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jjrbus's avatar
jjrbus
Explorer
Nov 21, 2015

insulating windows

1993 Toyota SeaBreeze.

The PO put some time and effort into making insulated window curtains. These are effective at keeping some of the heat and sun out on hot days. But they are bulky, blocking half the window when open. It would not be a big deal but the blocking stops the flow of air with windows open on nice days. I am in Florida, keeping heat and sun out is important.

There are also insulated covers for the roof openings that are velcroed, but they keep falling down.

I've noticed the aluminum window frames get cooking hot and radiate heat to the inside, maybe some kind of outside cover?

It will be some time before I get to this project but want to ask while I am thinking about it, maybe gather up some materials. Anyone got a better idea?
Jim

9 Replies

  • On our sofa window I attached clear stick on plastic hooks to hold the bubble foil in place, with the day-night shades pulled down, about 4 hooks.
  • Thanks for the responses, greatly appreciated.

    At the moment I am leaning towards mini blinds or the cellular type window coverings with bubble foil.

    One RV'er put a board along the bottom of the window with a groove cut in it. the bubble foil sits in groove and is held in place by blinds.

    Not chiseled in stone yet, but is simple, cheap, light and easy. Jim
  • The bubble foil works. I also got a couple sheets of thin, 1/8", styrofoam material from Hobby Lobby. Cut to fit the useless door window plus a rear facing unused bedroom window. Then adhered with double-sided scotch tape. Added the bubble foil to BR window and pulled down the day-night shades. Stays more comfortable, plus quieter.
  • I made up covers from insulbright. Awnings on the windows outside would be wonderful.
  • Tiger02 wrote:
    You can also buy a roll of reflectix insulation, and measure-cut to the shape your windows. Should be rigid enough to stay in place on the inside of the window. Easy to take off and store as well.

    Reflectix

    X2, the bubble foil insulation works well. But, it's not rigid.
    Use suction cups with a hook attached to hang the foil on your Windows.
    Do not use stick on Velcro, the glue melts. Trust me.
  • Don't forget all that glass in the cab of your MH. TONS of heat comes thru those windows as does the cold.

    For the outside I use one like this when parked for extended periods. For short stays I just put one of those van windshield sunshades on the inside of the windshield.

    These covers Can be found at almost all of the camping store in Florida. Just be SURE to buy the one that fits YOUR MH style of side mirrors. They are sold by type of side mirrors.

    This one is for sale on Ebay

    http://www.ebay.com/bhp/rv-windshield-cover
  • You can also buy a roll of reflectix insulation, and measure-cut to the shape your windows. Should be rigid enough to stay in place on the inside of the window. Easy to take off and store as well.

    Reflectix
  • jjrbus wrote:
    1993 Toyota SeaBreeze.

    The PO put some time and effort into making insulated window curtains. These are effective at keeping some of the heat and sun out on hot days. But they are

    bulky, blocking half the window when open.

    It would not be a big deal but the blocking stops the flow of air with windows open on nice days.

    I am in Florida, keeping heat and sun out is important.

    There are also

    insulated covers for the roof openings

    that are velcroed, but they

    keep falling down.



    I've noticed the aluminum window frames get cooking hot and radiate heat to the inside, maybe some kind of outside cover?

    It will be some time before I get to this project but want to ask while I am thinking about it, maybe gather up some materials. Anyone got a better idea?Jim

    Florida....I hear ya, sure is a new learning curve first time RV'ing in real hot hot weather! :B

    Here's what I have learned.

    1. I have 3 roof vent covers. I do 'not' use the velcro and in 6 years now they have never fallen out, just stuff'em in and they stay put.

    I have the ones that are silver on one side and white fabric on the other side.

    I have seen those rubber type ones. Is that what you have? Maybe pick up different type ones that stay up and they should stay up!

    2. Regarding the windows. Pick up room darkening drapes from Walmart or or for half the price at Dollar General they are NOT bulky. Put spring loaded shower curtain rod under the valance and attach drapes to it. When not needed each panel will slide to each side so no part of your window will be blocked.

    3. When I was in Florida during the hottest part of the day I would put large van size windshield sun shades up under the day night shades. No velcro no drilling holes. It slides right up under the day night and stays there. Reduces a LOT of the heat AND on cold days keeps the cold out too. Find them online and at Walmart.

    Easy to put up and take out and accordion folds up flat for storage. I buy the printed ones so the MH looks nice on the outside when I use them. The Bubble wrap stuff is a royal pain and IMHO makes the outside of the RV look tacky. My sunshades look like sunny Florida! :C


    How you park makes a big diff too in Florida. I try to park where the side where the awning is faces west. When 2 o'clock rolls around I drop that awning to it's lowest position. That shades one side of you RV usually where your biggest window is also. Keeps the side of the MH from heating up and helps the ac.