When reminiscing about summer, many RVers think of long days spent exploring new places, camping at bucket list destinations, and warm nights spent sitting around the campfire. However, it’s hard to look forward to the good times without also dreading how stuffy and uncomfortable RV trips can be in the summer months. 

In this blog, we’ll go over some of the most effective ways to not only survive, but thrive, as an RVer during the summer. 

1. Bring Refreshing Food

The infamous saying “You are what you eat” applies even more so in the summer. Stay away from heavy and greasy foods and instead, bring refreshing and light dishes that will help you combat the heat. Large portions of heavy meals will be harder for your body to digest, putting your body under more work than it needs. Some ideas of light dishes you can bring along are:

• Pasta Salad
• Sushi 
• Fresh veggies and fruit
• Sandwiches/Wraps
• Greek Salad

 

2. Keep Windows Closed 

Keeping windows closed when it’s hot may seem counterintuitive, but it actually helps keep the heat out of your RV. If you want to take it a step further, also close the curtains or blinds. It is especially important that you remember to do this when you are away from your RV during the day, so that when you’re back, you’re not coming home to a sauna. 

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! 

This may sound like a given, but keeping hydrated is a key component to surviving the heat. If you have a hard time drinking enough water, try adding in some flavor drops! 

TIP: Purchase an insulated water bottle to bring along on your trip that will keep your liquids cold. This water bottle keeps cold for up to 48 hrs!

 

 

4. Reflective Insulation 

Another recommendation we have is to bring a roll of reflective insulation to put on your windshield while you’re away from your RV. If your windows don’t have blinds or curtains, this is a great alternative to use to block the heat.

5. Go Where the Shade Is 

Perhaps the most effective way to combat the heat is to simply seek out shade as much as you can. When choosing a parking spot, try to pick out shaded spot. If you find a good shaded spot but it is on unlevel ground, do not fret! Lynx Levelers to the rescue! 

 

 

6. Snap Shades

We’ve given a few suggestions already on how to prevent heat from coming into your RV that involve keeping windows covered. These are only viable solutions when you are away from your RV since the view would be blocked. 

If you are looking for something to block the heat while you are in your RV, we suggest purchasing some EZ RV Snap Shades. These shades are described as “thermo-weave™ mesh [that] block up to 90% of the sun’s heat & damaging UV rays, without blocking your view”. Although the EZ Snap Shades have a hefty price tag, they are a good investment for those who travel in their RV often during the summer. 

 

 

7. Cooling Towels

Cooling towels are very handy to keep around during the hot summer days. They are extremely effective at keeping you cool while being light-weight and easy to use.

 

 

8. Awning

If your RV already comes with an awning, make sure to make good use of it during the summer. If your RV does not have an awning, it might be a good idea to invest in one. Awnings are not only a good way to create shade, but it’s also useful if you want to sit outside when it’s raining.

 

 

9. Cooling Car Seat

Everyone is familiar with heating car seats, but have you ever heard of cooling car seats? This cooling cushion is convenient and easy to set up, making it the perfect way to combat the heat this summer!

10. Pet Cooling Mat

We couldn't make this blog without mentioning our beloved pets because, as much as we suffer in the heat, our fur friends tend to suffer even more. If you are traveling with your pets this summer, consider purchasing a pet cooling mat that you can put inside your RV. This should alleviate some of your pet’s discomfort. 

 

We hope that these tips will help you combat the heat this summer so that you can enjoy your RV trip even more. If you have any more tips, tricks, or advice, please share it in the comments!