Concerns over record-high temperatures across the country have disrupted travel plans for many RVers this summer. With heat advisories and health risks, RV owners are seeing firsthand how these dangerous conditions impact driving, camping, outdoor recreation, and present the threat of wildfires. RV Trader held a survey to see how the extreme heat is changing summer RV travel. From cancellations to new vacation destinations, here is how the RV community is reacting to one of the worst heat waves the country has ever experienced.
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Heat Wave Breaks Records
This summer’s heat wave shattered records as 78 million Americans were placed under heat alerts by the end of July, reports Axios. The dangers of high temperatures still persist in August in places like South Florida, while 13,000 new high temperature records have been set around the country this year. Phoenix was exposed to temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit throughout July. These harsh conditions present severe health risks, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. Droughts occur and wildfires are prone to spread when these kinds of hot temperatures persist, which interfere with travel to destinations like campgrounds and national parks, especially in the west.
About the Extreme Heat Survey
RV Trader conducted a survey for its recreational vehicle space from July 28–August 4 to take a closer look at the effects of extreme temperatures on RV travel this summer. Approximately 29% of the 1,698 survey respondents stated that the heat wave had an impact on their travel plans due to worries over health, safety, and comfort. Alarmingly, 37% of survey participants canceled their travel plans completely, deciding that the dangers of extreme heat were not worth the risk of travel during this period of time.
Meanwhile, 31% responded they were changing their travel plans to a safer destination, away from the dangerous heat. This might be a mountain town or campsite, a destination along the water, or a resort. Thirteen percent forewent the great outdoors entirely and instead decided to spend their vacation inside. This can limit your travel experiences, especially when you consider all the places you can visit with your RV, such as national parks, campgrounds, theme parks, and sporting events.
Despite the disruptions, RV owners are still finding ways to make the most out of their summer travels and navigate around the terrible heat. It’s also been an opportunity to spend these summer days on the road, away from home while seeing new places, and using the most of the space you have inside your recreational vehicle.
Plan a Safe RV Vacation During Extreme Heat
Protect yourself and fellow travelers by planning a safe RV vacation when there’s extreme heat. Drink plenty of water and limit your outdoor recreational activities if you’re going to be somewhere that’s susceptible to extreme heat exposure. Before you set out, do a maintenance check on your RV to ensure you have no engine issues and your air conditioning is properly working, because you’ll be relying on both to stay safe. Err on the side of caution when you plan your route for your adventure, because the asphalt on the road can rise well over 150 degrees Fahrenheit and cause a blowout if your tires aren’t adequately inflated. Check out these tips for keeping your RV cool in the summer, and follow these best practices on your trip:
- Inspect your tires for pressure level, then replenish your coolant and fluids, and make sure you have a clean filter.
- Bring an onboard generator to cool the RV when you’re camping.
- Lighten the load of your vehicle to put less of a burden on your engine and vehicle components by packing less belongings.
- Put the windows down or crack them while you drive.
- Drive in the morning and nighttime when it’s cooler out.
- Put on cruise control for fuel efficiency and limit idling to protect your engine from running too hot.
- Park in the shade or in a garage and block out the sun on your windows with shades or a windshield reflector.
- If you’re not using the vehicle for some time at your campground or RV site, consider covering it with a cover or tarp.
Like many RVers that partook in our survey, you might have changed your travel plans to visit some place cooler like the mountains, a beach, lake, river, or waterpark. Change up your activities to stay out of the heat and limit how long you’re outside if you’re hiking or biking. Instead, consider water-based recreation like swimming or boating. If you’re staying indoors or inside your vehicle for most of your trip, play games, watch movies, read, cook, or do some interior design.
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This summer has been one of the worst on record for extreme heat, causing concerns for safety and tampering with travel plans. RVs can give you the advantage to keep moving on the road to a cooler destination, and make the most of the situation with a backup plan when things get hot out there. When you’re ready to take a vacation, shop all the new and pre-owned recreational vehicles from a national selection of dealers and private sellers at RVTrader.com.
