How to Keep Your RV Cool During Summer (2025) | TravlSync by TravlFi

From campsite selection to battery-smart cooling hacks, here’s how experienced RVers beat the heat—and when they decide it’s time to move on.

Recently, my camper van broke down in New Mexico. It was mid-June. Still (somewhat) driveable, my husband and I headed for public land 20 minutes outside Santa Fe. Ninety-degree temps, no cloud cover, and sparse shade from scraggly junipers—what could go wrong?

We lasted two sweaty, miserable days before checking into a hotel to wait on parts and repairs. The experience made one thing painfully clear: Our off-grid cooling strategy needed serious work. I started asking other RVers how they manage the heat when AC power is limited. Here are their top tips.

We spoke with full-time RVers and experts to bring you real-world tips for keeping cool:

Stephanie and Jeremy Puglisi, founders of RV Atlas, contributors at Go RVing, and authors of “Where Should We Camp Next?”
Keelan Prado, owner of Maine Campah Rentals
Kelly Russum, HVAC expert and owner of KC's 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning

Start with the Basics: Location, Location, Location

Before reaching for a fan or flipping on the AC, ask yourself: Is this even a good place to be parked?

Kelly Russum, owner of KC’s 23 ½ Hour Plumbing & Air Conditioning says that at the technological level, there’s not much of a difference in cooling an RV and cooling a home: You either use physical heat blockers like shades or you use a machine to mechanically turn hot hair into cold air.

But RVs, he says, have one huge advantage over a house: “you can move it to a cooler spot, which you can’t do with a house.”

When it comes to cooling your RV in extreme heat, always start with location.

Prioritize Shade

“Your AC can only do so much if you’re baking in direct sun all day,” Russum says. “A site with decent shade, a bit of breeze, or even a slight elevation change can easily drop the inside temp by 10 degrees or more.”

Look for natural shade from trees or large rock formations, aiming for sites that get all-day partial or full shade.

Consider the Sun’s Path

Photo byMariana Brás on Unsplash

Campsite selection may be the most important factor in keeping your RV cool when the temperatures are high, say the Puglisis.

“Try using a satellite map view when researching campgrounds and try to avoid sites that will receive direct afternoon sun,” they recommend. “Of course, the desire for shade will have to be balanced by any need to have solar panel exposure or satellite internet access, so make sure to consider those factors as well.”

If solar and satellite use are essential, use shade structures like awnings and park with your largest windows facing north to avoid the sun beating through them in the afternoon.

Get to Higher Elevation

Camp at higher elevations if you can. Because of the lower air pressure, temperatures stay cooler. In general, temps drop about 2 to 5 degrees for every 1,000 feet you ascend, per the Federal Aviation Administration. There is some variation to that depending on the exact geographical region you’re in and what time of year it is, but the concept holds true. If you can escape to higher elevation, it’ll keep your RV cooler.

Camp Coastal

We know: Coastal campsites are hard to come by, no less in the summer. But if you can get one, snag it. On the East Coast and Gulf Coast, you’ll enjoy sea breezes; on the West Coast, especially in the Pacific Northwest, coastal influence keeps temperatures quite low. Seaside towns in Oregon and Washington often top out in the low 70s even in August.

(Need ideas? TravlFi’s road trip experts put together a guide to the best U.S. locations with cooler summer temperatures.)

Optimize Ventilation and Airflow

RVing in hot weather (comfortably) takes some practice. Photo by Amanda Capritto.

When AC isn’t an option, airflow becomes your primary defense.

Use Vent Fans and Strategic Window Opening

The MaxxAir roof vent fan is the MVP in our van. With outside air temperatures up to about 80 degrees, the fan and a strategically cracked rear window create a cooling air tunnel that keeps air moving. This prevents stagnation and heat buildup inside.

If it’s a little windy outside, even better. “Don't underestimate wind exposure,” says Prados. “Some light airflow can make a big difference when you're trying to stay cool without cranking the AC all day.”

Experiment with the various windows in your rig to find the best way to create natural airflow. You can add in battery-powered or 12-volt portable fans to assist if you don’t have a roof fan.

Keep the Heat Out: Insulation and Barriers

Photo byLucas Favre on Unsplash

Keeping your RV cool starts with the walls and windows.

Thermal Curtains and Reflectix

If you don’t have Reflectix yet, just go get it! It’s affordable and a must-have RV accessory for all types of rigs. Cut it to size for your RV windows and use it to reflect sunlight; it’s truly a game-changer.

In my van, I cover windows with Reflectix and then layer heat-blocking shades on the interior. With two layers of insulation, far less heat creeps in and far less cool creeps out.

Cover Skylights and Roof Vents

Skylights are overlooked weak spots, says Prados. Cover them like you would any window: reflective material and/or insulated curtains. If you’re not using your roof fan, block the light coming in from that, too. If you do need to use your roof fan 24/7, add a roof vent cover so you can still use it when it’s raining.

Maximize Your AC

Every watt counts in the summer. Implementing some simple tips can help you get the most out of your AC.

Plug Into Shore Power

When managing energy is a concern, plugging into shore power is the sensible option. “Many RVers choose to camp with electric hookups during the warmer months, especially if traveling with pets,” the Puglisis say. “This way you can be guaranteed power to run the AC, fans, refrigerator, and everything else.”

Be Strategic About Off-Grid Power

Photo byZeb Zakovics on Unsplash

“If you're not plugged in, cooling gets tricky,” says Prados. “We recommend running the A/C during peak heat hours while charging batteries off the generator, then switching to vent fans and conserving power in the evening.”

Additionally, solar setups help extend battery life, and using lithium batteries over lead-acid gives you more usable capacity, he points out.

Be smart about the other appliances you use, too. Cook outdoors on a portable propane stove to minimize electrical draw and heat buildup inside, and unplug any devices or appliances you aren’t using.

Clean and Maintain Your AC Unit

Dirty filters equal inefficient cooling. “Make sure to clean your AC filter regularly and replace as needed,” the Puglisis say. “This will ensure your AC is much more efficient.”

Help the cool air circulate by using portable fans. Keep the windows and shades closed when the AC is running to prevent it from overworking.

Use Curtains to Create Cooling Zones

If your rig is on the larger side, don’t try to cool the entire thing. Use thermal curtains to block off certain areas for targeted AC—the living area during the day and the sleeping area at night.

Plan Your Day Around the Heat

Photo bySamantha Deleo on Unsplash

“Early morning and early evening are the best times to enjoy the outdoors during the hotter months of the year,” say the Puglisis. “The good news is that national parks, trail heads, and bike paths will be less crowded and easier to access at those times, too.”

They recommend finding a nearby body of water, like a river or lake, to pass the warmest hours of the day. Adjust driving times, too. Plan to tackle long drives in the cooler mornings or evenings to avoid overheating.

When to Call It

Being able to retreat to your RV’s cool interior if the outside temperature becomes unbearable is nice, the Puglisis say. But ““if you (or your pets) are trapped inside most of the day, that defeats the purpose of RV travel for most people.”

“At that point, we take advantage of our ‘home on wheels’ and head for a more bearable climate,” the Puglisis say. “The great thing about RVing is you can always pack up and head to the next destination.”

Prados adds, “We're all about making camping fun, not miserable. If temps are pushing 85+ with no relief in sight and your gear or setup can't keep up, it's okay to pull the plug.”

His advice? Either relocate to elevation or find a campground with hookups and full shade. “The beauty of the RV lifestyle is mobility. You don't have to stick it out,” he says.

FAQs

How do I keep my RV cool in extreme heat?
Use reflective window covers, turn on roof vent fans, and park in shaded areas. Limit appliance use during peak heat and cook outside. If taking showers in your RV, take cold showers to prevent heat and humidity buildup inside.

What is the best way to insulate an RV for summer heat?
Install Reflectix in windows, use insulated curtains, and block skylights with vent covers or foam. These reduce radiant heat significantly.

Can I run RV AC without a generator?
It’s possible, but only if you have a powerful solar setup and lithium battery bank. Most rooftop ACs require too much power for basic solar or battery setups. You’ll want at least 200 watts of solar and 200 amp hours for moderate AC use—more if you need to run it for hours on end.

Do swamp coolers work in RVs?
Yes, but only in dry climates. Swamp coolers add humidity, so they’re ineffective in humid areas. Battery-powered models are best for off-grid camping.

Should I leave windows open or closed in hot weather?
It depends on the time of day and how well your RV insulates the interior from outside heat, plus how well (or not) your AC runs. As a rule of thumb, during early morning and evening, open windows to let cool air in. Turn on your vent fan if you have one to improve circulation. Midday, close them and use reflective coverings to block heat.