Reflectix Insulated Window Covers Inserts Privacy Light Blocking Curtains Stealth Camper RV Van
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- čas přidán 2. 11. 2018
- I show how to make custom fit 5 layer Reflectix insulated light blocking privacy stealth window cover inserts that are easily removed and stored in your camper, can be made for any car, van or RV. I incorporate a layer of static air space between two Reflectix layers to boost R-value which can even reduce window condensation and from the outside they just look like tinted windows.
Amazon Affiliate Quick Links:
Reflectix: amzn.to/2JossI9
Corrugated Vinyl: amzn.to/2Def7lm
3M Duct Tape: amzn.to/2QbZOfO
Gorilla Glue: amzn.to/2qiL6sb
Glue Gun: amzn.to/2qj7jq2
Metal Straight Edge: amzn.to/2JnGt92
Scissors: amzn.to/2DblAOe
Razor Knife: amzn.to/2JmIrX8
Walmart Material:
At store bar code: 48580210161
Online *I think this is the material - not 100% sure*:
Walmart # 571225833
www.walmart.com/ip/Ottertex-C...
Part 1 of this video: • Reflectix Insulated Wi...
Part 2 of this video: • Reflectix Insulated Wi...
Part 3 of this video: • Reflectix Insulated Wi...
Video for making these same inserts for cars with irregular window shapes (how to make a full window template): • Reflectix Insulated Cu...
Ambulance Build Series: • Medical Attack Vehicle...
Prius Stealth Camper build video: • Prius Stealth Camper B... - Jak na to + styl
I'd leave one side on reflectix. the black fabric will increase the temperature in summertime. Having it black on one side and reflectix on the other allows you to reverse it depending on the temperature. Reflectix outside in summer to repel the sun. Black side on the outside in winter time to get more heat from the sun. Other than that, excellent!!!
Found a real easy way to make the templates for a car or van window that has interior trim. Get yourself a few manila folders and cut them roughly to size so they can be stuffed in between the window and the trim. Keep adding pieces of Manila folders until your entire window is covered. Tape them down as you go. Once your entire window is covered with manila folders tape them all together at the overlaps. Then draw a line outlining the window along the trim edge. I used your method to connect a little duct tape tab to make it easy to pull the whole template out. Remove the whole thing once you have your outline drawn, and cut off the edges along the line that you drew. Then I flipped it over and taped up the other side to make it one solid piece. Now you can easily transfer it onto your working materials, and voilà.
I've been saying vanilla my whole life...
THANK YOU!!!
I’ve seen people using aluminum foil to do this as well. I like your method too though. Which do you think would work better? With the foil you kinda do the same thing but use the imprint of the foil as a template.
Works very well with the folders ...it was very esy
Important Question: after setting all these window covers up how can air get in your vehicle to breathe? Like should I make a vent or something?
SO GLAD that I found your channel! I’m a newbie and want to be a full time campvanner someday.
I’ve subscribed. Your instructions are the best!
YOU ARE A TRUE BLESSING TO US ALL! What a great, patient and thorough tutorial you’ve blessed us with! You are so correct regarding the emphasis of being just as exact as possible and you’ve taken the time to share this with us out of the kindness of your heart! I am recently homeless and have no financial wiggle room to re purchase the items for this, you’ve saved me from that! Thank you!
So glad you found this helpful. Thanks for your kind comments!
Do you at least have a vehicle youre living in?
@@littlewing1083 I am blessed to have a vehicle that I live in. It’s a 1998 Chevy Tahoe! I am beyond grateful for it and do my best to keep it maintained both mechanically as well as keeping the interior clean. Unfortunately I have a “incognito leak” that results in constant dampness of the carpet of my rear cargo. I’ve excluded many things by educating myself with youtube and google!
Thank you for your concern!
This is great. About to try. Thank you so much for the step-by-step process!
We made these exactly as you showed and LOVE them! We even used the same fabric from Walmart, it really does make a great blackout option!
Thanks for the great how-to!
Still work well?
Very cool. The way you made the template for the corners was very creative!
I'm currently converting an Ambulance. I've watched every video I can find and yours are by far the best. I've shared your channel on the Ambo conversion groups I am a belong to. Keep up the good work!
Lol
Yeah that Gorilla Hot Glue stick is really a Beast!
Im so glad i refound this video, i knew there was a video out there using multi layers
This is one of the best video presentations I’ve seen for rv/vans. Great ideas,Verbally precise and thorough. Thank you!!
Just saw this video. I don’t have an camper or conversion van, I think a wonderful idea for my top 4 front windows of my house. I usually close mini blinds, dark roll down shade over blinds and then heavy curtains to block sun on hottest summer days.
Then my sliding glass doors let so much cold in during winters….I’m going to make ur insulated window inserts and give it ago for my house. Would be so much easier to pop those in and surely will work better than what I’ve been doing. Great idea and easy to follow video.
EXCELLENT DIY idea and tutorial, THANKS!
I absolutely love and appreciate how detailed and specific your instructions are ❤️❤️❤️❤️ thank you! I'm definitely subscribing!
Thank you for your kind comments and for subscribing! Glad you found the video helpful. These inserts make things much more comfortable. I love mine.
Wow this is an amazing video. I have been using a giant peice of cardboard that was such a pain for 2 years. Cannot wait to make this
Thank you for this brother! You are a great teacher❤
Wow, these are the most accurate window covers I have seen. But it would be nice if it showed final steps of putting the layers together and gluing together and using the tape.
Sold my travel trailer in 2018, but I think I can incorporate this idea into making insulated coverings for my picture window and other windows in the house. I currently use 1 layer of Reflectix, for the past 4 years, it reflects the sun and some heat outward, but still allows heat to come in.
Saw 1,2,& 3. Innovative, well thought out. Thank you!!
I wanted to make it easy to repeat the process for people. Glad you like how I put it together. Thanks for your comments and for watching!
Very helpful and detailed. You are amazing. Thank you for another wonderful video !
Glad you found it helpful!
Excellent video! Thank you
Awesome video!!!!
If your windows are symmetrical, make one side black, and the other silver or white. For hot weather put the silver side out to keep the heat out, and for cold weather put the silver side in to keep the heat in.
I was wondering if anybody would bring this up. Wouldn't it be better to have one side of exposed reflectix, pointed at whatever side you want the heat to go?
Coroplast is called Corflute in Australia and you can buy it from Bunnings.
Informative, exact and visually very helpful. Thank you!!
Thanks for your kind comments and for watching!
Thanks for a very useful video!
I have to make these this week. I hope your video helps.
Thanks ... on to Part 2.
Really good tips
The best tutorial on YT. 8-)
Thank you! Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching !
What a terrific instructional video. Every step detailed and superbly explained and photographed. Thank you for taking the time to help the rest of us.
Excellent video. And certainly no criticism from me, but I've abandoned the Imperial system and switched to metric - I'm done trying to figure out what's half of 17 5/8" or learning the various tricks/hacks to figure things like that. Made my refit/rehab and measuring/cutting life a whole lot easier.
Thanks for the tips, i just made 7 fairly huge panels for a dodge caravan, put it crazy hours to get em done. The templates are the hardest part of the process especially for odd shaped windows.
I wasn’t able to find that black material so i repurposed some old blackout/heat reflective curtains i had laying around.
With the 7 perfect panels and just a loose sheet of reflectix for the windshield i experience zero condensation last night. Amazing!
Once again many many thanks for posting, truly helped me.
They really are time consuming to make but worth the effort as you are already seeing. My original ones are still going well and use them every day. Thanks for your kind comments and helpful info.
PSC Camper Conversions i hope mine hold up, I’m on currently on night 2 of a one year full time van dwelling situation. If the van life is sustainable i May push it to two years. Wish me luck!
PSC Camper Conversions,
GOOD to hear that they are still working so well. 👏🏼
I am converting a shuttle bus and have been back and forth on whether or not I wanted to wall over the windows (or just a selection of them) in the face of the cold Montana winters! However, this seems to be a sufficient method of maintaining a stable internal temperature, so I will likely go this route as it would grant the freedom to remove them on warm summer evenings in trade for daylight and the beauty of my surroundings :-)
Gharrett Willison as long as u have a heat source in the the vehicle you’ll be fine. In my van it gets crazy cold still. It helps keep the heat i gathered with the vans heating system before i sleep but it gets mad cold fairly quickly. Don’t know how fast but I’m sound asleep under my sleeping bag. It does help with condensation which is really important to me.
Gharrett and Mark, Questions!!
1.) What are you using for heat 🔥 source(s)...?? Glad to know someone else is doing this in cold weather! 🌡️We get -20 F wind chill in Nebraska, and seriously cold actual temps 🥶❄️
2.) Are you using a zero degree sleeping bag?
3.) What kind of sleep mat or mattress underneath? (Insulation & comfort)
4.) Do you add extra blankets inside/outside the sleeping bag to increase the rating/comfort level?
5.) What kinds of layers of clothing 🧤🧣🧥👕👖🧦 are you sleeping in? Thin warm later... Sweats/performance fleece... Winter sports pants, etc. I have some pretty comfy ski 🎿 pants that work great for insulation on top of other pants... Thinking that might help.
**Asking about heat 🔥 source because people talk about using propane heaters, but they're supposed to be vented, and Idk if that would just defeat the purpose to begin with. And propane is also known to cause condensation... 💦 The bane to everyone's existence when camping 🏕️
You hear about people using cheaper diesel heaters (China), but I think they need venting also, and inhalation of diesel fumes... 💨🤢🚫💀 🪔☠️
Have heard of people using hot water bottles... Can fill a stainless steel insulated container with hot water from a gas station (by coffee machines) & fill a hot water bottle from that (good for awhile... until it gets cold. & Hopefully doesn't leak...) My friend came over from Sudan and uses a 2 liter soda bottle filled with hot water as a pretty decent improv; cheaper than hot water bottle, & might seal better.
Excellente!
Make your air gap as thick as your windows can take. You will get much better insulation.
They will also sit more secure.
I ordered the black fabric from Walmart (your link) and it does appear to be the same material that you used. So excited! Thank you for such great hook ups with all the material. Very beneficial. Cant wait to get started on these.
Do you know if it only comes in black?
@@jjscosita It comes in many different colors!
@@justwannasay5454 Great! Thanks
R value is the resistance of radiant heat being transferred through the material. The higher the value the less the flow of heat from one side to the other.
That corner template is genius.
I did another video on these where I make a full window template for car windows (czcams.com/video/YfPYhDCbnG8/video.html). That takes a good bit of time and patience. This way with just the corner one really speeds things up. Thanks for your comments!
@@timdillen I told you I got the new (to me) Prius, right? I've been watching your videos for inspiration and direction, as I plan to camp in it. I knew I had to do something to reflect sun (I live in Florida) and provide privacy and stealth. I've seen other videos on this topic, but yours is the best and most detailed.
I have one question though, and it's not directly related to the window coverings. In my manual, it says not to leave the POWER button ON (to provide heat or a/c) "for a long while." What the hell does that mean? Seems to me most people camping or living in a Prius leave it ON overnight to control the car's inner temp. Opinion?
From the best I can tell, Toyota is not real excited about people sleeping (camping) in their Prius with the car on as the engine kicks on and off and if someone is dumb enough to leave their hatch cracked open all night, the tail pipe is located just under the hatch opening. I highly doubt there would ever be enough CO to enter the car to cause injury as the engine runs for a short time and any fumes would dissipate but I wouldn't want to experiment with it so I just keep a CO monitor and fire extinguisher handy at all times. Some people won't.
@@timdillen I figured it was Toyota covering their ass. ;) I've seen too many vids about people leaving the engine on all night (without damaging components). I'd never leave the hatch open. Not secure, for one thing. Cracking a window? No problem! Thanks for the response.
Thank you for making such a helpful video!!! :)
Thank you for this video, this is going to be our first project and video for our camper van project :)
Yesterday I did a $7 DIY curtain that can easily be pulled into place within a few Seconds! It stays in place so I never have to keep taking it down & putting it back up, use up space to store it, etc. I use 2 1/4" X 5ft PEX Pipe (PVC) $2.25ea, Paracord to feed through it and secure it to the sun visor and the back seat roof handle. Snip holes about every 3-4 inch in a dark lightweight $2 tshirt fabric from Walmart. 1 Clip for each of the front seat ceiling handles to support the PVC and fabric. A pieces of Velcro on the dashboard.
This will allow you to have one long piece of fabric that can easily slide into place & gather up next to the seat or even better yet, behind the headrest so that you can still have complete visibility in the blind-spot & your back seat can stay hidden 24/7! The fabric I used is dark enough where people can't see in but I can still see out.
Wonderful tutorial!
Old political campaign signs are a cheap/free option if they are made of the right material. Cities have a spot where they collect signs that were not placed in the right locations too.
Also some old garage garage sale signs. You may even want to ask your local gas station for there window adverts.
@ 1:55 Barcode / Part # for black fabric with vinyl at Walmart. Also see link in show notes.
Is this a good reflectics for keeping the car insulated in the winter for winter camping? Thanks! Such a fantastic video!
Wow that’s a lot of work and time.
Have a t.v. going in the background.
Excellent descriptive video!! I am completely torn between going all out with this process for my Vw sport wagen windows or just doing reflectix & black felt. I would love to have the extra insulation that this process would provide but I’m really not sure how well they would turn out/fit in more oddly shaped windows. Decisions decisions!
I tried these myself.
Reflectix and felt is not a bad choice, I'd still ad that white board for some stifness/rigidity.
Happy travels
@@HondaFit4Adventure And added air space!
Don't forget how useful & necessary dead airspace can be for heat/cold exchange and humidity/condensation control.
Awesome info, although for me the high temp gorilla hot glue did not work for me unfortunately, but that 3M tape is so good!
Hi Tracey, Did you use High temp gorilla glue, or all weather extreme gorilla glue.
The all weather extreme seems to be holding up.
Great job on your videos. Very thorough and informative. Regarding using high temperature glue sticks, low temp glue sticks melt at 240 degrees F. Seems like that would be high enough to prevent delamination due to heat from the sun. I am having a difficult time finding specific high temperature (not all or dual temperature) glue sticks. Seems like if an all temperature stick will melt in a low temperature gun, it isn’t really high temperature.
I've made similar...certainly helps! Still, the metal window frames are an issue. I now use a thinsulate curtain for rear door and to block cabin area..what a difference! :)
Nice! I have doors in the ambulance that are one piece aluminum all the way around so the cold really gets into the frame and door panel as well. I made some curtains from fleece blankets that cover the door. What I like is if the fleece gets wet it dries very quickly.
I purchased a Demer's for conversion several years ago..I could not get it insured in Canada unless i carried commercial insurance. Was heart broken! Living vicariously through CZcams now! Tftv! 😀
I hate that for you. I love how well built these ambulances are. Mine sold new for close to $200,000 in 2003. They are around $250,000 now. But when they are sold used, nobody wants them. You can find good ones for well under $10,000. An amazing bargain for a diesel chassis. My Frieghtliner chassis alone new was $65,000. The only thing is 12mpg but that is better than most motorhomes get. Thanks for subscribing and coming along!
Great video & im going to do the same. I have a question I want to try this method out. I would like your feedback on making these in this way. Will a 1/2” foam board insulation, with the reflective insulation roll along with the black Walmart mesh be ok? Or if the 1/2” foam board with the mesh is enough? I would like your thoughts on this. Thanks
Would this be a better idea than glueing reflectix to foam board for winter camping?
Can I do this to windshield and back window?
Hello, do you have a name for the black fabric you use?
Great Idea but I have a question. I am wanting to do this in my RV, but my windows are different. I would't be able to push the inserts into my windows like you do in your setup, so I was thinking of modifying it by adding velcro to the outside frame of the window and to the insert so it sticks to the outside frame of the window,. My question is if I made these inserts with all the layers like you show but have it around the outside of the window, how would that affect the insulation properties since it wouldn't be siting right up against the glass?
Great video, thank you for making! We are going to try this for our van, but I am not able to find the fabric you used. Perhaps it's not available anymore, but do you happen to have a link to it or anything you could share? Thank you!!
Ottertex Canvas Fabric, walmart has it
Will this keep the heat out and the space cool?
How wide is ur vinyl. I've found different ones with different widths (thickness)?
Thanks for such a detailed and well thought out design and tutorial.
How rigid are the panels? Can they be rolled up? I'm guessing they're quite rigid and need to be in order to stay securely in the windows. Not sure where I'd put rigid panels in my little van so I might try and make something similar to this but flexible enough to be rolled up and held in place with magnets. They won't fit the windows as neatly, but should still be pretty effective.
sThey are very ridge but need to be stored flat or they will bend over time with heat. Mine fit without any help except for the rear window of the Prius which I needed an alum bar across the inside of the window to keep from falling out from the heat/cool cycle. If you rolled them they would lose their rigidity and likely not stay in the window well without a fastener. I find they store nicely under the mattress. I keep mine in year around .You could still use the pattern method for other materials for that tailored look. The magnets work well for vans, the Prius is all plastic covered. Hope yours turn out well!
@@timdillen Exactly what PSC said ^
If anything they could possibly be made to fold once.
The little teeny tiny rear quarter windows were the hardest to make and have stay in place. Thankfully the seat belt mechanism was there and helps out.
I wonder if quilt batting would work for you.
I've used this method to place on top of the plywood bottom of my Magna Wagon as "flooring", just without the fabric you've used to cover it.. working on finding similar material here in Australia for cheap...
I had a mold issue with the old MDF wood in the car and carpet so hoping now the plastic vinyl works well enough to repel any moisture from me living inside it now I've replaced it all.
Only thing I did different was I had a layer of 2mm reflectix insulation on the bottom facing down on the wood, then a layer of the air pocket plastic, another layer of the reflectix facing up then another layer of the plastic all sealed with black fabric tape around the edges to hopefully seal the plastic air pockets..
Working towards this method to insulate windows and rest of car now but wondering what your input is on how I have layered mine?
And if you have had any moisture build ups over the past year using these?
And if also are you able to explain why the static air pockets are so important? Does that help stay away moisture collection or is it just better at keeping temperatures stable? And what happens to the condensation that usually builds up on glass without these there?
Great tutorial! Best one I've seen. Quick question though on the corrugated plastic. I have only seen them online and in stores in small sizes. You said get 4 by 8 if you can. That's why I need by everywhere sells smaller sizes. Like for a garage sale sign. Even the link you put shows small sizes. Please help; confused, lol.
I had to go to 3 separate hardware stores before I found a 4x8 sheet.
I think I found it at home depot. It could be listed under numerous names.
@@HondaFit4Adventure k thanks, I'll keep looking then
does it work with just a paper template of the whole window? instead of the cardstock corner templates. i ask because my windows have much more unique shapes
Question, does the fabric provide a benefit for the insulation or is is mostly for esthetics/stealth?
Would any kind of duct tape work? I have IRONFORCE, ALL PURPOSE HEAVY-DUTY DUCT TAPE that is 15 mil thick. Would that work ok or would the 3M Multi purpose work best? Thank you!
Great video! I made few modifications cost and time wise. Used loctite to glue this same Walmart fabric straight to the reflectix. However it doesn’t seem to bond well and remained wettish even 48hrs after. Is the glue gun and glue you used holding up?
I ended up using Gorilla Glue. It was a huge PITA but it's held up for 3 years.
Love the idea of these curtains but am worried about storage. I have a large van with windows 360 degrees around and wondering how one would store these. I am assuming that corrugated core material doesnt fold too well. What are your thoughts about doing the core in small strips so that it could be rolled up or folded in half?
I would try folding them in half.
I would think they would become flimsy or harder to use over time if they were stored rolled up.
You put the duct tape around the corrugated vinyl only on your car series. For this one you put the duct tape around the reflectix and the corrugated vinyl. Which way would be better, or does it matter? Thank you!
you can get the poly/vinyl fabric ottertex waterproof canvas from fabric wholesale direct. google the UPC provided in this video and it will take ya right to it :)
Anyone know the name of that black fabric ? i couldn't find it at Walmart
Awesome video- would you recommend this for winter camping as well? I’m trying to keep my toyota highlander warm without using electronic or gas heaters for overnight weather ranging 30-45degrees F.
Thanks,
F&H
It helps tremendously F&H. Happy travels
Hello - did you end up making your winter window coverings like the ones in these videos, or did you do something else?
@@abennett0695 I made mine exactly like these. I just uploaded the video today.
Roughly speaking.
At a outside temperature of 32F, I heated my car up to 70F and it took an average of 15minutes LONGER to drop down to 60F then it did without the inserts.
Your still going to need a sleeping bag and or USB heater / Blanket
@@HondaFit4Adventure that's great! I lose sleep at night laying there timing how frequently the furnace kicks on...an additional 15 minutes would suit me just fine!
I just made my own version of this... but yours are pretty “cool”
Awesome! Hope they keep you comfortable and secure. Thank for posting and watching!
Haha "cool"
Same!
My first year I covered up the windows like you are doing. It was colder inside than outside by morning. I realized I created a freezer. Friends did an intervention.
The sun is your friend. If you used clear window insulation and used those inserts only at night it would be better.
Walmart says it’s a online 3rd party and JoAnn’s doesn’t have anything close. So I guess the only option is to buy it online? I hope the link is correct. I really liked this build thanks for the video.
Walmart 3rd party worked.
Great video I’m gonna try it this weekend
I don’t have the fabric, is it critical? I’m going to be on National forest, blm lands and campground so don’t need it to look “empty”. as long as it gives privacy, keeps warm enough inside and block light im good. Can i just use the 2 reflective panels with the plaskolite between them without the fabric? Thx
If you use black fabric on one side, it will make it look better from the outside.
@@ryancappo I would still suggest taping around the edges to create that air pocket :)
How much did theses cost to make?
Where do I get contact paper?
If you wanted to custom make some for my prius I'd pay you! Moving from Asheville, NC to Los Angeles in February!
Thank you for your vote of confidence in my work! I am currently spending time with an ill close relative with cancer so have had to put many things off. I hope you will enjoy living in LA.
How do you keep fresh airflow while insulating all the windows? Won't the window covers block fresh air from getting into the van while you sleep? I'm thinking of cutting a hole in a couple window coverings and filling the hole with a screen. Thoughts?
That is a good idea. I saw a video where they cut a hole and made a pop out piece (or hinged piece) with screen glued in. I have rain guards around my windows so I can tilt the tops in without worry of rain but it can allow bugs. The pop out is helpful if you just want to take a peep outside and not pull the whole panel.
How about ventilation fans?
I can not find the Duraplast foam board at HD or Lowe’s. I would like the big size. Any suggestions?
Look for some old election or for sale signs. They should be good for the side windows but may not be big enough for the back window.
My dear boy, for your sake those had better not be your lady's fabric scissors!!! Lol. Very food video, good pacing great information. The template construction is very helpful.
It did dull them a good bit! Glad you found the vidoes helpful and thanks for your comment and for watching!
I have a couple of questions on your excellent video. When you cover the reflectix with the black material does that block the benefit of the reflection of heat by the reflectix? Why are you using reflectix on the inside of the VEHICLE? What do you think of using 2 layers of the corrugated plastic and skipping the inside layer of reflectix? Thank you for this great video!
Am thinking the Reflectix is one of many types of insulating materials on the market. Reflectix is just an easier to work with material and has the advantage for others projects, to reflect light out. This project does not have this goal, only to use as an easy to work with insulating material.
Corrugated plastic added the rigidity to the window insert. The reflextix provides more r-value then the coroplast because of the radiant heat (shiny) barrier.
Yes you would reflect more sun if you left the shiny side uncovered and outward.
Some people don't like this because it may attract attention that someone is in the car. While blacking out the window insert gives the car's a tinted window appearance.
It just depends on what your trying to accomplish with these.
Stay warm or cool!
Just an idea. If you make one for each side of the car, one side can have reflexit and the other can have the black cloth. During the day, have the reflexit facing out. At night, switch with the shade that was on the other side of the car.
@@susancoghill4103 Hi Susan. I believe that's a common misconception. If you look/read the reflectix packaging it's used as an insulator inside of a building and doesnt directly reflect UV Rays.
Also having black in your windows wont necessarily attract heat. Tinted windows are black and they help keep your car cool.
Another useful purpose of keep them all black is if you place them I your van or car windows it just looks like a tinted windows car is parked. The reflective side out is kind of a giveaway that someone is sleeping inside.
I hope this information helps and safe travels.
@@HondaFit4Adventure Radiant heat is a wave, like visible light, that can be reflected or absorbed. You can see it with an infrared camera. Your body is giving off infrared light (IR) right now. When reflectix is used in a building, you're right it isn't reflecting UV, instead it's reflecting IR. Radiant heat rays need to travel over an air gap or through a vacuum. If two surfaces are in contact the heat transmission is via conduction, not radiation. The mistake that this video makes, and Susan is getting, is that once you put a piece of fabric touching the reflectix it can no longer serve as a radiant barrier. The product packaging (shown in the video above at 3:15 - the 'Crawl Space' line) says that the get R-21 insulation you need two 4.75 inch air gaps or greater - ie nothing touching the reflectix for nearly 5 inches on either side. Susan is right that leaving one side with bare reflectix will work better. Leaving both sides uncovered is better, but won't work for stealth campers. Also leaving the largest air gap between the glass and the window covers possible (while maintaining a tight seal) will make the covers work better. If you want a deeper understanding look up Emissivity, albedo, and the dynamics of thermal transfer.
I love this idea, but don't know where I would store them! I'm currently converting a Promaster 3500 ext with an added large window in the door and another window in the bedroom. THAT'S A LOT OF PANELS when you think about the windshield and doors of the cab as well. I'm wondering if it would work to take the longest part of the window, divide it by 6-7 inches or so and make strips. Once the strips are made, then put each inside of fabric with a little gap for folding fan style. Or, have the hard 'air gap' piece be the strips and the reflectix and fabric be the entire cover. Hmmm.... would appreciate everyone's input.
Thank you....Sue
Soul Journey Life's Adventures In Our Van I think that sounds like it would work. It would be a heavy duty version of a car windshield shade.
One idea is to strap up a cargo net to the roof of your van that lays pretty flat against your roof but has some stretch so that you can just slip the panels in and out
Make them FIT, Pun intended.
Say at night it gets to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and about 45 degrees in your car without these windows insulated, what would the temperature be inside after you use these window insulators? 60+ degrees? Will you still need to use a mr heater inside the SUV?
I tried something similar to this.
I parked in a parking garage out of the sun and wind at 32F
I heated my car up to 70F and shut off the heat and timed how long it took to drop to 60F without the inserts. It was roughly an hour.
I performed the same test with the inserts and I got various results. From an extra 15-30 minutes all the way down to 5 minutes.
Even though I was in a semi controlled environment my results varied.
Interesting. E-Z Cool, a similar product and allegedly superior, provides an R-1 best case on contact per manufacturer rep. While Reflectix is much the same, this same rep states that 'their' R-values are grossly overstated: E-Z, with a comparable air-gap is nearly half what their competitor states. However, air-gap with these products is the key. Made similar ones for my Transit with the white board extending to the door frame and with magnets epoxied in a recess to stay on the door. Once closed, they are held in place within the door/frame weatherstripping. Stuff works however,my limited space dictates that fixed/flat panels are more of a pain to store vs a rolled-up application. Great vid. You got a daytime job too?
I work 3 month contracts and am setting the MAV up so that I can live full-time during that time. It is very very hard to find 3 month leases at any price so this will save me money. I do not like to be frozen so I am taking great pains to find every possible way to stay warm. I am living in it now in my yard and each morning get up and feel around for cold spots, wet spots. These inserts are really doing the job. Very happy with them. I however am having a problem with the aluminum doors. They are one piece so the inside aluminum diamond plate is working like a heat sink and passing the inside heat outside through the door frame. I have placed a gasket around the plate to break the metal on metal contact but that did not help. The plate also attracts moisture. I am temporarily velcroing a single sheet of Reflectix over the plate at night which keeps the cold out but traps the moisture between so I have to remove during the day. I opened up the doors and insulated with blueboard everywhere and that made no difference. I am a bit puzzled. Any ideas?
I would bounce it off the guys on my forum; fordtransitusaforum.com. Hein is a source of insulation-info and makes his phone available. He runs an ebay store for his CNC products too.
@@timdillen on your aluminum doors, consider velcroing on some doubled up strips of real wool. Maybe an old blanket, wool with lanolin in It would be best. Even if the wool gets damp from the condensation it will retain its heat retaining properties. I appreciate your reference to the heat doing the moving, not the "cold"
@@timdillen i know this is late, but could help somebody, some day. Make fleece curtains for the door inside and over the Windows with your coverings. All door, Windows, slide out rooms are colder spots . Oh and the floor-- Cut & use those foam locking mats for extra insulation. Really helps, and a top carpet on that too. Also, this helps, drape fleece ( very lightweight) with clips, clothes line or zip ties across areas to close them off.--- In all rooms you aren't using ----- exceptions except where there water lines and open all cabinets. And buy a lot of propane. Lots ! There. My 2 cents.
@@imaudm why wool with lanolin?.. is it so that condensation dries up faster?
The black fabric doesn't soak up the heat in the summer?
No, Do tinted window make your car hotter in the summer?
I'm writing a blog post about my car conversion. In it I link to your written article about making these curtains. Is there anything specific you want me to say/not say?
That's awesome! You are welcome to use any of my content you would like. I did an earlier series on the window inserts that show how to make templates for odd size windows that works better for cars. Good luck with your blog!
@@timdillen thank you!
I'm from UK is there a universal name for th black fabric so I can locate this here x
Look for something listed as Outdoor Canvass and check that one side has a little shine to it.
I was able to find some on Amazon that looked the same but am not 100% sure.
does the vinyl fabric provide any insulation or is it simply for a stealth look.. thanks
Mostly for stealth but the fabric is quite thick and provides a bit of insulation. Also repels water and does not absorb either. Thanks for watching!
It seems the vinyl fabric would also help when condensation forms on your window which im sure it still will be doing....regardless!
I'm making mine with blue canvas outdoor fabric. Do you think the color will matter?
You should be fine. With all the layers no light should be able to shine through.
These window covers serve 2 purposes… insulation & stealth privacy. Windows are tinted black & the black fabric will look like they are just windows. No one can look inside which allows you to be inside with no one knowing. If u use any other color, people would know the windows are covered.
Is this good for winter as well?
Yes. It retains the heat slightly longer.
can this help keep the cold air in?
Absolutely!
Instead of using Corrugated vinyl could I use a piece of cardboard from a moving box it looks the same on the inside?
That’s a good idea but it might not hold up over years of removing/inserting the panel. You would definitely want to make sure the cardboard isn’t going to buckle/crack when you push it onto the window or when you remove it.
I found the cardboard breaks down pretty fast and will fall out of the window. It will also suck up moisture and turn into a wet sponge. The plastic is not too expensive and you can get it free after elections when political signs must be removed from the roadway. Great way to get an 8 foot sheet!
Look for old garage sale or election signs. Same material and they are free.
Can someone explain why the reflective is covered on both sides? If you used it in the with the reflective on the outside wouldnt keep the van cool?
You can do that. I have found that the inserts are so well insulated that the summer heat cannot get through even with the black fabric. I am looking for a stealth look so I don't use exposed reflectix as I have found this broadcasts that someone is living inside. You could use a different material on one side and reverse them as needed.
@@timdillen will this melt the seals around my double pane windows
@@TheTinatinatinatinat No
He also sandwiched the layers together to help increase the R-Value.
Will thick cardboard be effective as a replacement for corrugated vinyl?
naw.. cardboard can absorb moisture and deteriorate or break apart. If you need something more flexible, add .5" thinsluate and only 1 layer of reflectix.
If you cant find any coroplast, look around for old garage sale or election signs. It's the same material.
@@HondaFit4Adventure home depot and lowes has coroplast..
@@tex959 Agreed. I didn't have any luck at Menards. At least with a larger sheet.
Hi there - thanks for this video! for an air gap (and to allow you to be able to roll up the window covering when not in use, could reglar buble wrap with large cells be used? Thank you
Another technique is to tape very heavy, clear plastic around the window and trace out the shape. I wouldn't try it with lightweight plastic. It shifts too much.
You guys could just solve a lot of accuracy problems by using a ticking stick. Look it up on seejanedrill.
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