Fabric for External Windshield Cover

[MsNomer]

Out of an old cotton sheet, I have made a template for an external windshield cover similar to the one Eurocampers sells.

I am in a quandary as to what material to use for the final product. It needs to be fast-drying, UV resistant, relatively thin and lightweight. It does not need to be lightproof, but should be light-colored to reflect heat.

References appreciated.

[mojoman]

We made our own with white sunshade mesh type material. We found it works great but 5% is not opaque enough to look through. We made some 20% for the back and side windows (with magnets)that work better for viewing outside.

[MsNomer]

Where did you get the material?

[PinIN]

Sunbrella.com is one source.

My 2 cents from my experiments, main object is to keep sun from reaching the windshield and dash.

Any color will work, fabric is thin and doesn't hold heat well, (desert dwellers wear black robes and use black tents).

To hide in plain sight I would make it a dark and shaped to mimic the windshield.

MsNomer,
You're other projects turnout well, I can't wait to see this one.

[PinIN]

Here's are source and one of the four RVs blends in better than the others.

Class C Windshield Cover - Sunpro E Commerce

[mojoman]

Sailrite a source for the material

[MsNomer]

So you used Phifertex?

[mojoman]

Yes, picture over here:
http://i1276.photobucket.com/albums/...psileqdqdt.jpg

[MsNomer]

How many yards did it take?

[mojoman]

I think she bought 5 yards for that and had left overs.
The 70% shade seems the best compromise for privacy and being able to see out. don't forget to buy extra for the side and back windows, we used magnets sewed into perimeter.

[mojoman]

Also, you need a heavy duty sewing machine to sew this stuff, my wife bought one of the sail rite machines and they work great. Might be able to glue it together too.

[MsNomer]

That is tons more $$$ than I'm willing to put into this project, especially the sewing machine. Thanks for the info, though. At least now I know I won't be going that route.

For now, I'm looking at the other end of the $$ spectrum and just ordered from Amazon some plain white (no logo) Tyvek marketed for kite building at 3.50/yard. If it works, fine. If not, I'll try something else.

[ra2jim]

I was thinking about making one of these too, but considering 2 layers of fabric & imbedding a 3/8" thick, pliable radiant insulation material (like Ultratouch from homedepot). I think people use it under car carpeting to reduce heat from outside or engine. It will add cost though (about .63/sf) and weight (about .17 lb/sf). The idea is to reflect heat in summer but keep it in during winter.

Well...that's another future project for my RT...

[mojoman]

I have an insulated panel for the windshield, bought a pre-made one that fit out of the usual aluminum bubble stuff, sewed in thinsulate and a black backing. I put the white side out when it's hot, black side out where its cold. Works very well since most of my heat loss or gain in from the cab windows.

[MsNomer]

Jim, "Radiant insulation" is not going to "reflect" anything if it is in a sandwich. To be effective, it must have air space. (I'm not familiar with the brand name you cite, but I assume you are referring to something like Reflectix or EZCool.).

Mojo, I'm contemplating something like that for inside.

[mojoman]

I bought the bubble sun shade to save me time making a pattern. It was not very effective before sewing on the insulation but it provided a stable medium to sew on the Thinsulate and backing materials.

[goreds2]

I recently bought this and love it. I can tell the difference in the cab temperature with this on. (Sorry if this is slightly off topic)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Especially with it keeping the side widows covered.

[MsNomer]

I ended up with Tyvek sans logo from Amazon. Marketed to kite builders for $3/yard. Four yards plus a few magnets and I was out about $15. Piece of cake to make. In Panamint Valley last week, it lowered the glass temp more than 30°. Didn't budge in substantial winds.

Since I have max windows, I'm going to make a panel to put across the exterior of the van's south side when desert parked in the future.

[mkguitar]

I do like my ADCO alot.

solid version as shown above

there is a version with panels on the sides and front which open for light ( semi-bugproof)...


and I have suggested to them that they add a clear panel on the front for campground parking hangers- make it easy for the rangers.

the adco keeps, light out, temps regulated somewhat, durable and easy to clean, fold and store

mike

[Davydd]

I had an outside windshield cover with my first Class B. It was very effective but with six caveats to think about.

1. It is a bigger pain to put on and take off that inside treatments we have used. Now we have very effective inside blackout curtains that go up in a few seconds.

2. It is not very stealth if you are into stealth overnights.

3. It is hell when it rains and you have to figure out how to store it away when wet when getting underway again.

4. It can be bulky to store away vs. lighter inside fabric or curtains that can stay in place pulled away.

5. They get dirty with dust, debris and bird poop.

6. You can't quickly drive away if you sense an unsafe location without exiting your B.