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Open Roads Forum  >  Class A Motorhomes

 > Class A in VERY hot weather - window treatment?

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LVJ58

Las Vegas, Nevada

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Posted: 08/04/08 10:17pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Steve, several years ago I bought a roll of solar screen material from Lowes. Took it to Edwards Auto Interior on Boulder Highway here in Vegas. Charlie Edwards measured and fabricated covers for all of my coach windows including windshield. He used sufficient snap fasteners on the side windows so I can leave the screens on all windows except the front and cockpit windows while driving. Haven't lost one yet.


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stevelv

Living on the island

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Posted: 08/05/08 12:00am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Now you mention it Jim, theres a couple of regulars in the Thousand Trails in Vegas that I remember had the same thing - of couse when I saw them it was a plasant 80 degrees so I didn't think it was a 'cool' idea at the time. I'll see how I get on with the film but may have to try that.

I'm almost tempted to get on the roof with some chrome spray and paint the AC covers


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Belgique

Cedar Island NC (Outer Banks)

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Posted: 08/05/08 05:54am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Steve: re "unfortunately...and a DW with hot flashes - doing nothing was not an option"

You aren't going to get that coach cold enuff no matter what you do . I can hang meat in ours and I hear: "it sure is hot in here"

I am going to try the stuff you found though. Steve


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apr67

Tallahassee, Florida

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Posted: 08/05/08 06:38am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I use the aluminumized bubble wrap stuff at campingworld to cover the insides of the windows. Keeps the room dark and helps insulate quite a bit. I started using it in the winter because the big window over my bed would get cold and make my head and pillow cold.


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Jim4455

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Posted: 08/05/08 07:52am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Like apr67 I use the reflective bubble in West Texas and I am pleased with it.


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bingoldsby

Oregon State Parks - somewhere

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Posted: 08/05/08 09:27am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Steve,

The most important and effective thing to do with windows is to keep the sun from shining on the glass. Glass absorbs energy from the sun and heats up. Dual pane windows help combat this property.

Awnings, dense fabric, or anything that shades the windows FROM THE OUTSIDE, is the only way to keep the glass cool. Applying anything on the inside or erecting shades which are on the inside is nowhere near as effective. Also limiting contact of dark fabric which attaches to the outside of the windows helps a lot.

If you are stationary for periods of time, just finding about any way to hang dense fabric to the outsid of the coach over the windows will do wonders to keeping them cooler. I fashoned a window screen frame from materials that I got at the hardware store - made just for the purpose of building window screens - and inserted the densest screen fabric they had. I attached a couple of stick on plastic hooks at the upper corners of the window and just hung the frame on. That kind of thing is temporary, for sure, but really works.

So... my point is that Jim is on to the best idea in my opinion.


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oldflyer

Highlands Ranch, CO

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Posted: 08/05/08 09:42am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I bought a roll of solar screen fabric at Home Depot for about $30. I cut rectangles to fit my sunny side windows and used self stick velcro (and staples through the screen material) to mount each screen piece over the outside of the windows. The screens come off for travel. The material is black and blocks 80-90% of solar heat, but you can see out. Also, awnings or any way to shade windows and vents helps.

horizon451

Henderson, NV

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Posted: 08/05/08 04:54pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I recently had a clear metallic based window film applied to the inside of my windshield and it has reduced heat gain a lot. According to the manufacturer it reduces heat transfer by 45%. It made a big difference and now the coach stays much cooler, especially when the sun is directly on the windshield. The only draw back is if you have polarizing sun glasses you will get some unusual road and sky colors. No optical distortion, and even without sunglasses the glare is reduced. Made the DW very happy when this little expenditure worked as planned and increased her comfort.


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FuzzyKnight

Santee, Ca

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Posted: 08/06/08 12:43am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Steve
We go to the Desert every winter and Vegas in the summer. What most are saying is correct. Use awnings on all outside windows. Front use a windshield cover as well as on front sides. Cover all vents with deep foam as well as the skylight in the bath. Never turn off the A/C. for extra help we use the insulation that we got from Camping world. trimmed to fit the windows - really helps.
Good Luck
Fuzzy


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deandec

El Dorado Hills, CA

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Posted: 08/06/08 11:43am Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

You might try replacing your side window screening with Phiefer 90% solar screen from Lowe's or Home Depot. It is the same stuff that some of the snap on front window screening on Class A's is made from.

I did that on our house and then added solar screens to the non-screened windows. As someone suggested, you could use stainless snaps for the non screen areas and perhaps travel down the road with them mounted just like my boat cockpit cover does.

It makes an estimated 10-15 degrees difference in our house temperature.

Hmmm....why don't I do that myself?


Dean
95 CC Magna, Jeep GC


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