Tag: rv boondocking

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch. However, there is such a thing as free RV camping. In fact, President Roosevelt called for the creation of free campgrounds on Federal lands when he addressed Congress in 1901. (Although at that time he wasn’t referring to RVs!)

Now commonly referred to as boondocking, camping free of charge is real, but it isn’t for everyone. Boondocking isn’t officially defined but the term stems from the expression “boondocks” that refers to a remote area. Overnight RV parking places such as truck stops, Wal-Mart parking lots, or campgrounds in which RV hookups aren’t available may not necessarily seem remote, but are all generally lumped into the boondocking category.

Spring showers lead to flowers; but spring weather also means that summer heat is right around the corner. When you’re spending the warm weather camping in your RV, the only place you want it to be hot is near the campfire. But how do you keep the heat outside your RV and the temps inside comfortable? Read on for some RV cooling tips to keep you comfortable all season long.

Shades – Simple & Effective

If you want to look cool, you’ve got to wear shades; and if you want to keep your RV cool, it needs shades too! When it comes to RV cooling, some of the most basic, common-sense strategies are also the most effective ways to keep your RV cool in the hot summer weather.

The air temperature is the same in the sun or shade; it simply feels hotter in the sun due to the direct solar radiation – an average of 10-15 degrees hotter! That difference is the heat index. Additionally, a car that has been sitting in the sun can quickly become 40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. This greenhouse effect from all those windows can also occur in your RV. And the more windows you have in your RV that are exposed to the sun, the hotter the interior will become.

When it comes to RV cooling, blocking the sun’s rays can reduce the greenhouse effect. Studies have shown that temperatures inside automobiles utilizing a windshield shade were an average of 15 degrees cooler than those without. So pulling those shades down during the day in your RV, as well as using your awning, can lessen the greenhouse effect and help your RV cooling system lower the air temperature inside your RV.

Positioning Your RV

The direction you park your RV can have a significant impact on keeping it cool. When parking your RV, take note of trees that could provide shade, especially in the hot afternoon sun. If possible, position your RV so that the area with the most windows will be protected by the shade. If there are no trees nearby, the next best thing to do is park so the largest windows in your RV are facing east and only get the early morning sun. The less direct solar radiation beating in your RV windows, the less effort you’ll have to put into RV cooling come afternoon or evening.

Run Separate Fans

Utilizing your RV’s fan can help with overall RV cooling. Those “whole house” fans pull warm air up and out of your RV and keep air circulating throughout. Additional fans that you can plug in, or even small fans that run on battery power can help keep air moving.

Using fans near your windows to pull in cooler air from the outside first thing in the morning, or later in the evening, is an inexpensive way to help regulate temperature without having to turn on the AC. They can also be used to expel warmer air such as when meal prep heats up the kitchen or a back bunk area gets stuffy.

Use Your Outdoor Kitchen

An alternative to becoming drenched in sweat or running multiple fans to combat the heat generated from cooking meals indoors is utilizing your outdoor kitchen; it’s a great RV cooling trick. Using your outdoor kitchen is the perfect way to keep all the heat from meal prep outside your RV! Many RVs have outdoor kitchens that rival the full indoor kitchen. Amenities such as burners or a grill, sink, fridge, electrical outlets, even storage and counter space for food prep can be found in several RV models with outdoor kitchens.

After a long day of hiking, fishing, or even antiquing, your RV can be quite a bit more than toasty inside upon your return. Using your outdoor kitchen gives your RV cooling-down time while you prepare dinner. Then, by the time you retire for the evening, the heat of the day has been removed from your RV and you can enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep.

Keep Up with Maintenance

Cleaning the air conditioner filter can make RV cooling easier. When you make cleaning your filter part of your routine cleaning, you’ll always know your air conditioner is running as efficiently as possible.

One of the quickest and easiest ways to clean the filter is to use a vacuum to sweep away the dust. Once you’ve gotten the surface dust removed, you can use soap and water to fully clean them. It’s very important to make sure you let the filter completely dry afterward.

Consider Solar Options for Efficiency

Finally, it’s worth looking into the many solar options that can lessen the cost of running your AC or other cooling devices. Instead of simply trying to fight the sun and its power, why not harness it to help with your RV cooling? Solar panels can completely power your AC or simply keep up the charge for your battery power.

Solar power is becoming more popular and solar hook up even comes standard on many models. It is a wonderful option for RV cooling when you are detached from a power hook up. It’s a great way to stay cool when remote camping or boondocking.

These tips can help you ramp up your RV cooling and beat the heat whether you are taking weekend jaunts or traveling cross country. Don’t forget that to stay cool this summer you and your RV gotta wear shades!

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore 

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126

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Boondocking has been gaining popularity and, while there will always be a demand for full-hookup campgrounds, the desire to unhook and unwind in nature is at the heart of the increase in dry camping and boondocking. Any successful boondocking experience starts with the proper preparation. Whether you are planning a night or two of dry camping in a parking lot on your way to your final destination, or your ultimate destination is boondocking and spending a significant amount of time at a remote location in the wilderness, you need to be prepared. This RV dry camping checklist will help get you ready for your trip and have the best experience possible.