9 best tips on how to stay cool inside your RV during summer
Summer camping is the best, especially if you explore State and National Parks all over the country. You don’t need to pack a lot of clothes, no fear of ice and snow or spring thunderstorms.
Summer camping at its best. Sitting around a campfire all night, enjoying the company of family and friends, or just enjoying the quiet is what camping is all about.
Camping during the summer months can be a challenge though in the South if you want to survive the heat. If you have camped in the South during the summer before, you know that you have to be prepared in your RV.
This is why I collected the 9 best tips on how to stay cool inside your RV during summer which is pretty easy to follow. If you want to survive during summer camping, check through the 9 best tips for staying cool inside your RV during summer:
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9 best tips on how to stay cool inside your RV during summer
Summer Camping – what you need to bring to stay cool:
Get an Ice Maker
- Get a tabletop ice maker for your drinks and make sure you stay hydrated and your body temperature is cooled off during the summer heat. Here are some reasonably priced tabletop ice makers, both make 26 lbs. of ice during 24 hours, and 9 ice cubes are ready within 7 minutes. I love the IGLOO, because of its look and ease of operating. How about a Nugget Ice Maker? A little pricier but so good.
Summer Camping Tips – Bring a cooler
2. Coolers – We bring an additional cooler to store all of our drinks. We also make ice cubes ahead of our trip to be able to have cold beverages while on the road.
Here are our favorite coolers:
The YETI coolers are a little pricey but they keep our drinks cold for days.
The IGLOO coolers are also good to use and available in many sizes.
Use your awning as much as possible
3. Use your awning as much as possible to keep the outside of your RV cool. Always keep the wind conditions in mind and bring the awning in if the wind starts blowing. Over time, constant flapping can tear the bead that fastens the fabric to the rail of your RV.
A stabilizer kit can be handy on windy days to anchor your awning to the ground. Never leave the camping site with the awning out. We also bring our awning in at night.
It helps if you add a side fabric to your awning to keep the sun out. Here are some easy solutions that give you more shade while camping
How about a tent gazebo?
If you drive a Camper Van this is a cool awning.
Or if you want something totally easy to set up, this is recommended. Use this Versatility Camping Tent for Truck Bed, SUV RVing, Van, Trailer, and Overlanding Portable Teardrop Awning Canopy Tear tear-resistant tarp with 2 Sandbags
Cover the window of your RV with this tinted windshield car sun visor or use reflectix on all of your windows.
A/C maintenance is important
4. Don’t forget to check your A/C before summer camping starts or have it serviced. Check if the normal condensation is being funneled off properly into the drainage tube. Check the tube, check that the bolts are tight, and that the wiring is o.k. and remove all the dirt by rinsing the condenser coil with warm water. Check the fan and impeller carefully for cracks.
If you don’t have the time to maintain your A/C yourself, get it serviced before the summer starts. The money is definitely worth spending.
Summer camping tips – Window coverings
5. Get a roll of reflectix and cover all your windows. Don’t forget to cover the skylight also with the skylight pillow that definitely makes a difference inside your RV. And you can use the reflectix also in winter to protect yourself from freezing temperatures. To keep it put on your windows use double adhesive tape to stick the cut-to-fit pieces on your windows. Keep your door closed as much as possible and cover the window with an additional blind or curtain. Here are more tips on how to add curtains to your windows.
Don’t forget a portable fan
6. I have a hard time sleeping with the A/C on because of the noise, but I NEED a fan running when I sleep to have air movement.
It makes such a different climate when air is blowing inside a camper, it is so much more comfortable if you don’t sweat while sleeping and the air keeps you cool.
This one is only 9 inches and battery operated, you can use it inside your camper and of course outside and it doesn’t need a lot of space.
This one is easy to install or hang over your bed or couch. Bring it with you wherever you need it and just hang it on a hook.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, this is a good buy.
This is also a great fan. You can wall-mount this swivel fan easily. Rechargeable Desk Fan, 8-Inch Battery Operated Clip on Fan, USB Fan, 4 Speeds, Strong Airflow, Sturdy Clamp for Golf Cart Office Desk
Get a cooling mattress topper
Wow, this is awesome. Add a mattress topper to your mattress and stay cool at night. It also makes your RV mattress so much more comfortable.
9 best tips on how to stay cool inside your RV during summer Invest in an additional A/C
6. There are many different portable A/C units available that you can use in your RV. Just make sure you have the space for it. Most of the bigger A/C models are good for rooms of around 200 sq ft:
The cheapest and easiest-to-use air conditioner or fan is this model. All you need to do is add ice and plug it in, select your speed, and cool off. Because it uses ice and cold water as a fuel source it can be easily cleaned and moved from one room to another.
RVLOVENT 12V RV Roof Fan Vent 14” 3 Speed Reversible Manual Lift Trailer Camper Van Lid
This A/C unit has a 3-in-1 FUNCTIONALITY – Combines 3 energy-efficient functions for all of your cooling & ventilation needs with cool, fan, & dehumidifying modes all in one machine. Bucket-less, self-evaporating operation makes your living space cool, clean, and dry, and very efficient for smaller spaces.
ChillWell 2.0 Evaporative Air Cooler – 4-Speed Mini Portable Swamp Coolers with Humidifier Indoor Personal Cooling Unit for Camping
Generally, turn your A/C on before it gets too hot inside so the floor, walls, and ceiling are cool. This is much more efficient than trying to cool off an already hot RV. Also, clean out your A/C vents at least once a month and make sure nothing is blocking the airflow.
Cheapest tip on How to keep your RV cool during the summer months
Camping spot with shade
7. Find a camping spot under the shade. Before you book your camping spot check if the campsite has big trees for shade. The cheapest and one of the most efficient options to cool off your RV is you camp in a cool forest under trees.
Additional shade is always good to have. Either on the beach or on your campsite, this gazebo is easy to set up and provides a lot of shade for yourself and the pets:
Bring this pop-up shade also to the beach to stay cool. A must-have in summer.
Turn off lights, computer and TV
8. Try not to use a lot of lights and electronics, especially if you are not inside your camper. First of all, we exchanged all of our light bulbs for LED lights, which helped a lot to reduce heat. Check your light source before you buy the bulbs. Second, if you don’t need the light, turn it off. If you don’t watch TV or are not using your computer, turn it off. Also, read this article on how to update your lighting in your RV.
Summer cooking – Cook outside your RV
9. If it is really hot, you don’t want to add more heat while cooking inside your Camper. If you don’t have an outdoor kitchen, bring your grill or griddle or use the campfire. We bought a Blackstone griddle about a year ago, and haven’t used our kitchen since then. I also can’t stand all the greasy smell inside the Camper, so I am in love with my Blackstone griddle. (Also check Walmart if you are considering buying a Blackstone, they sometimes run sales).
Bonus Tip – Use the right summer camping essentials:
- Summer camping sleeping bag. Bring a lightweight sleeping bag for the kids and yourself. It covers you but you don’t feel anything heavy on top of you.
Or if you rather use a blanket, check this one out, it is a cooling blanket:
2. Wear the right camping clothes that protect you from the sun on hikes and on the beach: Summer camping outfits are a must-have if you don’t want to get a sunburn. Don’t forget a hat and suntan lotion.
Summary of 9 best tips on how to stay cool inside your RV during summer
I love to go camping during the summer months but yes, it can also be a challenge if it gets really hot. But if you know a couple of tips on how to make the inside of your RV cooler, you will have a great time with friends and family. Also, before you decide where you are going on your vacation keep the weather in mind.
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