Lucinda Belden is the Program Director for MyRVRadio and a travel writer and advisor who has lived the RV lifestyle since 2019. She specializes in topics such as fulltime RVing, working full-time while traveling, traveling with toys, and unique location experiences.
Summers are hotter than ever, and this must-have summer gear for RVers can help you beat extreme heat to make the most out of your RV adventures.
This selection of cooling gear will make your hot weather camping experience a breeze. Not only will this summer RVing gear and list of essentials keep you comfortable, but they’ll keep you safe under the scorching sun.
The Essential Must-Have Summer Gear for RVers
It’s not your imagination. The Earth’s temperature has risen by an average of 0.14 Fahrenheit per decade since 1880, according to Climate.gov. Although that is only around 2 degrees Fahrenheit total, most warming has occurred in the past 40 years with the most recent seven years being the warmest, according to NASA. So, you should not feel bad about needing a little extra help with our list of must-have summer gear for RVers.
Your RV Needs a Good Fan
Even if your RV comes with three air conditioners, they can usually only keep the rig cooled down about 20 degrees less than the outside temperature. An A/C in an RV works hard to get cool air into the rig, but circulation is not always effective. Here’s how to help your RV A/C move cool air:
Place small floor or table fans around the RV.
Extra fans can stir the air or redirect A/C from the vents, which makes a significant difference in keeping your space cool.
Consider installing a ceiling fan.
The RV A/C air runs through ducts in the roof, so by the time it gets to the hot spots, it may heat up. A ceiling fan can help push the cool air down faster, as well as circulate it around your RV.
Buy at least one direct current (DC) fan.
You can run a DC fan without hookups, and it also won’t use up your RV’s energy reserves when summer boondocking.
Smart RV Shade Options for Summer RVing
It can be up to 20 degrees cooler in the shade (even better when there is a breeze, or if you have fans). There are many options to supply shade for your RV and yourself.
- Park under trees if you are not trying to access the sun for your solar panels.
- Keep light out. Add sunscreens, darkening shades, or Reflectix insulation to the windows and sides of your rig to keep the sun from beating on the sides of your rig. Area rugs and heavy curtains indoors can also absorb heat and prevent it from leaking into your rig.
- Make shade with a 10×10 pop-up canopy. Portable pop-up tents can shade your outdoor picnic area.
Use the Outdoors to Your Advantage
Sometimes staying cool is about not heating up the RV. Think about anything you do that creates heat inside the rig and choose outdoor alternatives to doing them.
Top ways to prevent heat build-up in RV cupboards, your kitchen, living space, etc.
- Cook Outside. Find yourself an RV barbecue grill. But make sure you can use it in RV parks according to the park rules. Cooking outdoors cuts down on heat in your rig.
- Prepare meals ahead of time, or opt for chilled meals. You can also cook early morning or late evening to prevent building heat midday. Some of the must-have summer gear for RVers include portable ice makers, ice chests and small refrigerators.
The Right Summer Camping Clothes Help, Too
Whether you are spending time at the rig in the city, camping in the mountains, or exploring your bucket-list destination, you need the right clothing to keep you cool. From your head to your toes, there are principal factors to consider.
Know what the key heat points are on your body. This can help you decide what must-have summer gear for RVers to have on hand for your trip.
Examples of common heat points on most people
Here are various ways you can keep those heat points cool.
- Head. Heat escapes from your head in winter, and takes the brunt of outdoor heat in summer. It is good to wear vented hats, letting the heat out but not the sun in.
- Neck. Take a bandana, fill it with ice and tie it around the back of your neck. Plan well and you can freeze the entire neck scarf which can increase use time.
- Wrist. Wet down wristbands or keep a damp paper towel to wipe down your wrists to help you feel cooler.
- Knees. I hate the feeling when the back of my knees gets all sweaty. But it is your body’s way of cooling down. This is a clue you are getting too hot. Treat this area like you do your wrists.
- Feet. For me, feet are my temperature gauge. Wear plastic flip flops so you can spritz your feet with water and sunscreen. Or consider wearing athletic shoes with cooling insoles.
Being an avid motorcyclist riding in all kinds of temperatures, I have learned these solutions on rides. These tips transfer over to personal gear to prep for summer RV travel.
Bonus Tips for Summer Camping in Hot Weather
This must-have summer gear for RVers is not the only part of your arsenal for successful RVing in the summer. Here are straightforward hot weather camping tips you can add to your daily routine.
Find RV parks with community centers and pools.
These are wonderful places to escape potential heat in your rig during the hottest parts of the day. So, think about bringing pool toys, extra towels, and a cart to transport your outdoor gear.
Live your life around the heat.
Pick the hottest part of the day (usually between 3-6 p.m.) and go grocery shopping, see a movie, or do other indoor activities where someone else supplies the cool air conditioning.
Get the right summer boondocking gear.
If you prefer living off-grid, consider purchasing an extra propane tank and have an RV generator too. These tools can allow you to run an A/C for brief periods – enough to keep the heat at bay.
Wear moisture wicking clothing to cover as much skin as possible and keep the air moving.
I hope these must-have summer gear for RVers suggestions as well as tips help you enjoy your hot weather summer getaways in your rig. Preparing for scorching heat ahead of time can make a realm of difference in your escapades.
