* Strategically park your RV to take advantage of any shade that is available, especially on the side where the refrigerator vent is located. Don't be afraid to ask for a shady site when you check in at the campground. This will not only help cool the RV down, but your refrigerator and roof air conditioner will work much more efficiently.

* You can also improve your air conditioner's efficiency by keeping the filters clean. In most cases you can wash the filters in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry before reinstalling. Another option is to clean the filters with a small hand-held vacuum cleaner. I recommend you keep a new set on hand in the event the old filters have seen better days.

* Use your main awning and any window awnings to assist in cooling the RV down. In addition to the awnings use your window blinds or drapes to help keep the sun out and the cooler air in. Install a thermostatically controlled 12-Volt Fridge Vent Fan at the back of the refrigerator, or at the top of the roof vent, to assist with drafting the hot air away from the refrigerator. These fans are fairly easy to install, or you can have Camping World install one for you. Either way it's worth it. The fan removes the heat built up behind the refrigerator, improving the refrigerator's performance by up to 40%.

* Another factor in keeping your RV cool is proper ventilation. Proper ventilation helps prevent excess heat from building up in your RV. You can install Vent Covers over the roof vents to allow for ventilation. They are inexpensive, easy to install and they let the fresh air in, even when it's raining, while the stale, musty air, smoke, cooking odors and heat escapes. I use a vent cover on each end of our RV to promote cross ventilation.

* To help keep the inside of the RV cool, try to avoid opening the door as much as possible and cook outside rather than inside whenever possible.

* Take a couple of small fans with you to help circulate the air. If for some reason you can't run the air conditioner, you'll be glad you have them.

Happy Camping!

Mark J. Polk

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk, owner of RV Education 101