When temperatures climb into triple digits, your RV can quickly transform from a cozy home on wheels into a mobile sauna. But don’t let the heat stop you from enjoying summer adventures! The Boundless Bronnekes, full-time RVers with nearly five years of experience camping in temperatures as scorching as 108°F, have mastered the art of staying cool on the road.
Their battle-tested strategies combine no-cost habits, clever equipment choices, and simple modifications that protect your air conditioner, lower your energy bills, and keep everyone comfortable.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time nomad, these proven tips will help you beat the heat and reclaim your summer camping season.
1. Kick the Kids Outside (Seriously)
Every person inside your RV generates body heat that makes your air conditioner work overtime. RV air conditioners can only cool the interior about 20°F below the outside temperature, according to industry standards. That means if it’s 90°F outside, the absolute coldest your rig will get is around 70°F—and that’s with nobody cooking, breathing heavily, or running around inside.
The solution? Create outdoor living spaces where your family can hang out during the hottest parts of the day. Set up comfortable seating under your awning, bring out games and activities, and encourage everyone to enjoy the fresh air. You’ll notice an immediate difference in how well your air conditioner maintains a comfortable temperature.
When you’re constantly opening and closing the door, you’re letting hot air flood in and cool air escape. Every door swing can raise your interior temperature by several degrees, forcing your AC to work harder and consume more power.
2. Start Your AC Early and Never Stop
Waiting until your RV feels like an oven before turning on the air conditioner is a losing strategy. Starting your AC early in the morning—or even leaving it running from the night before—is far more efficient than trying to catch up once the interior has heated up.