When you're traveling in an RV, intense heat can leave you feeling sweaty and ready to retreat. The summer sun can turn your breezy motorhome into a sauna, especially in campsites with no shade. With the right gear and strategies, you can reduce the temperature and enjoy warm-weather camping. For more information, reach out to us at Chesapeake RV Solutions, or visit our location in Chesapeake, Virginia; our team serves the communities of Virginia Beach and Suffolk.

Block the Sun

On a hot day, the best thing you can do for your RV is to shut the curtains or blinds. The sunlight is nice, but it can drive up the interior temperature to uncomfortable levels in a matter of minutes. If you have exterior awnings, roll them out for extra sun-blocking power. For long-term RV travel in hot climates, consider covering the windows with a reflective material that repels the heat but that allows natural light to come through.

Choose Campsites Carefully

After a few nights in an exposed campsite, you know that shade makes all the difference when it comes to staying cool. Before you book your next site, take time to do a bit of research. Read the description on the booking website, and look at individual site photos carefully. Camper reviews are also a great source of intel, especially if they mention site numbers. When in doubt, call the office, and ask for recommendations; chances are, the managers will be happy to help. For extra cooling power, pick sites that offer ample shade for the biggest window in your RV.

Close Windows During the Hottest Part of the Day

In hot weather, your inclination might be to open the windows. Often, the warm air makes things worse. Instead, open all of the windows in your RV during the coolest part of the day. If you leave your windows open at night, shut them in the morning to trap the cooler air before the sun has a chance to heat up the interior. That way, your fans or air conditioner don't have to work as hard to keep it cool.

Reduce Movement and Cooking Inside the RV

In a small RV, every move you make sends body heat into the air. Excess movement can heat up the interior quickly, especially if you're traveling as a group. Hot afternoons are a great time to chill out with a movie or a book. Keep the movement, games, and cooking to your outdoor space.

When the mercury rises, a little bit of extra legwork can go a long way toward keeping your RV cool and comfortable. If you're thinking about taking the leap and getting your own motorhome, or if you have questions about this RV travel guide, contact us at Chesapeake RV Solutions in Chesapeake, Virginia, where we serve both Virginia Beach and Suffolk.