External Thermal Screens

[wildebus]

External Thermal Screens

I understand that the external thermal cab screens are far more effective then internal screens for help retaining heat inside your van? Is that correct?

And leading on from that is my next idea and question ....
Assuming external thermal cab screens do do the job, I am thinking of making similar screens for my side windows, secured at the top with kador strips slid into my Fiamma awning rails for support and keep in place, and sewn-in magnets to keep in place at the sides and bottom.

I know they would not be very stealthy - but no different to the cab screens I would think.
They would block the light of course, But I am picturing individual screens - one per side window - so could leave some off overnight or take one away in the morning to get light (would also have light from the rear door windows as not looking at external screens at the back.

Any thoughts on this?

 

[Campervanannie]

When I had snoopy a Peugeot boxer mini bus the window inside were resesed send so I bought some 25 MM. thick polystyrene sheet in black from B&Q pass of 8 sheets around £20 and cut them to shape fitted into each reseses they worked a treat in the winter and easily removable in the summer.

 

[Minisorella]

I think you're right in that externals just nudge ahead in the warmth stakes but the biggest advantage is that you don't get the awful condensation on the windscreen that you get with the internal type. I've never thought about putting them on any of the other windows though... how about internals for those as a compromise? It's whatever works for you though. I've got the usual flyscreens and blinds on all my lovely picture windows in the rear lounge but I also pull the curtains across if it's really cold. Personally, I wouldn't want to cover mine on the outside because I love popping the blinds to get the view in the morning, while I'm still in bed!
To be honest, I rarely close the blinds on the big Heki either because I like looking at the stars... not many of those this year so far! :Umbrella_Rain_Drops

 

[saxonborg]

External blinds work well, albeit you have to ensure they are dry before storing. Putting similar external blinds on other windows is a good idea just as much in summer as they would help to keep your van cooler. I would like to do something similar but haven’t found suitable material yet.

 

[Vanterrier]

The reason I did not get exterior blinds was where to store them especially when wet? I use internal blinds when parked up for the winter but not when touring as our curtains and blinds are sufficient and again even internal blinds are bulky..

K :wink:

 

[Vanterrier]

External blinds work well, albeit you have to ensure they are dry before storing. Putting similar external blinds on other windows is a good idea just as much in summer as they would help to keep your van cooler. I would like to do something similar but haven’t found suitable material yet.

I made blinds for the side windows for when parked up at home. I used "Corex" board ( the kind of plastic board estate agents use for sale boards) it's lightweight, rigid and easy cut to shape. I covered mine with cheap silver sunscreens as used in car windscreens in summer.I cut mine to closely fit the inside shape of the window aperture and they sit neatly in place, are easily fitted or removed and as they are flat, they are easily stored. I cut two for the roof lights too. This mainly saves pulling blinds down and stretching their springs over time.

K :wink:

 

[Caz]

I have an external screen for the windscreen on my VW and do find it is more efficient than the internal screens I had on my previous van. However, it is a bit of a faff to put on so I don't always bother. I didn't get one for the previous van because it was a Ducato and I wouldn't have been able to reach to put it on anyway, internal ones are easier.

Most motorhomes and van conversions have double glazed plastic windows at the sides and rear - these don't lose the heat like the glass windscreens and front side windows do, so I don't think putting external blinds on them is really necessary.

My van is actually based on a minibus so all the windows are glass - but as it's small it doesn't take a lot to keep it warm inside.

 

[saxonborg]

I made blinds for the side windows for when parked up at home. I used "Corex" board ( the kind of plastic board estate agents use for sale boards) it's lightweight, rigid and easy cut to shape. I covered mine with cheap silver sunscreens as used in car windscreens in summer.I cut mine to closely fit the inside shape of the window aperture and they sit neatly in place, are easily fitted or removed and as they are flat, they are easily stored. I cut two for the roof lights too. This mainly saves pulling blinds down and stretching their springs over time.

K :wink:

I wanted to put something over windows on the outside so I would need something similar to the “Silverscreens” material. Tks anyway for your suggestion.

 

[wildebus]

External blinds work well, albeit you have to ensure they are dry before storing. Putting similar external blinds on other windows is a good idea just as much in summer as they would help to keep your van cooler. I would like to do something similar but haven’t found suitable material yet.

Something which I was thinking of for the summer is using the same awning rails and kador strip to fix, but make some short awnings - maybe 8" or so deep I guess - on a little frame (internal waste pipe and corners would actually do it for a redneck solution) as little sun awnings over the windows to keep the sun beating in.
this kind of idea ....

This would work on the drivers side of the vehicle - the passenger side would likely have the awning inserted in the rail during the summer months so not available (but will be stored away in the winter time)

When I look at my van in the mornings, there is a lot of water on the windows - outside that is, not inside - and keeping that wetness outside with an exterior screen would be good. I did have an internal cab screen on my T4. didn't use it that much (really used for privacy not heat), but when I did the inside screen was soaked.

Storage is an interesting question. I am thinking if they were wet when ready to leave (very likely), I would just pack them outside on the roof basket (could use a diving bag I have which is designed to carry wet diving suits so could be ideal?)

Thanks for the feedback and comments.

 

[wildebus]

I have an external screen for the windscreen on my VW and do find it is more efficient than the internal screens I had on my previous van. However, it is a bit of a faff to put on so I don't always bother. I didn't get one for the previous van because it was a Ducato and I wouldn't have been able to reach to put it on anyway, internal ones are easier.

Most motorhomes and van conversions have double glazed plastic windows at the sides and rear - these don't lose the heat like the glass windscreens and front side windows do, so I don't think putting external blinds on them is really necessary.

My van is actually based on a minibus so all the windows are glass - but as it's small it doesn't take a lot to keep it warm inside.

My van is also an ex-minibus so no fancy double-glazing, but is also a LWB and 6.3M long so a fair size to keep warm potentially, so thinking "do I do something inside or outside by the windows" and occured to me about extending the idea of the external cab thermal blinds ....

My previous campers were a VW T4 ex-mobility and a T5 Shuttle - so all had windows all the way around. I installed an Eberspacher D2 in the T5 and that worked well, but I never used it (or the T4) for camping in the coldest 3 months.

 

[wildebus]

Our previous van with the home made Dutch Blinds to keep the heat out when open

Is that what they are called? Dutch Blinds?

Look spot on - how are they mounted above the windows?

 

[Glass man]

The External screens are also excellent in Summer to keep the van cool. Much better for us and pets.

 

[Campervanannie]

External screens can also if your parked somewhere where you don't fancy putting your screens outside I flip mine and put them up on the inside just in case I have to move as a female I don't want to go outside in the middle of the night to remove screens.

 

[wildebus]

many slide-on awnings/canopys allow you to roll them up so you can drive with them still on the rail. might look at doing that if I make winter - or summer - blinds. Winter ones could be a bit bulky if insulated but be handy if staying put for a couple of nights or more.

The "quick getaway" option would be an issue with any external blinds so makes sense to have In-or-Out ones

 

[Campervanannie]

The "quick getaway" option would be an issue with any external blinds so makes sense to have In-or-Out ones

Not if you flip them and put them on the inside

 

[2cv]

I only have internal screens. Apart from the problem of where to put wet external screens there is the problem of fitting them in extreme weather. Not a pleasant job if it's pouring but impossible in very strong winds. I've camped a few times when it has been difficult to open the door to get to turn the gas on, so fitting external screens would have been impossible.
Admittedly they offer better insulation, but with the rear lounge layout that I have occupants are far from the colder part of the van.
As far as condensation goes, this is quiclkly removed using a Kercher and at least the moisture is caught on the windscreen rather than remaining throughout the van if not caught. I look on the windscreen as a moisture trap!

 

[wildebus]

Not if you flip them and put them on the inside

exactly. thats what I meant

 

[Slaw1967]

I’ve had both on different motorhomes but the external ones are far better.
Buy from Silver Screens at Cleckheaton they are the best.

 

[Deleted member 155]

External every time for us and don't believe in the quick getaway nonsense as zombies are relatively easy to get rid of and mad axe murderers always seem to be on holiday :Smirk_Face_Emoji:

 

[Phillybarbour]

I wanted to put something over windows on the outside so I would need something similar to the “Silverscreens” material. Tks anyway for your suggestion.

Vancomfort sell a 5.2sqm do it yourself kit at £85. Material made by Hindermann which is first class quality.