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Insulating is only one approach to avoid heat gain/loss. Passive cooling techniques were developed for the home, yet also apply to recreational vehicles.

Cooling is enhanced through natural breezes or by fans that move the air; improved evaporation exposes the skin to dryer air as long as the humidity is not too high. Rising warm air flows out out the vehicle through the roof-mounted vent and that pulls in cooler air from lower ventilation openings.

To boost air movement, exit locations in the form of roof vents can be found in most RV’s, yet low placed entryways are virtually non-existent. Windows and doors take their place, but doors are often closed and windows are located fairly high in the walls of the van. A better solution may be to introduce a floor vent at the opposing end of the vehicle and away from the roof vent. Relatively cooler air from the permanently shaded area below the vehicle would be able to enter the vehicle here, move through the interior to the other end of the van, to exit at the roof vent location, either naturally or mechanically.
There are some limitations to introducing a new opening in the floor of your cargo van. Not only do I feel uncomfortable to cut a sizable hole in the vehicle’s body, but it also may expose the interior to exhaust gases, vermin, dust and road debris. Yet increased circulation and relatively cooler air may offset any negative issues.

A new trend in Class B RV’s is the installation of a permanent screen door inside the sliding side door. At your campsite, the somewhat awkward side door could be left open, while preserving your privacy. A major improvement in ventilation, and a great way to keep those nasty bugs out.

More Conventional Passive Cooling Techniques:

Shady Campsites
A shady spot will avoid the harsh summer sun rays to hit your van and keep you consistently cooler during the day. As more and more RV owners install solar panels in their rig, this option becomes less relevant on their boondocking trips.

Waterfront
Oceanside locations, lake or river settings have continual breezes and natural cooling in place.

Window Tints
Dark window tints cut interior temperatures significantly without obstructing views. If permanently installed window tints are not an option for you, removable tints are available that can be applied to any window thru static electricity, removed and reapplied again and again.

Exterior Screening
Residential outdoor shade fabric can be used in addition or in place of an awning and provide a cool and protected place to sit, while preventing the sun rays from reaching your van.

Interior Shades
Heavy-duty, blackout window shades keep the heat and noise out and offer, sometimes much needed privacy. A similar floor-to-ceiling curtain between the front cabin and the living area of the van, will repel the heat generated by the large front windows. In winter, they reduce the area to be heated at night, while opening up during the day allows for a quick warm-up.

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Roof Vent
Crucial for proper ventilation, these vents also allow heat to enter the van. A double-insulated dome will mediate heat gain/loss and a vent cover enhance it’s use measurably.

RV Fridge
Preventing the sun from hitting the back of your refrigerator, will reduce operating cycles and keep your drinks cooler with lower energy use.

Somewhat Less Passive Cooling

Fans
Continuously circulating air or directing it at your body with fans, will help you feel cooler.

Refrigerator
An evaporator fan in the form of a small computer fan uses little energy, but improves the circulation behind the fridge immensely.

NEXT: Thermal Insulation

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