Windshield Shades

[Pass42]

OK - I understand the benefit of windshield shades... now the questions:
1) Inside or outside? Does this affect performance?
2) If outside, attachment method? How about the holes needed for the fasteners?
3) Does color affect performance?
4) Any outside sets that don't require dragging the ladder out to install?
5) Most durable material?
6) Did I miss anything?

Thanks for any and all input!!!!

[JimM68]

I have an MCD black outside shade, came with my (2008) RV when I bought it, never used.

I've no idea how to stick it up there. There are like 2 little self stick Velcro pieces in the tube, no instructions.

MCD has gone totally with the expensive inside power rollups, no clue about these on their website that I can find.

I like the magnet idea. Any idea how I can put these to some use?

[Ramair]

I have the inside from RVsunshade and the blk is great. Not effected by weather and the downside to outside ones (my opinion) is once wet you have to store the wet covers. Best advise would be to go with what you like and be happy. Everyone will have their own opinions as to who and what is best.

[ncrowley]

1) Inside or outside? Does this affect performance?
2) If outside, attachment method? How about the holes needed for the fasteners?
I have the Magneshades that are outside and are connected using magnets. the magnets do not require any holes anywhere and are easy to install.
3) Does color affect performance? If there are the outside, color does not have much of an effect.
4) Any outside sets that don't require dragging the ladder out to install?
Yes, the Mangeshades come with a pole you use to out them up and down.
5) Most durable material? My shade material is very durable. See http://www.magneshade.com/ for more information.
6) Did I miss anything? If they are on the outside, you get less heat in the coach. The disadvantage is they are in the elements so if it is raining and you take them down to travel, you need to let them dry out when you get to where you are going. I really love mine.

[dons2346]

I have had both light shades and dark shades. The exterior black shade will reflect the most heat and is easier to see out of.

My shades are installed with snaps.

[deandec]

We have 18 yr old exterior black shades. These would be of the 80% filter variety not the current 90%.

We also have snaps and twist fasteners mounted on the rig. Sometimes it is a challenge to install the windshield shade in cooler weather because it does not stretch easily any more. But, wind has never removed the shade.

I would probably go with the Earth Magnet exterior solution if replacing the current shade.

I like the magnet idea because one could mount the shade on the inside or outside depending on the circumstance.

[willald]

Dale summed it up really well in the previous post. Outside mounted (with magnets) is the best way to go, IMO.

We went with a MagneShade, the one Dale got his 'inspiration' from. Really love this shade - goes on or off very quickly and easily without having to climb a ladder or stool. It provides a great heat/sun shield while still allowing you to see through the windshield just fine from the inside. IMO it (MagneShade) just can't be beat (Welll, only way to beat it would be to do what Dale did, and make something similar for several $$ less).

..Never have understood folks that put those big, shiny foil type shades up inside the MH, blocking out their view out that large windshield. IMO that kinda defeats one of the big advantages a MH has - the awesome view out that large front windshield.

[Dale_Traveling]

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.

[Not_a_Clue]

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.

[AllegroD]

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.

[donhoward49]

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.

[harold1946]

Pass42 wrote:
OK - I understand the benefit of windshield shades... now the questions:
1) Inside or outside? Does this affect performance? I prefer outide. Prevents heating of the glass and the resulting transfer to the inside.
2) If outside, attachment method? How about the holes needed for the fasteners?I prefer magnets like those used by Magnashade. No holes or fasteners.
3) Does color affect performance? Not that I am aware of.
4) Any outside sets that don't require dragging the ladder out to install? Magnashade.
5) Most durable material?
6) Did I miss anything?

Thanks for any and all input!!!!

[rockhillmanor]

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.

[Twomed]

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.