Forum Discussion

et2's avatar
et2
Explorer
Aug 18, 2013

Reflective sun insulation for MH windshield

Just looking for some feedback for what folks are doing to keep the sun from shining through the front window while in storage. Some coaches have a curtain with white backing, seen that. Ours only has those for the sides and it wraps slightly around the front. There are black power shades on our MH that can be lowered in the front.

The issue is, the area in front of these shades leave about 12" of the dash exposed to the sun. So I purchased a roll of foil covered bubble insulation that I will cut to fit the window as one piece hiding all of the dash.

Is there any long term problems with this as the foil will reflect all the heat back out. Any issues with drying out the window seal or warping anything?
Class A

9 Replies

  • gatorcq's avatar
    gatorcq
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2013
    If you really, what something good, then IMO Reflectix material is the best. In the Az summer, we place this between our outside sun screen and window. In the cold winter, it goes inside between window ans shade.
  • RCtime's avatar
    RCtime
    Explorer
    Aug 19, 2013
    I have used the bubble foil for years with great results. Cut to the exact contour of the windshield it will stay in place by itself.
    Over the years it becomes more limber from all the in and outs so I just bend down my visor from the top for additional support and throw a small pillow at the bottom for support.
    What nice is its easy to store under the bed and seconds to install.
    It blocks the sun from the dash area and prying eyes. Also made one for my front entry door. Fits between the screen door and the door.
    Its great for when you are in storage mode.
  • havasu's avatar
    havasu
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    If it's possible and you have the external screens. slide a piece of that reflective foil between the OUTSIDE of the windshield and the screen - it makes a huge difference to the amount of heat and light that get's into the RV.

    Most people put them on the inside which is convenient but on the outside they are much more effective.
  • 427435's avatar
    427435
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    While it may not apply, I had a beater car that sat outside all the time. I put one of those reflective shades against the windshield (from the inside). The windshield developed some delamination--------------I assume from the increased temperature it developed from heat coming from both sides of the windshield.
  • ArchHoagland's avatar
    ArchHoagland
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    I had a mask made at a local upholstery shop that covers the entire windshield.

    $100 including installation with 8 twist clips.

    We also use it on trips when we get a spot that the sun shines on the windshield most of the day.

    Makes quite a difference in the amount of heat we feel at the front of the coach where my wife's "nest" is.
  • et2's avatar
    et2
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    sjholt wrote:
    No long term problems with the bubble foil.
    Been using it for 10 years out here in the HOT southwest.
    Even helps when it is cold out too.


    Thanks, I just cut it to fit the front window today and driver side. They fit like a glove without any support need. We immediately noticed how much it will keep the heat out and the dash from fading or cracking. I was worried reflecting that much heat back out the window it might have some long term problem with caulking or sealing gaskets getting dried out, or the window loosening up.

    A good $40 dollar investment at Lowes for a 4' x 25' roll.
  • sjholt's avatar
    sjholt
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    No long term problems with the bubble foil.
    Been using it for 10 years out here in the HOT southwest.
    Even helps when it is cold out too.
  • J-Rooster's avatar
    J-Rooster
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    Bea PA wrote:
    We use a pair of MH reflective backed sunshades from Walmart. The ones with a spring twist and fold to store.
    I'm in the market for something like this myself! I'll go down to Wally's and check them out!
  • Bea_PA's avatar
    Bea_PA
    Explorer
    Aug 18, 2013
    We use a pair of MH reflective backed sunshades from Walmart. The ones with a spring twist and fold to store.

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