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How to Stay Cool While Boondocking in the Summer – These 7 Easy Ways

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

Summer is one of the best times to take your RV to the outback.

But dry camping between June and September can also make you vulnerable to Mother Nature’s relentless heat.

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If you happen to catch a heat wave while boondocking in your RV, here are seven low-tech tips to help you stay cool and get maximum enjoyment from your camping trip.

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Tip 1: Keep Sun Off Your Front Door

Camping underneath a large shady tree is the best way to stay cool in summer heat, but it’s not always practical.

Parking under tree cover can also be impractical if you require an open sky for satellite access.

If a shady campsite isn’t an option, try to park your rig in such a way that the hottest afternoon sun will be on the opposite side of your front door. This will enable you to keep your door open and allow fresh air to enter the RV.

Tip 2: Use your RV’s Awnings and Shades

Using RVs built in awnings and interior shades are another great way to stay cool in summer.

The largest exterior awning can lower the temperature by at least ten degrees along that side of your RV

Just be sure to apply RV awning de-flappers to prevent any sudden wind gusts from damaging your awning.

Inside your RV, leave all windows open to allow outside air and cross breezes to cool you down.  Remember to keep your shades drawn at least halfway drawn to prevent the sun’s warm rays from raising the air temperature inside your rig.

Tip 3: Create Additional Shade

RV awning shade kitPrepare for summer heat ahead of time by purchasing an awning sun screen shade kit.

These sun screens will block a lot of the suns’s heat and also add extra living space to your outdoor patio.

Awning sun screens are easy to set up by connecting into your awning’s utility slot.  

The built-in grommets allow you to stabilize the shade with simple tent stakes.

If you’re a do-it-yourselfer, you can build your own sun screen using simple tarps.

Tip 4: Circulate air

Ceiling fans are the best way to move hot air out of your rig.

They place very little drain on your RV batteries.

Ideally you’ll have two roof-mounted, variable speed RV ceiling fans at opposite ends of your rig.

Keep one fan in the “In” position and leave the other fan in the “Out” position so you’ll get a nice draft of air flowing. This is especially helpful if it’s not windy outside.

Conserve battery power by only turning them on during the hottest part of the day.

Tip 5: Keep Cool in the Kitchen

If you know you’re going to be RV camping during summer, plan your menu accordingly.

Choose cool summer foods that are easy to prep and serve without having to use a stove or oven.

Your RV refrigerator enables you to store pre-cooked foods as well as perishable summer produce.

Use these stored foods to turn garden salads into main meals – complimented with seafood or meats grilled on you outdoor RV barbecue.

In the heat of summer, your refrigerator will be working harder to stay cold. This article explains how to properly pack an RV refrigerator.

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Tip 6: Stay Hydrated

Keep your body’s inner radiator working by staying hydrated with plenty of rejuvenating liquids.

Consuming low-cal sports drinks and plain water go a long way toward helping you feel cool.

Avoid dehydrating liquids like coffee, tea and alcohol.

Keep a spray bottle filled with a simple homemade body spray. This spray consists of witch hazel and essential oils that will rehydrate your skin and help you feel refreshed.

Tip 7: Help Rover Cool Off

how to keep dogs cool in summerOf all the members in your family, your dog will suffer the most when you go RV camping in the summer.

A dog jacket called the Ruffwear Swamp Cooler will enable your canine to stay cool.

This jacket has a special built-in fabric that reflects heat from the sun and uses natural evaporative cooling to pull heat away from your dog’s body.

The Swamp Cooler comes in all sorts of sizes. You’ll be able to use it with any breed.

Just wet the Swamp Cooler with cold water to make your dog a happier camper.

Summertime RV Boondocking Doesn’t Have to Be Miserable.

Use commons sense whenever you’re dry camping in extreme temperatures.

Keep your RV well-maintained, avoid strenuous activity during peak afternoon sun, and remind your self often to sit back and relax.

After all, that’s what summer is all about!

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