Wondering How To Stay Cool In An RV Without Air Conditioning? When it comes to staying cool in extreme summer heat, you can learn a few tips from Burning Man. Running the RV air conditioner can be expensive and loud. When boondocking or wild camping (RVing off the grid in your van, motorhome, or even travel trailer), solar power can be essential. Your Solar, battery, and inverter can go a long way in helping to keep the RV cool, plus you and any fur babies (in case you’re RVing with Pets, Cats + Dogs Too). In this post, I’m sharing how to stay cool in your RV without A/C, not plugged into shore power or using your RV generator. Learn How to beat the heat in an RV this summer!
Van Life: How To Stay Cool In An RV (Without Air Conditioning)
I kind of have a project going where I want to see what doesn’t take this huge central system of air. I want to know what I can do to RV cheaper when it comes to my electricity bill. Because running $40 a day in air, that’s crazy. You don’t even do that in a house. Yet it’s similar to powering a traditional sticks and bricks house.
I’d either have to turn on the generator and use my propane (some generators take gas or diesel instead) or I would have to plug in somewhere like an RV Park or Campground to get the 30/50amp type shore power I need to run larger appliances like the RV AC!
I can plug my RV into a house, which I showed you how you can plug your RV into a house before — But NOT to power the RV AC Unit! My RV is a 30 amp unit, so it requires a special plug typically found at an RV Park, campground, etc…
Temps & Times of day
Some key things to consider are the Times of day that you’re running your RV AC — or trying to cool your RV in general.
TIP: One idea is to drive during the hottest times of the day. So, from 12-5 pm might be a great time to drive because it’s hotter and you won’t have to worry about heating and cooling the unit. Versus if you’re trying to heat and cool the RV sitting around during the hottest time of the day, you’re using more of your resources, plus costing more money!
Solar Power (is FREE)
If there’s anything I can run off of solar power, which is free. I try to do that.
Box Fan = The cheapest way to cool your RV
Here’s what I’ve tried. This cheapest option is just a box fan. You can get one of these in almost any color that you want. for $20.
It plugs up to a regular 120-volt outlet. But, since it requires little energy to power and use, the good thing about it is that you can run it off your RV batteries using an inverter. So I’ll plug this into a 12-volt DC power outlet either back in my RV coach area or up in the front of the chassis driver area.
I can have the box fan on. Even if I’m rolling down the road, I may let it flow in the back, especially if the dogs are back there to keep the RV a little bit cooler. Or if people are sitting in the back of the RV, they might want some air.
If I’m trying to get air conditioning and I’m using the front cab, I’ll turn the cab on, and then I have these little arms on my chairs. I’ll prop up and I’ll put this box fan in between and let it flow from the front chassis to the back of the cabin so it will help with the air circulation.
>> 20-Inch Box Fan*
Oscillating Fan
The next more expensive option is an oscillating fan I found. It oscillates up and down, and it goes side to side. You can turn it up or turn it down with the remote, and it has a timer.
I picked it up at Walmart, but you can also get them on Amazon, — $50 was about what I paid for this fan.
It does a really good job. It’s powerful. I’ve left it up when I’m in bed, and it works well if I’m out of the RV to help cool the furbabies! Sometimes I will want to leave it on the floor and let it hit the dogs, so that is an option. Also, I can run multiple fans at one time!
Plus, Both fans are powered off of an inverter, which converts sunlight into power from my solar panel. So the Sun powers these fans for me for free.
>> 8” Portable Oscillating Circulation Fan (small)
Evaporator = Swamp Cooler
Now this is my newest addition. My Luma, which you may have heard as a swamp cooler. It works better if you’re not located in a humid environment.
The Luma has this water tank on the back and a filter, so the water drops down the filter, and it cools the water along with ice and a fan — it’s a little bit more complicated. But I have controls to be able to control it. Plus, there’s a little remote that goes with it.
Still testing it out, learning about it and how to actually work the thing.
It claims to use less than 150 watt light bulb. So it’s about the equivalent of running a light bulb. I paid $150 I think for this on Amazon. It’s definitely worth trying.
>> Portable Evaporative Swamp Cooler*
TIP: If you have a larger space, close off and just heat and cool the area that you need.
Vent & Skylight Covers
One way to stay cool in your RV might be to use your roof vent. If I want to get a little air inside, I can pop it up, and then I can pop it down.
BUT when you’re not using it… I showed this to you before, but I also put reflective installation in every window that I have in the RV. Including my skylight and roof vents.
I picked this up on Amazon. You will need to find the size that fits your RV roof vent, even though some come in standard size.
Reflective Window Insulation
You really want to keep reflective installation in your windows, and it helps with blocking out the heat and keeping the cold air inside your RV! I bought a whole big roll on Amazon, and you get a huge roll and cut it to fit the size of your RV windows. It goes in all my windows.
I also use the shades that come with the RV to help block out the sunlight and heat. If I get ready to set up somewhere, the first thing I do is put my reflective installation in the windows and close the sunshade in the front because I want to keep it as cool as I can inside the RV.
Blackout Curtains
These are something my mom made me. All we did was just safety pin them because of the way they were designed, but these are some window coverings that I found.
I just made some curtains for my RV that you can tie off and close off the front from the back part of the RV to block some of the heat out.
This chassis part where you’re driving, it’s not as insulated as the back of the house. Sometimes I’ll want to close it off, or maybe it’s just real quick and I’m like, Oh, you know, let me close the curtain so I can hang out in the back of the RV without anyone seeing me! — Everybody turns their RV into their own home.
The rod I used was just a car clothes hanging rod. And then I just had to safety pin the curtain to fit it because of the design. Plus, I was reusing some curtains I already had from another RV.
This helps me because these are actually those blackening shades that help block out the UV rays in your house. I wanted to put something like that in here because I feel like that helps.
- Blackout Curtains (to cover the doors and insulate)
- Curtain Rod Expandable
- Tension Rods Expandable
- Expandable Clothes Rod (With Clips for Hanging)
🎬 Watch The Video…
how to stay cool in your RV without A/C
Those are some of the things that I do to help with my air conditioning…
🛠 PRODUCTS MENTIONED:
- 20-Inch Box Fan*
- 8” Portable Circulation Fan (small)
- Portable Evaporative Swamp Cooler*
- Reflective Skylight Cover
- Reflective Insulation
- Blackout Curtains (to cover the doors and insulate)
- Curtain Rod Expandable
- Tension Rods Expandable
- Expandable Clothes Rod (With Clips for Hanging)
- BESTEK 300W Power Inverter
- Goal Zero Yeti (Solar Powered Generator & Accessories)
- 🛍️ Visit RVersity’s STORE for all these RV Accessories and more!
Final Thoughts…
Now you know the various methods to stay cool in an RV without relying on air conditioning. Whether you’re trying to conserve energy or you find yourself in a situation without access to traditional cooling systems, these tips and tricks will help you beat the heat while on the road.
BTW, the RV I’m currently in and referring to through this post is a 2018 Winnebago Era 170M that uses a 30 AMP hookup. But, you can use many of these strategies to cool any RV motorhome, travel trailer, 5th wheel, not just for van life etc…)
📌 Consider Alternatives
Many RV owners are looking for alternatives to traditional air conditioning systems due to their high energy consumption. In the quest for more cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions, exploring other options becomes essential.
📌 Optimal Timing
One key strategy is to consider the timing of your activities in the RV. Driving during the hottest part of the day, typically from noon to five, can minimize the need for cooling the interior space. By utilizing the natural airflow while in motion, you can reduce reliance on powered cooling systems.
📌 Utilize Solar Power
Harnessing solar power can significantly reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources. Investing in solar panels allows you to power essential appliances and devices, including fans, without relying on external power outlets.
📌 Cooling Fans
Box fans are a simple and affordable solution to improve airflow within your RV. By using a 12-volt DC power inverter, you can run these fans efficiently, even while on the move. Placing fans strategically throughout the RV can help circulate air and maintain a comfortable temperature.
📌 Upgrade to High-Powered Fans
For a more powerful cooling solution, consider investing in high-quality fans equipped with oscillating features and remote controls. While slightly more expensive than basic box fans, these models offer enhanced airflow and customizable settings to suit your preferences.
📌 Swamp Coolers
Swamp coolers, such as the Luma model, offer a viable alternative to traditional air conditioning units. These devices use water evaporation to cool the air, making them particularly effective in dry climates. With low energy consumption and remote control options, swamp coolers provide a convenient cooling solution for RV owners.
📌 Insulation and Window Coverings
Proper insulation and window coverings play a crucial role in regulating temperature within the RV. Reflective window shades and blackout curtains help block out sunlight and minimize heat transfer, keeping the interior cool and comfortable.
📌 Personalized Solutions
Customizing your RV to suit your specific needs and preferences is essential for maximizing comfort. From DIY window coverings to creative ventilation solutions, explore different options to create a personalized cooling strategy that works for you.
📌 Learn from Experience
Avoid common pitfalls and mistakes by learning from a seasoned RVer. I’ve had a ton of RVs, travel trailers, to motorized units, crazy stories, and you’re going to want to hear them. Download our free guide on the top 10 mistakes most RVers make to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience on the road.
>> LEARN THE TOP 10 MISTAKES MOST RVERS MAKE!
Join the Conversation
Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Your feedback may inspire future content and help fellow RVers navigate their own adventures.
I’m Blogging Brandi, and this is RVersity, where I share all of my tips, tricks, and tutorials about RVing. Don’t forget to subscribe to the RVersity YouTube channel for the latest updates.
Thank you for joining us on this journey to discover alternative cooling methods for RV living. Stay tuned for all things RV-related. I’ll see you in the next episode.
VIDEOS MENTIONED
- HOW TO PLUG IN AN RV AT HOME
- What is Dry Camping – BOONDOCKING
- What is RVERSITY all about?
- KEEP COOL IN YOUR RV this summer! 😎 [RV LIVING TIPS & TRICKS] 🔥💦
- How To Stay Cool In Your RV This Summer [TIPS & TRICKS]
- TOUR My 2018 Winnebago Era 170M RV Van!
- WATCH all of MY RV TUTORIALS HERE
- RV Living Tips, Tricks, & Ways To Keep Your RV Cool In The Summer!
- 🎬 WATCH ALL MY RV Cooling Tips & Tricks VIDEOS [IN THIS PLAYLIST]
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