Staying cool in your RV isn’t always easy, especially if you enjoy traveling to warmer climates. Fighting the elements can be a pain and a safety risk.
Fortunately, plenty of strategies exist for campers who want lower indoor temperatures.
Join us for some of our best hot-weather hacks to keep your RV comfortable this summer.
Let’s chill!
Why is it Important to Keep Your RV Cool in Summer?
The RV lifestyle allows campers to enjoy the open road, experience countless outdoor adventures, and go wherever the wind blows. But during the summer, scorching temperatures can take the fun out of traveling and turn your home-on-wheels into a sauna.
Maintaining comfortable temps in your camper is essential for your health and safety, particularly as the red line on your thermometer continues to rise. A lack of air exchange means a well-sealed RV can become dangerously hot before you know it. If you don’t take measures to stay cool, you could face a medical emergency. Or, at the very least, a rough ride until autumn.
To make matters worse, hot, humid weather can also damage your RV’s appliances and furnishings. Laminate may start to buckle, wood might begin to swell, and mold and mildew can quickly take hold.
To avoid these issues and ensure your rig is functional all summer long, it’s crucial to be proactive about keeping your RV cool.
Top Tips to Cool Down a Hot RV
Be sure you have a plan to keep everyone comfortable before you load up for a long summer road trip or a vacation to the lake. Here are seven of our top tips for cooling your camper, even on the hottest days.
#1 Seek Shade Whenever Possible (Or Create Your Own!)
When your RV is parked in direct sunlight, it’ll warm up exponentially faster than in the shade. After all, UV rays are relentless, and a well-insulated rig will only capture that heat.
Consider calling campgrounds ahead of time to speak with someone who can help you book a site with plenty of shade. This will reduce the time you need to run your RV’s air conditioning system in order to stay cool. Additionally, you can purchase a rooftop system to create your own shadows when natural sources aren’t an option.
#2 Properly Insulate Your Rig
You might only think about insulation in the winter when you’re trying to retain as much warm air as possible, but this feature can also help you manage your indoor temperature in the summer months.
Reinforcing these liners, from your ceiling and walls to your RV’s underbelly, can help you stay cool. If you often park on asphalt, additional insulation between you and the road can minimize the heat you absorb.
Already dreaming of cold weather? Here’s How to Keep Your RV Warm in Freezing Weather!
#3 Maximize Air Flow
Stagnant air and soaring outdoor temps are a recipe for a hot RV, but generating a little airflow can help you cool down. First, you’ll want to keep your vents open so hot air doesn’t become trapped inside. Then, grab a couple of portable fans to keep that sweet oxygen circulating.
Of course, you can also buy a portable AC system if your DIY methods aren’t cutting it. We suggest getting one with a dehumidifier, especially if you spend time in areas with high moisture levels in the atmosphere.
#4 Utilize Window Coverings and Reflective Treatments
Shading your entire RV is a great way to keep cool, but it isn’t always practical. In these cases, reflecting the sun is an excellent alternative. Foil window coverings can stop UV rays from entering your camper. You can place them in your rig’s windshield, skylights, and other windows.
Another option is to install thermal window treatments inside your RV. While you may still feel some warmth around your windows, they’ll block excessive heat that might otherwise send your thermometer into the danger zone.
Check out the 10 Best Sun Shades for Your Vehicle!
#5 Strategize your AC Usage
Once your RV heats up, it can take a lot of energy to cool it back down. Crank your AC up in the morning before the temperatures rise. This will essentially pre-chill your rig and provide a bit of a buffer between you and the scorching outdoor air.
Maintaining lower temps with fans and ventilation will be easier and more cost-effective than trying to cool down an already sizzling RV.
#6 Avoid Using Appliances that Generate Heat
Cooking outside can help you keep your RV’s indoor temperatures comfortable in hot weather. After all, ovens, cooktops, and even microwaves can cause your thermostat to creep up. Dishwashers, refrigerators, and clothes dryers do the same thing.
If you must crank these systems on during the day, ensure proper ventilation to avoid excess heat.
#7 Keep Up with Routine Maintenance
Maintaining your air conditioning system is a no-brainer for keeping your RV cool. However, allowing your other appliances to age without proper care can contribute to the heat within your rig. Really, this applies to every element of your camper.
Seals can weaken over time, vents can become clogged, and unserviced devices can begin regularly overheating. However, routine maintenance can counteract all of these avoidable issues.
Need a backup cooling system? Grab a 3-in-1 Portable Air Conditioner with Built-in Dehumidifier!
Stay Cool in Your RV All Summer Long!
Keeping your RV cool in summer is no easy feat, but if you plan ahead, act strategically, and make smart decisions, you can beat the heat and enjoy camping no matter the climate.
The next time you load up for a warm-weather vacation, implement these critical tips for a comfortable trip!
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