The silly season is nearly here. School's almost out, the van's getting packed, and half of Australia is about to hit the road for Christmas and New Year. It's the best time of year for caravan and camping holidays, but it's also when the mercury climbs. And after a string of 40 degree days, a closed-up van can turn a great trip into a sweaty, sleepless slog.
The good news: staying cool doesn't have to mean a huge spend or a flat battery. With the right mix of caravan fans, smart power choices and a few old-school tricks, you can keep your rig comfortable right through summer. Here's our practical guide to caravan cooling, from $42 clip-in fans all the way up to 48V rooftop aircon.
Why Caravan Cooling Matters on 40 Degree Days
A caravan is basically a metal-and-fibreglass box sitting in the sun. Without good airflow, it can get hotter inside than in the shade outside, and it holds that heat well into the evening. That matters for a few reasons:
- Heat safety. Hot, still air puts everyone under strain, especially older travellers, young kids and pets.
- Sleep. Moving air across your skin makes a real difference to comfort at night, and a good night's sleep makes for safer driving the next day.
- Your fridge and batteries. Fridges work harder in hot, stuffy spaces, and that extra load drains your batteries faster. Good ventilation and shade help your whole power system.
Caravan Fans and Coolers We Recommend This Summer
1. Fantastic iceOcube Lithium Rechargeable Evaporative Cooler – $149
If you want something that feels cooler than a plain fan without the power draw of an air conditioner, the Fantastic iceOcube Lithium Rechargeable Evaporative Cooler is a ripper option. It's a compact evaporative cooler designed for caravans, RVs, motorhomes, tents and boats.
- Runs on 12V or 240V, with a rechargeable, replaceable lithium battery for cordless use (up to 4 hours per full charge)
- 26 watts power consumption and around 300 m³/hour of airflow
- Detachable 1.2-litre water tank with honeycomb cooling media
- Two fan speeds, touch panel controls and quiet operation
Who it suits: couples and solo travellers who want a personal cool zone at the dinette or bedside. Evaporative coolers work best when the air is dry, so it's a great match for inland touring. In sticky, humid coastal weather, expect less of a cooling effect.
2. Fantastic Nimbus 12/24V Gimbal Fan – $139
The Fantastic Nimbus 12/24V Gimbal Fan is one of our favourite fixed fans for vans and motorhomes, and it's available in black or white.
- Auto-sensing 12/24V compatibility
- 360° air circulation with finger-safe 7" blades and up to 314 m³/hour of airflow
- 3 speeds, running at 54 dB on high
- Sips power: 0.12A low / 0.35A high at 12V
- Remote control included, plus a 3, 6, 9 or 12-hour timer
Who it suits: anyone who wants a quiet, low-draw fan running all night without worrying about the battery. The timer is perfect for drifting off and letting it switch itself off.
3. 12V Portable Fans – from $42
Sometimes you just need a breeze exactly where you're sitting or sleeping. Our 12V and rechargeable portable fans are cheap, cheerful and easy on your power:
- Fantastic Twin 12V Fan – $42. Two adjustable heads, two speeds, under 50 dB, a 100% copper motor and a 1.8-metre cable. Great for the bedroom or the tow vehicle.
- Fantastic 12V Rechargeable LED Ceiling Fan – $52. USB-C rechargeable, only 5W, 3 speeds, a dimmable 30-LED light, a remote and a hanging hook. Up to 6 hours per charge at moderate speed.
- Fantastic Rechargeable Clip On Fan – $76. USB-C rechargeable with a strong clamp, adjustable head, 3 speeds, a built-in ring light and a 2, 4 or 6-hour timer.
Who it suits: campers, camper trailer owners and anyone who wants extra airflow without hard-wiring. Recharge from your van's USB outlets, a power bank or solar.
4. Dometic Caravan Air Conditioners, Including the 48V Version
For serious heat, or for travellers who simply need a properly cool space, nothing beats a rooftop air conditioner.
- Dometic FreshJet FJZ7 Pro White Includes ADB – $1,999. A 3.4kW rooftop unit with 2,500W of integrated heating, brushless motors, a dedicated sleep mode and a Soft Start system with a max cooling current of 6.2A. A great choice for powered sites, or for upgrading from a Dometic Series 7 Pro or Ibis 4.
- DOMETIC 48V - DC AIRCONDITIONING inc ADB – $3,200. Based on the FreshJet 7 Lite, but it runs directly from a 48V battery pack with no inverter needed. It offers 2,523W cooling and 2,218W heating capacity, uses R32 refrigerant, and fits the same 360x360/400x400 frame and ADB as the rest of the FreshJet 7 range. It connects with a 50A Anderson plug and a 50A fuse is required.
12V vs 48V, what's the difference? Most caravans run a 12V house battery system, which is perfect for fans and lighting. Running a big air conditioner from 12V usually means an inverter and a very large battery bank. A 48V system moves the same power at a quarter of the current, so cabling and losses are easier to manage. Running the aircon straight off DC also skips the inverter. If you're building or upgrading an off-grid rig for aircon, have a chat with our team about a 48V setup.
5. Luxury Awnings Flexible Solar Awning – from $4,660
Shade and power in one. The Luxury Awnings Flexible Solar Awning is a rollable solar awning available in 12ft (850W) for $4,660 or 16ft (1050W) for $5,299, in black or silver.
- Extends up to 2.3 metres, with 100% UV blockage
- High-efficiency HBC solar cells with individually fused cells, so it keeps producing power if a cell is damaged
- Built for Australian conditions, with a 3-year warranty
- Dual LED light strips (white and amber) and compatibility with most standard awning accessories
- DIY install with the included manual, or professional fitting at Award RV
Who it suits: off-grid travellers who want to run fans, fridges and even air conditioning while freeing up roof space. You get shade over your door and charging at the same time.
Free and Low-Cost Camping Cooling Tips for 40 Degree Days
Gear helps, but these simple habits make a big difference, and most of them cost nothing:
- Park in the shade. Even a few hours of afternoon shade keeps a van noticeably cooler.
- Think about orientation. Try to keep big windows and your door out of the harsh western afternoon sun, and roll out the awning on the sunny side.
- Use reflective window covers. Covering windows and hatches on the sunny side stops a lot of heat getting in.
- Ventilate at night. Once it cools down outside, open hatches and windows, and use your fans to push hot air out and draw cooler air in.
- Pre-cool the van. On a powered site, run the aircon or fans before the worst of the afternoon heat rather than trying to catch up later.
- Avoid the midday heat. Plan driving, hikes and set-up for early morning or evening, and spend the middle of the day somewhere shady or by the water.
- Stay hydrated. Keep plenty of water on hand and drink regularly, even before you feel thirsty.
- Check the forecast. Keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology for heatwave warnings and fire danger ratings, and be ready to change plans.
A Quick Word on Heat Safety
Heat-related illness can sneak up on anyone. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, like heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea and weakness. If you notice them, get to a cool place, rest and sip water. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Confusion, collapse or hot, dry skin need urgent attention, so call 000 straight away. Check in on older travellers and kids, and never leave children or pets in a closed vehicle.
Caravan Cooling FAQs
What's the best fan for a caravan?
It depends on your setup. For a low-draw fan that runs all night, the Nimbus 12/24V Gimbal Fan is hard to beat. For flexible, cordless airflow, a rechargeable clip-on or ceiling fan works well. And if you want a cooler breeze in dry heat, try the iceOcube evaporative cooler.
Do evaporative coolers work in a caravan?
Yes, especially in dry inland conditions. They add moisture to the air, so they're less effective in very humid weather. In humid conditions, keep the van well ventilated.
Can I run a caravan air conditioner off-grid?
It's possible with the right power system. A 48V system paired with the Dometic 48V DC air conditioner runs the aircon directly from the battery without an inverter, and solar such as a solar awning helps keep the batteries topped up.
How can I keep my caravan cool without power?
Park in shade, face the van away from afternoon sun, use reflective window covers, open everything up at night and roll out your awning. Rechargeable fans can be charged during the day for use at night.
Will cooling gear flatten my battery?
Fans draw very little. The Nimbus draws 0.35A on high at 12V, and the rechargeable LED ceiling fan is only 5W. Air conditioners are a much bigger load, so plan your battery and solar capacity before you head off-grid.
Shop Caravan Cooling at Award RV Superstore
Don't let 40 degree days spoil your summer holiday. Whether you need a $42 12V fan for the bunk or a complete 48V aircon and solar setup, the team at Award RV Superstore can help you find the right caravan cooling gear for your rig. Browse online or drop in for a yarn before you hit the road this silly season. Stay cool, travel safe, and have a cracker of a summer!