Summer travel comes with hot days, but in Texas, even fall and spring days can cause temperatures to climb. That’s why, whenever you travel, you need a game plan to keep your RV cool during your trip. With the right mixture of positioning, planning and a few other tips, you’ll be able to stay comfortable for your entire vacation.
Consider Your RV’s Orientation
Before turning on your air conditioner, make sure you’ve positioned your RV in the best possible spot. Choosing a shady spot is no-brainer, but if you only have partial shade, try to park your RV so the refrigerator vents and the A/C unit are covered. Also, try to park your RV so the largest windows receive the least amount of full sun.
Install Roof Vent Covers to Increase Air Circulation
Traveling without air conditioning? If you don’t have AC, do some advanced planning to take advantage of passing breezes by installing RV roof vent cover. This product will channel breezes inside and keep rain out. Keeping windows and vents open also encourages cross ventilation that keeps your RV cool. You can also add fans to your roof vents, which will ensure that you’ll be able to make your own breeze during still days.
Use Shades to Prevent Heat Gain
Even if you’re running your air conditioner, use your awnings and window shades to prevent the sun from overheating your RV. Once you’ve parked your RV, extend any awnings to provide some shade. Close the shades and blinds on windows that also receive full sun.
Clean Your A/C Filters
When you regularly hit the dusty trail, it’s easy for your A/C filters to get dirty. Dirty filters make it difficult for your air conditioner to work efficiently, but you can clean them quickly with a handheld vacuum cleaner. You can also wash some A/C filters with soapy water to keep them clean.
Swap Incandescents for LED Bulbs
If you still have a few incandescent light bulbs in your RV, change them for some LEDs. Not only do LED bulbs run significantly cooler than old-school light bulbs, but the LEDs are far less likely to burn out during your trip.
Try Some Al Fresco Cooking
Don’t constantly heat your RV by cooking all of your meals inside. Instead, plan a few meals that you can grill or otherwise cook outside. Outdoor cooking will keep your RV cooler, but it’s also a great way to enjoy nature while you eat.
Cover Your Shower Skylight
A skylight can make the shower stall feel larger, but it’s also a major source of heat gain. After you’ve finished using the shower, consider covering the skylight with sun block attached to the ceiling with hook and loop fasteners. If you don’t mind permanently blocking the skylight, consider replacing the inner part of the skylight with Reflectix insulation.
Close Windows in the Morning
Trap cool morning air inside your RV by closing all of the windows and vents when you wake up in the morning. Also, try to minimize opening and closing your RV’s door to keep the inside as cool as possible. If you use this tip, monitor the temperature inside to decide when it’s the best time to open the windows to take advantage of any breezes.
While no single tip will keep your RV completely cool, combining these tips should make a noticeable difference in the indoor temperature of your RV. But by minimizing your RV’s sun exposure and the heat you create, you can greatly reduce the amount you’ll sweat.
No matter what time of the year you travel, visit Quality RV Resorts to book a vacation spot at one of our Houston, San Antonio, Baytown and Brazoria luxury resorts.
Sources:
- https://www.fmca.com/motorhome/polks-top-7/2607-polks-top-7-tips-for-keeping-your-motorhome-cool.html
- http://www.loveyourrv.com/tips-keeping-rv-cool-without-ac/
- http://blog.gorving.com/2016/08/hot-weather-tips-to-keep-your-rv-cool/
- https://rv101.tv/2012/06/26/rv-101-keep-your-rv-cool-this-summer/
