Summer time is here and it is hot! There is nothing worse than the feeling of trying to relax while dripping with sweat, so we started doing some research on the best ways to stay cool during your Summer RV Travels. There are several ways to workaround the sun, but they do involve a bit effort and forethought. But with enough practice and an innovative attitude, your RV will be sure to beat the heat!

When it comes to keeping the RV cool, remember these three main principles:

-Shade

-Air flow

-Air Conditioning

During the hot season, shade is your best friend and you will want your RV to bask in it as often as possible. Next time you pull up to an RV campground, be sure to ask if there is a shady spot available. If there are no shady spots, be sure to pull out all of your awnings as soon as you park. This gives the shaded area a chance to cool the air before it actually hits the RV. Skeptical? Give it a try! You will be surprised to see that this could help cool off the rig by as much as 5 degrees! However, we know that not every motorhome comes standard with awnings so if absolutely necessary, a spare tarp can cast wonderfully cooling shade in a pinch.

When traveling in the hot summer months, it is essential to maintain the balance between air flow and air conditioning. As a general rule of thumb, the air conditioner is used when temperatures are high, but is turned off the moment the outside temperatures fall. When using the air conditioner, keep all doors and windows closed to keep the cool air within the vehicle. Further, when possible you will want to do all of the cooking somewhere outside. This removes the possibility of the cooktop heating up the rig after working so hard to keep it cool! This shouldn’t be a problem for BBQ aficionados. When you notice that outside temperatures are beginning to fall, turn off your A/C and open up all windows (that are in the shade), vents, and vent covers. This gives the hardworking air conditioner a chance to retire for the day as the sun sets and cooler weather ensues.

Another important fact to remember when trying to manage temperatures is that hot air rises while cool air falls. With that said, one of the best things you can buy for your RV is a vent cover. Vent covers allow for the exhaust of hot air from the inside of the RV even when outdoor elements are particularly harsh. It is important to maintain good airflow from within the RV so that warm air is not stagnant and is encouraged outwards. Mark Polk from RV Education 101 suggests placing a thermostat controlled fan by the refrigerator vents to help dispel any built up heat. Not only will this help to get air flowing but it will also help refrigerator efficiency by 40%.

Just because the weather is hot outside does not mean that we have to be miserable! Hopefully with some diligent planning and a little know how, you and your family will be as cool as a cucumber this RV travel season.