How to make DIY no sew insulated window covers for your van (less than $25) | Van Build Ep. 11
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- čas přidán 2. 08. 2024
- How to make affordable, no-sew window covers for privacy and to help protect your van from the hot sun or cold temperatures! I show how I made a set of 2 window coverings for less than $25 each. After researching what others did for DIY van window covers, I was inspired by another CZcamsr, Erin Michelle, who created covers I really liked. I’ve followed her example but have made a few modifications. Like this video? Make sure to check out our other low budget van life van build videos. 👉 VAN BUILD PLAYLIST: • How to (& how NOT to) ...
RELATED VIDEOS:
- No-sew insulated window covers for driver and passenger windows, curtains, & update on how these window covers are holding up: • DIY no sew insulated w...
- No-sew windshield window cover: • How to make DIY no-sew...
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MATERIALS USED FOR PROJECT:*
- Cardboard for templates
- Mainstays Fraser Fabric Tablecloth, 52x70 or 60x102, Rich Black ($10-12) www.walmart.com/ip/Mainstays-...
- Water and fade resistant indoor/outdoor Tommy Bahama tablecloth ($12)
- Old sheet or other material for extra layer(s)
- 16 in. x 25 ft. Double Reflective Insulation Roll with Staple Tab Edge ($13.57) - HD no longer carried. More expensive option: amzn.to/3efSwJx
- Dritz Stitch Witchery Fusible Web 1/4" x 20yds 2.99 (1.79 with 40% off coupon) www.joann.com/dritz-stitch-wi...
- Neodymium Bar Magnets, Rare-Earth Metal Neodymium Magnet - 60 x 10 x 3 mm (12 Pack) $13.99 amzn.to/3PUxQUd
- 1/2 in. Neodymium Rare-Earth Magnet Discs (6 per Pack) $4.97 homedepot.com/p/Master-Magnet-1-2-in-Neodymium-Rare-Earth-Magnet-Discs-6-per-Pack-07046HD/202526367
- Country Brook Design - Black Polypropylene 2 Inch Webbing (25 Yards) $16.50 amzn.to/3TcmHQJ
- Hot glue gun
- High-temp glue sticks
- Straight pins
- Lighter
- Ruler / straight edge
- Permanent marker
- Scissors
The supplies listed above will provide enough for a few different window covers, depending on size.
* As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
TIPS:
- Leave extra material around edges (It’s better to have extra then realize you don’t have enough later!)
- When using hot glue, use it sparingly then add more as needed. It’s easy to apply too much, which can leave a messy residue
- Start with approximately 4 magnets (medium to large size) evenly spaced along the edging and then add additional magnets as needed.
👉 ABOUT US: We're Steve and Audra, DIYers from South Florida who share a passion for cheap travel, nature, wildlife, and adventure! We've been working on converting our 2019 Ford Transit high roof cargo van into a campervan and are sharing our build and adventures along the way - all while trying to do everything on the lowest budget possible! While building out our van, we've been traveling the country as much as possible with our adventure cat in training, Lady Gray Gray Gillespie Pinkerton. We invite you to follow along on our journey! If you have any questions, we’re happy to answer! Comment below or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram and we’ll respond as soon as possible. And please don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!
VIDEO SEGMENTS:
0:00 Intro: No-sew van window covers
0:38 Cutting out window cover materials
4:35 Gluing/bonding material for window covers
8:20 Edging & test fitting window covers
10:49 Finishing touches (magnets & glue)
16:51 Finished window covers reveal
17:47 Windshield cover sneak peak
MUSIC CREDITS:
Ice Flow by Kevin MacLeod
Link: incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
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#VanBuild #DIY #NoSew #DIYVanConversion #Vanlife #FordTransitVanConversion #LowBudgetVanBuild #SteveAndAudra - Jak na to + styl
** UPDATE ** It's been over two years and these window covers are still holding up well! Check out our new video where I give an update on these, make some new insulated covers for driver and passenger windows, an insulated insert for the MaxxAir fan, and curtains for side windows! czcams.com/video/9p3WXv78bTk/video.html
We hope you found this video helpful! Links to materials are included in the video description. Other related videos:
WINDSHIELD COVER: czcams.com/video/xU-NEukeZ8U/video.html
VAN BUILD PLAYLIST: czcams.com/video/VS0MIeX6_9A/video.html
That’s amazing that you made those without sewing a stitch! The wonders of hot glue😁
Yes, the wonders of hot glue is right! And stitch witchery. I have come to love both products! Those and Mod Podge! 🙂
Great idea! My biggest concern is a cold climate is moisture, so I might use your idea but with coroplast against the window so it doesn't mold with moisture. Coroplast, Reflectix, and fabric on the inside. Maybe some of the weatherproof carpet from Home Depot.
I also have vents at the tops of my bus windows, so maybe I could make an extra layer that goes on the window to keep bugs out with Velcro on both sides, but the top of the cover can stick to that Velcro or fold down to cover it, but I can leave it up without the covers if I want light. Lots of thoughts here.
This video is great. I’m going to be making these myself this weekend for my van. Thank you!
Thank you! I'm so glad to hear that. Please let me know how they turn out! - Audra
Great tutorial! They look really well made! We plan on making our own window coverings too someday 🙂 we also enjoyed how you showed the products you were using in the bottom right corner of the screen 👍
Thanks so much! 😊 So far, they are holding up pretty well and we've been happy with them. They sure make a difference for climate control!
This is the best DIY window covers I’ve seen. They look as good or better then some 500.00 covers. Really appreciate a great easy to follow window cover recipe. Thank you!
Thanks so much! I muddled through it a bit on the first one but have been really happy with them. I'll actually be posting a new video on Sunday with an update about them and some new covers I made for the front driver and passenger windows. It was a lot faster this time around!
@@SteveAudra I’ll for sure watch. I was just getting ready to order the webbing. I’m going to first make the sliding door window cover. Do you mind if I ask about webbing width? I can’t decide between 2” or 3”. The 2” seems reasonable. Thank again and look forward to the new WC post.
@@64MAGA24 2" is what I used. I think 3" would probably be too wide. I put links in the video description to the supplies I used but I haven't checked lately to see if they all work still.
First of all, thank you very much for taking the time to do this video. I have been waiting for a video for window coverings on Vans. Your video is very good, and you show every step by step you took to make the window sun reflecting covers. I am going to start this week and purchase all my equipment and supplies to begin my project for my E-150 Series Conversion Van. Once again, thank you very much. I hope my project comes out as good as yours. 🙂👍
I'm so glad you find the video to be helpful! After more than a year, the covers are holding up really well. The only recommendation I have would be if you use dark material for the side that faces out, maybe find material that is actually made for outdoors so it is designed to not fade as much in the bright sun.
@@SteveAudra Thank you for the recommendation. I will try to find the convertible top cover fabric for cars to cover one side with the black fabric to see if it last longer.
Ours have lasted well but they are definitely faded so the integrity of the material might be a little compromised. Let us know how yours turn out!
@@SteveAudra I am excited with the new project thanks to you guys. Thanks again.
A wonderful idea 💡
Thanks so much! 😊
Love these. I’ll have to make these when I get mine
We're so glad to hear that! Please let us know if you do!
@@SteveAudra I will 😊 this is the most helpful video I’ve seen.
great, thanks for sharing
You're so welcome! Please let us know if you make some and how they turn out!
Very nice!
Thank you!
Nice work 👍
Thanks! And thanks so much for watching!
great job!
Thanks so much! 🙂 We're pretty happy with them.
This is a great video and so helpful especially now during this current heatwave. I am going to make these for sure.The only difference is I am going to add another layer of Coroplast, I think it is called, inside as a sandwich of sorts for extra insulation.
Heatwave is right! I'm glad you found the video helpful. These covers definitely have been helping keep heat out in the high temps we've been experiencing. That extra layer sounds great if you don't need to fold the covers up at all. We kept our cardboard templates (now painted black) and sometimes I pop them in against the window as an extra layer in addition to the cloth covers!
@@SteveAudra How did the hot glue hold up with the heatwave? I live in Australia and was concerned that the heat may melt the glue on Summer days....
@@171angel Our van has been in Florida heat and the glue has help up really well. There have just been a couple spots where I probably didn't put enough on initially so I just touched those up.
great job! This method would work well using cheap moving blankets too.
Thanks for watching and for leaving feedback! Moving blanks would provide better insulation as well but would definitely be more bulky to work with and store. Might not work for this method as well but I like that idea especially for colder temps. We were just up north and hung flannel sheets over our larger windows that we don't have covers for yet but moving blankets cut to size would be even better!
@@SteveAudra yes it is true that they would be more bulky, but we have found that we never take down and store the ones on our back doors, we just fold them down while driving or if we want some light and then put them back at night.
We were in cold weather too a couple of months ago and ended up buying some magnetic clips and $4 blankets from Walmart and clipped them over our doors/windows because the blinds alone weren't enough. I think I need to make some heavier ones for winter!!
We'd love to see the finished product if you make some!
Thank you so much!!! 💖🙏🏻🤗
So glad you found this helpful! 🙂
Nicely done! Those turned out great. I would have several hot glue burns on my fingers by the end of the project. 😁
Thanks so much! Somehow I managed to avoid burning my fingers when I did these covers but then when I worked on the windshield cover I did burn my fingers several times for some reason! I guess I got more lax as I got further along in the project!
I love this! I'm wondering if you noticed the heat affecting (melting) the glue at all? i do not want to sew but i'm nervous about the integrity of them if left in the heat.
Good question! We have been using these for a year now and they are still holding up (and they take a good beating from the sun with our home base being south Florida). I just noticed for the first time that one small section came apart so I'll re-glue that. But, I may have not applied as much glue in that spot to begin with. Other than that, I haven't noticed any problem.
Hmmm this is a VERY good idea! I wonder, too, if a rotary cutter would make cutting the strips a quicker and easier project?
Thanks! I had to look up what a rotary cutter is. I'm sure that would be a great tool to use and would probably be more controlled. To keep costs down, I tried not to buy extra materials or tools but I bet that would be a handy tool!
That intro is baller i had to watch it twice LOL!!!!!
Thanks so much! That made our day! 🙂
Those are beautiful! Wish you had shown how you made your cardboard templates, i just could not get my templates right!! Unfortunately most of us who already live in our vans can't do such a nice job, no outlets for irons or hot glue guns!
Thanks, Ellen! I'm sorry that I didn't think to film as I was making the templates. (I may have some photos though.) I traced the edges of the windows onto large craft paper and then transferred it to cardboard. That went pretty well for me. The windshield was a whole different story. I'll share that in our next video but it was a bit of a train wreck! LOL! You have a great point about access to outlets. And doing the covers for larger windows requires a large work space. Do you have someone that would lend you access to a work space? That seems to be the only way to accomplish many of the things involved with a van build!
use adhesive glue instead, and holds the layers if you spray in between
this is genius
Thanks! 🙂
Great post! I’ve made my first covering and not bad! Although, the magnets aren’t sticking to the metal. How many did you use? I used about 5 per side. I feel like my webbing is too thick. I’m using the what they use for belts, it’s not called the same as what you’re using, but looks the same.
Thanks, Heather! I'm so glad to hear you made some and that they turned out pretty well! Did you use the same kind of magnets that I listed? I think I know what kind of material you mean and it does seem like that could be too thick. I ended up using the large rectangular magnets on the top and sides in the center and then a smaller magnet on the sides for each of the other panels, on the corners, and on each side of the larger magnets on the top and bottom. I wonder if you could put magnets in material "pouches" and glue them onto the webbing to help keep the covers up if the webbing is indeed too thick for the magnets?
👍 nice job! My wife hates sewing, so now she should not say no
🤣 Thanks, Victor! Maybe you should make them and impress her! LOL!
These are the best looking DIY covers for my skill level so I'm about to give these a try. My question: why did you use stitch-witchery bonding tape between the panels instead of more hot glue?
Thanks, Dina! I chose the bonding tape because I thought it would be neater and more uniform than hot glue. I thought it also might hold up better than hot glue. But I think hot glue would work if that is what you prefer. I'd suggest using the high temp hot glue though. I've noticed that the lower temp glue does not work as well and I think it wouldn't hold up as long either.
Thank you for your answer, it was very helpful and I’m glad I followed your direction. I’m very happy with the results. I do have to say, I sprung for Ottertex waterproof canvas. The sheets were just beyond my ability to manage them. Everything else was super and my husband is very happy with them. Thanks again!
@@dinacampeau3677 Dina, that's awesome! Thanks so much for letting me know. I bet they're really nice with the canvas! Did you end up using the stitch witchery or hot glue for the panels?
@@SteveAudra yes, I did! Thanks again.
Wow, good job. They look nice and neat. I'm curious to know how the hot glue has held up in hot weather.
Thanks! That's a popular question! Overall, it's held up really well! I did have to touch up a couple spots, probably where I didn't quite apply enough to start.
There's a follow-up video I made. The link is in the pinned comment.
Great job. Look really good. So the reflectix goes on the inside? Do people put it on the outside too?
Thanks so much, Deb! So the Reflectix in ours is between the material. I know a lot of people do a metallic, Reflectix-like material on the outside but we wanted something black on the outside for night and something that looks nice on the inside too. I don't know all the science behind it but these seem to work well even without the metallic part being on the outside. Even with the black on the outside and the sun beating down, it really does a great job of keeping the heat out. I think the extra layers also helps to insulate it better. For the windshield cover, I do a lighter color on one side and black on the other. Usually during the day, we have the lighter color out so it doesn't absorb as much heat.
@@SteveAudra can't wait to see how you did your template for the windshield!
@@debberkebile4396 Making the template for that was a bit of a train wreck but eventually it did all work out!
the reason to cover with black is so people don't know someone is 'living' in there, the black meets with the tinted window so they don't see
next time use spray adhesive to hold the layers together, much easier
Great tip! Thanks!
Hi, awesome idea! Wondering if these are still holding up since you've made them? Seems like a good option for my situation.
Thanks! And yes, they are! There was just one spot on one of them where I didn't put enough glue so I have to put one magnet back in and re-glue that spot but that's it. Overall, they are working out really well and staying nice. I imagine the material will fade over time and maybe down the road, I'll make a new set but I imagine they will last for a couple or few years. If I had used material designed for outdoor use, maybe that would have been a better option but I'm not sure. They take a beating being in south Florida so much!
@@SteveAudra I’m excited to use your ideas to make my own. Thank you!
Awesome! You're so welcome!
Thanks for sharing. I’m about to embark on window covering making and have a couple questions. How are they holding up now? And does light come through the “seams” between the reflectix strips?
Thanks for watching and for your questions! They have held up really great. So far, there is only one spot where I don't think I used enough hot glue and one of the magnets came out. I just need to re-glue that spot. Light does not come through the seams but that's probably because I put the extra layer of material in there and I am glad I did. The only other thing I've noticed is that with the harsh Florida sun, the black material has started to fade a little. A material made for outdoor use might be a little better but I don't think it's a big deal. When we're parked in a sunny spot for longer periods of time now, sometimes I actually put our original cardboard templates that we had painted black back up in the windows just to protect the covers and also add an extra layer of insulation - but that's just an extra step I do because it's easy and because we still had them.
@@SteveAudra Thank you so much for the reply. I had wondered about the harsh sun on the fabric too. But we live further north with more cloudy days so that may not be as much an issue for us. However, we are headed to FL and then back via the SW in a month. Keeping the templates is a great idea too. Thanks again.
@@bro48537 Glad we could help! Are you on IG? We'd love to see what you are up to!
Thanks for this! Since there's a gap between each piece of reflectix, did it still fit like the cardboard cutouts? Or did you account for that when you cut out the reflectix? Or is this too trivial to even care about!
Getting the right shape is pretty important so it fits right in the window. I traced the cardboard shape onto the material first and then made sure the Reflectix strips fit within that space. Before cutting, I figured out how big each piece of Reflectix and each gap needed to be.
How are your covers holding up? I made very similar ones and had two issues - 1) the hot glue let go in the high temperatures of Queensland so I ended up with all the magnets lined up like a sausage in the piping at the bottom of the cover, and 2) the magnets (those fancy ‘rare metal’ expensive extra strong ones) were not enough to hold my heavy fabric. I’m about to redo them and will be much wiser: your video + hindsight. ❤️Vanlife.
Hi Catherine! So sorry to hear that about your magnet fiasco with your covers and that your material was too thick! Could you add little pockets with lighter material to your existing covers just to hold the magnets? Thankfully ours have held up really well. I've only had one magnet come loose and I think it's because I just didn't put enough glue there in that one spot. The other thing I realized is that there are two types of glue, one made for higher temps. I'm not sure if that only matters when applying it or it it also holds up better under higher heat but the higher temp glue sticks seem to work better. We're in Florida much of the year so ours take a pretty good beating from the sun. Good luck with your next attempt. Let me know how it goes!
Doesn’t adding the fabric negate the reflecting function of the Reflectix that you would face outward to reflect the sun during the day? I’m assuming that the black side would be faced outward when you need stealth mode.
Hi Pat! Since we've been using the covers, they have worked really well to insulate from heat and cold. We notice a big difference having them in. Because the Transit windows are not symmetrical, the covers are not reversible and we knew we didn't want Reflectix material visible in the back. Reflectix is used in home building and the sun isn't reflecting off the metallic surface in that scenario but it's still beneficial so we are assuming we're getting the same benefit with how we're using it. All we know is that it is providing a nice barrier and working pretty well for us! Thanks for watching!
How long did it take you to make these? I have 9 windows. I'm wondering if I can make them some covers in 2 hours or so lol. I don't plan on cutting strips. I planned on keeping the pieces solid. Any recommendations to complete the project quickly?
It took me forever because I was figuring out the process! But if you check out the newer video in the pinned comment, you'll see I made some from our front windows that were simpler. The templates and cutting the material is what was time consuming for me. The edging is pretty easy.
We hope you find this video helpful if you are looking for a way to make affordable van window covers! I know there are many out there like me that don't sew at all so this method might be right for you! Links to materials are included in the video description. The windshield cover video is now also available. Also, don't miss our whole van build series if you haven't seen it already!
WINDSHIELD COVER: czcams.com/video/xU-NEukeZ8U/video.html
VAN BUILD PLAYLIST: czcams.com/video/VS0MIeX6_9A/video.html
VAN TOUR: czcams.com/video/LN9Cp77Ak9o/video.html
If you end up making similar window covers, we'd love to hear how they turn out for you! Let us know!
What thickness of reflectics did you guys use?
.3125 inch. Here's the link to what we used: www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix-16-in-x-25-ft-Double-Reflective-Insulation-Roll-with-Staple-Tab-Edge-ST16025/100012574#product-overview
Where did you place the long magnets as your video doesn't show?
I put them on each side (top, bottom, and sides) in the very center. I used the smaller magnets in the corners and on both sides of each remaining panel along the sides.
Hi, what size magnets did you use?
TIA
Hi! If you click on the video description, I list all the products I used with links. I used the large size in the center of each side. In hindsight, I wish I had used all of the largest size (60 x 10 x 3 mm), one on each side of each panel - though it really only matters if you want to be able to fold the cover onto itself and for it to stay in place. Sometimes that would be convenient, but it isn't a huge deal. Let me know if you have any other questions!
What edging did u use?
I used Country Brook Design brand Black Polypropylene 2 Inch Webbing (www.amazon.com/dp/B003K1HK9A). If you check the video description, I've included a list of materials with links. I hope you find it helpful. Thanks for watching and I'd love to hear if you end up making some!
How does the hot glue stand up in heat?
Good question! So far it's holding up really well and these have been baking in the Florida sun! I anticipate down the road I may have to touch up a few spots but probably not for quite a long time.
What pull are the magnets? thanx
Hello and thanks for watching! I've included links in the video description to the materials I used including the magnets. I'm not sure what "pull" but they are pretty strong. The larger size work the best but are more expensive. I would recommend at least using one of those on each side.
Could you post the links for materials? :)
The links are all in the video description! 🙂
May I ask why you chose to use webbing instead of bias tape?
We'll, mainly because I've never heard of bias tape! 😆 But, I saw someone else use webbing and it seemed really heavy duty, provided a nice looking finished edge, and was wide enough to accommodate the magnets along the edges.
That is an excellent reason 😅 thank you! I have been watching so many videos and have stolen so much from you. I’m just trying to find the best plan for our passenger transit. Thanks for sharing your beautiful window covers!
@@sameenastillinge2262 You're welcome! We don't mind you stealing at all! We're glad to hear that and hope someday we get to see your van!
Doesn't this defeat the purpose of having it shiny so it is able to reflect the heat ?
Good question! We're no experts but some of the reflective material still shows through the cloth material and we're also benefitting from the air pockets between. This material is used in home building and the sun isn't reflecting off the metallic surface in that scenario but it's still beneficial. All we know is that it is providing a nice barrier and working pretty well for us!
I feel like the iron may melt the reflectix
Hello and thanks for watching! The iron doesn't really come in contact with the reflectix with the method I'm using here other than maybe just the very edge. For each panel, I put the reflectix in and iron below (where there is only material and stitch witchery)! I'm pretty confident that nothing melted.
It was painful watching you work with those scissors. Buy some $9 Ikea scissors (shears) in the drapery/sewing area (yes-it does exist). These are AMAZING utility scissors. They cut through the horrible clear plastic packaging that is so hard (and sometimes dangerous) to cut through and dozens of other uses. I gave these to all my friends for Christmas one year-they thought I was a bit nuts (and a scrooge). Til they tried them!! Now I’m a god! I keep a pair in the kitchen, office, garage, workshop and camping van. You’ll be happy you bought these.
Thanks for the tip! I'll have to remember that the next time I'm near an Ikea! Thankfully I don't have to cut material too often. I usually try to just make do with the tools I have!
W
Thanks for watching!
You do realize that by covering up the reflective material that you’ve negated the R-Value of the Reflectix? I just read this on the Reflectix website. If they are just for black out/privacy then why use reflectix at all?
What matters to us is that the insulative property of these covers are significantly noticeable - much better than some alternatives. They cut down on heat loss in the winter and help reduce heat from direct sunlight in the warmer months. In addition to the reflective property of the Reflectix material, the internal layers of heavy gauge polyethylene bubbles provide a nice layer of insulation. The material we used to cover the Reflectix is not a tight weave, so some light is still actually able to reflect off the surface. Probably a lighter color material like we used for our windshield would be more efficient, but since these are not reversible we wanted them to double as a black out cover and an insulative cover.