How To Make EASY Thermal Van WINDOW COVERS From Insulation And Carpet ♻️
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- Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
- In this tutorial, I show you how to make easy DIY blackout thermal van window covers without a sewing machine & share my with tips, tricks and hacks on how to get the most out of your vehicle reflectix window covers.
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🔗 affiliate links which helps support this channel:
👉 Thermal suction cups: ebay.us/ZTdD9f
👉 Trim Fix high temperature contact adhesive: amzn.to/42CPLGj
👉 Thermawrap bubble wrap insulation: amzn.to/408FYGB
👉 Masking tape: amzn.to/40tpBEd
👉 25mm herringbone edge fabric: amzn.to/44Liolz
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Making window templates
01:16 - Cutting the foil bubblewrap insulation
02:28 - Carpeting the foil window covers
03:46 - Trimming the carpeted window covers
04:21 - Adding an edge to the window covers
06:18 - Adding suction cups to the window covers
07:35 - Top tips for getting the most out of your window covers
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This is my tiny Nissan NV200 camper van & although I already have a DIY van cab curtain, the purpose of the blackout window covers is to keep condensation to a minimum, darken the vehicle when sleeping in it & to keep the sun and heat out.
For this tutorial, I’ll be making covers for my newly installed tinted back door windows, so I’ll start by making templates to work from, trim them to leave an accurate outline of the windows, stick them to the foil insulation & cut round the edge. If your window is too big for one piece of insulation, as a windscreen may be, then join two pieces together with aluminium foil tape.
After doing the second window, I can check the fit, trimming the covers until they fit well. If you’ve got quite a lot of window insulation available, you could also double up the insulation at this point.
I then start carpeting the covers using a high temperature contact adhesive & smoke grey 4-way-stretch automotive carpet left over from lining my van. Spray the adhesive onto the insulation & then carpet, wait for the solvent to evaporate & press them together. If you get any glue on the carpet, use a little bit of white spirit or mineral spirits to wipe it off.
It’s important to use high temperature adhesive, (I used Trim-fix) because the car window sun shades will be exposed to sun and heat. With the carpet stuck to the foil, I’ll now trim the carpet. I’m using 25mm wide navy blue herringbone fabric to create a neat edge along the covers & without a sewing machine I’ll be using contact adhesive again.
With the covers prepped, I spray adhesive onto both the cover & the fabric & I’ll work my way round carefully pressing them together for a neat finish. I repeat the process on the carpet side. It doesn’t take long to clean any excess glue off with some white spirit or mineral spirits, which is what I did after removing the tape.
I purchased a set of really good suction cups from eBay & these push through the covers leaving the cup on the foil side and a small handle on the carpet side. They have a collar on the middle of the handle which covers the hole. Search for ‘thermal suction cups’ on eBay. To attach them, simply push the cup through a hole in the covers. You could also use magnets, velcro, or a push fit.
So that’s my easy-to-make mini camper van window covers for car camping that will last you years & save you a lot of money instead of buying them.
Here are some final top tips for getting the most out of your stealth window covers. Look after them! Store them somewhere safe and ideally flat. If you get a tear in the foil, then it can easily be repaired with a piece of aluminium foil tape. When you’ve got them up in your windows, they may identify your van as being slept-in. Not a problem if you’re in a campsite, but if you’re on the road, car camping, or perhaps somewhere you shouldn’t be, then a black outer material will help with stealth camping. They won’t stop all condensation from forming, or magically heat up the vehicle. But by insulating the single-glazed windows, they will help to reduce condensation. If this isn’t enough, install a diesel heater or consider airflow by installing wind deflectors & cracking the windows or by installing a ceiling fan or vent.
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#Vanlife #NissanNV200 #LensOfJames
DISCLAIMER: In this video, I am in no way stating that this is the proper way to undertake the conversion of a van, however after research and experience using the van, I believe this to be the way that is best suited to my van and the way I intend to use it. - Авто та транспорт
🔥 Check out my full Nissan NV200 Tiny Camper Van Conversion here: ua-cam.com/video/SlK6IwQA9RQ/v-deo.html 🔥
If you used black carpet you could make it reversible, reflective out for the day and in for the night. It would keep more heat in the car at night and make it look black from outside.
Good idea but what to do with the wear and tear reversing the plugs every time?
@@pietrogianwhat about making two sets? One for day, one for night?
There are other ways to attach them. I was also considering Velcro/hook and loop tape attached to the edges. That way you can flip them over. Also, there are snaps you can permanently attach, or spring clips that push the panel down. I'm sure there are clips that you could twist onto the edge or binder clips.
Amazon has screw in suction cups. It would make these completely reversible
@@pietrogian plugs are not necessary, I have made a bunch of window covers that only use friction to stay put.
I made these for the windows of my wagon and they work terrifically. I double layered my insulation and used a darker carpet fabric on the inside. Also sewed on a label to each one so that the window they belong to can be easily identified. For the larger window at the back of the car I adhered cardboard cut outs to allow for it to be folded after use and to give it some more stability over the bigger window size. I also didn't need suction cups because the car has gaps between the window and seals where the sunshields can squish in.
Thanks heaps for this video, it's the neatest version of this idea that I've seen executed on YT.
Pictures please!
Hi James,your video was really helpful and I have now made covers for all my van windows.The best tip was using smaller pieces of paper to make the template as even a slight wind made it difficult.I found it easier to work from the outside windows for all covers
The paper template idea is genius! I'm going to make some for my Element. Thanks for sharing mate. 🤙🏼
exactly! I was stupidly trying to use one very large paper and trace... and it doesn't work that well. this way is much better!
I couldn't figure out for the life of me how I was getting a piece of paper big enough to trace my windows and this video answered everything
What’s your height for sleeping in the Element? I’m 6’3”. I hear it’s good for tall drivers, just wondered about laying down in the back, with seats no doubt pushed all the way up.
I just finished reading about the R-values of Reflectix on the Reflectix website. Doubling the Reflectix does not increase the R-value. You need an air space between the layers to add r-value. At least you left the reflective side uncovered. I just watched another video where they covered both sides with fabric completely negating the reflective value of the Reflectix. Nice video. When I made Reflectix covers for my last van, I used the spray adhesive, but used bias tape and a sewing machine and neo strong magnets. Thanks!
Even with one, the r value is practically nothing.
I wondered about this. Thanks!
my problem has always been cutting a perfect template for my windows. You have just solved my problem.......big thanx. And the suction cups........genius.
Totally love the use of small pieces of paper like this. ty for sharing!
What an awesome job! Thanks for a great how-to video! 👍🏼
Lots of good info with helpful examples. Will try mine again. ❤
I have been watching videos on making these for almost a year. This is the best I have seen. Good job! 👍
Thanks! Looks great! Safe and wonderful travels!
That was the best demo I've seen....simple, to the point and excellent. thankyou
Thank you so much for making this video, it was really helpful. I'm excited to make my own with some tweaks. Cheers!
I am in the process of planning my own window covers for my old Defender. And I need the stealth route which you mentioned at the end of your video. In this case I think the choice of material is important because I don't want the sun facing side to fade.
Thanks for all the tips!
Very well done both the covers and the video. 👍🏾
This is a great DIY project. I will be adding a little Velcro on the edge a my shades Stelton stay-in-place.
Holy cow what a well-made video
So tremendously appreciative for this video. Most EXCELLENT! Just what I want and need for my micro camper. Many thanks.
thanks for the advice, I am working on my camper
Nice work! Thanks for the simple work-flow and materials list!
Love this method always wondered how to get the shape
One of the best jobs I have seen.
I got and learned how to sewing machine during covid, so I would use that to do these things rather than so much spray adhesive, that's for non sewable surfaces.
It was awesome to learn about the suction cups that are available, thank you!
The best way to find the middle of a square or rectangular shape is to measure diagonally from corner. I made some covers from silverscreen windscreen covers from the £1 shop. Two of them did the whole van and they lasted for years. Being lazy I used 25mm duct tape where you used nice black ribbon on the edges.
Instruction nicely done. Thumbs up!
Easy to follow - great video - thanks for the tips! :)
Thank you! I love this info-centric video style! Am subscribed, you're a great teacher, fun and to the point. I finally feel like I can do this!!
This is awesome, I was planning on making some for my van. This is perfect!
Thanks, good luck with your window covers! I love mine, they're so useful!
I made simething simular for my car and since the trim is metal in the window used rare earth magnets aroubd the edges. Works great for keeping them in place.
Thanks for ur lovely video I am going to do it for my caravan Windows too.
So very easy to follow so happy thanks
Great vid! Thx so much. I will do this for my sailboat windows. ❤
Nice method, thank you.
I like your voice. You’re very easy to listen to.
Great video, they look really well made.
Love your magnets. Tfs 🤙🏽🌺
bought a washer and dryer, used that corrugated box to over size cut sections, spray adhesive, walmart had black stretchy material on clearance, it all worked great. Needed it for one trip. It was a proof of concept, so there is always room for improvement. black out panels were the 3rd best Idea I had on that trip, 2nd was a fan (it was unusually hot in Florida this past april like 33C, 1st was going on the trip.
I’ve been looking for fans, what did you go with?
Great tutorial- thank you 😊
I have been using Reflectix in my house windows for over a decade, in the summertime. Helps just enough to keep the AC bills manageable. I use it in the East windows in the AM, South windows midday and the West windows in the afternoon. That way I still get light thru the windows where the sun is no longer shining on them.
Brilliant video James. Thanks for sharing. You inspired me to carpet my doors and now i've got a feeling i will be doing this as well soon. Great work mate, keep it up.
Jon.👍
I love these window covers. TYSM for sharing. I'll let you know how mine turn out. 😏 😅❤ safe travels! 👍
Good tips thanks for the video
Excellent video thank you, I'm looking to do this for my car then eventually my campervan when I get it :)
Another top addition 👍
Nice quick tutorial. Great!
Thanks! Neat idea and will come in handy for my build
It's a proper professional tutorial thanks! The tips given by other viewers to make them reversable with black on one side makes a lot of sense yeah?
Thanks! A good idea👍
Looks good. Good job
AWESOME!!! Thank you!
Thank you, really useful
Very good 👍
Great video! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Very clever.
Good job man,good job! Liked and subscribed…..!
Awesome tutorial, I'd been thinking of making some for my car build,... then you're video popped up on my feed! What luck, great work!
Thanks, glad the video was helpful :)
Amazing..thanks
It will be helpful Thank you👍
good vid, best I have seen, be making these type, have a fiat doblo
I noticed that your using the single bubble layer of reflectix? Here in the USA we have the 2 layer bubbles and single if you prefer. As a wallpaper hanger (decorator) you can make a template out of a single larger piece of paper loosely taped on and then make a crease with a credit card and Sharpie (felt marker) it in place. Voila a perfect template. I love the thermal qualities and easy storage, almost as much as I love my diesel heater !!!
Love this !!!!!
Thanks! :)
enjoyable as always.
Thanks Lesley!
Brilliant, informative and concise video matey 👍
I need to make some for my work van, so I'll give these a go.
Also, I had some pre-made ones in the campervan I bought, so in case it helps anyone in the future... My old suction cups were failing, particularly in strong heat, so I bought a set of "Limpets" from Dometic and they were brilliant!
Glad you liked the video and thanks for the extra info! 😄
Gdje si to kupio?
Perfekt 👌
The best way I've found to hide condensation and window coverings is to tint your windows. Check local laws on how much is allowed but for me 35% works great without being too noticeable or causing any issues. UV resistant tint costs more but is worth it as it also does quite a lot to keep heat out of your vehicle.
Handy thanks for this
Glad it is useful :)
well done. thanks
Thanks! :)
Good work.
Thanks!
thanks
That wouldn’t be easy for me, I want to buy some. Well done, they do look great!
I am a new follower of your channel Greetings from Türkiye 😊
Hi, its a great job and great idea for making my own covers, but how much lower degree could it get on sunny day? Thank you.
nice.
nice
If you are in a VERY cold area, say where the temperature hovers around -10C or less, insulating the inner surface of the window actually increases condensation as the glass can get very cold. Insulation on the exterior surface, allows the window surface (inside) to warm above the dew point (hopefully). I found that laminating 4 layers of bubble-wrap works quite well. The drawback, is that it is OUTSIDE and subject to wind and the odd passerby pulling it off!
Bastards!
Or stay at home and put the fire on...
@@pooroldfredBart Simpson.
It really good fun car camping in extreme cold. I did minus 12 and my hottie froze! And I had loads of condensation which I don't normally get. So this a good tip NOT to use internal window covers in extreme cold. Thank you ! Wish I known that. Would curtains be better? Or at least not as bad. Not sure how I would attach something outside cept' the main windscreen where you trap it in window?
Have you tried magnets?
Need to have the reflectex on the inside to keep heat inside in cold months. For this you would need an air space between the foil and window which the suction cups will provide but you’ll need more spacers. The carpet would be more for the look which in your case is mighty fine. Should make them reversible so you can keep the sun out in summer.
GREAT IDEA! How many spray glue cans do you need for everything?
nice, thank you! question, if you double up on the insulation do you just spray them together with the adhesive?
I made my window covers the same on my NV200 but need to finish them wound the edges. I made mine slightly larger and used neodymium magnets bonded between the layers. I think suction cups will be the way I go for the windscreen and doors though
Magnets is a great idea? Have you carpeted your van and do they stick to the metal through the carpet?
Yeah they are only 8mm ones from amazon and I doubled them up. They stick through the carpeted apertures no problem
Messy is an understatement
Smartly done. My only concern is that your design doesn't really allow them to reverse, but reversing could be very useful to change between when you want to reflect the heat from entering vs. leaving.
You might be able to reverse them by popping out the suction cups and pressing them in from the other side
There are suction cups that screw in. Would work great and make them reversible.
Thanks so much. You outdid yourself making these. I will try this if the cheap items I bought from Amazon doesnt do the job.
I always use a template. I made the the window covers for my honda jazz from old foam sleep mats and friction keeps them in place. But does this foil work better please? I need to make another set as I have changed cars.
I am going to do this for the odd shaped skylight in my shower.
Looks for cheap foam backed drapes at a thrift store. That could be a bonus of insulation attached.
Hi! Love these and the vid! Do you think these will be good for the Alps? Also do you have shopping list? I need to =make thermal lblinds for my VWT4 LWB in the next couple of week! Help much apprecited! Thanks and HNY x
I'm not sure about the alps, I live in quite a mild climate. I've got a Amazon affiliate shopping list for window covers here: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/lensofjames/list/2ADX56VET21DB?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsflensofjames_BK1SZ5JNBXN4D3C1PH8D
Come make some for Skoda superb plz
Thanks for sharing. How's the navy blue twill tape holding up to the UV rays? Faded much? Consider reflective on one side and black on the other so you can use either side depending on the situation.
The twill tape has been fine, not really faded much though I suppose that depends on the quality. That's a good idea for stealth
Just wondering is it better to have reflectors directly on the glass or would off the glass be more affective? I'd rather not use suction cups and wondering if magnets on the metal frame would be fine instead. It means the reflective sits of the glass. Anyone know?
I was wondering about the outside where ppl can see it.i want to make mine look like my suv has just black car tint.very cool video thanks.🤗😇👍🙏
Just spray paint the reflectix side black, or use black carpet so it's reversible. One side silver, the other side black.
Exactly what they said!
Do these collect condensation??
Great tips! What kind of carpet is that? I’m having a hard time finding stuff that isn’t the scratchy stuff for boats
Thanks, it's 4 way stretch automotive carpet: amzn.to/3ncNHEP (affiliate link)
Well done on a professional job and excellent instructions. Just thought you were a tad wasteful with the materials but I'm OCD about that.😜
😂I was thinking the same
I thought thay too. But then I am a sewer/dressmaker. 😂
👍
hi James great videos, do you have a link to the wind deflectors?
Hi Barry, thanks, these are the ones: amzn.to/3JU634E (🔗 affiliate link which helps support this channel)
Greetings, are you UK based? If so, could I arrange to compensate you accordingly to make me a set of covers for an Audi A4 Avant B5 year 2000? Thank you
Could you tell me the cost of making your window shades? Very good video thank you this is helpful.
Hi, it depands on how many windows you have and whether you want to do the carpeting too, but about £20-30
Hey there! I’m curious if you’ve tested the suction cups in extreme cold weather and if they work on cold or frozen glass.
Hi, I haven't I'm afriad - I live in quite a mild climate
Ah yes, we need advice on cold climate. We in North East of England here.
Weathertech 8pc set $149. No fuss, no muss.
Great idea but how and where do you store this large pannel?
I store them flat under my mattress and I roll the windscreen one up and store it overhead