There is no doubt that summer is the best time to take an RV road trip. It’s May, which means summer is right around the corner! It’s time to start planning summer RV trips. No matter how well travelers plan their road trips to avoid really hot weather, it can be unavoidable in the summer.
That’s why we wanted to take a beat to share these tips to keep cool in your RV.
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Rent a heat-friendly RV
When searching for an RV to rent, there are many different features that you may look for to make your trip more enjoyable. Some RVs have air conditioners, which are obviously ideal. That’s also why we have this search filter to help you see all the RVs with AC in your area.
However, keep in mind that this could run up your power bill and may not be accessible off the grid. I would also look for units that have vents in the ceiling. Having a vent with a fan can make a really big difference when you’re trying to sleep at night. They are also typically a lot less noisy than an AC unit which is a big plus.
Another great option is to look for RVs that have an awning. An awning will allow you to spend more time outside in the shade. This is the most likely place to be cooler than inside the RV or out in the sun during the hottest part of the day. Under an awning is a great place to relax and set up a table to eat meals.
Find places to cool off during the day
There are many different ways you can do this. As much as technology changes and RVs get better suited for insulation and keeping regulated temperature, it still can be very difficult to control the weather. This is a lot more noticeable when the weather is really hot or very cold. Thus one of the best ways to avoid sweating in an RV is to stay out of it during the hottest part of the day.
Many campgrounds nowadays also have pools where you can cool off and sunbathe during the day. Many towns have recreation centers with indoor and outdoor pools that have daily rates for visitors. If those options fail you, look for swimming lakes or the ocean, depending on what type of location you are at.
Ice is your friend
For those unbearable hot days, ice will be your best friend. Depending on what type of RV you rent, always have ice on hand either in a freezer or in a cooler. During a hot day, ice on the back of your neck can cool you down instantly. Also making your own ice packs is a great way to continually reuse ice to cool off during a hot day.
How to make your own ice pack:
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup rubbing alcohol
- 2 quart or gallon size bags
Shade is your friend too
We all know that shade keeps us cooler. Shade for an RV is like this magical force that can completely transform your camping experience. That’s because shade keeps the sun from hitting the outside of your camper and essentially turning the inside into a convection oven.
Even if you have AC, the shade will help your air-conditioner cool even more effectively because it doesn’t have to compete with the heat generated by the sun hitting your RV.
Sleep cooler
There are a few ways to sleep a bit cooler for one of those relentless hot nights, particularly in areas with high humidity. Sleeping by an open window is obviously the best choice. Some other options are placing a mat on the floor as heat does rise. Another trick is to shower before bedtime and not dry your hair, that way your head will stay cooler, keeping your entire body cooler.
Cooling mats for humans can also help immensely on this front.
Avoiding really hot weather in the summer is the best way to stay cool this summer in an RV. However, these tips will keep you cooler during your summer adventures and less sticky – no matter where you go!
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