Camping in triple digits a bad idea?

nartmot

Hello,

My wife and I are picking up our brand new 2025 T@b 400 from Vegas at the end of August and we are considering staying at Lake Mead RV Park for a night or two before heading back to LA.  This will be our very first camping trip in an RV and temps are expected to be just shy of 110 degrees during the day and around 80 at night.  Is this a bad idea?  Im primarily concerned with the AC and fridge being able to keep up, but any insights you more experienced campers can share with me would be welcome.  Thank you so much.

Tom

marchule

IMO, not a good idea.  There are so many things to learn and become familiarized that adding extreme weather will just lead to a very frustrating experience.  It may be 100 outside, but it'll be 120+ inside.  You'll be sitting in your car with your A/C on max waiting for the Tab to cool down.

Da_Birds

I would tend to agree with marchule. I understand wanting to jump right in and enjoying your new RV but I suggest taking some time to get familiar with things at home first. While you don't have to be a rocket scientist, there are a lot of little things to learn. Rookie mistakes will most likely be made even under low stress conditions at home. Add in trying to get over this learning curve far away from home in less then ideal weather conditions, mistakes and stress are even more likely. Taking just a little time to get over this learning curve at home will only serve to make your first trip away from home that much more enjoyable and rewarding.

WayneW

I agree w @marchule. But I think it’s a bad idea to do anything in 100+ deg heat!  Trying to become familiar w a new camper for your first time in extreme heat might just be a lesson in frustration. If something doesn’t work quite right you wouldn’t know if it’s operator error, mechanical issues, or just too hot.

I’d get the trailer home, “camp” in your driveway a few nights under less extreme conditions if you can, and learn the different systems in the trailer.  

Besides, what the heck can you do when it’s 110??

nartmot

Ok, thanks, everyone!  I have decided I will NOT camp next month in Nevada.  It would have been nice to rest in the RV for a day before driving all the way home but I agree it might be too stressful.  Instead, I will look into staying in a hotel the night before I pick up the camper, and then heading home as early as possible to beat the heat.

pthomas745

"Next Month" in desert weather can be practically the end of August.  The monsoon may moderate temps, etc. Have you thought about climbing a bit up toward Mt Charleston? A bit of elevation will cool things down a lot.

NorthIsUp

I'm in favor of camping nearby. If you discover a major problem right away, you're not too far from the dealer for a repair. You're not camping in the boonies. You're in an RV park. If you have questions about backing up or any systems, I'm sure they'll be glad to help you. If anything serious arises, you're near the dealer for a call or visit and RV parks have the accessories that you may need. Vegas is way cooler at the end of August than at the beginning of the month, which is something else to consider. You also have a greater chance of rain, so that adds to the adventure and cools things down.  

You need to test it and learn about it in the real world and not in your backyard. Plus, you're in Vegas. If there's a problem and you're miserable, stay in a hotel for a night. 

Also, delivery dates often slip, so your delivery may be in September or later. You never know. Good luck. 

nartmot

Thank you @pthomas745 and @NorthIsUp.  I will definitely look into camping around Mt Charleston instead of Lake Mead.

Mickerly

The walls of the trailer are well insulated. The issue is the top (which includes the front and back). The aluminum sheet and aluminum frame underneath will heat the trailer nicely when in the sun. Shade is important on hot days. The 320 will fit under a canopy, but the 400 is too tall for that. Look for campgrounds northwest of 'Vegas, in the Angeles Crest, or south towards Flagstaff & the Grand Canyon. Find a place with trees. 

The opposite is true in the winter... The good side is the single piece top from front to back is better for rain and more solid than other RV construction methods.

jimcenname

I've camped in Las Vegas (Oasis RV Resort) in 100+ temps. The coolcat AC keeps up. The hard part was arriving with a hot trailer and setting up in 100+ temps.

Tabnero

we have been in very hot weather in central texas and you can do a few things to make it easier. Park in the shade, open camper and vent out the hot air first using fan to take the air out and opening the windows. Do that while we attach the window coverings, We also set up the awning to keep the sun off that side of the camper. after venting, turn on the ac. It is a smaller space to cool down than many other campers and ours is a 320 so it happens quickly. it can be done.