Summer is a great time for RV trips, but the heat can become problematic. No one wants to spend their vacation overheated and miserable! That’s why we gathered up the following tips to keep summer RV camping comfortable and fun. If you want more suggestions or want to explore RVs for sale in the Tri-Cities, visit Broadmoor RV. We are an RV dealership based in the Tri-Cities, Washington, and proudly serving those in Seattle and Spokane.
Prepare The RV
The first step is ensuring your RV is ready for the heat. Inspect the camper to ensure there are no holes in windows, seals, or the roof. The last thing you want is hot air seeping inside!
This is also a perfect time to test out any air conditioning units. It’d be a shame to reach the campsite, then discover a broken unit! Running them in advance gives you time to uncover any issues and get them repaired before the vacation.
Pack For The Heat
Packing for a summer RV trip is different than packing for other seasons. Hot days tend to be higher in temperature and more frequent.
Be sure your hot weather packing list includes:
- plenty of sunscreen (double check the dates to ensure none of the products expired)
- aloe vera to soothe any unfortunate sunburns
- loose and lightweight clothing that can breathe (preferably in lighter colors since dark colors absorb the heat)
- brimmed hats to protect everyone’s scalps from sunburn (it does happen!)
- swimsuits if the destination includes a pool, river, lake, or ocean
- water bottles for every camper (especially options that can maintain a cold temperature for extended periods of time)
Be Strategic With Outdoor Adventures
When temperatures soar, it can be unpleasant to be anywhere other than an air conditioned room. But you did come on an RV trip to enjoy the outdoors! There are ways to stay comfortable and still enjoy nature.
First, schedule activities when temperatures are lowest. During the early morning and late evening, the sun will be low on the horizon and temperatures will be lower. These times are best for hiking, biking, and any other outdoor adventure.
Second, seek out outdoor adventures that are more hot weather friendly. If there are a few different hiking trail options, pick the one with the most shade. If there is a river nearby, head over for a few hours of swimming in the cool water.
Avoid Using The Oven
The oven is a great resource for meal preparation, but it generates a high amount of heat inside your RV. Try to limit using the oven as much as possible.
Instead, bring your meal preparation outdoors. Cook meals over a campfire or grill, which are typically provided at RV campsites.
If it’s too hot to cook outside, get creative with indoor cooking. Boil water using an electric kettle rather than in a pot on the stove. Heat up leftovers in a microwave rather than inside the oven. Prepare meals that call for limited cooking, such as deli sandwiches for lunch. The less you use your oven, the happier everyone inside will be.
Use The Air Conditioning
If your RV has an air conditioning unit, take advantage of it! Cool down the camper quickly and easily with the flick of a switch or the click of a button. If your camper lacks air conditioning, you may want to invest in an upgrade. The more often you travel in the summer, the more you will appreciate the air conditioning!
We hope you found this summer camping tips guide helpful! For more advice or to shop RVs for sale in Washington state, head over to Broadmoor RV. We are happy to suggest the best models to match your budget and travel style. We are an RV dealer located in the Tri-Cities, Washington, and proudly serve those in Seattle and Spokane as well.
