Beating the Texas Summer Heat in Your RV: Practical Tips

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Summer on the Texas coast means long days, warm water and plenty of sunshine. It also means heat and humidity that can turn an RV into an oven by mid-afternoon.

The good news is that a few smart habits can keep your rig cool and your crew comfortable. Here's what works for RVers spending the summer near Port Lavaca and Lavaca Bay.

Give Your AC a Fighting Chance

Your air conditioner works hard in a Texas summer. Help it out before the hot months hit.

• Clean the filters. Dirty filters block airflow. Check them every couple of weeks during heavy use.
• Check the roof unit. Make sure the shroud and coils are clean and nothing is blocking airflow.
• Start early. Turn the AC on in the morning, before the RV heats up. It's much easier to keep a rig cool than to cool it down.
• Close off space. If you aren't using a room, close the door so the AC has less area to cool.

A fan or two helps move cool air around. Vent fans can also pull hot air out in the evening once the temperature drops.

Block the Sun Before It Gets Inside

Most of the heat in your RV comes in through the windows and the roof. Stop it there, and you'll feel the difference right away.

Use reflective window covers or shades on the sunny side of the rig. Windshield covers make a big difference, since that glass takes in a lot of heat. Put out your awning during the day to shade the side of the RV, and pull it in if the wind picks up.

Some RVers also add a shade screen to the awning or park next to trees when they can. Every bit of shade on the roof and walls helps.

When you pick a site, think about which way the sun moves. Parking so your biggest windows face away from the afternoon sun can keep things cooler.

Manage Your Power Wisely

Running AC all day takes a lot of power. Bigger rigs with two or three units often need 50-amp service to run them together without tripping a breaker.

Spread out your power use. Avoid running the microwave, coffee maker and hair dryer at the same time while the AC is on. A surge protector is also a good idea. Summer storms can bring power spikes, and protecting your rig's electrical system is worth it.

Cook and Live Smart in the Heat

Using the oven or stove inside the RV adds a lot of heat. In summer, take the cooking outside when you can. Grill dinner, use a slow cooker or an electric skillet outdoors, or plan cool meals like salads and sandwiches.

Run hot appliances like the dryer or oven in the morning or evening. Taking short, cooler showers helps keep humidity down inside, too.

Speaking of humidity, the Gulf Coast has a lot of it. A small dehumidifier or moisture absorbers can help keep the air comfortable and cut down on musty smells.

Take Care of Yourself, Too

Staying cool isn't just about the RV. Heat can be hard on people and pets, especially older travelers and kids.

• Drink water all day, even when you don't feel thirsty.
• Plan outdoor time for early morning or evening.
• Wear light, loose clothes and a hat.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion, like dizziness, heavy sweating, nausea and headache.
• Never leave pets alone in an RV without the AC running.

Early mornings are a great time to walk the Formosa Wetlands Walkway at Lighthouse Beach in Port Lavaca or cast a line from the pier at Bayfront Peninsula Park. The breeze off the bay feels great before the sun climbs high.

Spend Your Summer at Texas Lakeside RV Resort

At Texas Lakeside RV Resort in Port Lavaca, we make hot days easier. Every site has full hookups with 30- and 50-amp service, so you can keep the AC going. When it's time to cool off, head to our swimming pool and hot tub, or grab a shady spot under one of our picnic pavilions.

Our clubhouse has a full kitchen, which comes in handy when you don't want to heat up your rig. We also have a fitness center, multiple laundry facilities and an essentials store on site.

Check our RV site rates for daily, weekly and monthly stays. Rates start at $65 a night and can change, so call (361) 551-2267 to confirm. Questions about your rig or your dates? Send us a message and we'll help you plan a cool summer on the coast.