Knowing how to stay cool when boondocking is a concern for many RVers. Hot temperatures and humid air really make boondocking rough. Many don’t have a generator to run an air conditioner or dehumidifier, and many more have insufficient battery banks for off-grid camping, or lack of solar panels.
How To Stay Cool When Boondocking
Position your RV against the sun. If your RV has an awning, then park the RV in such a way that the sun shines directly on the awning. This will cast a shade across the RV, and prevent the sun from heating up walls of your rig.
Use Reflectix Sheeting. These are the shiny silver thin bubble wrap you see people putting into the windows of their RVs. You can get Reflectix at home improvement stores and RV supply stores. Put them in your windows to help block the sun’s heat. You can also drape Reflectix sheeting on the outside of your RV to block even more heat.
Use heat reflective paint on your roof. Home improvement stores sell this type of paint. It’s colored white, and will block heat from entering through your roof. It’s very inexpensive and yet makes a significant effect on keeping your RV cool.
Position your RV in the shade. If you’re boondocked with lots of trees, find a way to get your rig into some of that shade.
Use your roof fans to blow out hot air. Most RVs have roof fans (or vent fans), and most are wired to blow the hotter ceiling air out through the roof. These fans run off of the RV’s battery, and draw only a tiny amount of watts. This will draw the cooler outside air in through the windows.
Keep all windows open. Opening windows is a given to help circulate air through your RV. But wind cannot enter into an RV if there’s no way to push air out. Thus, make sure all windows are open (including your front door), to help keep circulation flowing freely.
Open your ramp door. If you have a toy hauler, open the ramp door. This will let in so much outside air, and help keep you cool. Don’t let the ramp door rest on the ground, however, as this will allow mice and other rodents into your rig. Instead, use blocks on the ground to keep the door suspended, or use ramp door cables. To keep flying insects out, buy a toy hauler ramp door bug screen, you can find these on Amazon.com.
Do I Need a Generator?
Having a generator really helps for boondocking. It’s certainly not required, but if you have appliances that require 110/120 volt AC, you’ll at least need a 2,000 watt portable generator to run multiple appliances at the same time. If you want to run at least one air conditioning unit, you’ll need at least a 3,200 watt generator. Portable generators in these ranges are not too terribly expensive, and they plug directly into your RV’s 30/50 AMP port.
Read our article, “Do I Need a Generator For Boondocking?”
Find Cooler & Drier Weather
If you’re not yet a full time boondocker, just know that most are nomadic, preferring to wander across the country following comfortable weather. They’ll seek higher elevations or the Pacific coastline during the summer. Many prefer to remain in the western portion of the United States (west of the Mississippi River), for the drier air.
Prepare yourself for a life of cross-country wandering if you’re interested in spending more time boondocking.
Need More Tips on How To Stay Cool When Boondocking?
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Summer Boondocking: Keep Cool With These 11 Pointers – RVShare
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How to Stay Cool While Boondocking in the Summer – These 7 Easy Ways – Do it Yourself RV