Coach Care: Beat the Heat

by Brent Peterson

By now, most RVers storing or driving their rigs in cold climates know about keeping their guard up to avoid trouble during the season. Avoiding bursting pipes, frozen tanks, and sub-zero interiors certainly require some due diligence. However, that doesn’t give us permission to fall asleep on the job when temperatures rise. Hot weather — and especially extreme hot weather — can unleash its own unique assault against our RV (and against us), whether or not we’re too busy sunning at the beach to notice.

Summer is the peak season for RVing, culminating in longer trips and sometimes periods of hard driving to get the family to its vacation hub. We must remember, though, that hot and sunny days can be difficult on our vehicles, and under the worst circumstances, can cause engine temperatures to rise and fester, fabrics and exteriors to fade, and inside thermometers to climb faster than you can say, “Is it hot in here, or is it me?”

As usual, the best defense against the effects of the heat is pro-active maintenance and trouble-shooting for your vehicle, not to mention some cool ideas in terms of managing temperatures. Since this is the time of year when the radiator and cooling system truly earn their keep, be especially mindful to keep such fluids topped off. Moreover, vigilantly check for wear and flaking on belts and fans, and be on the lookout for leaks, a weakened pressure cap, or other sights and smells that could be potential trouble. It’s particularly important to stay on top of consistent oil changes. A timely radiator flush also is essential. Follow scheduled maintenance as listed in your coach’s owner’s manual. Nothing spoils a trip to Disney World faster than an overheated engine, billowing steam while beached on the side of the interstate.

How and when you drive will spare your RV needless stress and wear and tear, not to mention the air conditioner(s) from doing yeoman’s work while in transit. Try to schedule long periods of driving for mornings, late afternoons, and evenings when the climate is more hospitable. Just like our bodies strain to operate in the summer heat, so do our engines. Besides, haven’t you heard? Since the goal is always to keep the engine from working harder than it has to, it’s best to maintain modest speeds and, if possible, avoid steep grades during summer heatwaves. And, as if you needed yet another reason why piloting an overloaded vehicle is a major no-no, the added weight matched with lofty temperatures gets your RV working harder than John Henry.

Escalating temperatures onboard is another trip-buster. Fortunately, there are a number of methods to restore your cool. Obviously, the cockpit and/or coach air conditioner may be needed when the open-window policy isn’t cutting the proverbial mustard. When parked, either temporarily or for longer periods, always find a slice of shade. Be sure to ask the campground for the shadiest and/or breezy spot upon arrival. This move alone should cut temperatures drastically.

Don’t hesitate to deploy those awnings. Remember, anything that deflects heat off the windows and sidewalls is a good thing. Not only does an awning yield a nice spot for the lawn chair, but it blocks UV rays from fading furniture and fabrics inside the coach. Employ shades, blinds, or drapes throughout the interior to safeguard things inside as well. Insulated window coverings also act as a wonderful defense, working diligently on your behalf to both keep the sun’s ray out and the cool air in. And get this — it has the opposite effect during cold-weather camping, making them worthy investments or upgrades. A cockpit windshield cover, whether custom-purchased or simply formed from a blanket or sheet, helps keep the heat off upfront.

The refrigerator/freezer to bears watching at this time of year, (preferably with the door closed to prevent cool air from escaping) when the unit is seemingly working twice as hard to keep your ice cream from getting mushy. Lowering the awning (chances are there’s one on the same side of the RV) negates the sun’s effects and eases the unit’s operation to maintain its colder temperatures. Avoiding lengthy inspections of what’s inside for tonight’s menu will help retain the fridge’s icy deposition. Also, getting in the habit of letting hot leftovers cool before placing them inside the refrigerator saves the unit some extra cooling work. Generally, fuller fridges maintain their temperatures better than those boasting nothing but orange and a container of cottage cheese.

Protecting your RV’s exterior and tires should also be a top priority, considering that ultraviolet rays strive tirelessly to oxidize both. Polishing the exterior with a quality UV protector will go a long way to prevent this. Look for similar labeling for a tire cleaner and restorer as well. Investing in a heavy-duty tire cover is a must for any exposed spare, and always use a vehicle cover, preferably one designed to breathe, to let water vapors escape, during even semi-lengthy periods of outside dormancy. You don’t want your rig to lose its good looks!

Still, nothing is as important as safeguarding loved ones during trying temperatures. Watching that panting beagle in the back confirms why they call August the “dog days.” Take a few precautions to protect Fido as well. Even with the air conditioning running, we can’t advise leaving animals unattended for very long on hot days. What if the power goes out? It’s best to find ways to incorporate pets into the day’s itinerary whenever possible. Drinking plenty of fluids — for you and your furry co-pilots — is a must. Favor caffeine-free products to keep hydration levels up. Travelers of the human variety should follow the basics of summer safety: take it easy, wear a hat and light clothing, and always remember the sunscreen. You’ll find the SPF-15 particularly useful when lounging about poolside, saying, “Ahhh, summer.”