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How to Keep Your RV Cool in the Summer: 10 Tips for Beating the Heat

By: Victoria Shelton

1. Park With Shade and Wind in Mind

Start with where you stop. Always look for shade, especially from big trees. Parking under a leafy branch blocks direct sun, lowering your indoor temperature by several degrees. Small changes in location can have a big impact on how to keep your RV cool in summer.


Next, face your main windows toward the breeze. Let the wind be your ally. Opening windows on the windward and leeward sides powers natural ventilation, flushing out warm air. Avoid parking on blacktop surfaces, which heat like a skillet. Choose grass or gravel if you can, as they radiate less heat up into your rig.


2. Block the Sun With Window Solutions

Windows are heat magnets. Use reflective covers or sunshades on every window when parked to keep your RV cool in extreme heat. Cut them to size for a snug fit. Reflective shades bounce solar energy back outside, which can drop temperatures inside by 10 degrees or more.


Stay disciplined about closing blinds and curtains during the day. Dark, heat-blocking fabrics are best. For added protection, install a quality window tint or UV-blocking film. These reduce both heat and sun damage, and you’ll feel the difference on your skin and in your energy bill.


3. Maximize Ventilation Naturally and With Fans

Learn how to keep your camper cool in the summer by improving airflow. Open roof vents and windows during cooler hours. Early morning and late evening are best. Strategic vent use draws hot air out and replaces it with the night’s chill.


Invest in vent fans placed on the roof and opposite windows. High-powered RV fans pull trapped heat upward and out. You can create cross-breezes by opening a window on each side. Remember, good airflow provides the base for all other cooling.


4. Choose Efficient, Well-Maintained AC (And Use Smartly)

If you have air conditioning, make sure it fits your RV’s size. An underpowered unit will waste energy and fall behind in extreme heat. Perform a deep clean of AC filters and check the refrigerant level before summer. A clean unit runs stronger and lasts longer, which is a key part of learning how to keep your trailer cool in summer.


Run the AC in eco mode to balance comfort and efficiency. Set your thermostat a few degrees higher when away from the rig to save power. If you rely on shore or generator power, limit other high-wattage appliances during peak hours.


5. Supplement With Fans and Portable Cooling

Some days, AC isn’t enough, or may not be practical. If you're wondering how to keep your RV cool without AC, portable fans are your best tool. Use multiple fan types: oscillating, clip-on, and box fans placed near vents or windows. Position fans to flush air through the entire space.


Swamp coolers (evaporative coolers) work well in dry climates, adding chill and humidity. Misting fans set up outside your RV can cool you as you relax or grill. Always use battery or USB-powered fans if you want to save on hookups or generator use.

If you've spent a summer in your RV, you know how quickly things can heat up. Whether you’re parked out West or driving through the heartland, those sunny days can make your space unlivable and feel stuffy. That’s why it’s so important to know how to keep your RV cool in the summer, and it's not just about comfort. Overheating can lead to restless sleep, drained batteries, and overworked AC units.


Whether you're a full-timer or weekend warrior, these 10 proven tips will help you beat the heat and keep your rig comfortable all summer long. 


6. Invest in Smart Bedding and Accessories Designed for Cooling

Even seasoned RVers suffer on hot RV nights. For elite comfort, choose bedding designed for cooling. The right accessories can make the difference in how to keep your RV cool in summer after sunset.


  • Try a Luxury Cooling Pillow made with heat-wicking fabric. These draw excess warmth from your head and neck, keeping you comfortable as temperatures rise.
  • Add a Luxury Cooling Mattress Protector to shield your mattress from heat and sweat, extending its life and freshness.
  • If your mattress itself traps heat, consider the Brooklyn Aurora Luxe. This specialty mattress is built to move heat away from your body, perfect for hot climates and long trips.
  • Don’t ignore your bedding. Light-colored sheets stay cooler. Ditch thick, heavy blankets for summer. Even a light Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket can offer comfort and breathability without trapping warmth.

7. Create Shade Around the RV

Long afternoons need more than closed curtains. Awnings turn the sides of your RV into shade zones. Use your rig’s built-in awning or install a retractable model for quick setup. A shaded wall reduces how much sun hits your living area.


Expand your space with pop-up tents, tarps, or canopies near doors and windows. A shaded porch drops indoor and outdoor temperatures. These exterior steps are key to learning how to keep your RV cool during drawn-out summer heat waves.


8. Use Heat-Reflective and Light-Colored Surfaces

Every surface matters when the heat is high. Reflective roof coatings can bounce significant sunlight away. Many coatings are roll-on, DIY-friendly, and extend your RV’s roof life while cooling you down. Choose light-colored seat covers, rugs, and throws.


Bright colors reflect heat while dark fabrics soak it up. Rugs or mats over vinyl floors stop heat from radiating into the living space. Little changes here support the bigger goal of how to keep your RV cool in summer by stripping every extra degree away.


9. Schedule Cooking and Appliances for Cooler Hours

Your cooking habits can dramatically impact your RV's internal temperature. Ovens and stoves add unwanted heat, rapidly raising interior temperatures by as much as 5-10 degrees. This extra heat can linger for hours, working against all your other cooling efforts.


Don't let your dinner plans work against your comfort. During summer months, embrace alternatives that keep your living space cool:


  • Cold meal options: Prepare refreshing sandwiches, wraps, and charcuterie boards
  • Fresh summer salads: Incorporate seasonal produce with pre-cooked proteins
  • No-cook meals: Try overnight oats for breakfast or cold soups like gazpacho
  • Outdoor cooking: Utilize campground grills, portable propane grills, or electric griddles under your awning
  • Slow cookers and instant pots: These generate less ambient heat than conventional ovens
  • Microwave cooking: For quick reheating with minimal temperature impact
  • If you absolutely must cook inside, schedule it strategically at sunrise (before the day heats up) or after dark when temperatures naturally drop.

When figuring out how to keep your RV cool in summer, keep in mind that electronics and major appliances also function as miniature heaters. Your refrigerator, computer, television, and charging devices all emit heat during operation.


  • Use electronics and major appliances during cooler hours only.
  • Schedule laundry, vacuuming, and dishwashing in the evening or early morning to prevent mid-afternoon heat buildup in your RV.
  • Keep devices away from the thermostat and cooling vents to prevent triggering your AC unnecessarily.
  • Set up an outdoor workspace under shade for computer use during hot periods to reduce indoor heat generation.

10. Stay Hydrated, Monitor Temperature, and Adjust Fast

Last, don’t ignore the basics. Hydrate often and keep a water pitcher in the fridge, and top off tanks at every stop. For body cool-down, use cool, damp towels on wrists and neck. Also, watch your indoor temperature with a digital thermometer or smart sensor.


Respond to rising heat by opening or closing vents, starting fans, and moving shades. Stay alert to signs of heat exhaustion, like dizziness or rapid heartbeat. Sometimes, the best tip is to rest, let your body recover, and plan activities for cooler stretches.


Stay Cool, Comfortable, and Happy This Summer

Hot days in your RV don’t have to mean misery or lost sleep. Use these ten expert tips every time the forecast climbs. By planning your summer trips in advance and knowing what to expect during extreme heat, you can master how to keep your RV cool in summer and turn it into a cool, restful haven wherever your wheels roll.


Let every summer drive be cool, every night’s sleep restful, and every mile ahead a pleasure to chase. Want to read more about life on the road in all seasons? Check out our RV Mattress blog for even more travel hacks.