10 Hot Weather RV Tips To Stay Cool This Summer

Above, at camp near the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am only weeks away from taking a vacation trip up to Wyoming and South Dakota. Currently, the temperatures in Jamestown, New Mexico have been in the 90s, sometimes touching on 100°.

Summer means RV travel and some travelers will going into places that are in warmer climates. RV Life has posted an article with 10 hot weather RV tips to stay cool in the summer.

They begin it with:

Summer’s warm temperatures are perfect for RV camping and a lot of other fun outdoor activities. After all, many RVers spent winter and spring eagerly anticipating the heat of summer. However, in the case of scorching summer temperatures, too much of a good thing can be no good at all. That said, sweltering temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable, they can be hazardous. Not to worry though, because I’ve gathered 10 hot-weather RV tips that experienced RVers use to keep things cool in the RV when temperatures soar.

One tip they didn't mention is to indulge in some sort of water sport while at camp. A few years ago, I did some river rafting near Jackson, Wyoming. Besides being a lot of fun, I also was kept cool.

Above, rafting on the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming. 

To read more, go here. 

How To Survive Camping In 105 Degree Heat—Yikes!

Above, morning at Crazy Horse Campgrounds in Lake Havasu. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Camping in hot weather can cause heat stroke and other maladies. I have camped in hot conditions a few times.

Generally, those hot camps were in the desert (where else?) such as Lake Havasu, Arizona and, more recently, in Quartzsite, Arizona. 

In Lake Havasu, I generally stay at the Crazy Horse Campgrounds where they have electric hook-ups to power the motorhome air conditioner (plus the nearby lake). In Quartzsite, where we dry camped, we had to use some engenuity.

RV Travel posted some tips by Nanci Dixon for surviving camping in 105° heat.

She begins with:

We have started (well, almost) our RV summer migration to the cool green northern clime. But first, we needed to get all the floors in our house redone after an installer error. So instead of camping by pristine blue lakes lined with tall pines, we are in the hot brown desert lined with cactus.

We are using this time to get everything up to par for the trip and the summer: replacing water filters, recharging the water softener, checking the engine and generator, and fixing things neglected when we returned to Arizona. (I wrote more about our packing routine in Friday’s newsletter.)

What we didn’t factor in all this work is the brutal Arizona heat. Unfortunately, we are familiar with it from when we were camp hosts here late one year.

Here are the things we do to stay comfortable. While some seem like no-brainers, I am reminded that my brain didn’t remember.

To read more, go here. 

Power Certainly Helps

Above, the front yard on February 7, 2024. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It was nice to be able to wake up to having power to the house after two straight days of power outages. Both outages were due to downed power lines. 

After getting up this morning, I fired up the heater to take the morning chill out. It sure beats sitting in a cold house covered in blankets and waiting for the power to come on. 

The temperature is currently 21° outside. 

I may have to invest in either a wood-burning or pellet-burning stove for future winters. I have a propane heating system, but that relies on electricity to fire it up. 

This week brought two days of rain and snow. The snow total was around two inches altogether. Even though it is meager compared to past year's, at least the ground looks saturated. It sure is a fall cry compared to last winter. We're definitely in a drought.

This has been a dry winter, so far. Even Flagstaff, Arizona hasn't seen much snow this season. Until this past week, Flagstaff saw only just 5.9 inches since Oct. 1. Jamestown, New Mexico is at roughly the same elevation as Flagstaff. 

Our next chance for rain/snow is on Tuesday (30% chance). 

Tricks For Beating The Heat While RVing

Above, camped at Lake Havasu where temperatures reach over 110° frequently. Photo by Armand Vaquer,

The first day of summer will arrive June 20. 

With it, warmer (and hotter) temperatures will also be upon us. For RVers, keeping the rig cool during hot days is essential.

RV Travel has posted some tips on keeping recreational vehicles cooler on hot days.

They begin with:

The temperatures are already on the rise and that means the annual battle against the heat is gearing up. We all can use some tips and tricks to beat the heat while RVing. Follow these tips and stay cool this summer. 

To read what they are, to here. 

90-Degree Temperatures Returning

Above, enjoying a brewski yesterday.

It has been a pleasant week with temperatures in the 80s and with some rain. I was able to give the swamp cooler a rest.

All that is about to change towards the end of the week as the temperatures will creep back up into the 90s again here in Jamestown, New Mexico. And, it will be drier. Well, it was nice while it lasted.

According to the National Weather Service:

 Today

Isolated showers and thunderstorms between noon and 3pm, then scattered thunderstorms after 3pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Light southwest wind becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight

Scattered thunderstorms before 9pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and midnight. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light and variable after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday

Sunny, with a high near 87. Light and variable wind becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the morning.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 58. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 89. Light and variable wind becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the morning.

Friday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 59.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 91.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 60.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 91.

Sunday Night

Clear, with a low around 61.

RV Tires and Summer Heat

Above, my motorhome is protected in its garage. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

RV parts and accessories stores such as Camping World carry tire covers for a reason. RVs sitting out in the sun for weeks will get damaged. When I first bought my motorhome, I bought many accessories for it and that included tire covers. 

At the time, my RV sat out in the open at my apartment's parking lot. I kept the tires covered when the RV wasn't in use.

After moving to New Mexico, I had a RV garage built to protect it and its tires. Moving to an area at 7,000 feet in elevation made this more necessary. My tires are in great shape as a result. I keep all of my vehicles garaged for the same reasons.

Do It Yourself RV has an article on tires and summer heat with tips on protecting them.

The begin it with:

For many people, summer is the ideal time to climb into your RV and hit the road. It’s great to travel during the warm seasons because you don’t need to worry about snowstorms and icy roads. But the summer heat comes with its own dangers. Tires are one of the key areas that are affected by soaring temperatures.

Excessive heat can damage or even destroy RV tires if you’re not careful. High temperatures can warp the rubber and cause additional issues like leaks, dry rot, and tire pressure differences. In the worst-case scenarios, your tires might even explode while you’re driving!

Although summer heat is certainly dangerous, there are things you can do to prevent tire damage. As long as you’re aware of the risk factors and take steps to avoid them, you can continue to use your tires during every season of the year. Below, we’ll explore some of the dangers your tires will face and how you can prevent them.

To read more, go here. 

Beating The Heat While RVing

Above, camping at Lake Havasu where it is over 100° daily in the summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been hot for the past several weeks. At my home in New Mexico, the temperature has been in the 90s.

I was thinking about going up to Durango, Colorado to beat the heat. But I found that the temperatures there are no better than in New Mexico. So I nixed that idea.

However, if one is about to head out in their RV during this hot summer, RV Travel has some tips on beating the heat.

They begin with:

It’s hot. Really hot. Locations across the country are setting all-time heat records this summer. Perhaps no one knows about heat better than RVers. Face it. We RVers battle the heat while living in what’s basically an oversized tin can or cardboard box. The question on all of our minds is: How can we beat the heat while RVing?

To read what they suggest, go here. 

May As Well Stay Home

Above, Durango's Alpen Rose RV Park fishing pond. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the past several days, I had been thinking about taking a trip to Durango, Colorado to escape the heat. I just checked the weather forecast for Durango and it is no better than Jamestown, New  Mexico.

Durango is just as hot and has chances of thundershowers.

According to the National Weather Service, here's the Durango forecast this week:

Tonight

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 10%.

Monday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Light and variable wind becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon.

Monday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. North wind 5 to 15 mph.

Tuesday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 94. Light and variable wind becoming west 10 to 15 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Tuesday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. West wind 10 to 15 mph becoming north 5 to 10 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 25 mph.

Wednesday

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. Breezy.

Wednesday Night

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Breezy.

Thursday

A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93.

I may as well stay home and save some money. Oh, well. So much for that idea.

Quartzsite Heat

Above, dry camping in Quartzsite in March 2021. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus (of which I am a member) held two clampouts (campouts) in Quartzsite, Arizona (March and October) filled with fun, frivolity, history and drinking. The weather during the two clampouts was just perfect, no hotter than in the 80s.

However, it is now summer and people have to be made aware that Quartzsite can, and does, get pretty darn hot in the summer.

RV Travel takes a look at Quartzsite heat in a new article.

They begin it with:

Quartzsite clings tenaciously to its claim of being the “Snowbird Capital of the West.” With the Big Tent RV Show, hundreds of miles of ATV trails, and loads of open space on BLM land to camp on, there are plenty of attractions. And when Minnesotans groan as they pull on Long Johns to face sub-zero weather in January, Snowbirds in Quartzsite are in “Hog Heaven.”

Here’s what one website says: “The average temperature in Quartzsite in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 68°F (20°C) to a low of 43°F (6°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.” Locals refer to the “Crazy Canadians” whom they see donning shorts and short sleeves and sunbathing. But it’s not January anymore—and the Quartzsite heat has arrived.

 To read more, go here.

10 WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT WHILE RV CAMPING

Above, at Crazy Horse Campgrounds at Lake Havasu in August 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Do you know what tomorrow is? In case you don't, the summer solstice arrives tomorrow morning. That means tomorrow is the first day of summer. This is the time when people are out vacationing and trying to find ways to cool off.

That includes RVers.

My motorhome has a roof air conditioner. For the most part, it works just fine. But a few times in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, it barely was able to keep the inside of the RV cool from the blistering heat (in excess of 110°).

Do It Yourself RV has some tips (ten of them) on how to beat the heat in your RV.

They begin with:

As the weather heats up, we all begin planning summer road trips and camping adventures. Warm temperatures encourage us to get outside, go swimming, and bask in the sun. But at the end of the day, you’ll need a nice, cool RV to help you beat the heat.

Many RVers overheat during the summer because their vehicle can’t compete with the blazing sun. A built-in AC system is great, but it can drain a lot of power (especially if you’re boondocking). Fortunately, there are plenty of strategies that you can use to cool down your living space and enjoy summer to the fullest.

Below we have 10 tips to beat the heat. They’re simple, cheap, and low effort, so give them a try! Feel free to use your AC as much as you want, but just remember that these tips might help you become less dependent on this system.

To read more, go here. 

No Excessive Heat Here

Above, the pool area of Route 66 RV Resort in July. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While Californians are moaning and groaning that they have to lower their air conditioners and not charge their electric vehicles as they will strain the power grid during this weekend's heat wave, I am basking in our much more comfortable temperatures in New Mexico.

Our temperatures will be in the 80s with the 20% possibility of thunderstorms starting Saturday afternoon. Monsoon season ends this month, by the way.

According to the National Weather Service, this is the weekend's forecast for Jamestown, New Mexico:

 Today

Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 54. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south after midnight.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 5 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Northeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southeast after midnight.

Saturday

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. East wind 5 to 15 mph.

Saturday Night

A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 55.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 83.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 53.

Labor Day

Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.

Scorcher Today In New Mexico

From the National Weather Service:

RV Camping Must-Haves For Summer

Above, at Crazy Horse Campground in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For me, it is easier to warm up the motorhome than it is to cool the inside down. But, after six years with it, I have never had and issue with getting comfortably cool during the hot summer months. The air conditioner has worked fine.

Along with the air conditioner, I also have a large fan that runs on 12 volt power. An electric fan is one of the "must-have" items Do It Yourself RV listed in an article listing ten of them for summer.

They begin with:

Summer is well underway, and many people are already out enjoying memorable camping trips in their RV. This season brings hot weather though, and sometimes it can get sweltering inside your vehicle. There are a few must-haves for camping in hot weather that will help you stay cool and enjoy your trip.

Sometimes RVs don’t have the best insulation, so you need to use some hacks and special products to cool down. This is a common problem, so there are lot of options you can choose from. Below we’ll explore 10 useful items for RV camping in hot weather. These items will improve your experience and prevent you from overheating. Let’s get started!

To read more, go here. 

RV Life: Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

Above, camping in Chaco Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Heat exhaustion is one topic I've never considered.

Fortunately for us, it is preventable and RV Life has posted an article on what the symptoms are while one is out camping in their RV. They also have tips on preventing heat exhaustion.

They begin with:

As we move into the hottest part of summer, it’s important to consider the environmental risks that RVers, campers, and other outdoorsmen face. Heat exhaustion is a very real threat to anyone who spends a lot of time in the sun. Even though it’s not always obvious from the get-go, there are several heat exhaustion symptoms that can let you know there’s a problem. 

As someone who has experienced heat exhaustion myself, it’s not a fun time! It interrupted my whole day and left me feeling weak, nauseous, and shaky. Thankfully, we were able to address it before it evolved into heat stroke, but this condition can be quite serious. 

Below, we’ll give you a comprehensive guide to heat exhaustion, including its symptoms, treatment options, prevention, and the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun, it’s important to know what to look out for!

 To read more, go here.

How To Determine Your RV Furnace’s Propane Usage

Above, The Beast at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first real use I put my RV furnace to was while dry camping at Joshua Tree National Park in 2015. I put it on when I went to bed, but I found myself cold when I woke up and got out of bed early the next morning. I had plenty of propane, but what I didn't count on was that the furnace drained my house battery to zilch. 

Normally, I stay at RV parks with full hook-ups, thereby providing power to my space heater and RV furnace. Even though I have access to power, I use the RV furnace sparingly to conserve the propane and rely more on the space heater. And, since l learned my lesson, I don't use the furnace until I am awake as I am warm enough under the covers. I have not had any problems since.

How much propane does an RV furnace use? To answer that question, Do It Yourself RV posted an article that tells all.

They start it with:

How much propane does an RV furnace use? This is not a question you typically hear sitting around the campfire with other RVers. You are more likely to hear questions like how long will my battery last, how long will my freshwater last, or how long will my propane last. The last three questions are totally subjective, but “how much propane does an RV furnace use” has a definitive answer. 

Note: This article addresses DSI (Direct Spark Ignition) RV furnaces found in most newer RVs—not older RV furnaces that contain pilot lights.

To read more, go here. 

Tips For Staying Cool In A Small Camper

Above, desert camping in Kingman, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is traveling in an area that is hot in the summer, staying cool is paramount to staying comfortable.

Do It Yourself RV has a new article with 18 tips for staying cool in a small camper. Most likely, they are talking about trailers, truck campers and small motorhomes under 25 feet in length. My motorhome is 23 feet long. The tips can also apply to larger RVs.

They begin with:

Keeping cool in a small camper can be a challenge during hot summer days, but with planning and a few modifications and accessories, it can be done.

“Whenever you travel, you need a game plan to keep your RV cool during your trip. With the right mixture of positioning, planning and a few other tips, you’ll be able to stay comfortable for your entire vacation.” Blog the folks at Quality RV Resorts

To read the full article, go here.