Caravan Overheating and What to Do

January 24, 2023

Photo credit: Sunseeker Caravans

Even though Sirocco II is made in Canada, we've been the top choice for caravan fans in Australia for years. As such, we've met and built connections with dozens of RV enthusiasts, families, and our favourite: Grey Nomads (they have a lot of caravanning Australia wisdom to share). With summer's hottest weather approaching, we reached out to our Aussie friends for a bit of information about the risks, prevention, and steps to take if overheating occurs. Our business is keeping you cool and out for longer, so we take your climate seriously.

The summers in Australia are sensational, filled with long sunny days, salty hair, and crystal clear skies. And as it heats up, more and more holiday seekers, Grey Nomads, and RV families are hearing the call of the ocean and hitting the road.

But you might have noticed… extreme heat events are occurring more often and with greater intensity . This doesn’t mean you should hang up your boots and quit exploring, but it does mean that you need to take extra precautions when travelling this summer.

The risks

When it comes to your RV, overheating can cause permanent and costly damage to your rig, result in severe time delays, and might write off your vehicle altogether.

Extreme heat can cause illnesses like dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and worsening of existing medical conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Especially at risk are children, the elderly, pregnant people, and those who are especially at risk from heat-related illnesses. Not to mention, pets - extra vulnerable because their symptoms can sometimes go unnoticed. Be sure to keep them extra cool!

To avoid these situations, preparation is key.

Sirocco II Fan black

Photo credit: SEEKR by Caframo

Before you hit the road

To minimise heat-related stress on your vehicle:

Take your RV in for a full maintenance check
Pack an extra bottle of antifreeze and 4 litres of water in your RV
Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual to stay up-to-date on coolant service flushes
Devise a plan that minimises driving during peak heat hours
Ascertain whether your insurance or roadside assistance will cover you in the case of a heat-related breakdown

To minimise heat-related stress on passengers:

Those with medical conditions should seek GP advice before embarking on a journey
Ensure you have enough medication supply to last a few weeks, in case it becomes too hot to travel for a refill
Pack a first-aid kit
Make a list of important people and services and their telephone numbers
Ensure your RV fans, thermostat, and air-con are functioning
Check fridges, freezers, taps, and showers are functioning
Ascertain your water-carrying capacity, and have a water-refilling plan with stations mapped out
Install, update or adapt curtains, blinds and insulation
Assess your ventilation and security, do all windows function correctly? Is there airflow?
Pack awnings, umbrellas, shade cloths, and windscreen sun visors

Our friends Martin and Dot know how important it is to stay cool! On top of the risks associated with being...ahem...grey nomads (sorry pals), they're traveling with a beloved pet that needs extra cooling care!

While travelling

You should not drive in extreme heat conditions. However, if you need to get from A to B despite the weather, there are certain steps you can take to minimise heat-related stress on your vehicle:

Monitor the thermostat as you’re driving
Check your coolant levels regularly
Check your wheels regularly because a scorching hot road will wear them faster
Do not overuse the air conditioning on extremely hot days
Avoid steep inclines and declines which make brakes and engines especially susceptible to overheating
Try to drive closer to dusk or dawn to lessen the strain placed on the engine
At the first sign of engine overheating, pull over and seek assistance

If your passengers are feeling the heat, here’s what you need to do:

Drink lots of water
Keep cool by avoiding the midday heat: seek shade, sit inside with a fan or air conditioning, sprits water on yourself, go for a swim, and keep ice packs handy
Take care of each other: check in with your fellow travellers, especially those with medical conditions or who may not be able to communicate their needs (such as babies, young children, and furry friends)

Obligatory stock photography of Australia looking hot.

In the case of an emergency

Seek professional help, whether that is from a mechanic or a doctor. The heat in Australia is no joke.

The SEEKR recommendation: Sirocco II RV Fan

If you are looking to summer-proof your RV, you can’t look past the authentic Sirocco II fan from SEEKR by Caframo. This little fan has become legendary for providing cool relief while minimising power consumption.

You and your passengers will love its:

360° directional airflow
Extremely low power draw of just 0.35A on 12V on its highest setting
Reliability to power on for thousands of hours through demanding conditions
Whisper quiet functionality that makes sleeping an absolute dream

Looking for a Sirocco II retailer near you? Check it out.

If you're someone that takes staying cool as seriously as we do, you'll appreciate the care and skillful product engineering behind the Sirocco II caravan fan. Check it out below and if you haven't seen it in real life, check with your caravanning buddies!