How to keep your RV cool in the summer

Summer camping in your RV is all about seeing what this country has to offer and making memories with friends and family. The struggle is keeping your RV cool as the temperatures rise outside. If you are one that chases the seasons, it might never be a problem. For me though, I love beaches and also traveling the great southwest. The problem is extreme heat on one hand and extreme humidity on the other. Sorry, I just can’t do cold or even cool weather on a regular basis.

11 tips for keeping your RV cool in the heat of summer

1. Portable fans

Having the luxury to kick on the RV air conditioner when things heat up is a great option. The problem is, they are only so efficient due to most RVs being poorly insulated. A great way to give your AC a little helping hand is to use a portable fan or 2. Air circulation is a key to keeping your AC from overworking on those hot summer days.

2. Take advantage of the shade

Your RV

Positioning your RV in the right location can be key to making sure the sun is not defeating everything your AC is trying to do. A nice location under a shady section of trees can go a long way when you are choosing your site. If you

Double bubble reflective foil insulation – This is a 48″x10 foot roll that can be used to cover windows, doors, skylights, and even inside the back of cabinets for added insulation.

Reflective interior door window shade – Fits most RV door windows

Yourself

An RV is large and provides some great shade for you if you set up your rig at a good angle. Using your RVs shade to keep you out of the sun can make the camp side of your RV a much more pleasant experience.

other resources to put to use are your awning, awning shades, and portable campsite canopies.

If you are really needing to cool yourself down, try a good old Swamp Cooler

3. Keep filters clean of debris

Air conditioner

Regular air conditioner maintenance is important to assure it is running at optimal efficiency. Dirt and debris can collect in your AC filter and block the airflow that is needed for cooling the unit. When it comes to your AC and keeping your RV cool, a trip up on the roof should be done often.

Refrigerator

Your RV refrigerator filter needs the same love as the AC filter. Dirt, leaves, and foreign objects can collect and block airflow.

It is best practice to make yourself a list of items that you really need to be checked on a regular basis.

Here are some tips if your AC is just blowing cold

4. Swap out your bulbs

This may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but incandescent light bulbs can produce a lot of heat. If you have several lights that you need on either for work or pleasure, the heat can add up quickly. Swapping out these bulbs for LED lights can greatly reduce the heat output they produce.

Added bonus, LED lights use less power to shine and produce more light. 12-volt incandescent bulbs consume 1.6 amps of power. A 12v RV LED light consumes 0.12 amps. If your RV has 24 incandescent bulbs that need 1.6 amps of power each, you will be using 38.4 amps to power them all.

5. Cover skylights

We all love a big shower in our RV and those lucky enough to have skylights are great. The problem is as much as we like the light, that light comes at a cost. For those few minutes of joy in the shower that skylight will heat your RV all day long. I suggest applying a reflective lining inside of the skylight when not in use.

The Double bubble reflective foil insulation we talked about earlier is perfect for the job.

6. Close windows once the sun comes up

I love opening my windows on a cool summer night so I can hear the sounds of nature. One thing to keep in mind is when does the sun come up and are you expecting a warm day.

As soon as it starts heating up outside, those windows need to be close to keep the heat out. Once you have the heat in your home. it then needs to be evicted like an unwanted house guest.

It is better to just not let the heat in from the start and keeping your RV cool is a much easier process. Trapping that cool air from the night before makes for a good start to the day. You will also want to minimize the opening and closing of doors as much as possible.

7. Direct the airflow

This is another time when positioning your RV comes into play. In the United States, the wind moves from west to east for the most part. Parking your rig at just the right angle works wonders to prevent your RV from becoming a toasty sauna. Since the sun is most intense in the afternoon when temperatures are warmer. If possible, position your RV so that it’s shaded during the hottest part of the day (position any trees on the western side of your rig, and use your awning for shade in the morning).

Roof vent covers can be a great upgrade especially if you are traveling without AC. This product will channel breezes inside and keep the rain out. Keeping windows and vents open also encourages cross-ventilation that keeps your RV cool. You can also add fans to your roof vents, which will ensure that you’ll be able to make your own breeze during still days.

8. Unplug Electronics

You may not think much about it, but electronics like TVs, laptops and other devices produce heat just like any other appliance. Try to minimize use on hot days, get outside and explore the area. I think too many people go camping just to sit inside their RVs and watch TV, what’s the point.

9. Outside Cooking

The quickest way to heat up your RV is to turn on your stove or oven. I suggest cooking outdoors as much as possible on hot days when the weather allows.

These portable burners are easy to store and perfect for a quick setup out on the picnic table. I have used them for years and make for creating a quick outdoor kitchen in minutes or if you just need an extra burner while making the morning breakfast.

Chef Master 90019 Portable Butane Stove

10. Self Maintenance

We have talked about a lot of ways to keep your RV from heating up from the sun of the day, but what about you?

Keeping yourself hydrated and filled with nutritional food goes a long way to how heat affects you.

11. Location, Location, Location

Whenever possible, do your research ahead of time when hunting for the perfect campsite. Look for possible angles for you to park, is there any shade you can put to use, what side of the RV will get most of the afternoon sun, and will there be a good cross breeze.

The choice of campsites is the single most important step when it comes to happy RV life. I understand with the popularity as of late, it is not always easy to be choosy where you set up. If you do have the choice, choose wisely.