nothing exceptional, just a typical 9000BTU unit, but it was the unusual very squat casing that drew me, it meant it would fit on the lower side bunk bed of my van that I use as storage racking (cushions removed and stored at home) rather than beds, it's only about 2/3 the height of most units - not seen another one like it! For what it's worth, this is the unit: https://www.electriq.co.uk/p/77651693/1/a1/compact/
We have been 'desperately' seeking a roof top installer, but can't find one available closer than 3 weeks away! Anyone with any ideas or contacts in the Dordogne/Limoges/Charente areas, please let us know.
Thanks for all the info, guys ... the only problem is getting one fitted!
I was in France and Germany in June 2026 during the heatwave with temperatures of 38degC in the shade; and I struggled even with the air con in the van; and cut short my trip by 2 days as I was not enjoying myself - it was no fun for the dog too!
Therefore, I feel for you without air con!
Blinds down, cab curtain closed and the door between the living area and kitchen/bathroom closed, so that the air con only needed to cool the living area when I dropped the bed down to allow the air con to run.
DK
Post last edited on 20/07/2026 23:11:30
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
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* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Quote: Originally posted by Kelper on 20/7/2026
We have been 'desperately' seeking a roof top installer, but can't find one available closer than 3 weeks away! Anyone with any ideas or contacts in the Dordogne/Limoges/Charente areas, please let us know.
Thanks for all the info, guys ... the only problem is getting one fitted!
It might be too late for this season, as fans and mobile air con units are like hen's teeth at present as reported in the Costco group that I follow.
Mobile air con units are upwards of 3-week delivery time last week when I looked up a site that allegedly had been able to supply consistently - not anymore!
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
Quote: Originally posted by Kelper on 20/7/2026
We have been 'desperately' seeking a roof top installer, but can't find one available closer than 3 weeks away! Anyone with any ideas or contacts in the Dordogne/Limoges/Charente areas, please let us know.
Thanks for all the info, guys ... the only problem is getting one fitted!
I'm not sure if the same applies to dedicated Caravan/MH systems, but here in UK one of my domestic A/C units at home was playing up, and I (without great hope!) looked to see if I could find a replacement - not a snow flake in Hell chance, all out of stock! The message seemed to be the season's stock was exhausted, and that was it until next year! Thankfully I resurrected my unit and a replacement was not necessary.
Considering the more life or death situation on the continent with even more extreme temperatures, I'm surprised anyone is even giving you a 3 week lead time! - sounds like a seize the moment opportunity to me!!!!
Of course there are dedicated Caravan/MH under bench (seat) units available as an alternative to roof mount, but I suspect suppliers/fitters will still be overwhelmed with demand even if the equipment is off the shelf!
From reports I’ve read I wouldn’t bother with under bench ones.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 21/7/2026
From reports I’ve read I wouldn’t bother with under bench ones.
I'd be interested to see the negative info, I've seen nothing in particular, the only 'con' mentioned is about need for ducting the output, otherwise seem well regarded! Got a friend looking into A/C for her caravan at the moment, so all info of value, any links appreciated.
Out of interest, how are you folks coping during the day? Sure, the Scottish Borders were comfortable at night (just a sheet instead of the duvet). But it was mid 30s during the day in the sun (according to the thermometer we had outside). Quite tiring, so we didn’t do all the dog walking we’d normally do & I got very bored just reading. I guess you’re in the swimming pool to keep cool?
Quote: Originally posted by Fiona W on 21/7/2026
Out of interest, how are you folks coping during the day? Sure, the Scottish Borders were comfortable at night (just a sheet instead of the duvet). But it was mid 30s during the day in the sun (according to the thermometer we had outside). Quite tiring, so we didn’t do all the dog walking we’d normally do & I got very bored just reading. I guess you’re in the swimming pool to keep cool?
I struggled!
Could not sit under the awning as it was too hot and sometimes too humid without any breeze.
I had my laptop and phone with me to keep me occupied.
Ate out quite a bit as it was too hot to cook in or outside the van even in the shade.
I kept the air con on all the time, otherwise it would take forever to cool down inside if I switched it on in the afternoon when it was nearly 40degC or higher.
The dog did not mind not going out when it was too hot and sunny.
Getting a grey coloured shade for the windows in the front in the hope it will help with reducing the temperatures in the cab.
My thermo-electric coolbox that sits in the passenger seat struggled in the heat. However, I did not put any high risk food in it - they went into the fridge/freezer, just drinks and some vegetables like salad items. The rockets wilted and turned into mush in no time.
It was not a pleasant trip in June 2026, and I shall plan to go to the EU in May, and up north in June to August, as it is going to get worse IMHO.
DK
------------- Apple The Campervan - A Van For Work, Rest & Play!
- 2027: ? NL+DE+FR
- 2026: FR+DE
- 2025: 17/77
'24: 10/49; '23: 9/47;'22: 8/46; '21: 9/34
* Ex-tenter
* Treat life events like a dog: if you can't eat it, play with it or hump it, p1$$ on it and walk away!
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Topic: Dealing with heat
via mobile 19/7/2026 at 11:22am
