As the summer wanes on, the temperature and the humidity can climb higher and higher. But you don’t have to let that stop you and your family from enjoying your RV camping experience. At Ketelsen RV, we have several suggestions for keeping cool in hot temperatures.
This tip is an obvious one, but park your RV in shady spot if one is available. If it has an awning over the door, park the RV facing north. The morning sun will be blocked by the awning and, in the afternoon and early evening, your outdoor living space will be in the shadow of the RV keeping it cooler throughout the day.
Keep inside air circulating
If you have an air conditioner, the campground power grid might not support running it continually. And remember, the air conditioner is trying to cool the inside air. If the inside temperature reaches about 85 degrees Fahrenheit, consider turning it off and opening the windows exposed to the shade to create more air flow. Turning on the ceiling fan will help draw out the hot air and draw in cooler air. When the temperature drops at dusk, open all the windows and turn the ceiling fan on high to get air circulating once again. Then close up the windows and turn on the air conditioner to continue to drop the temperature in the RV for the night.
More tips for beating the heat
Here are a few more ways to help keep the RV cool.
- Put reflective windshield and window coverings on the inside of the windshield and the driver’s window. For maximum benefit, place an outside vinyl covering on the windshield to help keep the sun out.
- Cover the windows on the inside with a no-tear radiant barrier material like Reflectix bubble insulation.
- Create shade for parts of the RV not protected by awnings by hanging a tarp or other sun shade material over those areas. If you can’t attach the tarp to the RV, hang it from two nearby trees or two poles planted in the ground.
- Cook meals outside to avoid heating up the kitchen.
Stay safe
It’s also important to take precautions to ensure you and your family protect yourselves in the heat.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, moisture-wicking clothes.
- Spritz water over exposed parts of the body, or soak a bandana in cool water and tie it around the neck to cool down.
- Socialize around the RV or do the more strenuous physical activities in the morning or early evening when the sun is high and it’s not so hot. Save activities – like playing in the water, exploring caves or taking in a museum – during the heat of the day.
- Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
- Eat cool foods like fresh vegetables and fruits, cold sandwiches, pasta salad and popsicles.
These tips will help you and your loved ones enjoy your camping experience even when it’s hot. For additional RV News and Tips, sign up for our newsletter.
Or, if you’re interested in looking at RVs, stop by Ketelsen RV in Hiawatha, Iowa. We have many new and used models we can show you, and we’re happy to answer all your questions.
