Vanlife in summer sounds idyllic: long golden evenings, meals outside, barefoot mornings. But when the temperature rises, life inside with a furry companion and keeping cool becomes more than comfort — it’s a necessity. I’ve learned a lot traveling with Bow Boe through heatwaves and sun-drenched coasts — here’s how we manage the heat, beyond the usual advice.

🌬 The Essentials (Still Worth Repeating)

Yes, we do all the classics:

• Roof fan always running during the day — Bow Boe loves lying beneath the airflow.
• Reflective thermal screens on the front cab and windscreen.
• Window shades drawn where the sun hits directly.
• Park smart — shade in the morning, breeze in the afternoon, never dead still air.

But beyond that, here’s what actually makes a difference for us — and might for you too:

💧 The Towel Trick

We use cooling towels, which have been stored in the fridge for 15 minutes to bring instant relief, which we drape over Bow Boe’s back or paws. If she’s restless, we lay one where she likes to rest. A similar idea works for us humans — wrists, neck, feet.

We do have fans, but even without electricity, air flow matters. We crack open opposing windows or vents for cross-breeze, and hang a damp tea towel near one to cool the air slightly. It’s not perfect, but it’s surprising how effective a little passive airflow can be.

🍉 Frozen Treats for Two

It’s not just about hydrating — it’s about cooling from the inside out. We freeze chunks of cucumber, watermelon, or dog-safe ice lollies made from blended banana. Bow Boe loves them. And yes, we usually share.

🧊 Freeze and Rotate

A trick we picked up from a fellow traveller: freeze water bottles overnight and rotate them into the cool box during the day. You can even place one wrapped in a towel near your dog’s bed for DIY air-con.

If you’ve got the space, a portable ice maker can be a game-changer. We use it not just for drinks, but also to cool water bowls and refill cooling packs.

🌾 Nature Helps

When possible, we park near:

• Rivers or lakes — not just for dips, but because the surrounding air is cooler.
• Wooded areas — shade, breeze, and often fewer biting insects than expected.

Bow Boe instinctively finds the coolest patch of ground — often under the van itself.

🌬 Airflow = Everything

On windless days, we use a couple of clip-on USB fan at floor level, angled just enough to keep the air moving low down where Bow Boe lies. Combined with the ceiling fan, it creates a gentle circular airflow.

🕰 Change Your Rhythm

Between 12–5pm, when the van feels like an oven and the air stands still, we often drive to our next destination. It’s the one time we’re grateful for the van’s air conditioning — Bow Boe settles happily in the cool while we make progress on the journey.

It also means we’re off the road during golden hour, pulling into a new spot just in time to open up, cool down, and enjoy the evening breeze with everything set up for the night. It’s become a natural rhythm: shade or stroll in the morning, drive through the heat, settle in as the sun dips.

🧼 Keep the Van (and Dog) Fresh

Heat amplifies every smell. We:

• Use bicarbonate of soda under rugs to absorb odours.
• Brush Bow Boe daily to keep her coat light and air-flow friendly.
• Keep a spray bottle with diluted dog-safe aloe or lavender — a light mist can refresh her fur and keep bugs at bay.

Final Thoughts

Keeping cool on the road is part science, part instinct. Every van and every dog is different and after trial and error, we’ve found a rhythm that works for us. And if it ever gets too much, remember that vanlife is always an adventure — even in a heatwave.

Warmly, Steve & Bow Boe