Summertime camping is a blast, but soaring temperatures can turn your RV into a sauna if you’re not prepared. Whether you have air conditioning or not, are camping with electrical hookups or boondocking, there are practical ways to keep cool and comfortable this summer. In this guide, we’ll cover tips and products to help you stay cool, no matter what type of RV setup you have!
Understanding Your RV Cooling Needs
Let’s take a look at some of the different scenarios you might encounter, depending on your own RV.
AC vs. Non-AC Campers:
- Benefits of Having AC: RV air conditioners provide reliable and effective cooling, especially in extreme heat. They can reduce interior temperatures quickly, giving you a cool oasis to retreat to during hot afternoons.
- Managing Without AC: If you don’t have AC, it’s not the end of the world. Natural ventilation, shade, and portable fans can work wonders to keep your RV cool.
Hookup vs. Boondocking Campers:
- Advantages of Electrical Hookups: With electrical hookups, you can use your AC unit and any additional electric cooling devices.
- Cooling Challenges While Boondocking: Without hookups, it’s crucial to rely on battery power, solar panels, or generators, focusing on efficient and low-power cooling solutions.
Prepping Your RV for Hot Weather
There are some great products out there that offer solutions for cooling off your RV in the summer heat. When you find yourself camping in the summer, and especially when your campsite offers little or no shade from trees, the heat that builds inside of a camper is not just uncomfortable – it’s dangerous.
Reflective Window Covers:
- Importance: Reflective window covers block the sun’s heat from entering, reducing indoor temperatures significantly.
- Product Recommendations:
- Reflectix Reflective Insulation: Cut-to-fit rolls for customizable window covers.
- Camco SunShield Reflective Door Window Cover: Pre-sized covers for RV entry doors.
Window Insulation Kits:
- Importance: Window insulation kits help reduce heat transfer through the windows, keeping your RV cooler. These kits can be helpful in keeping cooler air from the air conditioner inside your RV. Solar window film is a very quick and easy alternative to the insulation kits.
- Product Recommendations:
- 3M Indoor Window Insulator Kit: Heat-shrink film for a snug fit.
- Frost King Shrink Film Insulator Kit: Double-sided tape for secure attachment.
RV Roof Vents and Vent Covers:
- Importance: Roof vents and covers provide effective ventilation while protecting against rain and debris.
- Product Recommendations:
- MaxxAir Vent Cover: Allows airflow, even during storms.
- Fan-Tastic Vent 7350: Automatic temperature sensor with reversible airflow.
Staying Cool with Electrical Hookups
Portable Fans:
- Importance: Portable fans improve air circulation throughout the RV. Fans comes in a wide variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose a fan that will work best for your camper space.
- Product Recommendations:
- Vornado 630 Mid-Size Whole Room Air Circulator: Powerful and compact. (I actually have the smaller size of this fan and LOVE it!
- Lasko Oscillating Tower Fan: Slim design with multi-function remote.
Portable AC Units:
- Importance: Portable AC units offer extra cooling power for larger RVs or specific areas.
- Product Recommendations:
- BLACK+DECKER BPACT10WT Portable Air Conditioner: Suitable for mid-sized RVs.
- Honeywell MN12CESBB Portable AC: High-capacity cooling for larger RVs.
Boondocking Strategies for Staying Cool
Cooling Towels:
- Importance: Cooling towels provide immediate cooling relief for individuals.
- Product Recommendations:
- Chill Pal PVA Cooling Towel: Ultra-soft, reusable, and easy to activate.
- Mission Enduracool Microfiber Cooling Towel: Long-lasting cooling effect.
Battery-Powered and Solar Fans:
- Importance: Efficient cooling without electrical hookups.
- Product Recommendations:
- O2COOL Treva 5 Inch Battery Powered Fan: Battery-operated fan with 2 speeds.
- Ansee Solar Fan: Dual power options with solar charging.
- ASNUG Neck Fan, USB Rechargeable Personal Fan: Portable air flow! I have this fan and absolutely love it. It is a must-pack for our summer horse shows and camping trips.
Maximizing Shade:
- Importance: Reduce sun exposure to your RV by maximizing shade.
- Strategies:
- Parking under natural shade (trees, rock outcrops).
- Using RV awnings and shade cloth.
- Product Recommendations:
- Camco RV Awning Shade Screen: Reduces sun exposure and glare.
- Shade Pro RV Awning Fabric Replacement: Refreshes older awnings for better shading.
Ventilation Techniques:
- Importance: Encourage airflow throughout the RV.
- Strategies:
- Cross-ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides.
- Vent fans to draw hot air out.
- Product Recommendations:
- MaxxFan Deluxe Vent Fan: Remote control with adjustable speed settings.
- Dometic Fantastic Vent Fan: Compact and quiet fan unit.
General Tips and Tricks
Hydration and Cooling Snacks:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Enjoy cool treats like frozen fruit and popsicles.
- Avoid spending time in a closed up camper or space. Always ensure that you have some ventilation by way of fans with windows open, vents, etc.
- Seek out the shade whenever possible.
Cooling Clothing:
- Wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to stay cool.
- Product Recommendations:
- Alpine Chill Zero Short Sleeve Crew Shirts: Keeps you cool and dry.
- Arctic Cool Instant Cooling Apparel: Instant cooling fabric technology.
Nighttime Cooling:
- Take advantage of cooler night temperatures.
- Open windows and run fans for night air circulation.
Staying cool and comfortable in your RV this summer is possible with a bit of preparation and the right products. Whether you have AC, electrical hookups, or are boondocking, these tips and product recommendations will help you beat the heat. We also have some fun ways to stay cool on summer camping trips.
If you have any favorite cooling tips or products that work well for you, share them in the comments below!
