Summer is here and the temps are soaring! Here are some great RV tips for how to beat the heat while you’re traveling this summer in your new or used RV.
Drive & Set Up in the Cool of the Day
Try to do your destination-driving during the early morning and early evening hours. It’s just one way you can take it a little easy on your engine and help prevent overheating.
Likewise, try to set up camp during those hours, too. If you pull into your campsite in the middle of the day, only set up what you absolutely have to set up at that moment in time. Other things – like picnic tents, hammocks, or unloading items like bikes and other outdoor gear – can wait until it’s a little bit cooler.
Park in the Shade
If you’re able to request a particular campsite in advance, try to pick one with a decent shade covering from surrounding trees. Trees can help block (and absorb!) sunlight and bring down the temperature around camp by several degrees. Use a sunshade in your windshields and keep the window treatments (blinds or curtains!) pulled in your RV on especially hot days.
Also, if there’s a water source nearby, like a lake or creek, park near that. A breeze coming off the water will always serve as nature’s air conditioner!
Plan Non-Cook Meals
Make a meal plan that doesn’t involve heating up the kitchen every single time you’re ready to eat! Salads and cold cut sandwiches make great lunches.
If you do need to heat anything up for supper, try using a travel size Crock Pot or Instant Pot. And don’t forget to indulge in cold treats and refreshments for dessert!
Schedule Your Activities Mindfully
The heat of the day – and your greatest sun exposure – typically falls between 10 AM and 2 PM. If you plan on a nature hike, go before 10 AM – and take a cooling towel with you when you go. Swimming? Go in the 3-5 o’clock hours. Save the hottest parts of the day for air-conditioned activities, like museums, movies, or other indoor entertainment.
Pack Lightweight & Quick Dry Clothing
Lightweight and quick dry clothing helps keep you cool by wicking away moisture and sweat. Invest in a few good pieces and stay comfy the entire time!
A Fan of the Breeze
Don’t underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned electric fan! Plug in a fan and keep it over by your outdoor picnic table. Not only will it help keep you cool if you eat outside, but it’ll also breeze-away flies and other unwanted pests. Bring it inside in the evenings, especially if you tend to get hot at night.
Chill Out
Stay hydrated! We can’t emphasize this one enough. Drinking plenty of water helps your body keep from overheating. Even if you’ve been in the pool or lake all day and don’t feel warm, you can still quickly dehydrate. Drink your 16 oz water bottle, refill, and drink it again!
If you have a fur baby you’re bringing along, make sure they stay nice and cool, too! Freeze a small bowl of ice, pop it out from the bowl mold, and place it in your doggo’s water dish (along with water). The ice will slowly melt, keeping your pup’s water cool.
And speaking of ice, use frozen water bottles and jugs in place of loose ice when using coolers. Not only will they melt more slowly than cubed ice, but they also thaw to be drinkable water. After all, when the ice in your cooler melts, you have to just pour it out (and it soaks everything in the cooler). Frozen jugs of water keep things cold without saturating them, and remain fully usable after they thaw.
Many of our new and used RVs for sale come equipped with dual A/C units so the entire RV stays cool and comfortable. If you’re shopping for an upgrade, there’s no better time to consider an RV with the A/C amenities that will keep you comfortable all summer long! Stop in or contact us today.
