If you’ve ever spent a summer afternoon in an RV in East Texas, you already know: heat isn’t just “hot.” It’s serious business. The kind of heat that makes your steering wheel feel like a frying pan and turns your RV into a slow cooker if you don’t stay ahead of it.

And in the Texarkana area? Summer can be a mix of heat, humidity, and sun that doesn’t quit. The good news is you don’t have to suffer through it. With a few smart upgrades and habits—most of them cheap, some of them free—you can keep your rig comfortable, protect your AC system, and make hot weather RV travel feel… doable.

This guide is built specifically for travelers looking for Summer RV tips Texarkana campers can actually use. We’ll cover:

• real-world RV air conditioning tips
• low-effort RV shade hacks
• strategies for staying cool in an RV without overworking your system
• gear and habits that make hot weather RV travel way less miserable

If you’re planning a summer stay, start with Texarkana RV Park to check out amenities and location details. And if you’re exploring nearby areas or planning a route through the region, you can also check out New Boston RV Park in TX for another helpful stop option.

Why summer heat hits RVs harder than houses

Before we jump into tips, it helps to understand why RVs heat up so fast.

RVs are basically designed for mobility, not insulation. Even a nice rig has:

• thinner walls than a house
• more windows (and less shade)
• lots of roof exposure
• small interior space that heats quickly
• heat-producing appliances in tight quarters

So staying cool isn’t just about running the AC. It’s about reducing the heat load before your AC has to fight it.

Think of it like this:
Your goal is to keep the sun from turning your RV into an oven in the first place.

Shade First: The Most Important Summer RV Tip in Texarkana

If you do nothing else, prioritize shade.

Not because shade is “nice.” Because shade is the difference between:

• AC cycling normally
  and
• AC running nonstop and still struggling

Shade reduces heat buildup on the roof, your windows, and the side of the rig. That means your AC runs less, your power usage improves, and your whole RV feels calmer.

What to do when you arrive at a site:

• Look at where the sun hits in the afternoon
• Park so your largest windows face away from direct sunlight
• Use your awning strategically (more on that in a second)
• If your site has trees, take advantage of them

This is why choosing a good park matters in summer. When you’re planning your stay, checking options like Texarkana RV Park helps you set yourself up for comfort before you even arrive.

RV Shade Hacks That Actually Work

Let’s get practical. Here are shade tricks RV travelers use constantly in hot climates.

1) Extend the awning early (before the heat peaks)

Awnings work best when you put them out before the RV heats up.

If you wait until 3 PM when your rig is already hot, you’re playing catch-up.

Pro tip:
Add a shade screen to your awning. It helps block sun while still letting airflow through.

2) Use sun-blocking window covers (especially on the sunny side)

Your windows are heat magnets. Even tinted windows still let in a lot of heat.

Easy options:

• reflective windshield covers
• foil-style window insulation
• thermal curtains
• blackout shades

If you want the best bang for your buck:
cover the biggest windows on the sunny side first.

3) Create “portable shade” with a pop-up canopy

If you’ve got space, a simple pop-up canopy gives you:

• an outdoor hangout area
• shade for pets
• protection while grilling
• relief when the RV feels too warm inside

This one is especially helpful if your site doesn’t have natural shade.

4) Use shade cloth on the sunny side

Shade cloth isn’t fancy, but it works. It reduces sun exposure without trapping heat like plastic can.

You can hang it:

• from the awning
• along the sunny side of the RV
• across an outdoor seating area

It’s one of those “RV traveler secrets” that people only learn after sweating through one too many summers.

RV Air Conditioning Tips for Texarkana Summer Heat

Now let’s talk AC. Because in Texarkana, you’ll likely be running it daily in summer.

Here’s how to keep it working efficiently (and avoid the dreaded “why is my RV hotter inside than outside?” moment).

1) Don’t set the thermostat too low

This surprises people.

If you set your AC to 60°F when it’s 100°F outside, your system may run nonstop, freeze up, or struggle to cycle properly.

A better strategy:

• set it to a realistic number (around 72–78°F depending on comfort)
• focus on maintaining a steady temp rather than extreme drops

A steady temp is easier on the unit.

2) Run the AC early, not late

This is a big one.

Start cooling before the RV gets hot.
It’s easier to maintain 76°F than to cool down from 90°F.

If you leave for a few hours, consider leaving the AC on (or at least a higher setting) so you don’t come back to a heat trap.

3) Keep vents and returns clear

This is such a common mistake.

If you block vents with bags, blankets, or furniture, airflow decreases. And your AC can’t cool effectively without good airflow.

Check:

• return vents
• ceiling vents
• floor vents (if applicable)

Air needs room to move.

4) Use fans to help your AC (seriously)

Fans don’t make air colder, but they make your AC work better by circulating cool air.

Best fan setup:

• one fan pushing cool air forward from the bedroom area
• one fan moving air down the main living space
• ceiling fan on low (if you have one)

This can make a 5–8 degree difference in how “comfortable” the RV feels.

5) Clean your AC filters more often in summer

Dust + humidity + constant AC use = clogged filters.

A clogged filter means:

• weaker airflow
• less cooling
• harder strain on the unit

Check your filter every couple of weeks during peak season.

6) Avoid heat-producing appliances during peak heat

This is one of those obvious tips people forget.

Using the oven at 5 PM in summer is basically asking your AC to fight a cooking battle.

Instead:

• grill outside
• use the microwave
• use an air fryer (in moderation)
• cook early morning or later evening

Your AC will thank you.

How to Stay Cool in an RV Without Running the AC 24/7

Let’s be real—running AC nonstop gets expensive (and annoying). Here are ways to stay comfortable even when you don’t want the unit blasting all day.

1) Create “cool zones”

Close bedroom doors or curtain off areas you’re not using. Cooling a smaller space is easier than cooling the whole rig.

2) Keep humidity under control

Humidity is what makes 85°F feel like 95°F.

If your RV feels sticky, try:

• running a small dehumidifier
• keeping bathroom vent fans on after showers
• cracking a window slightly only when humidity allows

Dryer air feels cooler even at the same temperature.

3) Keep your body cool (not just your RV)

Sometimes you don’t need the RV to be arctic—your body just needs relief.

Easy ways:

• cool shower midday
• damp washcloth on neck
• cold drinks (electrolytes help)
• breathable clothing
• light meals

This is especially important for pets too.

Hot Weather RV Travel Tips (Driving + Arrival Strategy)

Summer RVing isn’t just about staying cool at camp. It’s also about travel timing.

1) Drive earlier in the day

Your engine runs cooler, your AC has an easier time, and you arrive before the worst heat.

Bonus: you’ll have time to set up shade before peak sun hits.

2) Keep your RV closed up during travel stops

It’s tempting to open everything when you stop for gas or lunch, but hot air floods in fast.

If you open doors, do it quick.

3) Plan “cooling recovery” after arrival

Once you park:

• open awning
• close sunny-side curtains
• turn AC on
• run fans
• let the RV stabilize

Give it 20–30 minutes. Don’t panic if it’s slow at first. Heat stored in the walls takes time to release.

Also, one casual spelling mistake for the human vibe: summer RVing can get realy uncomfortable if you don’t stay ahead of it.

Quick Checklist: Your Summer Cooling Routine at an RV Park

If you want an easy routine you can repeat every day:

✅ Morning

• open windows briefly (if outside air is cooler)
• close blinds before sun heats the windows
• set AC to a steady temp

✅ Midday

• extend awning
• run fans
• avoid oven cooking
• drink water

✅ Evening

• grill outside
• take a walk after sun lowers
• cool shower
• let the RV rest overnight

The goal is consistency, not perfection.

FAQs: Staying Cool in Summer While RVing in Texarkana

What are the best Summer RV tips Texarkana travelers should follow?

Prioritize shade first, use window covers, run your AC early, and use fans to circulate cool air. Avoid cooking indoors during peak heat.

How can I keep my RV cooler without overworking the AC?

Use RV shade hacks like awnings, shade screens, reflective window covers, and portable canopies. Keep vents clear and create “cool zones” by closing off unused areas.

Should I leave my RV AC running when I leave the campground?

If you’re gone for a short time, it can help to leave the AC on at a higher temperature instead of shutting it off completely—especially for pets or electronics inside.

Why does my RV AC struggle in extreme heat?

RVs heat up quickly due to thinner insulation and direct sun exposure. If the RV is already hot, your AC has to work much harder. Shade and window covers reduce the heat load and help the AC keep up.

What’s the best way to handle humidity in an RV?

Run a small dehumidifier, use vent fans after showers, and keep airflow moving with fans. Lower humidity makes the RV feel cooler even at the same temperature.

Where can I stay near Texarkana for RV travel?

You can explore amenities and booking info at Texarkana RV Park and check nearby options like New Boston RV Park in TX.

Final Thoughts: A Cool RV Makes Summer Travel Actually Enjoyable

Summer RV travel in Texarkana doesn’t have to be miserable. The trick is treating cooling like a strategy, not a reaction.

Shade first. AC early. Airflow always. And don’t heat up the RV with cooking or sun exposure when you don’t have to.

Do that, and your RV becomes the best part of the day—a cool place to relax instead of a hot box you’re trying to escape.

If you’re planning your summer trip, start with Texarkana RV Park to get situated. And if you’re traveling through the region and want nearby options, explore New Boston RV Park in TX as part of your route planning.