While some boondockers have gensets to power up those large appliances, it isn't always necessary to bring up the "Onan Chorus" when the sun stands high above the old RV roof. Solar and wind "purists" also stay out of the heat with success.

Shade is the boondocker's best friend for keeping cool. Of course, using shade has to be balanced against the needs of solar panels, and too much shade can spell wind turbine interruptions from turbulence created by trees. However, you can often provide your own shade through rig orientation and use of awnings.

By presenting the least amount of rig sidewall to the hot sun, Sol has less opportunity to overheat your rig. Hence, orienting the front or rear side of the rig to the south can help. But which end? Determine which side of the rig would get the "worst" of the sun's heat, and orient so that your awning rolls out to protect that side. Adding a shade cloth to the awning can provide a nice area to retreat to when things get too hot inside.

While many newer rigs are equipped white rubber roofs, those owning older rigs may find it beneficial to paint a coat of white reflecting coating up topside.

We've found that putting insulated padding in non-openable windows really cuts down heat infiltration. The stuff is sold by the foot and can be cut with scissors to match window sizes. We identify ours for reuse by writing on the pad with an indelible marker. Putting aluminum foil on window louvers cuts down heat infiltration while still allowing a free flow of air.

Refrigerated air conditioning systems aren't the only mechanical ways of keeping the heat down. Low voltage "swamp coolers" designed for RVs can also make life a lot more tolerable in hot, dry climates. They aren't much use when the humidity is up, but in more arid areas, a swamp cooler provides favorable results without the high energy consumption of refrigerated air conditioner units.

Just getting the hot air "out" of the rig can do wonders. A roof vent equipped with a fan can pump out hot air quickly. Even easier are automatic roof vents such as "Fan-Tastic" ceiling fans which have thermostats that automatically respond to inside temperatures and switch on to ventilate. Fancy ones even have a system that responds to rain, shutting the vent to protect you from wet.

Russ and Tina De Maris are authors of RV Boondocking Basics--A Guide to Living Without Hookups, available on RVBookstore.com