Peak camping season is perfectly situated in the summer, when the sun and school are out. And while this can make some days relaxing and enjoyable, it doesn’t take much for the heat to get sweltering. Having an RV can help you escape the heat and cool off, but only if you’re being smart about keeping the heat out. Even if your Airstream comes with an air conditioning unit, there are ways to stave off the worst of the heat and avoid jacking up your electricity bill. Airstream of Montana has provided some of those tips here. If you need additional tips, or if you’re still looking for the perfect Airstream RV, then stop by our location in Missoula, Montana, near Kalispell and Bozeman.
Blocking Out Unnecessary Heat
The first step in fighting the heat is to reduce the amount of heat you create. Some heat is inevitable: the kind that comes from the sun, the kind that comes from your body, and the little bit you create through everyday tasks. But reducing the sources of heat or how much heat they’re giving off is half the battle so that’s where you should start.
Avoid the Sun when Parking
Just like you would when parking your car, avoiding the sun can keep out all the heat that comes directly from UV rays heating up the frame and the interior. If possible, park your rig in a spot that’s shaded. At the very least, find the side of your camper that has the most windows and park that side as far east as you can. The rising sun is cooler than the setting sun, so this will keep the windows amplifying the sun’s heat when your rig has already been cooking all day. You can also unfurl your awning to not only provide more shade to people outside, but to also cool off that side of the RV.
Covering Windows
As we mentioned, windows can be a huge heat amplifier. This is because glass (or in this case whatever plastic/glass material your windows are made out of) conducts heat really well. That heat radiates into the rest of the RV, which is why covering your windows at key times of the day is an important part of cooling off. Curtains can sometimes do the trick, although you’ll also want to consider bubble insulation to really keep the heat out.
Using LED Bulbs
Halogen bulbs can be effective, but hot. When you’ve got your windows covered, you’ll want to turn on some lights so you can see. But if you’re using halogen, or other energy inefficient bulbs, you might as well open up your windows again. Switching to LEDs are a great way to not only reduce the amount of heat emitted from your lights, but also be more energy efficient and have a better lighting.
Cooking Over the Campfire
Your oven also gives off a lot of heat. Even your microwave and stove can start to fry the inside of your Airstream after a while. To combat this, consider moving your cooking outside. Whether you’re grilling or kicking it old school and using the campfire, using your exterior space can not only make for great eating, it can also make for a more authentic camping experience. And it keeps all cooking heat outside your rig.
Hopefully this gives you some ideas for keeping the heat out, but many other campers have their own tricks that include strategically placed fans, special air conditioning units, and much more. Ask around your local RV communities for some other fool proof tips so you and your family can stay cool and comfortable this summer. And when you need to look for a new Airstream, whether it’s the Airstream Classic or the Airstream Signature, stop by Airstream of Montana in Missoula, MT and we’ll help you find the perfect model for you. We also serve Kalispell and Bozeman.
