Your RV provides you with many of the creature comforts of home, but your RV’s A/C might not be as strong as you’d like on the hottest days of summer. There are a few factors that will impact how well your A/C will work: the climate of your destination, the size of your RV, and the number of A/C units you have.
The Best RV Campgrounds for Summer
As an example, if you only have one A/C unit on a large Class A and you’re expecting it to keep your interior cool in Florida during August, you’re probably going to be disappointed. But if you’re camping in Michigan with a smaller Class B, one A/C unit is probably enough to keep your interior cool.
Tips for Using Your RV A/C
You should outfit your rig’s A/C system to fit your camping lifestyle. RV A/C units are either ducted or non-ducted and come in a variety of weights and cooling capabilities. If you’re looking for a rig with a built-in unit, or if you’re upgrading or purchasing a new A/C unit, keep the following in mind:
- If your RV runs on 30 amps, then you will only be able to run one A/C unit. If you think you’ll want more than one cooling unit, you’ll need a rig that runs on 50 amps. Not all 50 amp RVs are prewired or ducted for a 2nd AC, so it’s good to ask in advance when shopping.
- A unit with a higher BTU (British Thermal Units) has more cooling power and typically ranges from 11,000 to 15,00 BTU/hour. Many RVs come standard with units around 13,000 BTU/hour. A more powerful A/C unit isn’t always your answer to cooling your rig as it depends on the size of your rig and the climate you’re in.
If using a portable A/C unit, keep an eye on your electricity usage and note any additions to your RV’s dimensions and weight.
Tips for Keeping Your RV Cool in the Summer
- Park in shaded areas.
- Use your RV awning and window shades to reduce sun exposure when parked.
- Clean your A/C filters regularly.
- Cover your A/C in the off season or during long periods of storage to protect your A/C unit from critters and prevent the cooling fins from any storm damage.
- Check your A/C for any unwanted intruders or damage (small animals can chew on the wires).
- Check the temperature of your A/C for proper operation.
- If you have non-ducted A/C, close off smaller areas of your rig to cool off your main living area more quickly.
- If you have ducted A/C, some models offer a replacement ceiling assembly to add a direct vent feature so you can perform the above step.
Recommended Gear to Keep Your RV Cool
- Vent insulators will help trap cool air in your RV and make it more energy-efficient.
- Solar shields for your windshield, skylights, and windows will reflect UV rays and help regulate your rig’s interior temperature.
- Slide-out toppers also help protect your RV from the sun’s rays and keep the inside cool.
- Foil insulation works well for hybrids and pop-up campers.
- SoftStartRV is an easy-to-install device that allows you to run your A/C with more appliances by reducing the startup amps by 65 to 70 percent. It also reduces noise so you can sleep more comfortably with your A/C unit on.
Park your RV in shaded areas and use your RV awning when parked. Items like vent insulators, solar shields, and slide-out toppers (if you have slide-outs) can also help.
Make sure you have an A/C unit that can handle the temperature and environment where you will be traveling and camping. Regularly clean your A/C filters and make sure you maintain your unit(s) throughout the year.
Purchase items like vent insulators and solar shields to help insulate your RV during the warmer months.
You can use a satellite map to check the shade coverage of your campsite when making campground reservations.
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