How to Keep Your RV Cool This Summer

Written by: Izzy B.

Updated on: 4/4/25

Est. time to read: 6 mins.

RV life is supposed to be about freedom, comfort, and adventure on the open road. But during those summertime road trips, when the sweltering heat and blazing Sun turn your RV into an actual oven, staying comfy can be a little tricky. We’ve been there too, and we know just how frustrating it can be to feel like you’re roasting alive before you even step foot at your campsite. That’s why we’ve put together this list of our favorite tried-and-true strategies to beat the summer heat. Let’s read on, and get your RV feeling less like a desert, and more like an oasis!

1. Maximize Your RV AC’s Efficiency

The Problem: Many RVers run their AC fan constantly or overlook regular maintenance, leading to wasted energy, poor cooling, and system strain. It's easy to assume more is better, but overuse and neglect can quietly chip away at your AC’s performance.

Why It Matters: A poorly maintained or inefficiently used RV AC can struggle to keep your space cool, wear out faster, and consume more power—especially in extreme heat or high-humidity locations. If your RV AC is not blowing cold air, these could be the reasons.

The Fix:

Set your RV AC to auto mode to avoid unnecessary fan usage and promote consistent, energy-efficient cooling. It’s one of the simplest tricks for how to make your RV AC more efficient.
Clean or replace your RV AC filter every 2–4 weeks during the summer to maintain good airflow and performance. An RV AC air filter replacement is quick, easy, and crucial for consistent comfort.
Close off unused rooms to reduce the space your AC needs to cool, preventing overload and improving overall comfort. Focus on cooling the places where you actually spend your time.
Avoid running your AC constantly. If your unit runs non stop and it’s not keeping things cool, it may need maintenance or improved airflow to operate effectively. Overworking your AC just wears it out faster and shortens its overall lifespan.

2. Improve RV Air Circulation

The Problem: Stagnant air builds up heat over time, creating uneven pockets of heat that linger long after the sun goes down. During the peak of Summer, it can be hard for even the strongest AC units to fight against the effects of poor air circulation.

Why It Matters: Without good circulation, your RV becomes stuffy and uncomfortable. Hot air rises, so without a way to move it out or replace it with cooler air, your rooftop AC ends up doing ALL the work. That’s tough on both your comfort, and your energy bill.

The Fix:

Use vent fans to release hot air and pull in cooler air from the outside. They’re a must-have for RV air circulation and make a huge difference, especially during the evening cooldown.
Open windows strategically in the mornings and evenings to create a cross-breeze. A little airflow goes a long way when it comes to venting residual heat.
Add portable fans near floor level to help distribute cool air and prevent heat buildup at the ceiling. Mixing up the air can lighten the load on your AC and create a more even temperature throughout your rig.

3. Park in the Shade and Use Sun Protection

The Problem: Direct sun exposure increases the heat load inside your RV, forcing your AC to work overtime. When the sun beats down all day, your rig will feel like an oven by the late afternoon.

Why It Matters: Most RV AC units can only cool the interior about 20 degrees below the outside temperature, so keeping your RV well-shaded helps cool thighs down immensely.

The Fix:

Park in shaded areas when possible to naturally lower your RV's internal temperature. Even partial shade can make a big difference on a 90+ degree day.
- Pro tip: Before you hit the road, check out the layout of your campgrounds on google maps. You can usually pinpoint some shady parking spaces ahead of time!
Cover high-exposure areas (like windshields) with exterior panels or sun shields to cut down on solar gain. The front of the RV often gets the most exposure, so a little extra protection here goes a long way.
Use your RV awning or an RV awning shade to block sunlight on the entry side. These are excellent tools for cutting solar gain and creating a comfortable outdoor living space.
Install reflective RV window shades or thermal blinds to reduce radiant heat. RV window shades and blinds do more than just provide privacy—they’re essential for keeping your rig cool.

4. Check Your Power Compatibility

Watch: A Closer Look at the Active Controls ActiveStart Plug-In RV Soft Start

The Problem: Some RV parks or boondocking setups can't supply enough power, causing your AC to trip breakers or run weakly. On a hot day, the last thing you want is your RV AC shutting off mid-afternoon because of a power issue.

Why It Matters: Insufficient or inconsistent power not only affects cooling but can damage your RV AC and other sensitive electronics. High-efficiency RV AC systems still need a steady power source to perform their best, especially if you’re off-grid.

The Fix:

Monitor your amp draw and understand what your power setup can handle. Know your limits, and check the hookups at your campground to be sure they’ll deliver the power you need.
Having the right size generator can make all the difference. If your generator is too small, your AC might struggle to start, run inconsistently, or trip breakers, leaving you hot and frustrated. A properly sized generator ensures your cooling system runs smoothly and efficiently, no matter where you're camped.
Install a soft start for your RV AC, like an ActiveStart RV surge protector. Adding a soft starts is going to be a game-changer for keeping your RV cool on summer days. It helps your AC unit start up smoothly without big power surges, which is especially useful at busy campgrounds, or when you’re running off a generator. That means fewer breaker trips, more reliable cooling, and less strain on your RV’s electrical system.

5. Upgrade Your AC Unit

The Problem: Older RV AC units tend to lose efficiency over time. If your RV AC isn’t blowing cold and running quietly like it used to—or if you've tried all our other suggestions and you’re still feeling sweaty—then it might be time for an AC upgrade.

Why It Matters: An outdated or underperforming unit wastes energy, doesn’t keep you cool during hot weather, and can even shorten the lifespan of your electrical system.

The Fix:

Look for signs it’s time to replace your AC unit: check for warm air, constant running without much impact, or if the AC is more than 8 years old. Don't wait until it breaks mid-trip.
Choose models that support solar and generator setups for versatile travel and boondocking options. The right RV AC upgrade can make your off-grid adventures much more comfortable.
Upgrade to a modern, high-efficiency RV AC like the Furrion Chill Cube, or a rooftop AC from GE Appliances. These units are quieter, freon-free, and designed for energy savings, making them some of the best ACs for RV owners today.

Ready to enjoy cooler, more comfortable days on the road? Whether it’s time for a quick RV AC filter replacement or a full-on upgrade, now’s the perfect moment to take action. With the right setup, you can stay cool and confident wherever your journey takes you!

About Izzy B.

My journey with etrailer has had a number of twists and turns. I first started here in 2019 as a Summer Intern with our Content Department. I ended up enjoying the experience so much, that I came back to work at etrailer during several academic breaks throughout my college years. After some time away, I returned last Spring to work at our main warehouse, first as a Picker, and eventually on our Audit Team. Then, at the start of 2024, I was offered the chance to come aboard etrailer's Marketing Department, as a Writer for the Shopping Guide Team. Now, I help our neighbors by creating informational content to aid their shopping experience, ensuring they find the info, products, and solutions they need to get their own journeys underway!

Scott

4/4/2025

Hi Izzy, We have a 2000 Trail Lite Trailer. The AC unit works well. A couple of years ago, an RV repairman was here to check our hot water heater. He looked at the AC unit, said we were fortunate to have an older unit. He said his shop had three fairly new vehicles - 4-5 years old - in the shop for AC unit repairs, because new units are not built to last like our older unit. Do you have any thoughts on this? Thanks. Scott Blank

Jerred H.

4/4/2025

@Scott Not really. There's quite a few variables that factor into the longevity of an RV AC unit and everyone likes to offer an opinion. If yours are functional and still keeping you comfortable after 25 years I wouldn't mess around with upgrading them. We'll be here to help when you're ready though!

Scott

4/4/2025

@JerredH Thanks!