- camphost7
- Aug 29
- 3 min read
8 Tips to Keep Your Rig Cool
Nothing saps the camping magic faster than a sweltering rig. But don’t worry, I rustled up eight of the best RV hacks, from tried-and-true tricks to old wives’ tales that just might work. We’ll rank them from “Absolutely Brilliant” to “But Maybe Heed Caution,” with supplies and steps so you
can give ’em a go and stay comfy on the road.
1. Foil-Tape the A/C Air Dump (Most Useful)
What: Seal the “air dump” opening inside your ducted A/C unit with foil tape to lower noise and direct cool air through vents.
Supplies: 2″ foil tape (Lowes ~$13)
How-to: Remove the A/C interior cover, tape over the main air dump and sliding vent, then measure the difference.
One RVer reported a drop from 79 dB to 68 dB and said it felt like half the noise! Plus, cold air volume doubled.
Rank: Superstar. Quieter nights and stronger airflow is hard to beat.
2. Keep Your Awnings Out
What: Deploy awnings (and side shades) to block scorching sun from your RV’s surfaces.
Supplies: Stock awning, or budget-friendly shade cloth/tarps; optional pool noodles for airflow gap.
How-to: Set awnings on hot sides. Want more? Suspend shade cloth above the roof with support by using pool noodles to keep space for airflow.
Camping forums report massive comfort gains using this method.
Rank: Legendary. It's basic, effective, and horrifyingly simple.
3. Reflective Bubble Insulation Everywhere
What: Cover windows, roof, cabinets and even vent covers with foil bubble insulation (Reflectix).
Supplies: Reflectix, removable tape (like Alien Tape or Tyvek tape).
How-to: Cut to size for vents, windows, skylights, interiors. Apply with tape.
One boondocker kept inside temps under 77 °F on 90° days, it's dark, but comfy.
Rank: A+. Great ROI for cheap, well-reported results.
4. Foil Behind Vents (A/C or Stoves)
What: Slip reflective insulation behind interior vents for added heat-block power.
Supplies: Small scrap of foil insulation, scissors, tape.
How-to: Peeled back insert, sandwich foil behind, reinsert.. Which creates an instant heat barrier.
One RVer calls it a ten-minute miracle.
Rank: Clever! easy, cheap, maybe minor but pleasant effect.
5. Make Your RV Roof “Float” in Shade
What: Suspend shade cloth or tarp above your roof using poles or trees, held above by pool noodle spacers.
Supplies: Shade cloth or tarp, some cords, poles or trees, pool noodles to keep it lifted.
How-to: Create an air gap between shade cloth and your roof. The result is instant passive cooling.
A Reddit camper reported it “works wonders.”
Rank: Proven Camp Magic, super effective and pretty DIY-Worthy.
6. Install Side Shades + Awning Screens
What: Add zip-on side curtains or screens to awnings.
Supplies: Side shade kits or steel-mesh screen, hardware or Velcro/straps.
How-to: Attach to awning arms, creating a cooler shady “room.”
One camper added a fan and said it instantly felt like a sheltered oasis.
Rank: Smart and stylish! Excellent for when you want to hang outside comfortably.
7. Use a “Swamp Cooler” or DIY Evaporative Cooler (In Dry Climates)
What: Make an evaporative cooler with a bucket, fan, and pump (or buy one.)
Supplies: 5-gallon bucket, small fan, pool pump/filter or sponge, water.
How-to: Set up low on a windy side, plug in fan; air blows through wet medium so cooler air enters your RV.
Works only in dry climates.
Rank: Climate-limited, but surprisingly effective where it works.
8. Use Reflective Windshield Shade + Park Smart
What: Use reflective window shades and only open windows when it’s cool out.
Supplies : Reflective windshield shade, insulated window covers.
How-to: Deploy shade in the window from outside, close windows before sun hits. Helps curb heat from penetrating glass.
Rank: Strong “honorable mention”—easy DIY but less dramatic results than some other hacks.
Quick-Rank Summary
Rank | Hack | Why It's Handy |
1 | Foil-tape A/C air dump | Cuts noise and boosts airflow—cheap and effective |
2 | Awnings/ Shade cloth | Blocks sun before it hits—essential and easy |
3 | Reflective insulation | Major heat reduction—low cost, high payoff |
4 | Foil behind vents | Quirky and minimal work—adds incremental comfort |
5 | Floating shade roof | Passive cooling with minimal heat absorption |
6 | Side awning screens | Creates a breezy, shaded hangout zone |
7 | DIY swamp cooler | Great in dry heat—creative and cool |
8 | Reflective window shades | Simple and helpful; best as part of a suite |
How-To in a Nutshell
Start with shade and keep the sun off your RV with awnings, tarps, or shade cloth.
Reflect and insulate by covering windows and vents with bubble foil for max heat rejection.
Fine-tune the airflow so foil-tape your A/C and add vent-side insulation for quieter, stronger cooling.
Add clever extras like side screens or a DIY cooler if your campsite suits the tropics.
There you have it! A handful of approved RV hacks by real people.. some clever, some old-school, but all camper-tested to try and beat the heat!