How to Prep for Summer Road Trips: Beat the Heat Like a Pro

Summer’s the perfect time to hit the open road—whether you’re chasing desert sunsets in the Mojave or getting lost in Canyonlands red-rock maze. But let’s face it: scorching temps and endless highways can turn your adventure into a sweaty mess. Here’s your no-BS guide to staying cool, safe, and totally unstoppable.  

1. Car Checkup: Don’t Let Your Ride Melt  

Cooling System & Tires  

Don’t let your engine turn into a baked potato. Top off coolant, check hoses, and make sure your radiator fan’s ready to party. For tires, follow your manual’s PSI specs—hot asphalt can blow that pressure sky-high.  

AC Game Strong  

Clean those cabin filters and blast the AC before you leave. Pro move: Toss a sunshade on your windshield when parked—your steering wheel won’t feel like lava later.  

2. Shade Gear: Your Secret Weapon  

When the sun’s throwing shade, fight back with gear that’s cooler than you:  

270 Awning  

This beast rolls out in 60 seconds, wrapping your ride in 270 degrees of sweet, sweet shade. Lakeside brunch? Beach nap? Done. Throw in a folding table and chairs, and boom—instant chill zone.  

Roof Top Tent and Awning Combo  

Double down! By day, the awning’s your sun-blocking BFF. By night, crash in a rooftop tent like the OPENROAD:built with aircraft-grade aluminum—holds 800kg. It’s got insulation for freezing nights, pops open in 10 seconds, and the skylight? Perfect for counting shooting stars. Bonus: Built-in bug screens and waterproofing mean zero midnight surprises.  

3. Timing Is Everything: Outsmart the Sun  

Drive Smart, Not Hard  

Hit the road at sunrise or sunset to dodge the 11 AM–3 PM oven hours. Stuck driving midday? Pull over every 2 hours—check your ride, chug water, and maybe do a TikTok dance to stay awake.  

Reroute Like a Boss

Keep weather apps on speed dial. If the heat’s cranked to “hellscape,” pivot to shady mountain roads or breezy coastal routes. Let Mother Nature be your AC.  

4. Survival Mode: Sun Protection 101

Dress Like a Desert Ninja  

UPF 50+ shirts, a hat bigger than your ego, and shades are non-negotiable. Keep a cooler stocked with ice-cold water, electrolyte packs (LMNT or Liquid IV, your call), and a spray bottle for instant face misting.  

Emergency Kit Essentials  

- Instant ice packs (for necks, wrists, or your soul)  

- Portable fan or cooling towel  

- Mini fridge for snacks that won’t melt (RIP, chocolate)  

5. Chill Vibes Only: Slow Your Roll  

Road trips aren’t marathons. Keep daily drives under 300 miles (500km), and turn pit stops into highlights. Set up that awning, brew iced coffee, read a trashy novel, or just vibe with the scenery.   

The Takeaway  

Summer adventures are about riding the heat wave, not drowning in it. With smart prep and gear like that 270 awning (seriously, it’s a game-changer), you’ll laugh in the face of 100°F days. So crank the AC, roll down the windows, and make this summer’s road trip your coolest one yet. 

( While everyone else is sweating through their sunscreen, you’ll be sipping margaritas under your personal shade empire.)