Summer is fast approaching, bringing exciting adventures for RVers and families alike. However, the heat poses challenges for RVing, such as keeping cool and managing energy consumption.
Discover straightforward and effective tips on 'how to keep your RV cool in summer' to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout all your summer RV excursions.
How to Keep Your RV Cool in Summer?
Before starting let’s have a quick look at the points we will be discussing in this article:
Stick to the Shade
Create Shade
Close Your Windows Each Morning
Wear breathable clothes and summer-friendly gear
Utilize a portable cooling fan
Use the Breeze Strategically
Keep Your Windshield, Skylight, and Other Glass Covered
Increase Ventilation
Use Reflective Insulation
Prioritize Air Conditioning Maintenance
Stay hydrated
Clean Fridge Vents Frequently
Use LED Lights
Keep Electronics Powered Off
Use a Swamp Cooler
Opt for Outdoor Cooking
Use Awnings or Sun Shade
Mastering the art of staying cool in your RV during the summer will feel like a breeze after reading this article. So, let’s begin.
Stick to the Shade:
Never overlook the impact of parking your RV in the shade; it can make a significant difference in keeping your RV cool during the summer. The natural shield from the sun works wonders in preventing your RV's interior from heating up.
When you park your RV in a new spot, make an effort to find a shaded area to minimize the heat inside.
For those in Oklahoma, here's some good news – Country Home Estates RV Park boasts ample shade from long, welcoming trees. If you seek a tranquil and natural setting with city-like amenities, our RV Park is the perfect destination for your peaceful getaway.
Create Shade:
Shade acts like nature’s air conditioning. Even if your camping spot already has some shade, enhance it by keeping your awning down and setting up the canvas to create an additional shady spot for relaxation.
Remember to use wide nylon straps that are gentle on trees to avoid any damage.
In case there are no trees nearby, grab a large canvas, tie one end to the top of your RV, and secure the other end to the ground with stakes to fashion a triangular shaded space.
Close Your Windows Each Morning:
Letting a refreshing breeze into your RV at night can enhance your sleep comfort during the summer. To make this cool air last, be sure to close your windows each morning as soon as you wake up. Aim to do this before the sun rises and warms up the outside air.
By closing your windows early, you retain the cool air from the night inside the RV and keep the hot, humid air outside.
Bring breathable clothes and summer-friendly gear:
When embarking on a summer camping journey, pack lightweight and breathable first-layer clothes (like underwear and socks) along with moisture-wicking pants, shorts, and shirts.
Opt for lighter-colored fabrics for an extra cooling effect. Additionally, remember to include lightweight hats and sunglasses in your packing list.
Bring a portable cooling fan:
If you anticipate unbearable weather during your trip, consider bringing a portable fan. If your budget allows, invest in one that includes a solar panel for a sustainable cooling solution.
Use the Breeze Strategically: A wise tip to keep your RV cool
An easy method to promote airflow in your RV is to align your rig with the breeze. Typically, winds in the United States move from west to east.
Before setting up camp, check the local weather conditions of your travel destination and position your rig to leverage prevailing wind patterns.
Keep windows open, using screens to prevent dust, bugs, and debris from entering. The breeze will naturally cool your RV during the day.
Keep Your Windshield, Skylight, and Other Glass Covered:
When it comes to windows that don't open to the wind, like your windshield and skylight, covering them is essential. Keep them covered as much as possible to prevent excess heat.
Using an insulated windshield cover, for instance, reflects sunlight outward, minimizing the warming effect inside your RV.
Similarly, a skylight cover and deploying your awning can also contribute to keeping these areas cool.
Increase Ventilation:
Ensuring proper ventilation is key to avoiding excess heat in your RV. Enhance ventilation by installing vent covers over existing roof vents. These covers are affordable, easy to install, and allow fresh air in even during rain.
To encourage cross-ventilation, use vent covers on both ends of your RV.
Use Reflective Insulation:
If your RV lacks window awnings, consider using reflective insulation to block the sun and maintain a cool RV interior during the summer.
Sunlight can enter through windows, but reflective insulation helps redirect it away, reducing heat buildup. You can find various sizes of reflective insulation at affordable prices in home improvement stores.
These products, designed to reflect up to 97% of the sun’s radiant energy, can be easily cut to fit your windows. Secure them in place using mini-blinds, window visors, or day/night shades to enhance their effectiveness in keeping your RV cool in the summer.
Prioritize Air Conditioning Maintenance:
In a hot summer, your RV’s air conditioner can be a real game-changer. Maintenance is crucial to ensure the A/C keeps working when the weather gets hot.
Regularly changing filters is essential, and having the air conditioner inspected yearly, preferably in the spring, is a smart move.
Adding these simple tasks to your to-do list will make your A/C work more efficiently and reduce the chances of it breaking down on a scorching day.
Stay hydrated:
Whether at a campground or in the wild, staying hydrated is crucial during summer RV trips. Bring your water supply for dispersed campsites.
If hiking, adults need 2 cups per hour, and children need 1-2 cups. Don't wait to feel thirsty; drink regularly to beat dehydration.
Clean Fridge Vents Frequently:
One major heat source in an RV is the refrigerator, which expels a considerable amount of heat to keep your food cool.
This heat spreads throughout your RV, raising the temperature. Keep the RV fridge vent clean to allow proper heat dissipation. Regularly check for dirt and debris to ensure the vent is unobstructed and functioning efficiently.
Use LED Lights:
LEDs emit much less heat than regular bulbs, making them a cooler and more energy-efficient lighting choice for your RV in the summer.
Switching to LEDs not only saves energy but also helps maintain a cooler interior. Remember to turn off lights during the day and only use electricity when needed to maximize energy efficiency.
Keep Electronics Powered Off:
If your RV is equipped with the latest technology, consider turning off electronic devices during hot days.
TVs, laptops, and similar devices generate heat, contributing to the overall temperature inside your RV. Minimizing screen time not only keeps your rig cooler but also allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature without electronic distractions.
Use a Swamp Cooler:
In dry climates, an evaporative cooler, also known as a swamp cooler, can efficiently keep your RV cool during the summer.
You can even create a DIY mini-swamp cooler using a five-gallon bucket, fish tank pump, forced air filter, and a touch of ingenuity.
For a simpler approach, dampening a towel and placing it over your head or neck, combined with a fan's air movement, is an effective way to stay cool during hot nights. These cooling tricks are essential for keeping your RV comfortable in the summer.
Opt for Outdoor Cooking:
While your family may love your cooking, preparing meals inside your RV can quickly raise the temperature, especially in warm weather.
Opt for outdoor cooking to enjoy your beautiful natural surroundings. Whether grilling or cooking over a campfire, take precautions by considering the fire risk in your area and following local guidelines. This not only keeps your RV cooler but also ensures a safer cooking experience in the great outdoors.
Use Awnings or Sun Shade:
When embarking on RV camping during the summer, safeguarding yourself from the sun's intense rays is crucial.
Utilize awnings or sun shades that can be attached to your RV's side or set up separately to offer shade and keep you cool.
This not only enhances your camping comfort but also safeguards you from sunburn and heat-related illnesses. Ensure to pack awnings or sunshades for a more enjoyable and safe summer RV adventure.
Final Words:
Whether you're planning a couple of RV camping getaways this summer or you live in your RV full-time, it's important to be clever about handling the heat. The suggestions provided can assist you in staying comfortable and secure, even during the hottest days.