Tips for Summer RV Camping

Now that the cold weather has left us and summer has arrived, it’s time to get ready for RV camping. It’s fun to be spontaneous from time to time, but when it comes to your camper, you’ll want to make sure you’ve planned and prepared accordingly. This might not be the first thought that comes to mind, but it’s actually very important to consider how you plan to keep cool during the hottest months of the year. Lakeside RV Sales is here with some tips to get you started.

If you’re still in the market for an RV, fifth wheel, or travel trailer, swing by our dealership today! We’ve got an impressive selection of campers for sale. You’ll find us conveniently located in Anderson, SC.

Get Your Rig Ready

Before you get caught up in planning your destinations and activities, you’ll want to make sure your rig is ready for the journey. You can start by performing a full inspection of your vehicle. Examine the tires and check windows, doors, and seals for possible leaks. It’s also a good idea to clean the roof and check the exterior for any signs of damage. If your RV is equipped with an air conditioning unit, you’ll want to make a point to run it prior to your departure. This will ensure it’s going to keep you and your passengers cool when it starts to heat up outside.

Next, confirm that your camper is fully stocked with all the items you’ll need for daily living as well as emergencies. You’ll need a well-equipped first aid kit that contains medications, antacids, painkillers, and so on. It’s also wise to have ointments, bandages, and cotton pads. You never know when you’ll need to treat wounds and burns. Calamine lotion for bug bites and aloe vera for sunburns will also come in handy. Don’t forget to have a fire extinguisher as well. There should be on in the kitchen and one at the rear of the RV. Other essential items include an emergency radio, flashlight, signals, waterproof clothing, a repair kit, and extra food and water.

Keep the Interior Cool

One of the best ways to keep the inside of your camper cool is to utilize the air conditioning. Most rigs come equipped with a unit, especially if you have a newer model. This is probably the easiest and most efficient to keep the interior as cool as possible. Some people prefer to keep it running at all times but do keep in mind that this will require a lot of energy. If you go this route, you don’t want to waste it. Make sure all the windows and doors are closed when it’s running.

Location and Direction

If you don’t have an air conditioning unit or you’d like other options for remaining cool, there’s more you can do. Consider the location and direction in which you park your camper. You’d be surprised how much of an impact this can have on the temperature inside the rig. You should aim to park next to a large tree that offers ample shade. Wherever you choose to park, you should park so that the side with the most windows is faced away from the afternoon sun. in most cases, the door-side of the RV will have an awning. This is another way to deflect some of the sunlight.

Proper Ventilation

With proper ventilation, you’ll be able to pump out excess air and bring in cool air. This ensures that it won’t get any warmer inside of the RV than the temperature outside. Open all the windows on the side of the vehicle facing away from the sun and close the windows on the sunny side. You should also consider adding some fans for better circulation. You can even go as far as installing attic vents if you don’t have them. Heat can easily become trapped in the roof and these vents will help force it out. If you get attic vents, don’t forget to install covers to prevent debris and water from getting in.

We hope these tips for summer RV camping have been useful. For more information or for assistance with parts and service before your next trip, visit our dealership near Greenville, SC. We’re also proud to serve our friends in Charlotte, NC.