Heat from the windows

[KathySandpiper]

I have dark tinted windows on our Sandpiper 5th wheel, but the sun and heat still do a job and the a/c's seem to run overtime compared to our stay put home. Right now I have redneck curtains on the windows (foil and that foil covered styrofoam insulation) The styrofoam stuff is in the large back window and some of the skylights. If I ever order another trailer, it will not have skylights.

What do you all use to keep the heat out of your camper trailer?

Also, the very back bedroom does not get as much air as the other areas so we bought a portable a/c unit and wallah, comfort. That means 3 a/c's running. waiting to see the electricity bill. We will only be there a few days out of the month because hubs works 14/14 and we have cattle and it's hay season as well.

[rollin_jack]

I know 'dark' is sometimes preferred but if light is not a problem, you might try this little trick. Use 'bubble wrap'. cut to the size of window (inside), clean window with Windex (or similar) then apply some Windex and place precut bubble wrap on the window and let dry. This lets light in and gives a privacy veiw. If you still want to see what is going on outside (like at the door) you can leave a small hole or slit in the wrap.

I first used this in an apartment that I lived in and works pretty good. You can find the bubble wrap in many places, including Wallyworld.

[mr__ed]

KathySandpiper wrote:
mr.ed how is it attached? thank you 🙂

I have some of those things for windows and skylights you can get online that are attached to the skylights with velcro. The heat has broken down the glue on them and they sag. I tried taking one down off of the door and it split because the material is breaking down. They have probably been on there 2-3 years best I can guess. Maybe less. We bought our sandpiper second hand and I don't know how long it was at the dealer.

Kathy, the screen is attached by placing the eyelets over a sort of thumbscrew and turning them 1/4 turn. You can barely see them in the photo. There are four on top and two on the bottom. The six "thumbscrews" were attached to the RV using pop rivets. All this was done by the outfit that manufactured the screen to fit my particular window.

[magonzo]

The foam vent cushions really help cut the heat load also.

[KathySandpiper]

mr.ed how is it attached? thank you 🙂

I have some of those things for windows and skylights you can get online that are attached to the skylights with velcro. The heat has broken down the glue on them and they sag. I tried taking one down off of the door and it split because the material is breaking down. They have probably been on there 2-3 years best I can guess. Maybe less. We bought our sandpiper second hand and I don't know how long it was at the dealer.

[0rion]

I used reflective windshield covers for a car that I bought at a big box store for $5. I just cut them to size and bought some clear round "button" style velcro tabs to secure it to the skylight and my shades actually hold it to the bedroom windows so no need to secure it there. Huge huge difference. The camper stays a little cooler but my main reason was the light. We have a skylight and 3 windows in our bedroom with no curtains. I used to hate waking up because of sunlight. Those days are over. It's nice and dark in there now.

[mr__ed]

KathySandpiper wrote:
mr.ed, what do you do with it when you are moving? Does it stay attached to the window? That looks like that solar screening we put on our carport. We wanted to block the sun but let in air. Works pretty good but like you said, doesn't get rid of all the heat.

Kathy, the screen is easily removable. I wouldn't leave it attached while moving. Goes on just as easy. Takes about 45 seconds or less...:)

[KathySandpiper]

mr.ed, what do you do with it when you are moving? Does it stay attached to the window? That looks like that solar screening we put on our carport. We wanted to block the sun but let in air. Works pretty good but like you said, doesn't get rid of all the heat.

[mr__ed]

I had this removable fabric screen installed a few years ago on my really large back window. It was a major heat producer before. The screen doesn't prevent all heating but does help. Besides, you can see through it whereas foil would block the view entirely.

[Swamp_Man]

You can make a cover out of 1 inch foam insulation that will fit the skylight and cover it with tin foil. Use velcro to hold it in place in the summer and take it out in the winter for the shower.

There is a solar tint that will help a lot with the solar radiation heating the inside of the trailer. At the YMCA where I work, we tried it (I thought that it was something that came out of the south end of a bull facing north) and it works. There are a lot of different brands, so look at the ratings.

Also, if your trailer is parked so that the awning is on the west side, in the afternoons, put it down where it shades a lot of the side of the trailer. This will help to some extent.

[Jimmie2]

Saw these on another forum and thought they looked really nice and functional. SunPro Have always thought about getting them for our Cougar with the hot Folrida sun, but never have any extra $$$$ to get it done.

Jimmie

[KathySandpiper]

I really like the idea of the plastic channel and foam board. I believe I'll take some white paint down to Olivia this weekend. We are opposite, I like the dark, hubby likes a little nightlight.

[KathySandpiper]

I have some kind of foil look covers on my skylights that came with the trailer. They are starting to break down and fall apart. I also have the same type of covers on the doors. The material on one has split so I'm thinking they will soon be no good.

[billmac]

Might want to consider this Kathy. I like to have my cake and eat it too. 🙂

I painted my shower skylight white on the roof and it still lets in plenty of light. I guess someone could just paint a portion of the skylight, if they wished.

Then I put some plastic channel in the skylight screws and slid a piece of Styrofoam in the channel to cover the skylight from the inside. I can slide out the Styrofoam and have light or leave it in and take a nap in a dark trailer. 🙂

The Styrofoam was basically the same material used for making flimsy signs posted on the side of highway on how to get rich. Bought materials at Home Depot for less than $10.

The skylight cover really helps with keeping out the heat and controlling the light in the bedroom. Wife likes the light and I like the dark. It is not uncommon to see the Styrofoam slid half way. We even leave it in during the winter to control the light. 🙂

[alboy]

I have 3 skylites and often camp in 100 degree heat,you can get skylite covers that are very effective at reflecting the suns rays and still allowing light,although somewhat shaded.