Top 20 Steps To Stay Cool in a Van or RV

Mar. 26, 2020

The reason many people buy an RV instead of becoming a Car or Van Dweller is so they can have more space and all the comforts of home. Not staying cool while you are out there on your part or full-time adventures is not what RV, van or car dwelling is about.

Tips to keep RVs and Vans cool include:

• Point RV or Van west when you pick a spot, especially when boondocking.
• Try to park near grass versus near blacktop.
• Install a second air conditioning unit and make sure the air conditioner is tuned up. 
• Avoid opening the door as much as possible. 
• You can camp by the ocean and get the breeze coming off the ocean.
• You can camp in the mountains where there are higher elevations and you will be cooler.
• Use a humidifier. Remember that humidity is the enemy of RVs. It destroys RVs. 
• Use more ventilation. The more ventilation — the better. 
• Run a fan (or two) as well. It makes a big difference.
• Get ahead of the heat. Keep windows opened at night if there is a breeze and run a fan before it gets too warm in the day. This could trap cool air in an RV.  
• Use blinds, curtains especially blackout curtains, and day-night shades, and/or black out your windows with reflectix. Home Depot has some foil-lined bubble wrap that works extremely well at blocking heat and sunlight or use the silver insulation from Lowe’s to cover your windows and keep the heat out. You have to cut it to size and it will make your RV or Van dark and much cooler. It works great in cold weather too. Also, get reflectix for your skylight.
• Use blackout curtains to separate the cab from the rest of the RV or Van.
• Always cover the windshield.
• Put aluminum foil in the vents on your roof, which will reflect the heat.
• Take a garden hose up on top of your RV rig and wash the radiator inside and out and remove all debris from your unit.
• Ask to park in the shade at campgrounds and parks. Park your RV in the shade when you can, unless you need the solar on top to power your RV. If you have portable solar, park RV in shade and place solar panels in sunlight. 
• Try to get in a pool at campgrounds and parks or go to local gyms, LA Fitness, YMCA, 24-Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness, etc.
• Use RV awnings to block out the sun and add more awnings by using shade-cloth. Put a second awning on the other side of the RV or Van and small awnings on the windows. You need an awning on the side where the refrigerator is located to keep cool air in the refrigerator.
• Don’t cook indoors. You can use a butane stove outside.  
• Use micellular cleansing water to keep cool. Keep it in the fridge and use it on your arms and legs. 
• Use freezer ice cubes.
• Until you can buy enough solar to run one or two air conditioners, become a Snowbird and chase 70 degrees around the country.