| Summer is here and for RVers that not only means | | | | below 105-volts or goes above 130-volts turn your |
| prime travel season is upon us, but so is the heat. If | | | | appliances and electronic equipment off until proper |
| you ever walked inside an RV that is sitting in the | | | | voltage is restored. |
| direct sunlight on a hot summer day you know what | | | | Install a thermostatically controlled refrigerator vent |
| I mean. Fortunately there are some things we can do | | | | fan at the back of the refrigerator, or at the top of |
| to make our summer RV camping trips more | | | | the roof vent, to assist with drafting the hot air |
| pleasurable. | | | | away from the refrigerator. If you are mechanically |
| Strategically park your RV to take advantage of any | | | | inclined these fans are fairly easy to install, or you |
| shade that is available, especially on the side where | | | | can have your RV dealer install one for you. Either |
| the refrigerator vent is located. Don't be afraid to ask | | | | way it's worth it. The fan removes the heat built up |
| for a shady site when you check in at the | | | | behind the refrigerator improving the refrigerators |
| campground. This will not only help cool the RV | | | | performance by up to 40%. |
| down, but your refrigerator and roof A/C will work | | | | Another ingredient to keeping your RV cool is proper |
| much more efficiently. | | | | ventilation. Proper ventilation helps prevent excess |
| You can also improve your air conditioners efficiency | | | | heat from building up in your RV. You can install Maxx |
| by keeping the A/C filters clean. In most cases you | | | | Air vent covers over the roof vents to allow for |
| can wash the filters in warm soapy water, rinse | | | | ventilation. They are inexpensive, easy to install and |
| thoroughly and allow them to dry before reinstalling. | | | | they let the fresh air in, even when it's raining, while |
| Another option is to clean the filters with a small | | | | the stale, musty air, smoke, cooking odors and heat |
| hand held vacuum cleaner. I recommend you keep a | | | | escapes. I use a vent cover on each end of our RV |
| new set on hand in the event the old filters have | | | | to promote cross ventilation. |
| seen better days. | | | | To help keep the inside of the RV cool try to avoid |
| Use your main awning and any window awnings to | | | | opening the door as much as possible and cook |
| assist in cooling the RV down. In addition to the | | | | outside rather than inside whenever possible. |
| awnings use your window blinds or drapes to help | | | | Take a couple of small fans with you to help circulate |
| keep the sun out and the cooler air in. | | | | the air. If for some reason you can't run the A/C |
| Campground voltage can fluctuate, especially during | | | | you'll be glad you have them. |
| the summer months when campers are running their | | | | If all else fails head to the campground pool and cool |
| A/C, placing a higher demand on campground | | | | off. |
| electricity. You should monitor the voltage coming in | | | | Happy Camping! |
| to your RV with a digital voltmeter. If voltage drops | | | | Copyright 2006 by Mark J. |