![How to Keep Your RV Cool in Summer [10 Ways]](http://www.jackery.com/cdn/shop/articles/how_to_keep_an_rv_cool_in_the_summer.jpg?v=1721202103)
When planning an RV trip in warmer months, it is essential to understand how to keep an RV cool in the summer. One simple way to cool the RV interior is by turning the AC on. However, if you don't have an RV AC, there are other solutions as well. For example, park the vehicle in the shade, use a portable fan, cook outside with outdoor electric grills, and use reflective window covers.
If you want to keep the RV cool with cooling appliances, you will need a reliable solar-powered generator to charge ACs and fans. Jackery Solar Generators combine functionality, portability, and usability in one. They have large capacities to keep cooling equipment charged for long hours without emitting noise or toxic fumes.
Key Takeaways
- RV interiors can reach 120°F (48.8°C) when it's hot outside, making it difficult to live comfortably in the vehicle.
- Some ways to keep the RV cool in summer include reducing the heat generated inside the RV, cleaning air filters regularly, using energy-efficient LED lights, and investing in portable ACs.
- If you're planning RV trips for the first time, some cooling equipment you should consider include portable ACs, fans, evaporative air coolers, etc.
- A reliable solar-powered generator is the best way to charge RV cooling appliances. These generators do not emit toxic fumes, noise, or gases when charging RV appliances.
Why Keeping Your RV Cool Matters
An uncooled RV interior can reach up to 120°F (48.8°C) without a proper heat management system, making RV living quite uncomfortable. Keeping the RV interior cool is essential for many reasons, such as:
- You will spend much time inside the vehicle while cooking and relaxing.
- Many RV appliances and electronics are sensitive to high temperatures, impacting their overall performance or lifespan.
- Extremely high temperatures can negatively impact human health by causing sleep disruption, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.
Do RVs Have Air Conditioning
Yes, most RVs have an air conditioning unit, but you'll need a power source to use these ACs in remote locations with no electricity nearby. An RV AC would keep the vehicle inside at about 10°F - 20°F lower than the outside temperature. For example, if the outside temperature is 85°F (29.4°C), you can expect the interior to be at 65°F - 75°F (18.3°C - 23.8°C).
But can you leave the RV AC on all the time? Well, no! Most household or outdoor appliances should be turned off for occasional breaks to cool the interior down and prevent overheating. The trick with an RV AC is to adjust the thermostat so the compressor can cycle on and off. Cycling helps appliances like ACs run effectively and prevent the build-up of unwanted moisture or ice particles.
You'll need a reliable solar-powered generator if you want to charge RV ACs at a campground without power access or on the go. Jackery Solar Generators are robust, portable charging solutions that can supply stable electricity to various RV ACs for hours. For comfortable RV living, you can also charge other RV appliances, such as coffee makers, toasters, outdoor grills, TVs, laptops, lights, etc.
How to Keep RV Cool in Summer
Warm summer is the perfect time to hit the open road and explore new places. However, high temperatures accompanied by a heatwave can turn your home on wheels into a mobile sauna. Thankfully, you can follow some simple ways to cool the RV interior. Here's how to keep an RV cool in the summer:
Use the Shade
You should choose a campsite in a shaded area to avoid the direct sun's rays hitting the RV. The sun is most intense in the afternoon when the temperature is warmer. You should consider orienting the RV so it remains shaded during the hottest time of the day. You can also position the trees on the western side of the rig and use the awning for shade in the morning.
Cook Outside
Cooking emits a lot of heat that can warm the interior space. It's best to build an outdoor kitchen and use an outdoor grill to cook food. For example, you can boil pasta, BBQ (grilling), and fry foods outside to avoid the heat and smell from preparing the food reaching the RV interior. If you don't have an outdoor kitchen, you can cook on the BBQ, grill outside, and even use an outdoor pizza oven to enjoy salads, sandwiches, and other camping foods on the warmest days.
Shade Your Freshwater Hose
A lot of heat can damage the freshwater hose. When you park on asphalt, the RV fresh water tap will likely run warm because of the heat radiation from the road. It may also take a lot of time to cool down, which can waste fresh water and energy. The best method to cool the RV is to elevate the drinking water hose by placing cardboard, wood blocks, or styrofoam underneath it. You can also insulate the RV hoses using foam wrap or swimming noodles.
Increase Ventilation
Proper ventilation will reduce the humidity and heat in the RV interior. To increase ventilation in the vehicle, you can install vent covers over the existing RV roof vents. They are easy to install and let fresh air in even if it's raining outside. You can also install a vent cover on both ends of the RV to offer cross ventilation.
Cover Windows With Reflective Insulation
The heat from the sun can directly enter the RV through its windows. However, reflective windows can reflect 95% of the heat away from the windows and keep the RV interior cool. You can cut the reflective insulation to fit each window and block the rays. You can also opt for window visors or day/night shades to keep the sun away from the RV.
Clean Fridge Vents Regularly
An RV refrigerator is one of the most common sources of heat. The fridge should dump tremendous amounts of heat to keep the food fresh and cool, but the heat generated by the appliance can raise the temperature of the RV interior. You should keep the RV fridge vent as clean as possible to help heat dump properly. It's ideal to inspect the vent to ensure there is no dirt and debris that can heat the RV interior.
Use LED Lights
LEDs emit less heat than regular bulbs. If your RV has regular bulbs, they might be heating up the interior. You should consider switching to energy-efficient LED lights that will keep the RV interior cool in the summer.
Use Portable AC
One of the best ways to keep the camper cooler is to invest in a portable AC. It can be easily moved from one place to another and keeps the space cool. However, when selecting the portable AC for your RV, you'll need to consider size, energy efficiency, and electricity usage.
Use a Dehumidifier
Humidity in the RV can make you feel warmer. If you plan to park the RV in an area with high humidity, running a dehumidifier will make the interior feel cooler and comfortable.
Close Windows in the Morning
Try closing the windows at dawn to keep the cool air inside. It is more efficient than exposing the RV interior to the sun all day. Then, you can open the RV windows close to sunset to remove the hot air and let the fresh in.
Cooling Equipment For An RV
If you are looking for some cooling appliances that will keep the camper or RV cool, you can rely on built-in ACs, portable ACs, electric fans, box fans, and even evaporative air coolers. Here, we will explain different cooling equipment so you can select the one that best fits your RV needs:
Built-in AC: Most RVs come with air conditioning units powered by the RV battery. These units are quite convenient as they are already installed in the vehicle and ready to go. However, it's essential to check if the RV's power system can handle the additional load of the AC unit.
Portable AC: Portable air conditioning units for RVs can purify and humidify the air in the interior space. They are generally compact, so you can move them around whenever needed.
Portable Electric Fan: This lightweight cooling equipment for RVs does not consume a lot of electricity. You can also buy battery-powered electric fans to keep the space cool in summer. However, electric fans might not be as effective as portable ACs when the outside temperature rises.
Box Fan: You can place box fans near the windows to provide effective cooling and lower the electricity usage. Box fans can also be used to increase the fresh air indoors and exhaust polluted indoor air.
Evaporative Air Cooler: The energy-efficient evaporative air cooler effectively cools the air. While they are easy to use as you don't need to install these coolers in RVs, they are only preferred if you're planning to live in an RV in a dry climate.
Here's a table revealing the average minimum and maximum wattages of different RV cooling equipment:
|
RV Cooling Equipment |
Maximum Wattage |
Minimum Wattage |
|
Portable RV AC |
2700W |
500W |
|
Portable Electric Fan |
100W |
50W |
|
Box Fan |
100W |
50W |
|
Evaporative Air Cooler |
400W |
200W |
How to Charge RV Cooling Equipment
When traveling on the road or in remote locations, you'll need a reliable charging solution that can power cooling equipment like ACs and fans. Here, we will discuss some of the best ways to charge RV cooling equipment:
RV Electricity
Most RVs are equipped with built-in electricity systems that can power appliances on the go. However, the electricity system will be different in a 30-amp RV compared to a 50-amp RV. Depending on the RV electricity system, you'll need to understand what appliances it can charge and for how long. For example, you can charge small cooling appliances with the help of a 120V AC supply, though it might deplete quickly.
Pros
- The built-in generators offer continuous and steady electricity to the appliances.
- It uses the existing RV electrical system.
Cons
- They can drain quickly if overused.
- The process of installing the RV electricity system can be complex.
Rooftop Solar Panels
Rooftop solar panels are an eco-friendly charging solution that can power cooling appliances with free solar energy. They are typically installed on the RV rooftop and can charge ACs or other appliances. However, some rooftop solar panels might require a complex installation process and do not work at night.
Pros
- They work using solar energy, which reduces the carbon footprint.
- Solar energy is free.
- They do not consume any toxic fumes or noise when working.
Cons
- The initial cost of solar panel system installation is higher.
- The efficiency of solar panels might drop on cloudy days and nighttime.
- The RV roof space might restrict the number of panels you can install.
Gas or Other Fuel Generators
Unlike solar panels, gas or other fuel generators work using fuel such as gas or propane, which emits noise and toxic fumes. You'll need to ensure a steady supply of fuel to keep charging the appliances throughout the journey. However, you'll need to be mindful of noise and emissions, as some campgrounds have strict rules against them.
Pros
- They can run most heavy-duty RV appliances, such as air conditioners.
- They are less expensive and readily available.
Cons
- The ongoing expense of fuel is high.
- It emits noise and toxic fumes, which can be a major concern in RV campgrounds and parks.
Solar Generators
Solar generators are portable, eco-friendly, and reliable charging solutions that combine solar panels with battery storage. They can charge various appliances, including portable ACs, electric fans, and other RV appliances. They do not emit toxic fumes, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Jackery Solar Generators operate using free sunlight and can charge 99% of RV or camper appliances for long hours. The solar panels generate electricity throughout the day, which is then stored in the portable power station. The foldable handles and ergonomic design of the power station ensures easy movement from one place to another.
Pros
- They are easy to use and move around whenever needed.
- They use solar energy to work without emissions.
- Solar generators are reliable charging solutions because they come with additional batteries to store the power generated by the solar panels.
Cons
- The initial cost of solar generators may be high, especially for large-capacity generators.
Jackery Solar Generators for RV
Living in an RV requires proper planning and preparation. One thing you can't afford to miss is a reliable charging solution that can supply steady power to cooling appliances such as portable ACs or fans in a remote location or on the go. Jackery is a reputable solar brand that manufactures high-quality solar generators, portable power stations, and solar panels.
The Jackery Solar Generators combine reliable Jackery Portable Power Stations and foldable Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels, which are made for off-grid adventures like RV living. Simply place the solar panels outside so they can absorb sunlight and convert it into DC electricity. The electricity is then passed to the pure sine wave inverter of the Jackery Portable Power Stations to generate AC electricity and power RV appliances.
Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro
The large Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is a solar-powered generator that can charge 99% of RV appliances, such as RV ACs and fans. Its ergonomic design and foldable handle ensure easy movement and storage in the RV. The solar generator emits 30dB of noise (less than the refrigerator's hum), making it suitable for campgrounds where noise can be restricted.
Appliances Running Time
- Portable AC (700W) = 3.6H
- Portable Fan (50W) = 51.4H
- Outdoor Electric Grill (1000W) = 2.5H
- Fridge (100W) = 25.7H
- Ice Cooler (150W) = 17.1H
Customer Review
"Great unit. Run everything I need with minimal drain. Game changer for extended stays!!" — Mark Berger.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus
If you want a decent-sized solar-powered generator for your RV, then the Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus would be ideal. It has a large capacity to charge 99% of RV appliances, including heavy-duty ACs. It also features double wheels, a foldable handle, and an ergonomic design to move the generator anywhere you would like. It's also expandable by nature, meaning you can expand the battery capacity from 2kWh to 24kWh.
Appliances Running Time
- Portable AC (700W) = 2.4H
- Portable Fan (50W) = 34.7H
- Outdoor Electric Grill (1000W) = 1.7H
- Fridge (100W) = 17.3H
- Ice Cooler (150W) = 11.5H
Customer Review
"I purchased this for my camping needs when power is not available at campsites for use with my Class A, Pop-up, and truck camping. To date, I have only used it with my Class A, which has an on-board gas generator (which is not usable during quiet hours at parks)." — Chris K.
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh)
The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 Plus Kit (4kWh) is another solar-powered generator that can charge heavy-duty cooling appliances in RVs. The portable power station features double wheels and an ergonomic design that makes it easy to move in and out of the RV. You can charge RV ACs to keep the space cool or an outdoor electric grill to cook meals in your outdoor kitchen.
Appliances Running Time
- Portable AC (700W) = 4.9H
- Portable Fan (50W) = 69.4H
- Outdoor Electric Grill (1000W) = 3.4H
- Fridge (100W) = 34.7H
- Ice Cooler (150W) = 23.1H
Customer Review
"It's portable enough that we can take it with us if we move or buy an RV or cabin. All charged and ready. I like that it's expandable. Thank you, Jackery!" — Dennis Johnson.
How to Cool An RV Without AC
Anyone who has spent a hot summer in an RV understands the importance of an air conditioning unit. They are vital to stay cool in the heat. However, if you don't have an air conditioning unit, there are other ways to cool the RV. Here's how to keep an RV cool in the summer without AC:
Use Fans
One of the most common ways to cool the RV space is to use battery-powered fans or 12V fans. These portable electric fans are easy to install and can even fold up against a wall to maximize the space.
Cover the Windows
Your RV might be the hottest in the afternoon. If you are camping in a spot without shade, it can quickly become an oven. It's best to cover the windows with window coverings or blinds to keep the heat out.
Open Windows at Night
You will often feel a slight breeze at night. Keeping the windows open will make sure the RV is cool. However, make sure you are closing the windows as soon as you wake up to prevent the hot air from entering the vehicle.
Look For A Shaded Campsite
If you want to keep the camper cool, consider parking the RV in the shaded campsite. If you've tried multiple ways to cool the RV, make sure you change the orientation and do not park the vehicle in direct sunlight.
Upgrade Your Bedding
Instead of using thick flannel sheets, which are ideal for fall and spring camping, consider using breathable bedding that keeps you cooler. You can invest in cotton, silk, or linen sheets that offer overnight cooling without AC.
Park Smarter
When camping or living in an RV, shade is your best friend. You should park your RV in such a way that the side of the refrigerator faces away from the direct sunlight. If you don't have an air conditioning unit, you can find campsites that offer partial or full shade throughout the day.
FAQs
What size of solar generator do I need for my RV AC?
The size of the solar generator you need for RV AC will depend on its wattage and the number of hours you would use it. Let's consider a scenario:
Suppose you are enjoying an RV living in a campground with a portable RV AC wattage of 700W. If you are using Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro to charge the RV AC, the working hours can be calculated as follows:
Working Hours = Battery Capacity in Wh × 0.85 ÷ Operating Wattage of the Appliances = 3024Wh × 0.85 ÷ 700W = 3.6H
Note: We have multiplied the battery capacity by 0.85 because charging the appliances will cause some power loss.
How do you cool an RV in 100-degree weather?
A small portable fan (or two) can help you move the warm air out, create a breeze, and cool an RV. During the evening, place a fan near the window pointing inward to pull the cool air in and a second fan pointing outward to pump the hot air out of the vehicle.
Can you leave the RV AC on all the time?
No, appliances like air conditioners should be given occasional breaks to cool down the internal components and prevent unwanted moisture.
How do I keep my RV cool when not in use?
Some ways to cool the RV when not in use include parking the vehicle in the shade, buying a portable fan, keeping windows closed when there is a lot of heat, and using reflective insulation.
How many degrees can an RV AC cool?
Typically, RV ACs cool the interior 10 - 20°F lower than the outside temperature. However, the rule might not work with very cold and humid weather.
Wrap up
Whether planning a road trip or a family vacation, you might be wondering how to keep the RV cool in the summer months. One simple way to stay comfortable in the heat is to invest in a solar generator that can charge portable fans, portable ACs, etc., for hours.
Jackery Solar Generators are portable and powerful solar-powered generators that can charge essential appliances like ACs, fans, etc. They can also power outdoor grills, LED lights, laptops, TVs, and other RV appliances without emitting any toxic fumes or noise.
If you're planning your next RV trip, do let us know what methods you follow to keep the RV cool. Or, just share your favorite RV trip in the comment section below!
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