# Travel >> Transportation >> RV

How to Use Air Conditioner Vents in a Recreational Vehicle (RV)

When we first purchased our Class C motor home we were lost. Even though our salesperson went over everything we needed to know, it really didn't sink in until we made our first "shakedown" trip. Then we realized how much we didn't know! This article is one of a series in which you're introduced to some of the basics of your RV.

You probably noticed them as you entered your RV for the first time - the funny little circular objects on the roof of your living area, as in the photo. They're vents for your roof-mounted air conditioning system. They're actually quite easy to use - the trick is learning which ones to close and open as you try to circulate cool air throughout your coach.

Here's a primer, by "Mr. Turtledove," about using the air conditioning vents in your RV.

Instructions

- 1
  
  OPEN OR CLOSE. To open or close your vents, simply rotate the disks to the left or the right. Don't push on them - you may strip the screw-like mechanism that moves the disk up and down.
- 2
  AIR CIRCULATION. This instruction varies by design of your recreational vehicle. You may discover that the back of your unit gets more cool air than the front, or vice-versa. Experiment with opening and closing the vents in various areas until you get an even distribution of cold air going where you want it.
- 3
  INSULATION. You may find it advantageous to insulate windows (blinds, for example) to keep the sun from beating down inside. We also suggest foam inserts to put inside the roof vents - a lot of heat creeps in through those openings.
- 4
  CAB INSULATION. If you drive a class C motor home, it may be advantageous to use a windshield wrap to keep the sun from beating down in that area.
- 5
  PRE-COOL. As you pull into an RV park or campsite, consider running your engine, and thus your cab air conditioner, for a few minutes until your coach air conditioner starts pumping out the cold air.