Stay Cool: Practical RV Cooling Tips for Island Summers

When summer heat hits the Island, it can turn even the coziest RV into a rolling sauna. Whether you're boondocking near the lake, parked at a busy campground, or set up in your driveway, a few small upgrades and habits can make a big difference in how comfortable your rig stays.

At Osborne Bay RV, we’re all about practical fixes that extend the life of your RV and make your time on the road better, without breaking the bank. Here are five solid tips to help keep things cool, plus an important reminder about your air conditioner that could save you a major repair bill.

5 Smart Ways to Keep Your RV Cool

1. Reflective Window Covers Make a Big Difference

Your windshield and side windows act like magnifying glasses for heat. Adding reflective shades (like Reflectix or custom-fitted inserts) blocks that direct sun and keeps your interior from baking.

2. Roof Vents + Fans = Passive Cooling Power

Even without running your AC, you can encourage airflow with a simple combo: open your roof vents and use a 12V fan (or a rooftop Maxxair/Fan-Tastic Fan) to pull hot air out. It’s a quiet, energy-efficient solution — especially for off-grid camping.

3. Know What’s Powering Your AC — and When to Check It

Your RV’s air conditioner runs on electricity (not propane), and it's one of the biggest power draws in hot weather. If it’s not cooling properly:

• Check the shore power or generator load.

• Clean or replace the interior filter

• Make sure your unit’s airflow isn’t blocked or clogged with debris.

• Listen for strain or lag at startup — it could be a capacitor issue

💡 If it’s not blowing cold air, it might not need a full replacement — sometimes a service call can save the day.

4. Skylight Insulation Can Cut the Heat Fast

Skylights bring in beautiful natural light... and a lot of heat. Reflective vent covers (those silver foam “pillows”) or stick-on insulation film can make a surprising difference, especially in smaller trailers.

5. Skip the Oven: Cook Outside When Possible

Nothing heats your RV faster than turning on the oven or stovetop. Try prepping meals early in the day, using a portable BBQ or camp stove outside, or even making use of more no-cook meals on those hot days.

🧰 Local Support from a Mobile RV Tech

If you’re RVing on Vancouver Island and based around Crofton, Duncan, or Chemainus, Osborne Bay RV brings professional, certified mobile service directly to you. From spring checkups to leak repairs, it’s my mission to keep your RV in top shape and your travels as stress-free as possible.

🛠️ Pro Tip from Colin:

Service your RV’s AC once a year, ideally in spring or fall, not mid-summer when it’s running full time. A standard inspection includes:

• Filter cleaning

• Air flow and temperature check

• Electrical draw testing

• Inspection of rooftop seals and vents

This small bit of maintenance can help prevent power issues, poor cooling, or worse, total AC failure during a heatwave.

Stay cool and travel safe.

If you’d like to book a maintenance call or get advice on your current setup, just let me know—I’ll come to you.

— Colin Osborne Bay RV | Mobile RV Repair, Vancouver Island