By Cheri Sicard
Summer is here, and that means RV life gets a bit toasty out on the road. Keeping cool inside your RV can feel like a treasure hunt, but in the video at the end of this post, the team from the Grateful Glamper has some great summer heat hacks to help you stay cool.
Summer travel uncovers three types of heat: warm, getting warmer, and blazing hot. Where you’re parked or traveling will decide which one you face.
Keeping the RV cool when it’s just getting warm
• Open windows and use Maxxair fans: When temperatures start rising but haven’t hit their peak, open your RV windows to get the air moving. This simple trick works best if you add Maxxair fans. These fans pull warm air out, bringing in a fresh breeze through your windows. Set fans to “suck out” mode for maximum airflow.
• Proper RV positioning and shading: Positioning your RV the right way can make a big difference. Large windows should face north and south, away from direct east and west sun. Park under trees when you can. Use your awnings, or try an extra shade like the MoonShade, to block sunlight and keep the temperature down inside.
Next level cooling when it’s getting warmer
• Using Reflectix: When it’s more than just warm, it’s time to block out even more sun. Reflectix is a reflective material that works almost like a sun shield for your RV windows. The Grateful Glamper crew made a double-layered Reflectix with foam inside insulator for the big windshield, helping it stand up and fit tight. Every window gets its own labeled piece. Not the prettiest? Add fabric with spray adhesive for a personal touch. Reflectix is a solid DIY fix that saves money and keeps things much cooler inside. (Here are many more uses for Reflectix around your RV.)
• Battery-operated, USB rechargeable fans: Clip-on, USB-rechargeable fans step up comfort by putting a breeze wherever it’s needed—over kids’ beds, in the bedroom, or even outside with a morning coffee. They stay portable, have multiple settings, and prove handy both indoors and out.
Improving RV refrigerator cooling
• Absorption refrigerators in RVs struggle in summer. Help yours out by placing a small fan inside to move the cold air. Add more fans on the outside vent to pull hot air away from the fridge coils. Both tricks help food stay fresh.
• Cook outside to reduce indoor heat: Cooking outside means all that stove heat doesn’t build up indoors. Fire up a Blackstone or a standard grill—breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy fresh air and a cooler cabin.
Cooling strategies for HOT RV summers
• Running air conditioning efficiently: When the heat just won’t quit, air conditioning is the lifeline. Portable A/C units help in large or hot spaces, especially if your RV only has one main unit. Don’t let your cool air escape—block out the sun and minimize leaks.
• Use vent covers: Heat pours in through roof vents and fan openings. Products like these fill that space, blocking out the sun and heat.
• Skylights might bring in tons of unwanted heat. Solutions like inside covers or, as shown by Grateful Glamper, a spray-on roof coating can make a big difference.
Enhancing RV A/C performance
• A/C silencers: Old RV A/Cs can be loud, forcing folks to raise their voices indoors. Installing an A/C silencer not only quiets the noise but also boosts airflow and features an electrostatic filter that’s washable instead of disposable.
• Soft Start technology takes the pressure off the power system by gently ramping up the A/C compressor. Unlike a sudden jolt, it’s more like rolling a heavy rock—easier on the system and on your nerves. This upgrade lets both A/Cs run even on a 30-amp service and even off batteries with solar setups. Learn more here.
Summer RV life doesn’t have to be a sweat fest. From window tricks to smart fans and improving A/C performance, each small step makes a difference. By sharing ideas and using the right gear, RVers can enjoy the best of road travel—even in the peak of summer.
Do you have more tips for beating summer’s heat in your RV? Be sure to share them in the comments below!
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RVDT2950
If you have, or get, the deluxe MaxxAir fan(s) – they are controlled with a remote, are virtually silent in slower (adjustable) speeds and are Reversible! Cool evening or nite air can be brought in. For bathrooms, on low speed it will circulate air either in or out, all nite – silently! They can also be used as ceiling fans – keep the lid closed and set the fan speed!
Sometimes I spray water on the outdoor walls on my stix n brix. It cools by evaporation. If it was possible I might consider doing this on my camper.
Thank you for sharing and summarizing the video, Cheri. We are attempting a partial solution to hot-weather cooling by having solar panels on rails added after RV #3 is ready for a factory pickup. The panels are expected shield the roof, reducing the heat build-up, in addition to harvesting power from the sun. Have a great day and safe travels!