Summertime is the perfect opportunity to get out and explore the country in your RV. But while you are enjoying the fun and sun, your RV might be getting pretty hot inside. RVs don't have the same insulation that a house does and are more likely to heat up faster in warmer weather.
Of course, the easiest way to avoid scorching temperatures is to travel to a cooler place. Sometimes, though, that isn't always an option. However, there are lots of things you can do to keep your family comfortable and beat the heat no matter where you are. Here are some easy tips to enjoy your summer travels and still stay cool in your RV.
Guest Post by Robin Buck
Staying Cool In Your RV This Summer
Use or Create Shade
One of the easiest ways to keep cool during hot weather is to use available shade. Selecting a campground with wooded areas or at least some trees will provide the most options. When you make your campground reservations, ask for a shaded spot if possible. If a shaded site is not available, try to get one that is oriented facing north so that you will have your outdoor area shaded when the afternoon sun is at its hottest.
Additionally, you can always use your awnings to create your own shade. We have window awnings that we pull down to reduce direct sunlight coming into the coach. You may also have a master side awning that provides even more shade on that side of the RV. If your awning is robust enough, you might like to attach a shade screen from the awning to the ground to increase the amount of space that is cooled. Know your awnings, though, and be careful not to leave them unattended as high winds or even sudden gusts can cause damage to your RV. Another option is to purchase a stand-alone screen room to add to your shaded outdoor area.
Create Air Flow
A breeze works wonders for keeping you cool. Opening your windows and door during the early or late parts of the day when temperatures are lower will help to cool your RV down. If there isn't a breeze out, you can use your ceiling fan or a portable fan to create airflow. We find that positioning the fan near a window but pointing inward will help pull cool air into the RV.
Besides getting cool air flowing in, it is also helpful to get the hot air going out. Use your roof vents and vent fans to draw the hot air out of the RV. Roof vents usually have a cover that allows you to use it even when it's raining. Circulating the air will keep it from becoming stagnant and make you much more comfortable throughout the day.
Protect Your Windows & Doors
Large expanses of glass, especially in the front of a motorhome, can make your RV feel like an oven in hot weather. One way to cut down on rising inside temperatures is to keep your blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day. Even better, use reflective insulation to line your windows and reflect much of the sun's radiant energy. The only downside to this insulation is that it blocks the sunlight and makes the RV darker inside. We solved that problem by installing Magne Shade magnetized window covers that allow us to see out but provide heat blocking and 90% UV protection.
Sometimes you might forget that a lot of hot air comes in through the door too. Just like the other RV windows, you can insulate the large door windows to cut down on the heat. Also, try to limit the number of times the door is opened and closed. Each time someone goes in or out, they are letting out cool air and letting in hot air.
Air Conditioners
It might seem obvious that you will use your air conditioner during peak heat times to help cool down the RV, but there are some other tips that can help as well. Most importantly, properly maintaining your system will make sure it is in peak condition to keep you cool. Cleaning your filters and vents monthly promotes good air flow and efficient cooling.
It is also helpful to close the vents in any areas that you are not using to keep the cool air concentrated in the areas you want it. During the day you might close off the bedroom and bathroom and focus the air into the living areas, whereas at night you will want cool air in the bedroom for better sleeping. It is also a good idea to start the air conditioning before it becomes too hot inside the RV to get ahead of the heat.
Cook Outside
We all know that using the oven will raise the temperature in a room or RV, so on really hot days try cooking outside. If you have an outdoor kitchen or even a portable grill or electric burner you can prevent heat buildup in your rig while enjoying a delicious outdoor meal. In any case, we think everything tastes better when you cook outside! For times when you just aren't up for cooking at all try making cold dishes, salads, or even sandwiches to feed your crew.
Fun in the Sun
Don't let the heat keep you from venturing out in your RV this year. These simple steps will help your family to stay healthy and refreshed no matter where you go. With a little planning and preparation, you will be ready for your next big adventure without sweating the summer temperatures.
Summer RVing Articles
Looking for more information on RVing during the summer, including where to go, gadgets you need and more? Check out the links below!
Robin and her husband, Mike, are Air Force veterans and empty nesters who travel full-time in their Entegra Anthem motorhome. Always ready to explore, they love nature and wildlife, meeting new friends, and discovering America's many hidden gems. Robin chronicles their adventures and experiences on her travel blog RVing with Robin.
