Planning a Summer RV Camping Trip

There’s no better way to spend a weekend than heading out for a camping trip in your RV. But the outing isn’t just about the destination. In fact, most people enjoy the entire process of a vacation, all the way from the time they start planning to the time they return home. This procedure becomes more enjoyable if you know how to do it right because you get to figure out where to go, what you’ll do when you get there, and how to plan everything accordingly.

At Horn Rapids RV, we want to make sure that you have a fantastic time on every vacation in your recreational vehicle. That’s why we have put together this guide to basic planning strategies for summer camping. If you have any further questions, feel free to get in touch with us at our dealership in Richland, Washington.

Get Your RV Ready

Before you get caught up in planning your destinations and activities, you’ll want to make sure that your camper is ready for the journey. You can start by performing a full inspection of your RV. Inspect the tires and check windows, doors, and seals for possible leaks. It’s also a good idea to clean the roof and check the exterior for any signs of damage. If your rig is equipped with an air conditioning unit, you’ll want to make a point to run it before your departure. This will ensure that it’s going to keep you and your passengers cool when it starts to heat up outside.

Next, confirm that your camper is fully stocked with all the items you’ll need for daily living as well as emergencies. You’ll need a well-equipped first-aid kit that contains medications, antacids, and painkillers. It’s also wise to have ointments, bandages, and cotton pads for emergencies. Don’t forget to have two fire extinguishers as well. Keep one in the kitchen and another at the rear of the RV. Other essential items include an emergency radio, flashlight, signals, waterproof clothing, a repair kit, and extra food and water.

Keep the Interior Cool

One of the best ways to keep the inside of your RV cool is to utilize the air conditioning. Most campers come equipped with a unit, especially if you have a newer model. This is probably the easiest and most efficient to keep the interior as cool as possible. Some people prefer to keep it running at all times, but do keep in mind that this will require a lot of energy. Make sure all the windows and doors are closed when it’s running.

Location and Direction

If you don’t have an air conditioning unit or you’d like other options for remaining cool, there’s more you can do. Consider the location and direction in which you park your camper. You’d be surprised how much of an impact this can have on the temperature inside the rig. You should aim to park next to a large tree that offers plenty of shade. Wherever you choose to park, you should park so that the side with the most windows is faced away from the afternoon sun. In most cases, the door side of the RV will have an awning, which is another effective way to deflect some of the sunlight.

Proper Ventilation

With proper ventilation, you’ll be able to pump out excess air and bring in cool air. This ensures that it won’t get any warmer inside the RV than the temperature outside. Open all the windows on the side of the vehicle facing away from the sun and close the windows on the sunny side. You should also consider adding some fans for better circulation. You can even install attic vents if you don’t have them. Heat can easily become trapped in the roof and these vents will help force it out. If you get attic vents, don’t forget to install covers to prevent debris and water from getting in.

We hope that these RV summer camping tips have been useful. For more information or for assistance with parts or service before your next trip, get in touch with us at Horn Rapids RV. If you’re still looking for your dream camper, we have got a wide selection of RVs for sale at our dealership in Richland, WA. Stop by to see what we have in stock right now. We proudly serve all those in Kennewick.