Are you planning a summer RV camping trip? Make the most of your adventure with these helpful tips to stay cool, comfortable, and safe during the hot summer months. From choosing the right campsite to staying hydrated and protecting your RV from the heat, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know for a successful summer camping trip.
Inspect Your RV
Make sure that you give your RV a full inspection inside and out before you head anywhere so that you aren’t stuck by the side of the road, fanning yourself with a road atlas while you wait for a tow truck. You’ll want to double-check every feature of your RV, from tires to slide-outs, and if you have an air-conditioning system, now is the time to ensure that it’s functioning properly since you’ll probably use it a lot.
Keep your RV stocked up with a first-aid kit, along with sunscreen, calamine lotion, bug spray, aloe vera and your usual medications. Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and one in the bedroom. If there’s an exterior storage space, you might even stash a fire extinguisher in there for dealing with campfires that go haywire.
Make sure that you also have flashlights, signal flares, an emergency radio and some extra food and water for any emergencies. A hatchet, some rope, duct tape, a tool kit and waterproof clothing will also be good to have on hand.
Keeping Yourself Cool
When you’re trying to enjoy yourself in hot weather, you’ll want to dress appropriately. Wear light-colored clothing in natural fabrics that breathe well, like cotton or linen. Stay away from thick polyester clothing. Wear a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses for eye protection, and liberally apply sunscreen when you’re not in the shade.
Try to schedule activities outside of peak temperatures, which will mean doing more hikes in the early morning or early evening. Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, especially if you’re sweating a lot. Take frequent rest breaks when going on hikes or participating in other strenuous activities outside.
Cooling Your RV
If your camper has an air-conditioning unit, then you’ll want to use it judiciously, especially if you’re trying to save on power while boondocking. Make sure that if you turn it on, all doors and windows are shut tightly so that the cool air doesn’t escape.
If your RV doesn’t have an A/C unit, here are a few other strategies you can try to keep the interior cool.
Park Strategically
If you orient your RV in a certain way, you can keep the inside out of the sun and keep it a few degrees cooler. Park so that the side of your RV with the most windows is facing east and north, away from the south and west where the sun will be strongest. If you can park under a large tree or other shade, then do so! If your RV has an awning, extend it even if you’re not outside to provide a little more shade.
Cover Your Windows
Keeping your windows covered up will reduce the amount of direct sunlight that heats up your living space. Use reflective bubble insulation that sticks to the windows and invest in some curtains to shut against the light.
Cook Outside
The heat from a kitchen is likely to steam up the interior of your RV, so take your meal-prep outside. Use your external kitchen if you have one or cook over a grill or even the campfire instead. Prepare more cold foods when you’re indoors, such as sandwiches, salads and yogurt parfaits instead of hot meals.
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