How To Maintain Your RV’s Temperature

Whether you’re going to be Rv-ing during the warm summer months or the colder winter season, maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your RV is going to influence how enjoyable your adventure is. Attempting to relax when it is overwhelmingly warm or very cold is going to make it much more difficult for you to enjoy a fulfilled night’s sleep.

Below, we have identified the different ways that you can maintain your RVs temperature during warm and colder weather.

Warm Weather

A climb in temperatures and intense heat can often create an unbearable atmosphere. Due to the materials that RVs are made from, they can get very hot when exposed to the sun. However, there are several ways of maintaining a cool temperature so this heat needn’t be an issue.

Air Conditioning Unit

The majority of RVs are equipped with an Air Conditioning Unit. To get the most out of this system, you should turn it on in the morning as it will then begin to distribute cool air and this is much easier than trying to cool an RV that is already too hot. In many instances, the A/C unit may not be required, but this is going to depend on the intensity of the heat and the success of the following methods. You do not need to leave your A/C unit on all day. Once the air feels cooler it can then be turned off so that it is not subject to such a heavy load.

It is important to ensure that the A/C filters are cleaned regularly because over time they can collect dirt and dust and this will affect how efficiently it performs. An RV soft start helps to prevent an amp strike by controlling the voltage of the A/C unit over time. As such, the functionality of the motor will be adjusted according to the machine’s load behavior. Installing a soft start to your RVs A/C unit allows for improved operation along with smoother performance.

Park In Shaded Areas

Parking in a shaded area is going to be much cooler than parking your vehicle in direct sunlight. If possible try and park next to a tree or other large structure which you think is going to be effective in protecting your vehicle from the intense sunlight. Also, position your vehicle so that the largest window is exposed to the least amount of sunlight.

Keep Windows & Awnings Open

Weather permitting, you can deploy the awning on the side of your RV so that it shades it for a while. Of course, if it is windy this isn’t recommended and you should always ensure that there is always someone in attendance of the vehicle. Also, open the windows to allow the cool air to enter your RV but do not keep them open for the day. Once you feel as though the vehicle is cool enough, you should then shut the window and doors to trap this cool air inside. You may also wish to pull down the windows shades to prevent the sun from entering.

Utilize Ceiling Fan

Many RVs are fitted with a pre-installed ceiling fan. A ceiling fan is going to be very effective in controlling the circulation of airflow. Those that are positioned near the AC units will drag the air down to the living area so that it feels much cooler and more comfortable. Utilizing your ceiling fan is going to be particularly important in instances where you are cooking inside your RV. If it is already very warm, the heat from the food is just going to add to this heat so cool air will need to be introduced as soon as possible.

Insulate RV Windows

If your vehicle is going to be parked in a warm area for a couple of days, it is worth insulating the windows. This can be done using silver bubble wrap. It looks rather similar to foil except it is thicker and it provides a lengthier solution for blocking out the sunlight. This can simply be secured to your windows using tape.

Ventilation

If you’re RV doesn’t have an air conditioning unit, an alternative solution is to install roof vent covers. Doing so will utilize the breeze while ensuring that the rain cannot enter. This breeze will then circulate inside your vehicle to maintain a cool temperature.

Cook Your Food Outside

When possible, you should try and cook your food outside. This is because food projects a lot of heat which can disturb the temperature inside your RV. By cooking it outdoors on a grill you remove this issue so that the temperature isn’t affected.

Cold Weather

RVs generally aren’t designed for long vacations in colder climates and this is because they have thin walls that are going to struggle to retain the heat when subject to cold and windy weather. As such, you will likely find yourself shivering rather than relaxing in a cozy environment. Despite this, there are ways in which you can maintain a warm temperature.

Insulation 

Insulating your vehicle is a crucial step in retaining the heat. You can do so by adding window covers, shades, and rugs to the flooring. This will prevent the cold air from stealing the heat. Closing the curtains and adding window covers will trap a layer of air so that it cannot travel around the interior of your RV and lower the temperature.

Portable Heaters

A portable ceramic heater will help to maintain a warm temperature inside your RV. As appliances that are cheap to run they also have a small footprint and will not consume a great deal of room in your living area. Many also have settings that allow you to control the output of heat depending on the desired temperature. They should be used as a secondary source of heat that enhances the heat already provided by the vehicle’s propane furnace. If you are camping without electricity, this isn’t going to cater to your needs. However, if there is an electric outlet available using a small portable heater can be a very effective way of maintaining a warm and comfortable temperature inside your vehicle.

Fix Air Leaks

Surrounding your RVs windows and door frame, there will be rubber seals. Over time, the quality of these seals can begin to deteriorate and because of this, they aren’t going to be as effective in blocking out the cold. These seals should be regularly maintained to preserve them, however, if the deterioration is too severe they will need to be replaced. Doing so will prevent the cool air from seeping in between the cracks.

Utilize Your RVs Furnace

The majority of RVs have furnaces that provide a safe and effective way of heating the environment. An RV furnace works by injecting hot air that has been heated by propane into the living space through vents. It is important to ensure that this furnace is well-maintained, otherwise, it isn’t going to function as you would expect. You can use the furnace to heat your RV during the day or overnight. The temperature can be altered depending on your requirements for heat.

Choose A Smaller Vehicle

If you do not yet own your RV but you know that you will more than likely be using it in colder climates, you should invest in a smaller model. This is because a smaller space will take less time to heat up and they are also likely to be more effective in retaining this heat for lengthy periods. If you are willing to compromise on space to maintain a warm environment, this may be a solution that is worth contemplating.