Whether you are driving in the warm summer months or the colder winter season, maintaining a comfortable temperature in your motorhome will affect how comfortable your adventure is. Trying to relax when it is mostly warm or very cold will make it much more difficult for you to get a good night's sleep.
Below we've listed the different ways you can keep your motorhome's temperature in hot and cold weather.
Warm weather
A rise in temperature and intense heat can often create an unbearable atmosphere. Because of the materials that RVs are made of, they can get very hot when exposed to the sun. However, there are several ways to maintain a cool temperature so that warmth doesn't have to be a problem.
air conditioner
Most motorhomes are equipped with air conditioning. To get the most out of this system, turn it on in the morning as it will then start to diffuse cool air. This is much easier than trying to cool an RV that is already too hot. In many cases, air conditioning may not be required, but it will depend on the intensity of the heat and the success of the following methods. You don't have to leave your air conditioner on all day. As soon as the air feels cooler, it can be switched off so that it is not so heavily polluted.
It is important to ensure that the A / C filters are cleaned regularly as they can collect dirt and dust over time and this will affect their efficiency. An RV soft start helps prevent an amp shock by controlling the voltage of the air conditioner over time. The functionality of the motor is therefore adapted to the load behavior of the machine. Installing a soft start on your motorhome's air conditioning system allows for improved operation and smoother performance.
Park in shaded areas
Parking in a shaded area is much cooler than parking your vehicle in direct sunlight. If possible, try to park next to a tree or other large structure that you believe will be effective in protecting your vehicle from the intense sunlight. Also, position your vehicle so that the largest window is exposed to the least amount of sunlight.
Keep Windows & Awnings Open
If the weather permits, you can place the awning on the side of your motorhome so that it is shaded for a while. Obviously, if it is windy this is not recommended and you should always make sure that someone is always with the vehicle. Also, open the windows to let the cool air into your RV, but don't leave them open for the day. Once you feel the vehicle is cool enough, you should close the windows and doors to trap that cool air inside. You may also want to pull down the shutters to keep the sun out.
Use ceiling fan
Many RVs come with a pre-installed ceiling fan. A ceiling fan will be very effective at controlling air circulation. Those that are near the AC units pull the air into the living area, making it feel much cooler and more comfortable. Using your ceiling fan is especially important when cooking in your RV. If it is already very warm, the warmth of the food will only contribute to this warmth, so cool air must be introduced as soon as possible.
Isolate RV windows
If your vehicle is parked in a warm place for a few days, it is worth insulating the windows. This can be done with silver bubble wrap. It looks a lot like the foil, but is thicker and offers a longer solution to blocking out the sunlight. This can be easily taped to your windows.
ventilation
If your RV doesn't have air conditioning, an alternative solution is to put on roof vent covers. This takes advantage of the breeze and at the same time ensures that no rain can get in. This breeze then circulates around your vehicle to help maintain a cool temperature.
Cook your food outside
If possible, try to cook your food outside. This is because food gives off a lot of heat which can upset the temperature in your RV. Cooking it outdoors on a grill can fix this problem so it doesn't affect the temperature.
Cold weather
RVs are generally not designed for long vacations in colder climates. This is because they have thin walls that are difficult to retain heat in cold and windy weather. As such, you are more likely to shiver than relax in comfortable surroundings. Even so, there are ways you can keep a warm temperature.
insulation
Insulating your vehicle is a critical step in retaining heat. You can do this by adding window coverings, blinds, and carpets to the floor. This prevents the cold air from stealing the heat. Closing the curtains and adding window coverings traps a layer of air that cannot move inside your RV and lower the temperature.
Portable heaters
A portable ceramic heater ensures a warm temperature in your motorhome. As devices that are cheap to run, they also have a small footprint and do not take up much space in your living area. Many also have settings that allow you to control the heat output based on the temperature you want. They should be used as a secondary heat source that increases the heat already provided by the vehicle's propane stove. Camping with no electricity will not suit your needs. However, having an outlet with a small portable heater available can be a very effective way of maintaining a warm and comfortable temperature in your vehicle.
Fix air leaks
There are rubber seals around the windows and door frames of your motorhome. Over time, the quality of these seals can deteriorate. Because of this, they are not as effective at blocking the cold. These seals should be serviced regularly to maintain them. However, if the deterioration is too severe, they must be replaced. This will prevent cool air from entering between the cracks.
Use your mobile home stove
Most RVs have stoves which are a safe and effective way to warm the environment. A motorhome stove injects hot air, heated by propane, into the living space through vents. It is important to make sure this oven is well maintained or it will not work as expected. You can use the stove to heat your motorhome during the day or overnight. The temperature can be changed depending on the heat demand.
Choose a smaller vehicle
If you don't already own your motorhome but know that you will most likely use it in colder climates, consider investing in a smaller model. This is because a smaller room takes less time to heat up and they are also likely to be more effective at holding that heat for longer periods of time. If you're willing to compromise on space to maintain a warm environment, this might be a solution to consider.
