Skip to main content

Climate change is seriously affecting RV travel, and 30% have changed plans due to excessive heat

Canceled trips, alternate destinations, and staying inside don't make for great RV travel

White campervan driving a dusty road in a hot desert landscape.
FORREST CAVALE / Unsplash

2023 has been a record year for weather, and not in a good way. The past few months have been some of the hottest on record, and even now, in September, we’re seeing a rare late-summer heat wave throughout much of the United States. With temps topping 100 degrees for days, even weeks, on end, many of us are facing serious heat-related health risks. Add to that the worst-ever wildfire season for our neighbors to the north and plenty of signs showing that it’ll continue well into the fall. Bottom line: If you live in North America, there’s no escaping it.

It’s not only affecting our daily lives but also how we travel, according to a recent survey by RV Trader. Of the roughly 1,700 respondents, 29% said that the July heat wave had a significant impact on their travel plans. What’s more, over one-third of those canceled their RV travel plans, and 13% bailed on their entire vacation completely over concerns that the heat could affect their comfort, safety, and health. Another third changed up their plans to visit somewhere “safer,” like in the mountains, at a campsite at a higher elevation, or somewhere near the water.

Silhouette of a person reading by the water on a bright sunny day.
Timothy Eberly / Unsplash

How to vacation safely with your RV in extreme heat

The best tips for staying safe in the extreme heat are the most obvious. Namely: Stay hydrated and limit high-intensity activities during the hottest parts of the day. If you’ll be spending any time outdoors, consider adding electrolyte powder to your best water bottle to keep your body’s chemistry in balance. Plan to hike, bike, play pickleball, or whatever it is you like to do in the morning or evening so that you can sidestep the worst of the heat.

Of course, it’s not just about keeping you safe and properly “maintained.” RVers, especially first-time RV owners and anyone who rents an RV, must also look after their rigs. That means making doubly sure that every part of your camper or lightweight travel trailer is road-safe and ready for any long-haul trips:

  • Before you head out, double-check your fluids (including oil and coolant levels) and the air pressure in your tires.
  • Inspect your vehicle’s cabin and engine air filters, too, and change them if necessary.
  • Also, consider lightening your vehicle’s load. With so much storage space in most modern RVs, it’s easy to pack your favorite camping essentials and plenty of “just in case” gear. But all that extra (and possibly unnecessary) weight strains your vehicle and worsens your fuel economy.

Once on the road, roll your windows down whenever possible to cool your vehicle instead of always relying on the air conditioner. Driving earlier in the morning or later in the day when it’s cooler is a great way to lessen the strain on your RV, too. Also, don’t forget to use cruise control, which can significantly help your vehicle’s fuel economy.

When you arrive at camp, try parking in a shady spot and use blinds, thermal curtains, or automotive reflective screens to limit the amount of solar heat in your vehicle and your RV. Camping near any body of water (even a cozy pond will do) can also help provide the radiant cooling you need to survive the extreme heat.

It seems climate change is making every kind of travel a little harder these days. But, with a little preparation and the right gear, you can make the most of your RV trip, even amid all this record-setting heat.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Samsung’s incredible outdoor TV is $4,000 off right now
Samsung The Terrace outdoor-ready QLED smart TV lifestyle image on patio.

While there are a lot of TVs catering to the average living room, for those who have outside patios and spaces, there aren't a lot of options. Having to contend with dust, rain, and other parts of the weather that electronics don't fare well in, it's no surprise that a lot of TV manufacturers don't really bother with making TVs focused on the outside. Luckily, Samsung has your back, which is good because it's a company that excels in making great TVs, and in this case, we're talking about The Terrace TV. Not only is it IP55 rated, which means it can handle both dust and rain relatively well, but it's also a QLED TV, which gives you an excellent picture and a high peak brightness, so the sun won't interrupt your viewing too much. If you're interested in grabbing one of The Terrace TVs, you better act quickly, because Samsung's Discover sales event is going to end soon, and you'll miss out on a great couple of deals, including

and a whopping

Read more
You may want an electric mountain bike, but you probably shouldn’t buy one – here’s why
Spoiler alert: You can blame the government for this, too
A large sign on a tree on the side of a mountain bike trail telling riders that e-bikes are not allowed

There is really one more type of mountain bike that should be added to the list of mountain bike categories that make up the sport. Electric mountain bikes have broken onto the scene and have rapidly grown in popularity.

One look at these electric mountain bikes, especially if you look at the suspension travel numbers, would have you thinking that they fall into the “trail” or “enduro” mountain bike category. And while these bikes do look similar, the pedal assist of an electric mountain bike means that long cross-country rides aren’t out of the question.

Read more
Make winter sports stress-free: Visit these phenomenal all-inclusive ski resorts
These are the best all-inclusive ski resorts for you this winter
Skiiers shred slopes

All-inclusive vacations can be a great way to save money and relieve stress when planning a trip. The resort handles the logistics of buying lift tickets, renting ski gear, booking lessons, cooking meals, and even supplying drinks. All you have to do is show up and enjoy yourself. If you're the type of person — or family — who enjoys the ease of taking cruises in the warmer months, an all-inclusive ski vacation might be just the thing for you.

While we appreciate that not every all-inclusive will suit everyone — perhaps you've got your perfect ski setup already and don't want to pay for a rental package you won't use. But with such a variety of packages on offer, isn't it time that you took the stress out of your ski holiday and found yourself an idyllic ski resort that not only catered to all of your skiing needs but also where you had your meals and drinks and everything else sorted before you arrive? Well, check out these 10 all-inclusive ski resorts because it's time to get booking.

Read more