RV Summer Heat Safety. Preventive Tips to Keep Your RV Staying Cool

RV Summer Heat Safety. Preventive Tips to Keep Your RV Staying Cool.

Summer’s here and the time is right, so here are some tips to help you keep your cool.

Hot weather can unleash its own unique assault against your vehicle (and us), whether or not we’re too busy sunning at the beach to notice. Here’s a rundown of how to protect you and yours when the mercury starts a’risin’.



Thaw that Thing
After a long off-season of watching your motorhome or trailer gather cobwebs, most owners are itchy to hit the road once the ice thaws. Obviously, summer is the peak RV season, culminating in longer trips and often periods of hard driving in warm weather to get the family to its vacation hub.

We must remember, though, that hot and sunny days can be difficult on vehicles. Under the worst circumstances, the sun and heat can cause engine temperatures to rise and fester, fabrics and exteriors to fade and inside thermometers to climb faster than you can say, “Is it hot in here or is it me?”

As usual, the best defense against the heat is pro-active maintenance and trouble-shooting for your vehicle, along with some cool ideas in terms of managing temperatures. Since this is the time of year when the radiator and cooling system earn their keep, be especially mindful to keep fluids fresh and topped off, check for wear and flaking on belts and fans and be on the lookout for any leaks, weakened pressure cap, or other signs—and smells—of trouble.

It’s particularly important to stay on top of consistent oil changes. A timely radiator flush also is essential. Follow the scheduled maintenance as listed in the owner’s manual. Nothing spoils a trip to Disney World faster than an overheated vehicle billowing steam while beached on the side of the interstate.

Timely Touring
How and when you drive will spare your RV needless stress, wear and tear, not to mention keeping the air conditioner(s) from doing yeoman’s work while in transit. Try to schedule long periods of driving for mornings, late afternoons and evenings when the climate — and traffic — is more hospitable.

Just like you strain to run in the summer heat, so does your engine. Besides, haven’t you heard? Middays are better spent at the beach throwing the Frisbee and relaxing.

Since the goal is always to keep the engine from working harder than it has to, it’s best to maintain modest speeds and, if possible, avoid steep grades during summer heat waves. And as if you needed another reason why piloting an overloaded vehicle is a major no-no, the added weight matched with lofty temperatures gets your RV working harder than a plow horse with a tough row to hoe.

Inner Values
Escalating temperatures onboard are another trip-buster. Nobody likes to sweat out a trip that’s supposed to be fun. Fortunately, there are a number of methods to restore your cool. No, running to the nearest hotel isn’t one of them.

Obviously, the cockpit and/or coach air conditioner may be needed when the open-window policy isn’t cutting the mustard. When parked, either temporarily or for longer periods, always seek the shade and let that large tree or facade shield your rig like a big umbrella. Ask the campground for the most shady and/or breezy spot upon arrival. This move alone should cut interior temperatures drastically.

Yawning Awnings
Don’t hesitate to deploy those festive awnings when you arrive at the campsite. Remember, anything that keeps the heat off the sidewalls of your RV is a good thing. Not only does an awning provide a nice spot for the lawn chair, but it blocks harmful UV rays that would otherwise be hard at work fading furniture and fabrics inside. Employ shades, blinds or drapes onboard throughout to safeguard the interior as well.

Insulated window coverings are by far the best defense here, working diligently on your behalf to both keep the sun’s rays out and the cool air in. It has the same opposite effect during cold-weather camping, making them worthy investments or upgrades.

And while you’re at it, a cockpit windshield cover, whether purchased at Camping World or simply formed from a makeshift blanket or sheet, dodges the sun up front and will dramatically drop the interior temps.

Cold Storage
The refrigerator also bears watching (preferably with the door closed to prevent cool air from escaping) at this time of year. Chances are it will be working twice as hard to keep your ice cream from getting mushy, so give it a break and make its job easier.
Lowering the awning (the refrigerator is more often located on the same side of the RV) reduces the heating effects of the sun on the skin of the RV and thus eases the unit’s operation to maintain its colder temperatures.

Avoiding lengthy inspections of what’s inside will help keep the cold air in. Think of the cold air inside as a liquid and imagine what would happen to that precious cold mass when you open the door … the same thing happens to the cold air.

Also, getting in the habit of letting hot leftovers cool on the countertop before placing them into the refrigerator saves it some extra cooling work. Generally, fully-packed fridges maintain their temperatures better.

Walls, Floors and Ceilings
While it’s too late to do much about the vehicle’s insulation after the purchase, you’ll find favoring manufacturers who spend a little more effort in insulating the side walls, roof and flooring to be a good investment. Otherwise, even a pair of hard-working air conditioners might not be able to overcome the heat inside. Opting for “arctic” or “cold-weather” packages, where the insulation rating might reach R-25, pays off year-round. Caulking leaks and openings, especially those that always seem to form around doors and windows, not only keeps moisture out, but it also prevents your precious cold air from escaping.

In a pinch, a few 12-volt portable fans and a cold drink can go a long way.

Block Those RV Rays
Protecting your RV’s exterior and tires should also be a top priority—a major concern considering that ultra-violet (UV) rays strive tirelessly to oxidize—and other ruin them.
Polishing the whole exterior with a quality UV protector/wax will go a long way to prevent the RV sidewalls from chalking and fading. Look for similar labeling on tire cleaners and restorers as well.

Investing in a heavy-duty tire cover is a must for any exposed spare and always use a vehicle cover—preferably one designed to breath to let water vapors escape—during even semi-lengthy periods of dormancy. Slip-on tire covers are also a good idea anytime you find yourself parked for any length of time.

Dog Days of Summer
Still, nothing is as important as safeguarding loved ones during high-temperature excursions. Watching that panting beagle confirms why they call August the “dog days,” so take a few seasonal precautions to protect your treasured pets as well.

Even with the air conditioning running, we can’t advise leaving animals unattended for very long on hot days. What if the power goes out? It’s best to find ways to incorporate pets into the day’s itinerary whenever possible. An ample supply of fluids — for both you and your furry little co-pilots — is a must.

Travelers of the human variety should do the basics: take it easy, wear a hat and light clothing and always remember the sunscreen. You’ll find the SPF-15 particularly useful when lounging about poolside, saying, “Ah, summer.” But don’t forget to put a little sunscreen on those furless noses lest they get burned too!