Updated for Summer 2023
Summer is officially in full swing and that (hopefully) means you’re headed out on a few road trips in your RV. But as temperatures rise, it’s incredibly important to keep your RV as cool as possible in the sweltering summer heat, and RV Trader has a few tips. Check out our top 7 tips for keeping you and your RV cool and comfortable this summer.
1. Keep the Door Shut
This one sounds like a no-brainer, but many RVers come in and out of their unit all day long. Try to minimize how often you are keeping your RV’s door open, especially when the AC is running.
2. Rest in the Shade
Shade is an RVer’s best friend in the summer months, so try to select a shady campsite when possible. Resting in shade can keep your rig a few degrees cooler even during the heat of the afternoon sun. Don’t forget, you also have the option of creating your own shade if you have access to tarps or if you have a pull-out awning!
3. Protect and Insulate Windows
To block out the heat of the sun, make sure to utilize your window shades or look into tinting options. It’s also a great idea before any trip to ensure your windows are properly insulated and that there are no cracks letting warm air inside. If your shades just aren’t cutting it, try investing in additional insulation like this popular reflective solution. And don’t forget to cover those skylights!
4. Improve Circulation
No one likes stagnant air, especially inside of an RV. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to increase air circulation like utilizing indoor fans, making sure your RV is free of dirt and grime build up, or purchasing a portable indoor AC unit. There are many affordable options on the market that will help your RV stay even cooler during extreme heat.
5. Clean Your Filters and Get Your Unit Serviced
A lot of RVs have air conditioning these days, but it’s important to keep your filters maintained for optimal results. To keep your AC running efficiently, change or clean your air filters on a regular basis. Manufacturers recommend cleaning at least every two weeks. As a bonus, it’s always a great idea to have your AC unit serviced annually by a licensed professional to ensure your unit is ready to hit the road!
6. Fire Up the Grill
Nothing heats up an RV faster than cooking indoors with the oven or stove. If it’s a particularly hot day, consider going outside to fire up the grill or check out a few of our favorite campfire dishes that you can cook over the fire to minimize indoor heat.
7. Switch Your Bulbs
You might not consider it, but indoor RV lighting can produce more heat than you’d expect. Consider swapping your older light bulbs for LED options that give off less heat and are better for the environment – a win-win!
With our top tips, you’ll be ready to enjoy summer RV trips in no time. Do you have any RV cooling hacks we didn’t cover? Let us know in the comments below.
Ready to hit the road in an RV of your own? Check out our latest models on RVTrader.com today!
3 Responses
Emily, regarding parking in the shade. Of course, not always possible. Have you ever considered or seen anyone bringing their own shade??? We value awning/s on the side of our RVs……make a major sun load difference. Why not an awning over the total RV roof? Maybe a “dump truck bed style swing arm” drawing a cover over the RV once parked….maybe side to side rather than front to back. Or, a manually deployed cover. Could make a tremendous difference in sun load on the RV roof…for both temperature control inside as well as reduced sun damage to the roof. Positioned several inches above the roof and AC covers, there would be plenty of air circulation. Another consideration would be solar panel access to the sunlight….maybe an uncovered section for the panels. They actual are a sort of cover in themselves for the actual roof anyway. Design issues to consider, but would appear possible with many benefits.
You can make sunscreens for any/all windows. When we had our RV repair business I made custom sunscreens for many customers. Just get sunscreen material, cut to size and add snaps to the screen to attach to the outside of the RV. Just clean with a hose and store easily in RV, taking up little space.
Nancy, this is a great idea, Thanks.