Sun, sun and more sun! That's my number one expectation for a summer holiday, and I know that expectation is shared by many.
While an RV is a perfect choice for a summer vacation, it can sometimes be a challenge to prevent it from becoming too hot inside. If you're connected to an external power source or running your generator, the air conditioner will make a difference, but keeping the RV cool is just part of the story. Years of summer RVing has given me great insight into the best ways to keep cool in the heat.
- Obvious maybe, but parking your RV in the shade, out of direct sunlight, will help. This might not be the best option though if you have solar panels on your roof - your RV will need to be capturing some of that direct sunlight to supplement your power requirements.
- Whether you're parked in sun or shade, keep your blinds, curtains and doors closed during the day. When you're inside the RV and not using the air conditioner, open the windows to allow air to flow through the motorhome. Close the windows but keep the roof air vents open when you're not around.
- Provided it's safe to do so, keep the windows open at night and use a portable fan to keep the air circulating. Fans can be purchased from many stores.
Make the most of campsite BBQ areas and fire pits and cook outside where possible. Avoiding the use of appliances in the RV that generate heat will help keep the RV cooler. Remember though to always follow provincial and regional bans on campfires when they are in place.
Keeping your RV fridge operating efficiently can also be a challenge in hot weather. Don't overfill your fridge or freezer - sufficient air space around items ensures optimum performance. Constantly opening and closing the fridge door affects fridge operation so perhaps consider putting items you access frequently (like pop and water) into a cooler bag with ice-packs.
Know your own body and be aware of the effects the extreme heat may have on it. Stay out of the sun where possible and, most importantly, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Following these simple tips will ensure you have a fun, safe RV vacation while keeping cool in the heat.
