Outstanding! I've laid about 20 miles of hot glue in the last 30+years...I wish I'd known to use another material when two surfaces don't bond well! And after watching more videos than I'm willing to admit about using reflectix, your's is the FIRST one that acknowleges the importance of an air gap., plus provide a practical way to provide it. Your attention to detail will be so much appreciated when I get to window coverings...the bus has 18 windows plus windshield and back door. I know there will be oops, lots of them, but you've pointed out many that I may be able to avoid. Two tips with hot glue...I learned early to keep a cup of ice water near...my fingers always get in the way...and a hair dryer will help with the wisps! Thanks again for showing your experiences! Journey mercies.
18 windows - WOW! There is so much potential to capture heat. I think they will go faster and I figure your windows are square and the same size. You might be able to make a production line of it. Snag a 4x8' sheet of coroplast from the political signs that have to come down Wednesday. You might need 2 or 3. Glad you liked the videos. I made a video last year and really tried to address all the problems and questions people had from that one.
Thanks for a very helpful video. I'm going to be making shades for our MH which is a 2015 Winnebago Via built on a Sprinter chassis. I'm not worried about being stealth and want to keep one shiny foil side for reflecting sun rays. I'm going to use aluminum tape for sealing the edges and aluminum tape will blend in with the Reflectix which will be visible from the exterior of the camper. I'll be using a fabric on the interior side of the shade. There seems to be some debate about fabric attached over thee Reflectix reducing the efficiency of the product, but if you want to be stealth, I can understand the need for black fabric. Since I'm only using fabric on the inside surface, I hope to have the fabric match or be compatible with the interior of our MH. But...very well done video series and the best series I've found for using Reflectix and a corrugated plastic core.
@@timdillen Me too, but that will be much easier in the long run. When sewing, you put the two outside pieces back to back, stitch it on all the sides, and turn it inside out to slide the reflectix in, the stitch the final side with the tab. (Tip: if you need to make the corner turn, leave the needle in the down position to hold the fabric in place) I watched my mom sew when I was a little girl...shocked I remember that!
Perhaps I missed it, but why black material? Are these for winter use only? Since black conducts heat so readily, it seems unsuitable for sunny, hot climates.
i have an astro van i use for over size load escorts and i converted the back to sleeping quarters to save money on motels. i am planning on gutting it out and starting fresh again and will double your design since i live in Texas. two air gaps and three layers of reflectix.
I made these same window shades for my Toyota 4Runner 5 years ago. Never watched a video on how to do it. And there were only minor differences between your and mine designs. So glad your making these videos it is an awesome service to people who have no choice but to live in their cars and suvs. Your awesome! The only thing I would has said that you didn’t was the cost of the materials.
Thought those looked like ambulance windows & doors in the first two videos. I’m looking at used ambulances to convert to a camper right now. Spent a whole lot of years riding in them working for FD’s, too. Great series
Suggestion...about taping around the pannel...I would tape the way I tape my stained glass projects. Holding the pannel up right with the tape flat on the work surface and just press down the edges to the tape. Thanks Great project
I saw you do this for your Prius windows and I made them for my Yukon Denali. They work great keeping heat and cold out. Thanks again for your expertise.
Awesome! I am glad they worked out for you. It's been a year since the last one and wanted to make another that answered many of the questions people had about the first one. I also wanted to do something more tailored to the edges. I really appreciate your telling me this.
This is a great video. I am paying on an ol camper to which l was afraid of the insulation. This has given me something to do in order to keep it warmer. Thank you for making this video.
Awesome video. Love the attention to detail. That's me 👍 FYI When I get a bit of glue on something or even if I want to separate it after hot gluing I warm it up with my glow dryer and it comes right off so easy. 😊
Thanks for the great set of tutorial videos! I just went through them and made a fantastic set of insulated coverings for the back windows and vent in my Promaster. What great tips/tricks and instructions! Brilliant!
Who would dislike this video?! Thanks. This has been a life saver. My husband and I plan on doing this project this weekend to our travel trailer. We had one reflectix layer shoved under our blinds on all of our windows. Needless to say, that didn’t do much for the swampy Louisiana heat. Our air conditioner runs all day and it’s still not cooling right. Now I know why... I never thought about an air barrier. It definitely pays to take your time and think about what you’re doing. I’m also thinking about doing something like this to the inside of my cabinets. I wish I could wallpaper my rv in this! What would be great is to use a spray chrome for the body paint-if that didn’t cost and arm and a leg. I wonder if it would even be street legal.
Awesome! The first one takes a long time but if you have 2 people the process picks up speed. You will notice a difference right off. I have had people skip on some of the layers and it just does not work near as well. Need the reflectix on both sides of core with fabric for extra air gaps. If your trailer has square windows it will go faster too. Don't section 2 plastic pieces together, try to use one solid piece for each window. The seam buckles a little over time and makes them slightly smaller. Have them fit real tight at the start. Let me know how they turn out!
Great idea! Looks like I have another project for my 5th wheel. A suggestion about the corners. I cover RC planes with fabric and heat shrink plastic, more fabric and dope than plastic. When you do the corners, to get a nice smooth surface, pull the fabric up the side and then cut a wedge out up to but not through the surface. When you do it right it will butt against the other part already glued down. No lumps will be there that can show, and gives a nice smooth finish. One thing I question, the black material will absorb heat, so is it really a good idea to place the black surface against the glass where the glass might get hot enough to shatter if cold water hits it from a sudden rain? I have seen car sun roofs shatter when they got too hot and hit with cold water.
Your videos are ALWAYS super relevant for nomads. Always fascinating and well-explained. You come up with some innovative techniques and let us know about the most useful materials out there. Thank you for SO much help.
Thanks for the instructions. I started gathering the materials for my van window project and could not find corrugated vinyl locally but came across 1/2 rigid foam insulation at Lowes and decided to try it as a substitute for the poly board. It only cost $7.50 per 4'x8' sheet, just enough to do the 6 windows of our Dodge Grand Caravan. The reflectix and cloth covering glued on just the same. While it is thicker than the poly by at least 3/8", the insulation value is probably considerably higher than the corrugated poly board. The foam insulation also has a foil face and vapor barrier to boot. It has proved to be really effective for sound insulation as well. The only drawback is that it takes up a bit more storage space when not installed in the windows. Once again, thanks for the detailed instructions. That was invaluable.
Great job...I don't have a van but I might use your technique for the windows in our north facing bedrooms for the chilly Canadian winters.I will however trace the reflexit layers onto brown paper for a sewing pattern for the cover fabric. Sew on 3 sides and glue the 4th side.Also I will sew the tab to one side and use a decorative fabric..
A thought: Reflectix works by reflecting the heat of the sun back out the window. It does an amazing job. Those auto window shades, silver, really lower the heat in the car by doing this. Opinion, if you cover the silver portion with fabric, the fabric cannot reflect heat as well and instead absorbs it, keeping the heat inside the vehicle rather than sending it back out the glass window. Think of it as a drape rather than a reflector. I would be interested in how much heat was kept out of the vehicle with our technique versus using a single layer of reflectix. Keep in mind that the heat buildup on the layer of fabric will eventually travel around to the other side of the device as it is all fabric. Use a laser thermometer to read the backside of reflectix and the backside of your device. Which is cooler after 3/4 hours in the sun?
You could also put the pull-tab on the back before you secure the final flap of the material covering the back. But great idea/design for 'sealing' the windows from light and cold/heat.
Really awesome..could put the tab under the black back as you are finishing. That way tab can be at bottom for those windows that are covered on the top with the box curtain things . Thank you for the vid!!
Between the sofa, the big TV and the inserts, I am happy, comfy, entertained and WARM! Can ask for much more than that. These are the best inserts I have made and I have made a bunch. I remember life before velcro and glue guns and UA-cam - but don't know how we made it through!
Awesome! The demolition would really get me down, behind ever panel was more trouble. Once I got everything out I started to feel better about the conversion. The ambulances are so well built but that does make them harder to take apart. Having square walls made life much easier. Thanks for your comments and for watching!
Bit of a long story But it's worth the read ..First like your videos Hard to find small camper ideas Subbed and liked ! I have a 05' Chevy blazer 2dr 4x4 and just installed a 2.5" proper lift kit And swapped out all the other steering items with new My girlfriend has a 18" Chevy volt ( fills her tank every 3 to 4 months) We enjoy the truck for Camping and drive-in movies As we pull in backwards and drop the tailgate and have a few heavy blankets and the two small dogs However it is tight with the wheel well plastic interior So after a bit of thinking and asking myself how many times have i had more than 2 people in the truck or will in the future? the answer was Pull out the rear seats Take out the inside spare tire and frame remove the side plastic panels Which now added about a 1 1/2ft side to side But also gave me a area behind the frint seats to store my spare if i really wanted to Plus a a tight fit for 2 12vott batteries and a isolator and inverter Next will be welding in angle iron just above the wheel well along the sides of the truck for a bed frame with wood slats (removable) and 2 inch sqaure tube bars for the ground for flooring after the spray foam ..My friend does industrial spray foam for new buildings ( Case of beer and 20 mins later...) I will be adding small PVC plumbing tubes before hand for wires 2 per side for lighting and aux power Then wood flooring and side wall....Roof i still have not really thought about just yet .. Oh and i already changed out my old CS-130 (80 amp Alt) for a AD-244 (100amp Alt @idle) from a Chevy Tahoe which has heated power seats and other high amp use Both alts fit in the same bracket in the engine however the new one is has a 1 inch bigger timing belt due to the bigger wheel Lots of power left over to restore power in the starting battery and into 1 and 2 batteries Which have nothing to do with the starting battery if the other 2 are used But with a switch you can start the truck from 1 and 2 batts As i have 5 rear windows i will need this reflectix panels Question have you insulated your cars SUV? Spray ? batt?
Awesome! Sounds like you have caught the camper conversion bug. I put some video links below to some insulation and other videos that might be helpful. If you can find a video on removing interior panels for your vehicle then putting some insulation inside the doors and panels will really help. I was always afraid to use the spray insulation, I would get it everywhere. I have my batteries inside but in the Prius I insulated between them and metal outside panel. Hope this helps and thanks for subscribing! Post some videos, I'll subscribe to your channel. This video will show you how to make full window templates for the window inserts: ua-cam.com/video/YfPYhDCbnG8/v-deo.html Good keepng warm video: ua-cam.com/video/zuWWopNofBQ/v-deo.html Insulating behind panels: ua-cam.com/video/SjLD3bRfglk/v-deo.html Great little heater setup if you have access to shore power: ua-cam.com/video/gtf2pPFcqhk/v-deo.html Land Rover SUV Build: ua-cam.com/video/gre-C79dPno/v-deo.html
@@timdillen Thanks will click the links I find if you buy some plastic sheeting from the dollar store or paint supply store and cover the area your spraying Your fine Wide plastic tape works well Duct tape a little too well (gummy) Not everyone needs a industrial foam machine on hand But you can buy the soild foam sheets and foam in a can to run the gaps I live in a moisture zone and Winter snow and slush So having dense foam keeps moisture from building up side the panels causing mold and rust .. I will make a video with your tips coming months ... Thanks for the reply
Excellent, well done. I am going to make my own now. I am thinking though that I will fabricat exactly like you did but leave one side not covered. That way I would put the shine side out when I am in hot climes and black side out for the cold climes.
He covered both sides in black vinyl to give it that stealthy tinted window appearance. Rather then attract attention with the shiny stuff. Speaking off, window tint is black and still leaves your car cooler in the summer. (even non ceramic tint)
The best setup I've seen so far and very detailed instructions. Thank you! Question- Do you think using Locktite spray instead of a glue gun would work just as well? Thought I'd do a test and see with a small piece
Very interesting. The only adjustment I would suggest is to attach the top tab on the window side before fixing the whole window side sheet, then it would look great without the final adjustment being necessary.
Not sure if this has been mentioned . As for the tab. Why didn't you just cut the full length with rhe tab. Ie the main material with the tab. But great video
Very Nice, I am going to have to live in my Prius soon.(2007 Prius ) I think i am too old to do so, but what r u going to do these day .Been watching your vid on how to live this way, Hope I can do good a job . Thanks for all the information and videos it will help..
Awesome! It will be a great adventure - make some videos and post them for others to be inspired. People don't have the money to retire to the American dream so we have to be innovative and minimize. Agonize over everything you put in the car. Clean out one room in your place, put everything you THINK you will need on the floor. Put your mattress or sleeping bag on the floor. Live out of the one room except for restroom access. Keep your food in the room and eat there too.Then start subtracting everything you don't use - it will be quite a bit. Limit clothes to just one week's worth - laundromats are everywhere. This is my best video on organization, you probably have already seen it: ua-cam.com/video/JLoGSh8OUcM/v-deo.html And keep me posted on your progress!
I was wondering if I could use the foam board that you used in the car window insert ? Was wondering why you changed product. Thank you for this! I’m going to put these in my schoolie!!!!
In case it helps anyone, the fabric bar code at my local Walmart in NE PA was 48580210605 $4.97 called ‘PRO-TUFF OD’. OD probably means out door. Dec 2018
I have been able to keep mine in year around. Even though the outside is black, they are so well insulated that the heat does not come though to the inside. Hope you stay cool this summer and thanks for watching!
I wonder if I could make one of these that would fit my RV door… I don’t know how sturdy those are or if that would be a good idea or a waste of material. I have noticed that I lose a lot of heat through my door though (I am living in a 1987 gulfstream sunsport)
Walmart barcode / part # for black fabric with vinyl is given in video Part 1 I see now the fabric info & link are in the description/ show notes for this video. 😊
It’s all good - thanks for those great videos ! My daughter & I are making your covers for my Prius. I’ll be leaving for the RTR, it will be my first car camping experience. BTW - the high temp glue sticks couldn’t be found locally. They are a very good idea, but folks may want to order online them ahead of time.
As that fabric is nylon, you can clean up the fresh cut edges with a butane grill starter. Just run it, lit, along the edges inch or so away and the heat, not flame, will singe/fuse the loose fibers. Sneakers, duffel bags, carpet, etc works too.
Do I need to use the material for the condensation? OR Can I just use black Coroplast on one side and reflectix on the other taped together with the 3M tape. Less insulating I know but I would like them thinner.
No. At a 32F ambient temperature it took my car 1 hour to drop from 70F to 60F. Performing the same test with the window inserts I gained an average of 15 minutes.
Can you paint reflectix? Instead of using the vinyl cover, I figured I'd paint the outside black and leave the silver on the inside to reflect more heat back on me in the winter.
Yes! I tried it and had decent results. I found that regular spray paint will not work. PlastiDip spray paint works but only if you start with just a light dusting for the first 3 coats and then add about 3 to 4 more for total coverage. If you put it on too heavy it will flake off. It makes a nice mat finish. The problem was that when it is in the window and the sun hits it or you get close to it, you can easily see the Reflectix pattern. I found the black material made it just look like dark tinted windows. It will work but I would make just one and see if you like it. The spray paint is a little pricey but WalMart carries it.
@@timdillen ok, thanks. Hmm, maybe black duct tape covering the window side and painted with a clear matte spray to dull down the shine. I'll have to do that on a piece of cardboard and see how it looks. Edit: Then again, now that I think about it, the sun will make the duct tape slippery and it will slide off, so I won't do that.
I'd like to know, as well. My guess, from looking at the thickness, is R-4. The metal doors radiate some heat and cold through conduction, but the window ports have to conduct the biggest difference. I'd also like to know if your portal treatment would help if it were black on one side and white on the other. Flipping it summer to winter. Black would draw heat to the window in the Winter and white facing out in the Summer may reflect as much as 10 degrees.
I think having a white side or raw Reflectix would certainly help with summer. I just hate hate hate the look of reflectix as it screams "homeless" to everyone who walks by. I did find a nice compromise. If you just put the raw corrugated vinyl insert in alone you get a nice bit of filtered light, some heat reflection, some insulation and it is unremarkable from the outside.
...I originally made these for my stealth Prius camper and just loved how you see absolutely nothing from the outside with the black material. I keep them in all the time all year long. Keeps the inside better regulated, protects the interior from sun damage and allows me to put the seats down in back and haul things without people looking in with intent to break in.
after watching this video (great by the way) I went to the local fabric store. They only have regular vinyl. May I ask where you got this? can it be ordered online? Does it have a particular name? I have made window shades out of insulated poster board type stuff. works ok, i would just like "MORE" out of my window coverings. Great thing, I already have the templates made :)
Do you put these on windows that are not solid? We have split windows where there are screens on half of it. Not sure how to get these perfect seals for these split windows.
Yes, I do put in windows with openings and screens however my ambulance has quite deep frames so they can still press in. If you window has items that extend past the frame that can be more of a challenge. Some people make one solid on and then cut out a section for the smaller opening window. Then finish up both pieces so you can insert and remove that section as needed for ventilation but still get some privacy. It also possible to cut just one layer of the white plastic going with the lines which makes a hinge. Don't know if any of that will help.
That is a good idea. I use for the Prius for stealth camping and nothing broadcasts more that you are sleeping in your vehicle than showing raw Reflectix through my windows so I made mine to just look like dark tint. If not stealth camping then the reflectix side would be great.
PSC Camper Conversions Great job. Particularly nice that you have incorporated some airspace inside the insulation. I am still thinking, though, that you are missing out on the true benefit of the Reflectix which is are the reflective or radiant properties of the material. I would think you would ALWAYS want at least one foil side exposed and you would then face that radiant side inside or out to direct or reflect heat. Also, would seem like a bit more airspace (thicker coroplast if it exists?) might also benefit the project. Just some thoughts...again, great job and thanks.
Why does everyone think one layer of black fabric is the end all. Have you ever been in a car with BLACK tinted windows. It feels cooler in the summertime doesn't it?
@@anniewilliams4840 Just an FYI. There is regular tint and Ceramic tint. While both kinds of window tint will make a difference in keeping your car cooler, ceramic window tint is specially designed to beat the heat. Obviously it's a little more expensive.
Outstanding! I've laid about 20 miles of hot glue in the last 30+years...I wish I'd known to use another material when two surfaces don't bond well! And after watching more videos than I'm willing to admit about using reflectix, your's is the FIRST one that acknowleges the importance of an air gap., plus provide a practical way to provide it. Your attention to detail will be so much appreciated when I get to window coverings...the bus has 18 windows plus windshield and back door. I know there will be oops, lots of them, but you've pointed out many that I may be able to avoid. Two tips with hot glue...I learned early to keep a cup of ice water near...my fingers always get in the way...and a hair dryer will help with the wisps! Thanks again for showing your experiences! Journey mercies.
18 windows - WOW! There is so much potential to capture heat. I think they will go faster and I figure your windows are square and the same size. You might be able to make a production line of it. Snag a 4x8' sheet of coroplast from the political signs that have to come down Wednesday. You might need 2 or 3. Glad you liked the videos. I made a video last year and really tried to address all the problems and questions people had from that one.
...and I have gotten a pretty bad burn on occasion. Not fun.
Love this! No boring chit chat...just great step by step and a wonderful creation. Thanks for sharing!
Ya I hate it when they talk for 20 min before they teach the 2 min method or what ever their trying to teach you lol.
this is one of the best, if not the best, diy tutorial I have ever seen. Thank you so much.
Thanks for a very helpful video. I'm going to be making shades for our MH which is a 2015 Winnebago Via built on a Sprinter chassis. I'm not worried about being stealth and want to keep one shiny foil side for reflecting sun rays. I'm going to use aluminum tape for sealing the edges and aluminum tape will blend in with the Reflectix which will be visible from the exterior of the camper. I'll be using a fabric on the interior side of the shade. There seems to be some debate about fabric attached over thee Reflectix reducing the efficiency of the product, but if you want to be stealth, I can understand the need for black fabric. Since I'm only using fabric on the inside surface, I hope to have the fabric match or be compatible with the interior of our MH. But...very well done video series and the best series I've found for using Reflectix and a corrugated plastic core.
I just sew a pillow case type cover that fits TIGHT over the panel. slip the panel in, and then just sew up the open end. No tape or glue needed.
That would definitely look better. I am just terrible with a sewing machine.
@@timdillen Me too, but that will be much easier in the long run. When sewing, you put the two outside pieces back to back, stitch it on all the sides, and turn it inside out to slide the reflectix in, the stitch the final side with the tab. (Tip: if you need to make the corner turn, leave the needle in the down position to hold the fabric in place) I watched my mom sew when I was a little girl...shocked I remember that!
Perhaps I missed it, but why black material? Are these for winter use only? Since black conducts heat so readily, it seems unsuitable for sunny, hot climates.
Stuart Stuart he addressed that in part 1
@@stuartstuart866 Funny how window tint is also black but yet leaves your car cooler in the summer. (Even non ceramic tint)
That is Classy!! Well done!
i have an astro van i use for over size load escorts and i converted the back to sleeping quarters to save money on motels. i am planning on gutting it out and starting fresh again and will double your design since i live in Texas. two air gaps and three layers of reflectix.
I made these same window shades for my Toyota 4Runner 5 years ago. Never watched a video on how to do it. And there were only minor differences between your and mine designs. So glad your making these videos it is an awesome service to people who have no choice but to live in their cars and suvs. Your awesome!
The only thing I would has said that you didn’t was the cost of the materials.
Thank you for your kind comments. I have had great feedback on this type solution and glad it works well for you! Thanks for watching.
So this solution works good for car / suv windows too? Not just campers?
Awesome detailed tutorial. I'd leave one side reflectics and the other black so I can flip them for stealth vs heat reflection.
Cars have tinted windows that are black and also leave your car feeling cooler in the summer. I doubt the layer of fabric will heat up much.
Thought those looked like ambulance windows & doors in the first two videos. I’m looking at used ambulances to convert to a camper right now. Spent a whole lot of years riding in them working for FD’s, too. Great series
Suggestion...about taping around the pannel...I would tape the way I tape my stained glass projects. Holding the pannel up right with the tape flat on the work surface and just press down the edges to the tape. Thanks Great project
I saw you do this for your Prius windows and I made them for my Yukon Denali. They work great keeping heat and cold out. Thanks again for your expertise.
Awesome! I am glad they worked out for you. It's been a year since the last one and wanted to make another that answered many of the questions people had about the first one. I also wanted to do something more tailored to the edges. I really appreciate your telling me this.
Works great watched all 3 parts. Thank you! Very well needed this video. Now how about making a video on how to connect a tankless hot water heater?
Yeah, I'll bet *his* would be one we could actually follow, complete and use!
Good video! Vinyl products can melt in some extreme weathered conditions. Glad you researched how reflectex really works.
This was VERY informative. I hadn't thought to use corrogated vinyl board.
What an especially good way to recycle/repurpose/reuse those unwanted political and yard slogan signs that are so popular nowadays!
This is a great video. I am paying on an ol camper to which l was afraid of the insulation. This has given me something to do in order to keep it warmer. Thank you for making this video.
The pillow case tip is awesome.
Thank you for creating this series! I have been on the search for my Dodge ram van and now feel I've got the perfect solution.
Great! So glad you are finding the videos helpful. Thanks for watching!
Awesome video. Love the attention to detail. That's me 👍
FYI
When I get a bit of glue on something or even if I want to separate it after hot gluing I warm it up with my glow dryer and it comes right off so easy. 😊
Thanks for the great set of tutorial videos! I just went through them and made a fantastic set of insulated coverings for the back windows and vent in my Promaster. What great tips/tricks and instructions! Brilliant!
Thank you so much! Mine are over 3 years old and I still use them daily. Hopefully yours will too!
Who would dislike this video?!
Thanks. This has been a life saver. My husband and I plan on doing this project this weekend to our travel trailer. We had one reflectix layer shoved under our blinds on all of our windows. Needless to say, that didn’t do much for the swampy Louisiana heat. Our air conditioner runs all day and it’s still not cooling right. Now I know why... I never thought about an air barrier. It definitely pays to take your time and think about what you’re doing.
I’m also thinking about doing something like this to the inside of my cabinets. I wish I could wallpaper my rv in this!
What would be great is to use a spray chrome for the body paint-if that didn’t cost and arm and a leg. I wonder if it would even be street legal.
Awesome! The first one takes a long time but if you have 2 people the process picks up speed. You will notice a difference right off. I have had people skip on some of the layers and it just does not work near as well. Need the reflectix on both sides of core with fabric for extra air gaps. If your trailer has square windows it will go faster too. Don't section 2 plastic pieces together, try to use one solid piece for each window. The seam buckles a little over time and makes them slightly smaller. Have them fit real tight at the start. Let me know how they turn out!
Great idea! Looks like I have another project for my 5th wheel. A suggestion about the corners. I cover RC planes with fabric and heat shrink plastic, more fabric and dope than plastic. When you do the corners, to get a nice smooth surface, pull the fabric up the side and then cut a wedge out up to but not through the surface. When you do it right it will butt against the other part already glued down. No lumps will be there that can show, and gives a nice smooth finish.
One thing I question, the black material will absorb heat, so is it really a good idea to place the black surface against the glass where the glass might get hot enough to shatter if cold water hits it from a sudden rain? I have seen car sun roofs shatter when they got too hot and hit with cold water.
Your videos are ALWAYS super relevant for nomads.
Always fascinating and well-explained. You come up with some innovative techniques and let us know about the most useful materials out there.
Thank you for SO much help.
You are very welcome. Thanks for your kind comments and for watching!
I watched all 3 videos on this ,excellent excellent excellent job, I will make these for sure .
Thanks for the instructions. I started gathering the materials for my van window project and could not find corrugated vinyl locally but came across 1/2 rigid foam insulation at Lowes and decided to try it as a substitute for the poly board. It only cost $7.50 per 4'x8' sheet, just enough to do the 6 windows of our Dodge Grand Caravan. The reflectix and cloth covering glued on just the same. While it is thicker than the poly by at least 3/8", the insulation value is probably considerably higher than the corrugated poly board. The foam insulation also has a foil face and vapor barrier to boot. It has proved to be really effective for sound insulation as well. The only drawback is that it takes up a bit more storage space when not installed in the windows. Once again, thanks for the detailed instructions. That was invaluable.
Sounds like a great setup. Nice about the sound deadening. Thanks for posting!
Nice I did the same thing except each window has 6 layers of reflectix
Thanks for the very detailed information.
Excellent and professional job done.. Was getting ideas for my car so am hoping can get all the materials needed in the U.K.. Well done 👍
A heat gun on low will erase seems and make the fabric folds lay down.
the edges build up with the layers of tape and cloth, but doesn't seem to be a problem. the curved gasket effect around the edge blocks light gaps
Great job...I don't have a van but I might use your technique for the windows in our north facing bedrooms for the chilly Canadian winters.I will however trace the reflexit layers onto brown paper for a sewing pattern for the cover fabric. Sew on 3 sides and glue the 4th side.Also I will sew the tab to one side and use a decorative fabric..
I have a beautiful oil cloth for the inside..this is great...thanks..
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! You’ve done all the trial and error problem solving so I don’t have to. Excellent presentation as well.
Best ones I've seen yet.
A thought: Reflectix works by reflecting the heat of the sun back out the window. It does an amazing job. Those auto window shades, silver, really lower the heat in the car by doing this. Opinion, if you cover the silver portion with fabric, the fabric cannot reflect heat as well and instead absorbs it, keeping the heat inside the vehicle rather than sending it back out the glass window. Think of it as a drape rather than a reflector. I would be interested in how much heat was kept out of the vehicle with our technique versus using a single layer of reflectix. Keep in mind that the heat buildup on the layer of fabric will eventually travel around to the other side of the device as it is all fabric. Use a laser thermometer to read the backside of reflectix and the backside of your device. Which is cooler after 3/4 hours in the sun?
Its definitely cooler then one layer of reflectix.
Tinted windows are also black but leave your car cooler in the summer...
Hence the name?
Absolutely genius! So perfectly explained. Thank you for taking the time to share.
You could also put the pull-tab on the back before you secure the final flap of the material covering the back. But great idea/design for 'sealing' the windows from light and cold/heat.
Really awesome..could put the tab under the black back as you are finishing. That way tab can be at bottom for those windows that are covered on the top with the box curtain things . Thank you for the vid!!
You are simply wonderful.
Wow! This was a great video! Thank you for a thorough explanation and demonstration! 👍🏻👍🏻
Kia ora brilliant 3 part step by step video. Thank you arohanui 😍💖
Wow, very thorough and helpful tutorial! Thank you!
Outstanding video series! I will be doing this exact method for my RV this summer!
Clever and effective.
Pro attention and dedication, for a perfect finish and efficiency... very good job, bravo !!!
Thanks so much! I will be using your method to insulate my windows. Your rig is looking so comfy and homey. Great job :))
Between the sofa, the big TV and the inserts, I am happy, comfy, entertained and WARM! Can ask for much more than that. These are the best inserts I have made and I have made a bunch. I remember life before velcro and glue guns and UA-cam - but don't know how we made it through!
Yep, times sure have changed :) I'm so happy for you!
Thanks buddy, you saved me lots of money.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!!!!!!! I APPRECIATE YOUR INFORMATIVE VIDEOS, YOUR VIDEOS ARE HELPING US SLOWLY CONVERT OUR AMBULANCE INTO A HOME!:)
Awesome! The demolition would really get me down, behind ever panel was more trouble. Once I got everything out I started to feel better about the conversion. The ambulances are so well built but that does make them harder to take apart. Having square walls made life much easier. Thanks for your comments and for watching!
Very detailed, thank you! Really appreciate you sharing the dos and donts!!
Thank you! These have been so helpful this winter. Thanks for you comments!
Bit of a long story But it's worth the read ..First like your videos Hard to find small camper ideas Subbed and liked !
I have a 05' Chevy blazer 2dr 4x4 and just installed a 2.5" proper lift kit And swapped out all the other steering items with new
My girlfriend has a 18" Chevy volt ( fills her tank every 3 to 4 months) We enjoy the truck for Camping and drive-in movies As we pull in backwards and drop the tailgate and have a few heavy blankets and the two small dogs However it is tight with the wheel well plastic interior
So after a bit of thinking and asking myself how many times have i had more than 2 people in the truck or will in the future? the answer was Pull out the rear seats Take out the inside spare tire and frame remove the side plastic panels Which now added about a 1 1/2ft side to side But also gave me a area behind the frint seats to store my spare if i really wanted to Plus a a tight fit for 2 12vott batteries and a isolator and inverter
Next will be welding in angle iron just above the wheel well along the sides of the truck for a bed frame with wood slats (removable) and 2 inch sqaure tube bars for the ground for flooring after the spray foam ..My friend does industrial spray foam for new buildings ( Case of beer and 20 mins later...) I will be adding small PVC plumbing tubes before hand for wires 2 per side for lighting and aux power Then wood flooring and side wall....Roof i still have not really thought about just yet .. Oh and i already changed out my old CS-130 (80 amp Alt) for a AD-244 (100amp Alt @idle) from a Chevy Tahoe which has heated power seats and other high amp use Both alts fit in the same bracket in the engine however the new one is has a 1 inch bigger timing belt due to the bigger wheel Lots of power left over to restore power in the starting battery and into 1 and 2 batteries Which have nothing to do with the starting battery if the other 2 are used But with a switch you can start the truck from 1 and 2 batts
As i have 5 rear windows i will need this reflectix panels
Question have you insulated your cars SUV? Spray ? batt?
Awesome! Sounds like you have caught the camper conversion bug. I put some video links below to some insulation and other videos that might be helpful. If you can find a video on removing interior panels for your vehicle then putting some insulation inside the doors and panels will really help. I was always afraid to use the spray insulation, I would get it everywhere. I have my batteries inside but in the Prius I insulated between them and metal outside panel. Hope this helps and thanks for subscribing! Post some videos, I'll subscribe to your channel.
This video will show you how to make full window templates for the window inserts: ua-cam.com/video/YfPYhDCbnG8/v-deo.html
Good keepng warm video: ua-cam.com/video/zuWWopNofBQ/v-deo.html
Insulating behind panels: ua-cam.com/video/SjLD3bRfglk/v-deo.html
Great little heater setup if you have access to shore power: ua-cam.com/video/gtf2pPFcqhk/v-deo.html
Land Rover SUV Build: ua-cam.com/video/gre-C79dPno/v-deo.html
@@timdillen Thanks will click the links I find if you buy some plastic sheeting from the dollar store or paint supply store and cover the area your spraying Your fine Wide plastic tape works well Duct tape a little too well (gummy) Not everyone needs a industrial foam machine on hand But you can buy the soild foam sheets and foam in a can to run the gaps I live in a moisture zone and Winter snow and slush So having dense foam keeps moisture from building up side the panels causing mold and rust .. I will make a video with your tips coming months
... Thanks for the reply
Excellent, well done. I am going to make my own now. I am thinking though that I will fabricat exactly like you did but leave one side not covered. That way I would put the shine side out when I am in hot climes and black side out for the cold climes.
I found tan colored vinyl backed fabrics like his black , I used that for summer heat!
He covered both sides in black vinyl to give it that stealthy tinted window appearance. Rather then attract attention with the shiny stuff.
Speaking off, window tint is black and still leaves your car cooler in the summer. (even non ceramic tint)
Thank you. Fantastic! Well- explained and executed. Watched part 2 also. Final product looks great!
Excellent!! Thanks so much!
I enjoyed your video; you’re a great teacher.
The best setup I've seen so far and very detailed instructions. Thank you! Question- Do you think using Locktite spray instead of a glue gun would work just as well? Thought I'd do a test and see with a small piece
I would just make the tab part of the layers, where it is anchored between everything.
Going to stow those behind the couch?
Good step-by-step explanation!
Thank you! Yes, lots of room behind and under the sofa. I could not find bins that will fit under the sofa so will have to build them.
Could you add the removal tabs before putting on the exterior covering, and not need that cosmetic step?
What about using 3m spray adhesive to bond the chloroplast to the reflectix?
He wanted it loose to create more of an air gap. Bbetttrerr insulated. How much who know.
Excellent tutorial!
You do an excellent job of explaining and demonstrating without too much info. Great job.
Need to do an updated fast version all in one video
Love this idea!
Great job....thanks
Very interesting. The only adjustment I would suggest is to attach the top tab on the window side before fixing the whole window side sheet, then it would look great without the final adjustment being necessary.
Great idea - thanks for posting!
Not sure if this has been mentioned . As for the tab. Why didn't you just cut the full length with rhe tab. Ie the main material with the tab. But great video
Why not make the pillow case one side nacho & one side light grey or some color to match the interior of the vehicle.
did you film how you measure and cut the black fabric?
Very Nice, I am going to have to live in my Prius soon.(2007 Prius ) I think i am too old to do so, but what r u going to do these day .Been watching your vid on how to live this way, Hope I can do good a job . Thanks for all the information and videos it will help..
Awesome! It will be a great adventure - make some videos and post them for others to be inspired. People don't have the money to retire to the American dream so we have to be innovative and minimize. Agonize over everything you put in the car. Clean out one room in your place, put everything you THINK you will need on the floor. Put your mattress or sleeping bag on the floor. Live out of the one room except for restroom access. Keep your food in the room and eat there too.Then start subtracting everything you don't use - it will be quite a bit. Limit clothes to just one week's worth - laundromats are everywhere. This is my best video on organization, you probably have already seen it: ua-cam.com/video/JLoGSh8OUcM/v-deo.html And keep me posted on your progress!
Put the tab inside before the final layer since you're not folding the last layer over to finish.
Great idea!
Nice job..
Thank you and thanks for watching!
Awesome video. Did you ever find out if these are safe to use with double pane glass?
I was wondering if I could use the foam board that you used in the car window insert ? Was wondering why you changed product. Thank you for this! I’m going to put these in my schoolie!!!!
Foam board will break down over time.
In case it helps anyone, the fabric bar code at my local Walmart in NE PA was 48580210605 $4.97 called ‘PRO-TUFF OD’. OD probably means out door. Dec 2018
00:30 by using black on both, you have 2x the useage, but if u leave it silver 5:30 it will reflect sun in the summer too, wouldnt it?
I don’t think I need r value where I’m at in Arizona because is almost 100 degrees everyday. I just need to keep the heat out and be stealth
I have been able to keep mine in year around. Even though the outside is black, they are so well insulated that the heat does not come though to the inside. Hope you stay cool this summer and thanks for watching!
Would be cool if you make these with solar panels instead
I'd like for someone to test if these keep it warmer than bubble wrap
I wonder if I could make one of these that would fit my RV door… I don’t know how sturdy those are or if that would be a good idea or a waste of material. I have noticed that I lose a lot of heat through my door though (I am living in a 1987 gulfstream sunsport)
Walmart barcode / part # for black fabric with vinyl is given in video Part 1
I see now the fabric info & link are in the description/ show notes for this video. 😊
Hehe thanks! There are a total of 5 videos and I need to get a definitive setup of links that match for each video.
It’s all good - thanks for those great videos ! My daughter & I are making your covers for my Prius. I’ll be leaving for the RTR, it will be my first car camping experience. BTW - the high temp glue sticks couldn’t be found locally. They are a very good idea, but folks may want to order online them ahead of time.
Awesome! Hope they will be helpful in your trip to the RTR. I would like to attend someday.Let me know how the covers turn out.
As that fabric is nylon, you can clean up the fresh cut edges with a butane grill starter. Just run it, lit, along the edges inch or so away and the heat, not flame, will singe/fuse the loose fibers. Sneakers, duffel bags, carpet, etc works too.
I have one of those, I'll give it a try. Thanks!
I thought he said the fabric is polyester.
@@anniewilliams4840 either would work for the ‘window side’ and anything you wish for ‘inside’ side, aka avoid cotton on window side
Well synthetic. You use it to singe the edges of the frayed synthetic material So you don’t have any loose edges or ends@@anniewilliams4840
Do I need to use the material for the condensation? OR Can I just use black Coroplast on one side and reflectix on the other taped together with the 3M tape. Less insulating I know but I would like them thinner.
Do you also put the clear plastic over the inside as well after all these steps? Can the plastic go on the outside of the camper?
I thought one side was going to be shiny reflectix to deflect the sun ? What am I missing ?
So i love this but i font have much depth in my windows. How much depth us needed for these to stay in the window
Im going to use magnets in the tabs to hold them up and in.
Could I use styrofoam for the middle and yard of the corrugated vinyl?
Wete you able to figure out what R-value your panels are?
No.
At a 32F ambient temperature it took my car 1 hour to drop from 70F to 60F.
Performing the same test with the window inserts I gained an average of 15 minutes.
Can you paint reflectix? Instead of using the vinyl cover, I figured I'd paint the outside black and leave the silver on the inside to reflect more heat back on me in the winter.
Yes! I tried it and had decent results. I found that regular spray paint will not work. PlastiDip spray paint works but only if you start with just a light dusting for the first 3 coats and then add about 3 to 4 more for total coverage. If you put it on too heavy it will flake off. It makes a nice mat finish. The problem was that when it is in the window and the sun hits it or you get close to it, you can easily see the Reflectix pattern. I found the black material made it just look like dark tinted windows. It will work but I would make just one and see if you like it. The spray paint is a little pricey but WalMart carries it.
@@timdillen ok, thanks. Hmm, maybe black duct tape covering the window side and painted with a clear matte spray to dull down the shine. I'll have to do that on a piece of cardboard and see how it looks. Edit: Then again, now that I think about it, the sun will make the duct tape slippery and it will slide off, so I won't do that.
I think it is great idea to test. I got in a hurry with one paint setup and over time the paint flaked off the reflectix and stuck to the door trim.
is this good for warm weather too
Yes.
Or you could cover rigid foam board for higher insulation.
It will disintegrate and loose shape over time.
I suppose you could take a thermo gun and laser both sides to get tempertures, then google the difference to get an R-Value?
I probably have a friend who has one. I am interested in knowing.
I'd like to know, as well. My guess, from looking at the thickness, is R-4. The metal doors radiate some heat and cold through conduction, but the window ports have to conduct the biggest difference. I'd also like to know if your portal treatment would help if it were black on one side and white on the other. Flipping it summer to winter. Black would draw heat to the window in the Winter and white facing out in the Summer may reflect as much as 10 degrees.
I think having a white side or raw Reflectix would certainly help with summer. I just hate hate hate the look of reflectix as it screams "homeless" to everyone who walks by. I did find a nice compromise. If you just put the raw corrugated vinyl insert in alone you get a nice bit of filtered light, some heat reflection, some insulation and it is unremarkable from the outside.
...I originally made these for my stealth Prius camper and just loved how you see absolutely nothing from the outside with the black material. I keep them in all the time all year long. Keeps the inside better regulated, protects the interior from sun damage and allows me to put the seats down in back and haul things without people looking in with intent to break in.
I would heat my car up to 70F and time how long it took to drop 10* with and without the inserts.
Remember to sew in a tab. Lo
Is there a reason why you did not use spray adhesive instead of the hot glue? It seems that the hot glue is so much harder to perfect!
after watching this video (great by the way) I went to the local fabric store. They only have regular vinyl. May I ask where you got this? can it be ordered online? Does it have a particular name?
I have made window shades out of insulated poster board type stuff. works ok, i would just like "MORE" out of my window coverings. Great thing, I already have the templates made :)
How much squared feet of reflectix did you need in total ? My rav4 2016 got 8 freaking windows to covers and pre-made kit are around 150$
Do you put these on windows that are not solid? We have split windows where there are screens on half of it. Not sure how to get these perfect seals for these split windows.
Yes, I do put in windows with openings and screens however my ambulance has quite deep frames so they can still press in. If you window has items that extend past the frame that can be more of a challenge. Some people make one solid on and then cut out a section for the smaller opening window. Then finish up both pieces so you can insert and remove that section as needed for ventilation but still get some privacy. It also possible to cut just one layer of the white plastic going with the lines which makes a hinge. Don't know if any of that will help.
Aeent the finished 5 layer panels too heavy to stay up on windows
Is there any options other than a glue gun? Could I just use super glue?
I used gorillaglue. The dry time was long.... but strength is unbelievable.
Why not just cut the tab when you cut the extra fabric on one end? 🤔 Is there a reason for not doing that?
Nice technique but why not make one side foiled to reflect the light and heat on a sunny day and the other side black for privacy?
That is a good idea. I use for the Prius for stealth camping and nothing broadcasts more that you are sleeping in your vehicle than showing raw Reflectix through my windows so I made mine to just look like dark tint. If not stealth camping then the reflectix side would be great.
PSC Camper Conversions Great job. Particularly nice that you have incorporated some airspace inside the insulation. I am still thinking, though, that you are missing out on the true benefit of the Reflectix which is are the reflective or radiant properties of the material. I would think you would ALWAYS want at least one foil side exposed and you would then face that radiant side inside or out to direct or reflect heat. Also, would seem like a bit more airspace (thicker coroplast if it exists?) might also benefit the project. Just some thoughts...again, great job and thanks.
Why does everyone think one layer of black fabric is the end all.
Have you ever been in a car with BLACK tinted windows. It feels cooler in the summertime doesn't it?
@@HondaFit4Adventure The dark fabric is my big Q too. Would be interested in data for tint cooling effect.
@@anniewilliams4840 Just an FYI. There is regular tint and Ceramic tint. While both kinds of window tint will make a difference in keeping your car cooler, ceramic window tint is specially designed to beat the heat. Obviously it's a little more expensive.
How much does this actually affect temperatures?