For most of the USA, summer is here and that brings temperatures up beyond the comfort level. Running your AC for long hours can become expensive and having to use your generator can make for unhappy neighbors. Here are some tips for keeping your coach cool without having to run your AC all day.
Location, Location, Location
When picking a spot at the campground you should look for a shady spot. Finding one that keeps the sun directly off your coach in the heat of the day is a tremendous help. Keep in mind that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Also, consider the air flow and the wind direction. If you get some options on picking your camping spot, look for one that blocks sun from different directions and has a nice breeze flow through your windows.
Cover Up to Keep Cool
Keeping windows and skylights covered will also keep the temperature down. If you do not have Day/Night shades you should invest in some. They can block light completely if you add the light filtering blackout option to your shades. Those of you that have a shower skylight or just a large skylight anywhere in your coach know firsthand that they can feel like an oven inside your coach. Replacing your skylight with a black color skylight or having a cover to put over your existing skylight will help immensely. I would also suggest having window and patio awnings. You would be surprised how much cooler your coach will feel when you cover it up.
Ventilation is Very Good
Keeping cool air in and pushing the hot air out will help bring down your overall temperature as well. Ceiling fans and roof vents are very good at helping control the ventilation in your coach. Consider adding ventilation to appliances as well. Venting your refrigerator, stove, and microwave to push the hot air out will bring your inside temperature down several degrees.
Let the Light Lead the Way
Switching to LED light bulbs will have a huge effect on your coach temperature. There has always been a large amount of heat coming off of incandescent bulbs and even though the switch to LED is a bit costly, over time they pay for themselves. LEDs have a longer life span which means less replacement and the energy output is a lot less on your coach. Read about The Benefits of LED Lighting for Your Coach.
Let’s Eat Out
When I say let’s eat out, I do not mean to spend more money eating at a local restaurants. It means it is time to get out there and cook “outside.” Barbeques can be used to cook a lot more than just hamburgers and hot dogs. Check out some interesting barbeque tips online and keep the stove, microwave, and/or oven off. You can find some great Burger recipes HERE.
There are quite a few hot days ahead of us this summer and keeping your coach cool as the sun beats down can be less of a hassle if you follow these steps. Your coach can be degrees cooler without even flipping on the air conditioner or the generator. Plan ahead and get out there and have a blast as summer kicks into high gear. Happy Trails!