While summer is a great time for RV travel, it can also be uncomfortably hot. Fortunately, there are ways to stay cool and comfortable. We’ll look at how to keep your RV cool in summer, with at least 15 different, simple solutions to try.
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How to Keep Your RV Cool in Summer
Read on for lots of ideas on how to keep cool when the sun is blazing!
1. Maintain your RV air conditioning unit
One of the best ways to stay cool is going to be to thoughtfully use your air conditioning unit. Make sure you keep your HVAC system maintained, with regular checkups to make sure everything is running smoothly. Change any filters and keep the unit clean as well.
When you use your AC, it can help to run it in the morning before the day heats up. It’s more efficient to keep your RV cool in the first place then to let it heat up and then try to bring the temperature back down.
2. Park in the shade.
Parking in the shade is a tricky idea. You can take advantage of nature’s air conditioning to shelter your RV from the sun. It might even help you to run your own AC less when you’re parked in the shade.
However, you do run the risk of twigs, leaves, sap, and other debris damaging your RV’s finish. You may have to weigh whether you want to deep clean your RV after a trip in exchange for keeping cool.
3. Use your awnings.
You can create even more shade by deploying the awnings outside of your RV. Not only will awnings create a shady spot outdoors for you to relax, but they will also shade the exterior of your rig near your doors and windows and keep the inside from heating up.
4. Cook outside.
Keeping your RV cool inside means keeping out any possible heat sources. And one of those big heat sources comes from cooking! If your campsite has a firepit, you could consider campfire cooking for your meals. You might also bring along or use a campsite barbeque to make food. You can even set up a table outside your RV and plug in an Instant Pot to make dinner outdoors.
5. Close your windows and blinds during the day.
If you keep the inside of your RV dark and don’t let the sun in, it will keep temperatures down. Close your windows to keep cool air in and hot air out. Also, close your blinds or curtains to keep the sun out. You may even want to think about blackout curtains if you don’t already have them to keep your interior very dark.
Along the same lines, try to minimize opening and closing the door into the RV as well so you’re not letting in heat.
6. Insulate your windows.
Another way to make sure your RV interior stays cool is by insulating windows to make sure no heat seeps in. You’ll appreciate the insulation in winter as well, to keep heat from escaping your RV! Cover your windows with Reflectix, or even ordinary bubble wrap to keep the heat out.
7. Cover your skylight.
Along with covering your windows, cover your skylight to keep light and heat from beating down on your RV. You can find skylight covers of varying sizes online, or make one yourself.
8. Use fans.
Along with your RV air conditioner, you may want some fans inside to keep air circulating. You can buy inexpensive, small fans on Amazon, including fans that can be mounted on the wall near your bed. You can also buy personal fans that you or those you’re camping with can carry around.
9. Orient your RV.
Pick a campsite where your RV will get afternoon sun on the left, front side of your rig. This leaves your door, patio, and windows on the other side shaded in the afternoon.
10. Use a dehumidifier if needed.
If you’re camping in a humid area, a dehumidifier will help filter the oppressive, moist air that can add to sluggish heat. Amazon has several dehumidifiers that are designed for smaller living spaces.
11. Keep lights off during the day.
Keep lights off in your RV as much as possible to keep the interior dark and cooler.
12. Switch to LED bulbs.
Traditional light bulbs give off some heat. Switching to LED bulbs can cut down on that heat, and every little bit helps!
13. Check your ventilation.
Keep vents clean and make sure there are no obstructions. After keeping windows and doors closed during the heat of the day, you may want to open them in late afternoon or evening if your location has evening breezes.
14. Wear the right clothes.
You’ll want lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing while you’re out and about on hot days. You’ll also want a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face. Don’t forget sunscreen and a large water bottle as well!
15. Consider your destination.
Summer RV road trips can be some of the best memories! But you’ll want to make sure you travel somewhere you can be comfortable and enjoy yourself. You may want to head to places like the Rocky Mountains, the Pacific Northwest, or Acadia National Park for cooler weather during summer months.
If you do choose to travel somewhere hot, you can plan activities to help you cool off! Try whitewater rafting near Great Smoky Mountains National Park or try a waterfront campground so you’re close to some cooling, aquatic fun.
When you’re trying to determine how to keep your RV cool in summer, you’ve got several options! Hopefully, this article has given you some tips to keep your next hot weather trip comfortable and enjoyable.
If you need an RV for your warm weather travels, RVshare has a variety for you to consider (yes, including many with air conditioning!).
