How to Stay Cool in an RV During Summer

Spending summer in an RV can be an exciting way to explore nature and enjoy the freedom of the open road. However, Japan’s summer months can bring intense heat and humidity, making it important to find ways to keep cool and comfortable inside your campervan.

This article provides practical tips and strategies to help you enjoy your adventure without wilting under the summer sun.

Effective Ventilation: Keeping the Air Moving

If you’ve got a campervan rental, Tokyo is likely where you’ll be starting your journey. July, August and September are the hottest months here, so be prepared if you’ll be travelling during this period.

One of the most effective ways to cool down your RV is by ensuring proper ventilation. This will help circulate air and keep you cool. So, let’s go over some tips to enhance airflow and reduce heat inside your campervan:

• Cross-Ventilation: Open multiple windows or vents on opposite sides of the RV to create a cross breeze that pushes the hot air out and allows cooler air in.
• Portable Fans: You can utilise battery-operated or USB fans to increase airflow. Position them strategically to circulate air throughout the RV.
• Thermal Curtains: Hang thermal or reflective curtains on windows to block out sunlight during the hottest parts of the day. This great addition can significantly reduce the interior temperature of your RV. Make sure to remove the curtains from the driver and passenger side windows before operating the vehicle, as it is dangerous and illegal.

Insect Repellents: Keeping Bugs at Bay

Another issue you might face during the summer months is insects, especially if you travel into more remote areas. Keeping these pests out while maintaining airflow can be challenging, but it’s really important for your comfort. Here’s how to do it:

• Natural Repellents: Use citronella candles, essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, and incense outside of the campervan to deter insects naturally without using harsh chemicals. If you’re looking to stock up your motorhome, Tokyo will have all of the insect repellent you need.
• Ultrasonic Pest Repellers: These devices can be effective in keeping pests away and are ideal for enclosed spaces like RVs.

Food Preservation: Keeping Meals Fresh

Maintaining the freshness of your food during hot weather is another challenge, but important for your health. Keeping fresh produce cool helps to prevent spoilage while also reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. So, remember the following guidance:

• Refrigeration: Regularly check and maintain the RV’s refrigerator to ensure it is functioning efficiently. Consider a portable cooler for additional storage space.
• Cool Storage: Store perishable items in cool, insulated storage spaces. Use frozen gel packs or ice blocks to keep the cooler’s temperature down if necessary.
• Prevent Sunlight Exposure: Store food away from direct sunlight and try to minimise the number of times you open the refrigerator door to keep the cool air in.

Finding Shade: Protecting Your RV from Direct Sunlight

Parking in the right spot can significantly impact the internal temperature of your RV. You want to avoid keeping your RV out of direct sunlight as this can cause the internal temperature to soar. Try to always stick to the following tips when parking your RV:

• Natural Shade: Whenever possible, park your RV under trees or in the shadow of a building to avoid direct sunlight.
• Portable Sunshades: Use reflective sunshades or tarps to cover the windscreen and windows of your RV, further helping to keep the interior cool.

Personal Cooling: Direct Ways to Beat the Heat

Direct personal cooling methods can also enhance your comfort during the hot months. It’s often easier to cool yourself down rather than your RV, so if you’re feeling the heat, consider these tips:

• Cooling Towels and Bands: These products are designed to retain moisture and provide a cooling effect when worn on the head or neck.
• Light Clothing: Wear light-coloured and loose-fitting clothing that allows your body to breathe and cool effectively.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, which helps regulate your body temperature.

Plan Your Activities Wisely

Another important part of beating the heat in your RV is to schedule your activities to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time for outdoor activities when the temperature is more bearable.

• Indoor Breaks: Plan indoor activities or driving during the hottest part of the day when you need to use your vehicle’s air conditioning.
• Local Swimming Spots: If near lakes, rivers, or pools, plan a visit for a refreshing swim. It’s a perfect way to cool off and enjoy the natural beauty of Japan.

Keep Cool and Enjoy Your RV Adventure in Japan

Japan’s summer is no joke, with temperatures regularly breaking 30°C in the peak months. If you’re travelling by RV, you need to know how to keep cool during the summer months. By implementing these strategies, you can ensure that your summer RV trip across Japan is enjoyable and comfortable even if things get too hot. Happy travels!