Summertime is the happiest time of the year. From endless days of sunshine, to late summer nights, what could be better? We know what is! Traveling around the country in your Airstream over the summer is something every Airstreamer needs to experience. Our guest blogger, Ramona Creel, answers your questions about how to stay cool while traveling, as well as some of her favorite summer activities!
What's the best thing about summertime in an Airstream?
For me, it’s the sheer volume of fresh air my windows let in. I’ve got more windows per square foot of wall space in my little Excella than I ever could have managed in a house or apartment. When they’re all open, especially with the ceiling vent fans running simultaneously, the cross-breeze is just glorious. One thing I always hated about living in a brick-and-mortar structure was how closed-in and claustrophobic you could feel. I couldn’t stand being forced to make a choice between canned air and suffocating in the summer. My Airstream lets me be closer to nature while still staying cool, and I absolutely love that!
How do you handle the heat in an Airstream?
It’s true that summer can be a rough time for RVers but I’ve discovered that it’s a heck of a lot harder to cool my rig down than it is to keep it from getting hot in the first place, so a preventative measure is always best. That means parking under a tree or some other shade whenever possible instead of out in the blazing heat or leaving your awnings up to keep direct sun from hitting the windows and metal siding of your trailer. You can also turn on fans and possibly even the air conditioner (I'm talking BEFORE the temperature goes sky-high inside your rig) or possibly even closing your curtains or putting up reflective shades in the middle of the day if you’re parked in Vegas or at Burning Man.
What are your best tricks to staying dry and cool?
Flee for Canada – there’s a reason snowbirds time their travels to head north during warm weather then back south once it gets cold! I'm not actually kidding! Seriously though, the easiest thing you can do to prevent moisture and heat from accumulating in your Airstream is to not create it in the first place. And don't worry, if you can’t make things easier by positioning your rig in a friendly climate, there are other steps you can take. Maybe you microwave meals between June and August, instead of cranking up the oven or loading your stove-top with steam-spewing pots and pans. When you do cook conventionally, you should consider keeping a ceiling vent or two open to suck out the extraneous heat and humidity.
Same goes for shower time. I don’t personally have a fan in my bathroom, but just cracking a window open and getting rid of accumulated water after I’m done bathing does wonders for keeping the damp down. When you’re traveling east of the Rockies, it’s also not a bad idea to put some DampRid in any storage areas that tend to get drippy – closets, cabinets, those outside compartments. If you’re stuck in monsoon weather, as I have been at numerous times and locations throughout the southeast, consider buying a small portable dehumidifier to keep your rolling home dry and comfy.
Do you have favorite summer Airstream activities?
For me, summer is the season for getting outdoors. I like being able to take advantage of any recreational opportunity, so I make it a priority to carry my toys with me. I’ve set up my storage to accommodate tennis rackets, softball gloves, bikes, blades, caving lights and diving equipment. It's amazing how many toys come in a portable format, like my collection of parachute-material gizmos including a kite, hammock, and rain jacket that each fold up to fit in a pocket. My favorite new “gadget” is a collapsible kayak that squashes down to the size of a backpack!
While the sun is shining and the days are long, take time to get outside. Soak up the beautiful weather, try something new, be adventurous and spend a little extra time with loved ones. Summers are made for lasting memories, so get out there and keep living a riveting life!
