Beat the Heat Stay Cool in Your RV This Summer

Summer RVing is all sunshine and scenic routes… until your rig starts to feel like a rolling toaster oven. But don’t sweat it (literally)—we’ve rounded up our favorite ways to keep your cool, even when Summer turns up the heat.

1. Reflect the Sun, Don’t Invite It In

Sunlight blasting through your windows = instant oven mode. Grab some Reflectix or thermal shades and cover those windows when you’re parked. It’s better if you park in the shade and a bonus if it’s by a lake!

2. Airflow is Everything

If you’re not already best friends with your fans—now is the time. Roof fans, portable fans, oscillating fans… let them do their magic. Crack windows to create cross breezes and open roof vents to let hot air escape. Think of your RV like a wind tunnel with snacks.

3. Use Your Awning Like a Pro

Your awning isn’t just for rainy days. Extend it early in the day to block direct sunlight and keep the side of your RV cooler. Add an outdoor rug or shade wall to reflect even more heat.

4. No-Stove Meal Days

Skip the stove, skip the sweat. Switch out those cozy winter meals for some cool meals like pasta salads, wraps, charcuterie boards, or anything that fits in a tortilla. Or fire up the grill outside and let nature handle the ventilation.

5. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job

We know… you’ve heard it a million times, but it’s easy to forget when you’re exploring. Keep a refillable water bottle close, toss in some citrus slices, and remember— iced coffee doesn’t count as hydration. (But we’re not judging as long as you share)

Bonus Tip: Keep Pets Safe & Comfy
Your furry copilots feel the heat too! Use cooling mats, keep bowls of fresh water filled, and never leave your pets in the RV without the A/C (or a backup power source if you’re not plugged in).

Bottom Line:
You don’t have to let the summer sun slow your roll. With a little prep and a lot of ice water, you can enjoy the best parts of summer RV life without melting into your captain’s chair.

Your Byrd’s Branch Team

Upcoming Activities/Events

• 8/2 Ice cream bar
• 8/9 Mimosas & Scavenger hunting
• 8/16 Suncatcher craft day
• 8/23 Summertime Sangrias & snow cones
• 8/30 Mimosas, ceramic painting craft & Ice cream social

Cooking at Camp:

Dutch oven sausage and potatoes

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 beer brat sausages uncooked

4 medium-sized potatoes washed (not peeled) and cut into approximately 1 inch cubes

1 medium onion sliced

2 cloves garlic finely chopped

1 red bell pepper sliced

1 (14 oz) can beef broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Water if necessary

Instructions:

1. Prepare 12 coals for cooking
2. Place the coals in a pattern that will evenly heat a 12-inch Dutch oven from below. (You are using all of the coals under the oven, no coals will be placed on the lid. Place them in a full circular pattern including the center, not just a ring around the outside.)
3. In your 12-inch cast iron Dutch oven over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
4. Add the sausages to the pot, turning them to assure all sides are evenly browned, about 5-10 minutes. You are just browning the sausages here, not cooking them.
5. Once they are browned, remove the sausages and set them aside.
6. Add the potatoes, onions, garlic, bell peppers to the Dutch oven and stir gently.
7. Now, pour the beef broth into the Dutch oven and add the sausages back to the pot placing them on top of the veggies.
8. Bring it up to simmer while still on medium-high heat.
9. Now, reduce the heat to low, cover the Dutch oven with the lid and let the pot simmer for 30 – 45 minutes until the brats are cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Check the liquid level on occasion and add water if necessary.
10. Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and add salt and pepper, to taste.