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Snowman9000's avatar
Snowman9000
Explorer
Jan 20, 2014

Insulated window coverings for cold weather

Have any of you made or used insulated fabric covers for your RV house windows, for cold weather camping? We are buying a new Class C with a corner queen bed. There are two big windows on the "bedroom walls", right above the bed. I know from past experience some insulation will be needed.

In our fiver we didn't need to see through the one offending window, so I put the bubble foil insulation in place and then a plastic film window insulating kit over it. It helps. In our C, we want daytime vision through the windows. I'll be putting a film kit over them for this winter's trip to the southwest.

Our windows have the valance boxes over the top and sides but the bottom is open. If it was a fully enclosed valance box it'd be a heckuva lot easier to do. I'd like to see the coverings you use for insulation, the way you fasten them in place, etc. Do you have roll-ups that stay in place above the window?
  • We have single pane windows in our TT and you really feel it when it gets cold. We have been covering them with heavy towels and I had planned on cutting foam to fit in the windows until this last trip. I found the frame around the window is responsible for more of the cold draft than the windows themselves so now I plan on covering it side to side, not just the windows.

    I believe Don (PT) had some really nice ones made.
  • travelnutz wrote:
    Lucite storm windows on the inside creating a dead air space is the way to go. Many ways to hold them in place such as thumb turn clips from Home Depot or Lowes or Menards etc. Cheap and very easy to work with as any simple saber saw will cut it (dont use a real coarse tooth blade as it can crack it, about 2 teeth of the blade in contact at all times when cutting) and the edges easily sand smooth and straight.

    A few seconds to put them on or take off as wanted. I only use the thick Lucite etc about .200 thick as it stays flat and seals so much better. I've even put 20% or 40% solar film on the Lucite to filter the sun's rays.

    I've done 5 RV's this way on all windows for winter at around Zero F use and it works great! Stops cold air and sweating. Also help with A/C as it lessens the sun's heat and also insulates.


    Good idea! Do you have pictures?
  • mlts22 wrote:
    3M also offers that as well. I've read very good things about the clear film, although I'm curious if it might help to try to include a container full of desiccant packets to ensure the dead air space stays dry, to prevent condensation on the inside.


    We have not had any condensation appear in any of the sealed windows, although YMMV. We full time with two adults and 2-4 kids depending on the weekend, so I think if it were going to be an issue, it would have shown up by now.
  • If all of the above fancier ideas don't work, I've had good luck with cutting foam board to fit in the window opening. We usually put a piece of doubled duct tape on one edge to afford easy removal. In the morning they were removed and stored in an empty bunk.
  • 3M also offers that as well. I've read very good things about the clear film, although I'm curious if it might help to try to include a container full of dessicant packets to ensure the dead air space stays dry, to prevent condensation on the inside.

    For the windows in the doors, I've found a Velcro kit on Amazon that allows one to attach a Reflectix piece. This isn't as good insulation as the plastic sheeting (assuming it is properly sealed), but it does block light and provides some insulation.
  • We used the Duck Window Insulation Kit which is a clear film that you put on with double side tape, and then use a hair dryer to heat it up and shrink it smooth. Has the benefit of allowing you to still look out the windows and such, but it really helps with the drafty feeling. We missed one window, and you can totally tell a difference between the ones we sealed up and the one we didn't.
  • Lucite storm windows on the inside creating a dead air space is the way to go. Many ways to hold them in place such as thumb turn clips from Home Depot or Lowes or Menards etc. Cheap and very easy to work with as any simple saber saw will cut it (dont use a real coarse tooth blade as it can crack it, about 2 teeth of the blade in contact at all times when cutting) and the edges easily sand smooth and straight.

    A few seconds to put them on or take off as wanted. I only use the thick Lucite etc about .200 thick as it stays flat and seals so much better. I've even put 20% or 40% solar film on the Lucite to filter the sun's rays.

    I've done 5 RV's this way on all windows for winter at around Zero F use and it works great! Stops cold air and sweating. Also help with A/C as it lessens the sun's heat and also insulates.
  • Keep in mind that cold air falls. Unless your insulated curtains are attached across the bottom that cold air will be spilling out onto your sleeping area.
  • Thanks. No, that's not what I mean. I mean something that reduces cold air and drafts. I've edited the title and post to clarify it.
  • IMHO Van windshield sunshades hands down.

    I bought these with palm trees on it this year at Walmart. Makes the outside of your coach look a little nicer when you have to insulate the windows.



    If you have day night shades they 'fit perfectly' right under the day/night shade with out having to use 'any' type of tape etc.
    When not in use they fold up flat and small to store out of the way.

    They pull right out for during the day to let light in. I also use them during the late afternoon on the side the sun is on when parked in southern states during summer.

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