RVerTV 2026 Newsletter
Hey RVerTV family, with the summer heat absolutely cranking, I wanted to share a few quick, helpful tips to keep you and your rig cool out on the road!
~~~Russ
RV Summer Cooling Guide:
RVing in the peak of summer is an amazing way to experience the great outdoors, but without a game plan, your rig can quickly turn into a rolling sauna. RV air conditioners don’t actually create "cold" air; they remove heat from inside the coach. This means your main goal is to keep heat from getting inside in the first place.
Here is a practical guide of the Do’s and Don’ts for staying cool and comfortable on your summer travels.
☀️ What to DO
1. Optimize Your Parking & Shade
- Park with the sun in mind: Try to park your RV facing East-to-West. This minimizes the surface area exposed to direct morning and afternoon sun on the sides of your rig.
- Seek natural shade: Scout campsites with plenty of tree cover. Even a single tree blocking the afternoon sun can lower your internal RV temperatures by several degrees.
- Deploy your awning: Extend your awning to block direct sunlight from hitting your windows and sidewalls.
2. Block the Heat at the Windows
- Use reflective window covers: Double-reflective radiant barriers (like Reflectix) cut to fit your windows are a lifesaver. They bounce solar heat away before it can enter the RV.
- Insulate your roof vents: Insert insulated cushion covers (like Camco vent insulators) into your ceiling vents. Standard plastic vent lids are very thin and let in an immense amount of overhead heat.
- Keep blinds closed: Keep your blackout curtains or shades fully drawn, especially on the side of the rig facing the sun.
🚫 What NOT to Do
- 1. Don't Cook Indoors Avoid the stove and oven: Running your propane stove or oven inside will instantly turn your RV into an oven. Do this instead: Cook outdoors on a grill, or use low-heat appliances outside like an electric griddle or an Instant Pot. If you must cook inside, stick to cold meals or quick microwave options.
- 2. Don't Park Directly on Asphalt Avoid hot surfaces: If you have a choice, avoid parking on blacktop or asphalt, which radiates intense heat directly up through the floor of your RV. Do this instead: Look for campsites with grass, gravel, or dirt pads, as they absorb and radiate far less heat.
- 3. Don't Leave Vents and Doors Unnecessary Open Keep the cool air locked in: Keep your exterior doors closed as much as possible. Every time the door swings open, you lose a massive pocket of air-conditioned space. Don't block your AC registers: Make sure no bags, blankets, or cabinets are blocking your AC vents. Obstructing the airflow can cause the unit to freeze up and stop working entirely.
- 4. Don't Forget Power Management Watch your voltage: RV AC units require stable, proper voltage to run safely. In crowded summer campgrounds, the electrical grid can sag. Running your AC on low voltage can damage its motor. Always use a quality surge protector/electrical management system (EMS) to monitor your power pedestal. Ditch incandescent lights: If your RV still has older halogen or incandescent bulbs, try not to leave them on. They generate a surprising amount of heat. (Upgrading to cool-running LEDs is a quick and cheap fix!)
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