RV Tips to Beat the Heat

RV Tips to Beat the Heat

Traveling in an RV during the summer can be a fantastic experience, but high temperatures can quickly turn your comfortable home-on-wheels into an oven. Use these tips to keep your RV cool and energy efficient, ensuring a pleasant trip even when the mercury rises.

Before you hit the road, a few preventative steps can make a big difference in temperature management.

• Seal and Insulate: Check all windows, doors, and hatches for leaks. Good insulation is your first line of defense against heat transfer. Consider adding thermal curtains or blackout blinds to windows.
• A/C Maintenance: Your air conditioning unit is critical. Clean or replace A/C filters and ensure the condenser coils are free of debris. An annual professional check-up is highly recommended.
• Roof and Vent Covers: Install vent covers to allow you to keep vents open for passive ventilation even during light rain or when parked. Consider a reflective or white roof coating to reduce heat absorption.

Where and how you park your RV significantly impacts the internal temperature.

• Seek Shade: This is the most effective tip. Whenever possible, park under trees or use large tarps/canopies. A shaded RV can be significantly cooler than one exposed to direct sunlight.
• Orient for Sun Exposure: Park with the broadest side of your RV facing away from the hottest part of the sun (typically the west in the afternoon). Awnings should be extended on the sun-exposed side.
• Utilize Awnings and Screens: Extend all awnings to shade windows and walls. Consider adding sunscreens or mesh panels to the sides of your awning for extra shade.
• Ground Cover: Paving or gravel reflects less heat than concrete or asphalt. If possible, choose a natural or dirt surface.

Beyond running your A/C, there are many active steps you can take to cool your RV.