Windshield Shades

Made my own. Inspiration was from Magne Shade but couldn't afford their prices.

1) Inside or outside? Does this affect performance?

Yes it will. Warm weather you will want to keep the sun related heat outside the vehicle. During colder times I'll hang inside the coach for privacy.

2) If outside, attachment method? How about the holes needed for the fasteners?
I attach mine with very strong magnets. Used double sided tape on the inside of the windshield and pockets on the screen. The windshield wipers help hold it in place also.

3) Does color affect performance?
Not sure. I have a black screen and during the day can see out without a problem but is very private looking in. I would suspect lighter colors will reflect heat much more than darks.

4) Any outside sets that don't require dragging the ladder out to install?
With magnets I use a wooden dowel to hang the screen. Get the magnets close and they will stick together, even thru the glass.

5) Most durable material?
PVC. Found the material on line from Home Depot. 6'X20' for $32.

6) Did I miss anything?
Was pretty easy to make. Sewed mine in one evening. The magnets were the most expensive part but still much less than buying from a custom manufacture.

My homemade windshield sun screen.


I also made an awning sun screen from the same material.

We have a Prompt Sunscreen and really like it.

It is an outside sunscreen and attaches with heavy rubber bands
that attach to the frame of the side windows. It can be installed and taken down without a ladder.

I have had it up in pretty strong winds and it hasn't been affected.

You can google them and find more info.

IMO, there is a difference between inside and outside. It is also driven by what you want to accomplish and what you are willing to do to accomplish that. The outside ones may be a little more hassle but they stop the heat outside verses inside. Pure physics. Once the sun has penetrated the widshield, the heat it brings is already inside. The type of shade and placement determines how deep into the coach it penetrates but it does have it's affects.

I like the outside shades, especially the "see through" ones. But due to cost I purchased some silver insulating bubble stuff at ACE for $37 that I place inside. Then store it under the couch. The downside is no view out the front.

I'll just add that when its on the outside:

If you have to leave in inclement weather and/or for a weather emergency, or just a plain emergency. You can't just leave. it takes a long time to take them down and you get real real wet when it's raining.

I put them on the inside. When I want some sunshine in my coach I just lean over and open them up, and close them when needed.

Inside vs outside not that much temp difference. Inside...always clean, no ladder, no bird poop, not wet if raining. :) :)

Black gives good visibility from inside, lighter colors tend to blur vision for most people.

Best material for either is Phifer wire solar screen.

I'm sure the other side will have their comments as well.