How to Beat the Heat! Ten Strategies for Cooling Your RV During Extra-Hot Summer Months

With global weather changes making summers increasingly hotter and more arid, it’s more important than ever to prepare your RV for the heat if you want to enjoy your adventures away from home. The stifling heat can really sap one’s vitality during the day, not to mention turn your metal RV into a hot box that is NOT enjoyable as your portable living space. Mindful strategies can truly help to keep the inside of your RV more comfortable as you ride-out summer heatwaves.

Our team continues to compile tips to help keep you and your RV cooler during the summer, wherever your travels may take you. Some of these cooling tips are just common sense and cost no money at all, so we hope you find them helpful and easy to enact! Others require some cash expenditure and planning – great tactics to pursue before your RV travel season begins!

The Refrigerator Vent

Most folks don’t think about this, but your refrigerator releases considerable heat as it works to keep its interior cool. Indeed, some forward-thinking refrigerator designs place the motor ON TOP of the refrigerator so the rising heat does not compete with the cooling happening within. Your RV refrigerator gives off a great deal of heat as it cools the food. This heat gets trapped in the RV and will contribute to warming your inside environment. Most RV refrigerators have an external vent on the side of the RV roof to remove this heat. Always make sure this vent is clean and not blocked by debris to allow for a complete release of this heat. You can also install a small fan in the ventilation area of the fridge to pull even more of the heat buildup out of the interior.

Use Nighttime Air and Natural Breezes

To keep your RV cool, make the most of the cooler nighttime air and natural airflow. In the evenings, open your windows and door to welcome in the refreshing night air, which can significantly lower the interior temperature. Before dawn breaks and the temperature outside begins to rise, close the windows to seal-in that cool air, maintaining a more comfortable environment throughout the day.

Additionally, align your motorhome to harness natural breezes. Wind patterns in the United States typically flow from west to east, so by positioning your motorhome accordingly, you can up the airflow. Use screens on your windows and door to prevent insects, dust and debris from entering while still allowing the breeze to do its job. Consulting with glass specialists can guarantee your windows are optimized for airflow and efficiency. This natural ventilation strategy helps to keep the air moving and reduces the need for artificial cooling during the day.

Better Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key to preventing your RV from becoming an oven. Install vent covers over your roof vents to increase airflow and allow fresh air in, even during rainy weather. This promotes cross-ventilation and helps maintain a cooler atmosphere inside.

Optimize Your Cooling System

Regular maintenance of your RV’s air conditioner is crucial. Make certain that all filters are clean to maximize the efficiency of your cooling system, providing the coldest air possible during those hot summer days. Inspecting and replacing filters regularly can make such a difference. A cooling system replacement of your radiator fluid can be helpful here as well.

Invest in Portable Fans

For an economical solution to beat the heat, investing in a couple of portable fans can be a game-changer. These fans are quite effective in redistributing the air inside your RV—pushing out the hot air and pulling in cooler air.

Place one fan at a window facing outward to expel warm air and another facing inward at a shaded window to introduce cooler outside air. This setup not only helps in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your RV but also guarantees a constant flow of fresh air throughout the day and night. There are even solar-powered fan options available these days!

Create Effective Shade

Utilize natural and artificial shade to protect your RV from the sun. Park in shaded areas whenever possible, and use your awning to keep the sun at bay. For additional shade, rig up tarps with tree-friendly straps or secure a large tarp to the side of your RV, creating a cool outdoor lounging area.

 

Switch to LED Lighting

LED bulbs are not only energy-efficient but also emit significantly less heat than traditional bulbs. Consider replacing all your RV’s bulbs with LED versions to reduce heat generation inside. Additionally, turn off lights when not in use to conserve energy and minimize heat.

Cook Outside

Avoid using the stove or oven inside your RV on hot days. Instead, embrace the joy of outdoor cooking. Set up a grill or cook over a campfire to keep the interior of your RV cool and to add an authentic touch to your camping experience.

Reflective Window Insulation

If your RV doesn’t have window awnings, reflective window insulation can be a lifesaver. It reflects the sun’s rays away from your RV, significantly reducing heat absorption through the windows. This affordable solution is available at most home improvement stores and can be cut to fit any window size.

Reflective insulation is highly effective at blocking out heat, especially when the sun is at its peak. Additionally, keep your windows and blinds closed to further prevent heat accumulation inside your RV. Employing mini-blinds or day/night shades can also help secure the insulation and provide an extra layer of heat protection.

Optimize Skylight Coverage and Seal Your RV

To combat the intense summer heat, start by addressing your RV’s skylights. Since these are exposed to the high-riding summer sun, they can significantly increase the temperature inside. Installing insulating covers over your skylights can effectively block solar radiation and keep your RV’s interior cooler on sweltering days.

In addition to managing your skylights, make sure your RV remains tightly closed during the hottest parts of the day. Keeping doors and window seals intact minimizes the escape of cool air and prevents hot air from entering. Although frequent opening and closing can be tempting, maintaining a sealed environment will improve your RV’s overall coolness, making those scorching summer days more bearable.

RV Glass Helps Beat the Heat!

As an RV owner, partnering with Custom Glass Solutions can provide you with a full range of RV glass services – from glass upgrades for more efficient dual-pane windows to performing necessary glass window repairs.

Additionally, consider the benefits of RV window replacement to address any issues that might impact your RV’s temperature control. With expert solutions available for all your window needs, you can handle the summer and be confident that your RV is ready to provide a cool and comfortable escape, regardless of the temperatures outside.

To make sure all of your RV glass needs are met, from repairs to upgrades, consider connecting with Custom Glass Solutions and our network of over 3,000 preferred glass shops from coast-to-coast. Our expertise in RV glass replacement and RV glass repair can equip your vehicle to be able to handle the demands of any climate – making your journey cooler and more enjoyable.

With Custom Glass Solutions and mindful attention to your recreational vehicle, you can enjoy a more comfortable RV experience even during the hottest days of increasingly hot summers. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way toward more enjoyable summer adventures!