If you’ve ever spent a summer in Kansas, you already know—it gets hot. We’re talking triple-digit days, sticky air, and sunshine that doesn’t mess around. Now, throw in a metal box on wheels, and things can heat up real fast.

Whether you’re a full-time RVer, a weekend wanderer, or staying a while at Wichita RV Park, learning how to stay cool inside your RV during those scorching Kansas months isn’t just about comfort — it’s about survival. Seriously.

Luckily, with a few smart strategies and some good ol’ fashioned common sense, you can keep your rig comfortable and beat the heat like a pro. Below are the best RV cooling tips for summer, tried and tested by folks who’ve lived through more than one sweaty Kansas July.

Let’s dive in — before your A/C throws in the towel.

1. Park Smart (Shade Is Your Friend)

This one might sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many folks roll into a spot and park broadside to the sun like they’re trying to bake cookies on the dashboard.

Tip: When parking your RV, position it so the sun hits your least-used side, ideally the back or driver’s side. Keep those big windows away from the afternoon sun whenever possible. If your site has trees, use them.

At Wichita RV Park, you’ll find wide sites with some natural shade depending on the season, which helps more than you’d think.

And if there’s no tree cover? That’s where your awning comes in…

2. Use Your Awning (Wisely)

Your RV awning isn’t just for sitting under with a cold drink — it’s also a fantastic tool for shade. Extend it during the hottest part of the day to block sun from hitting the side of your rig.

That said, Kansas summer storms can sneak up quick, so don’t leave it out if you’re away for long stretches. High winds can rip it clean off.

Pro tip: Clamp a reflective tarp or sunshade to the edge of your awning to extend its coverage and block even more heat. Kinda janky looking, sure — but it works.

3. Reflective Window Covers = Gamechanger

Sun beating in through your windows is a major heat culprit. One of the best bang-for-your-buck upgrades is a set of reflective window covers or RV-specific thermal shades.

These keep the sun from turning your windshield into a giant heat lamp. You can even make your own with Reflectix and some velcro or suction cups. Not the prettiest, but hey — it’s better than sitting in a rolling sauna.

Don’t forget the roof vents, either. Covering them with insulated cushions keeps heat from leaking in up top.

4. Close the Blinds. Like, All of Them.

Yeah, you wanna enjoy the view. But if you’re serious about staying cool, close up your shades, blinds, and curtains during the day — especially on the sun-facing side.

If your RV didn’t come with blackout curtains, adding a cheap set from Walmart or Amazon can make a huge difference. Heck, we’ve seen folks use towels, cardboard, and foil when in a pinch.

Whatever keeps the sun out… use it.

5. Run the A/C Strategically

Of course, your RV’s air conditioner is your first line of defense. But it’s also working overtime in the Kansas heat, and if you’re not careful, it’ll burn out or blow a fuse when you need it most.

Here’s how to help it out:

• Start it early in the day, before the rig heats up
  
• Keep all windows and vents closed tight
  
• Close off unused areas (like the bedroom during the day)
  
• Use fans to help circulate the cool air around 

You’d be amazed how much more effective your A/C is when it’s not doing all the work alone.

Also, clean your filters! Dust, pet hair, and bugs can clog those fast — especially if you’ve been parked for a while.

6. Use Fans — Lots of ‘Em

Airflow is everything. A small oscillating fan or two can keep things breezy and help your A/C run more efficiently.

You can also get creative with placement. Set one near the floor to push cooler air upward, or place one in the kitchen while cooking to vent heat toward an open roof vent.

If you’re running a ceiling fan (some rigs come with them), reverse the blade direction so it pulls hot air up and away from the living space.

7. Cook Outside (Or Not at All)

Every time you turn on your oven or stovetop, you’re basically lighting a tiny furnace inside your home. Bad idea in the middle of a Kansas summer.

Instead:

• Grill outside
  
• Use an electric skillet or Instant Pot under the awning
  
• Grab pre-made meals or salad kits from the store
  
• Eat cold stuff (nobody complains about a sandwich in 100-degree weather) 

And hey — this is a great excuse to check out some local Wichita eats while you’re at it.

8. Shower Smarter

Hot showers are nice, but all that steam? Not so great in a tiny space when you’re already sweating.

If your RV has a skylight over the shower, install a vent pillow to keep the sun from heating things up. Also, take shorter, cooler showers during the day, and save the longer ones for nighttime.

The less moisture and heat you’re pumping into the RV, the better.

9. Switch to LED Lights

Most modern RVs come with LED lighting, but if you’re running any old-style bulbs, swap ‘em out.

Incandescent bulbs get hot — really hot. Multiply that by ten or twelve fixtures and you’re unintentionally heating up your living space.

LEDs stay cool, use less power, and last longer anyway. One of the easiest upgrades you can make.

10. Skirt Your RV (If You’re Staying a While)

If you’re parked at Wichita RV Park for a long-term stay, consider skirting your RV — even in summer.

Skirting traps cooler air underneath and keeps hot air from baking your undercarriage. It also reduces wear and tear on your insulation and A/C system.

You don’t need anything fancy — folks use foam board, vinyl kits, or even heavy-duty tarps with clamps. Not the prettiest setup, but hey, it works.

11. Use Your Vents Wisely

It’s not just about closing or opening vents — it’s about knowing when to do which.

• During the cooler early morning or late evening hours, crack your roof vent and windows to create a natural cross-breeze.
  
• Once it starts heating up? Shut it all down tight. 

Some RVers even install vent fans that reverse direction — pulling air out or bringing air in, depending on the temps. If you’re staying for more than a weekend, it’s a solid investment.

12. Stay Hydrated + Take Breaks

Okay, this one’s not RV-specific, but it matters. If you’re spending time inside your rig during peak heat, it’s easy to get dehydrated without realizing it — especially if you’re working, cooking, or even just sitting around.

Keep water handy. Take breaks. Know when to get outside (and into some shade or A/C) if your rig gets too warm. Safety first — always.

Staying Cool at Wichita RV Park

One of the benefits of staying at a park like Wichita RV Park is that you’ve already got some things working in your favor:

• Full hookups for reliable power (aka steady A/C)
  
• Open, level sites with airflow
  
• Laundry on-site (so you’re not sweating over a laundromat trip)
  
• Easy access to local shops for ice, fans, supplies, etc. 

Plus, you’re not dealing with jam-packed, noisy campgrounds that trap heat and block airflow. That alone can make a huge difference in how your RV feels during summer.

Final Thoughts: It’s Hot, But It’s Doable

Summer in Kansas can definitely test your RV’s cooling power — and your patience. But with a little prep and a few smart adjustments, you can ride it out comfortably.

Block the sun. Run your A/C smart. Embrace fans, cold meals, and shade. And maybe most importantly… just slow down. That’s part of RV life anyway, right?

And hey, if it gets really hot — there’s always a cold drink and a lawn chair under the awning with your name on it.