On the Road

It takes a lot of energy to keep an RV and its occupants cool and comfortable all summer long. And with the price of gas and electricity so high, it makes sense to do everything you can to maximize efficiency. Here are a few moneysaving tips for keeping your cool this travel season.

Keep the vehicle cool

• Park in the shade and choose shady campsites whenever possible. 
• Use your awnings and window coverings to keep the sun out and the cool air in.
• Do your cooking outside and avoid opening and closing the door as much as you can.
• Clean air conditioning filters monthly.

Keep your refrigerator in peak condition

Your refrigerator relies on circulation to keep things cool. If the air can’t move, due to too much food in too small a space or gunky buildup on the unit, it will require more energy for less efficiency.

• Use fans to vent heat buildup away from the back of your refrigerator to increase its cooling capacity dramatically.
• Clean any dirt, cobwebs or debris from behind the refrigerator. These all make the appliance work harder and run hotter.
• Pre-cool the fridge and the food before you leave so you don’t waste extra electricity bringing the food down to the proper temperature.

Of course, there are lots of free ways to keep yourself and your travel companions comfortable. Take a swim in the campground pool; spend the afternoon browsing air-conditioned shops; or head for higher elevations where the air is naturally cooler.  Whatever your activity level, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and reduce the amount of time you spend in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day. If you feel dizzy, queasy or notice that you’ve suddenly stopped sweating, you could be in the early stages of heat exhaustion. This is no time to mess around. Get yourself someplace cool as soon as possible.

By taking these simple measures, you’ll not only be more comfortable this summer, you’ll also save money. Maybe even enough to extend that trip another week or so.