Staying cool in the Southwest

[YoungishJedi]

Hey all,

We mostly camp in the Southwest and try to avoid campgrounds when we can. In our experience boondocking is cheaper, better scenery, and typically better neighbors but the summer temps can make doing this difficult. Our Basecamp has the solar setup and we have a GoalZero for additional juice but running the AC off any of that doesn't work. Just wondering what are some of the ways everyone stays cool during the summer when boondocking.

[pdavitt]

I live in the Southwest and the best thing is shade, ether natural or "make your own". Especially since you are trying to live in a basically un-insulated, aluminum can. Yesterday was almost 90F but the humidity was only 15%. We had a nice breeze and it was pleasant in the shade.

Another thing is to dress properly. Loose fitting, cotton garments are best. Don't wear anything that fits tightly to your skin.

I know shading the trailer messes up the solar, but without shade you are going to cook. Generators work fine in the shade.

Pat

[basecamper]

Originally Posted by pdavitt

I live in the Southwest and the best thing is shade, ether natural or "make your own". Especially since you are trying to live in a basically un-insulated, aluminum can. Yesterday was almost 90F but the humidity was only 15%. We had a nice breeze and it was pleasant in the shade.

Another thing is to dress properly. Loose fitting, cotton garments are best. Don't wear anything that fits tightly to your skin.

I know shading the trailer messes up the solar, but without shade you are going to cook. Generators work fine in the shade.

Pat

I agree with Pat in regard to shade. Whenever we find ourselves camping in the sun (with no shade) with warm temperatures, we use a big rectangular shade sail. Figure out the way that the sun moves across the sky, and park the Basecamp so that the sun will be hitting the sides. Take the shade sail over the Basecamp (bars on top create "space" between the shade sail and the top of the Basecamp). Secure the shade sail with stakes on each side, pulling the shade sail out and away from the Basecamp (not straight down, but at an angle). Therefore, the shade sail is not actually touching the Basecamp except on the bars on top. This will make a big difference, as you have shaded the Basecamp from direct sun.

[YoungishJedi]

Thanks guys!

With the way this summer is shaping up so far it won't be an issue but we'll take a look at the shade sail options.

We'd like to avoid using a generator but we'll see.