Insulated Window Covers for Campers
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Insulated Window Covers for Campers
I found a great deal months ago on our last trip to the Staes, I bought thick material to make curtains for the big 5th wheel
I have lined the curtains with an older set the I had(had to cut to size) and they sat around for awhile waiting till we came out to the bush,so I would have some projects to work on. I am so glad I waited I came across this idea and I have gathered up the rest of the supplies I needed and will start to work on them here is what I found
Insulating Windows - Reflectix and Pillows
We wanted to insulate the windows to prevent heat loss and condensation, so we looked at different options. Some folks put up velcro to attach Reflectix or foam, but we didn't want to use velcro and we wanted something with more insulation. We considered putting thick foam between the window and valance, which would have worked ok. The valances are 3.5" from the walls, and JoAnn's has large sheets of 4" thick open-celled foam that would have worked. It was an ugly green color and would have cost about $200 (even on sale 40% off) to cover the three bedroom windows and the two large windows in the living area.
We ended up with a simple, inexpensive plan.
Here's what it looks like installed. I just took the pillowcases out of the packaging so the wrinkles will relax with time. They look about the same from outside.
Not bad for a $2 pillowcase and some extra supplies!
Jennifer found a plain pillowcase at Walmart that complemented the interior, and I simply put a layer of Reflectix, a standard pillow, and a piece of thick cardboard inside it. The cardboard gives it enough structure so the valance holds the whole setup tightly against the window, stopping drafts and providing a lot of insulation.
pictures at link
http://www.rv.tothewoods.net/WinterMods.html
I had already sewn my curtains to the liner and will have to stitch rip the bottoms open to insulate as the link suggests..this will all be a trail and error as each window in the big 5th wheel is a different size.
The pillows I got from Parkerhales parents went we went for our visit,they also gave us an old comforter to use,so between what they gave us and what we have in spare pillows I should get all the windows done except for the couple we ant to not insulate this way.
So I went on the hunt for reflectix and it is expensive,so instead in Canadian dollar stores I came across the reflectix for windows in cars,the shades they sell..I will be able to cut those to fit...cardboard is an easy one to get...
So as I complete this project I will post pictures and my findings on how they work and if I am better with just standard lined thick curtains or this style.
I have lined the curtains with an older set the I had(had to cut to size) and they sat around for awhile waiting till we came out to the bush,so I would have some projects to work on. I am so glad I waited I came across this idea and I have gathered up the rest of the supplies I needed and will start to work on them here is what I found
Insulating Windows - Reflectix and Pillows
We wanted to insulate the windows to prevent heat loss and condensation, so we looked at different options. Some folks put up velcro to attach Reflectix or foam, but we didn't want to use velcro and we wanted something with more insulation. We considered putting thick foam between the window and valance, which would have worked ok. The valances are 3.5" from the walls, and JoAnn's has large sheets of 4" thick open-celled foam that would have worked. It was an ugly green color and would have cost about $200 (even on sale 40% off) to cover the three bedroom windows and the two large windows in the living area.
We ended up with a simple, inexpensive plan.
Here's what it looks like installed. I just took the pillowcases out of the packaging so the wrinkles will relax with time. They look about the same from outside.
Not bad for a $2 pillowcase and some extra supplies!
Jennifer found a plain pillowcase at Walmart that complemented the interior, and I simply put a layer of Reflectix, a standard pillow, and a piece of thick cardboard inside it. The cardboard gives it enough structure so the valance holds the whole setup tightly against the window, stopping drafts and providing a lot of insulation.
pictures at link
http://www.rv.tothewoods.net/WinterMods.html
I had already sewn my curtains to the liner and will have to stitch rip the bottoms open to insulate as the link suggests..this will all be a trail and error as each window in the big 5th wheel is a different size.
The pillows I got from Parkerhales parents went we went for our visit,they also gave us an old comforter to use,so between what they gave us and what we have in spare pillows I should get all the windows done except for the couple we ant to not insulate this way.
So I went on the hunt for reflectix and it is expensive,so instead in Canadian dollar stores I came across the reflectix for windows in cars,the shades they sell..I will be able to cut those to fit...cardboard is an easy one to get...
So as I complete this project I will post pictures and my findings on how they work and if I am better with just standard lined thick curtains or this style.
kelee877- Admin
- Posts : 225
Join date : 2009-11-09
Age : 61
Location : Southern Ontario
Re: Insulated Window Covers for Campers
You are so good at everything! If anyone is prepared for whatever's coming, it's you, because you know how to do so much! Knowledge is the best prep.
I can't sew, but the girls can. They can knit, too. I'm just not craftsy. I'm not sure how we'd fare without being able to watch instructional videos on youtube.
I can't sew, but the girls can. They can knit, too. I'm just not craftsy. I'm not sure how we'd fare without being able to watch instructional videos on youtube.
tygerkittn- Moderator
- Posts : 30
Join date : 2010-05-31
Re: Insulated Window Covers for Campers
We are back to home base now, so I will be able to continue with the window project in the big trailer...
but first we have to organize both trailers and get ready for winter weather conditions
but first we have to organize both trailers and get ready for winter weather conditions
kelee877- Admin
- Posts : 225
Join date : 2009-11-09
Age : 61
Location : Southern Ontario
Re: Insulated Window Covers for Campers
We don't have much of winter here, summer is the killer.
I asked Al to look for a job in Idaho, I'd love to live there, I guess I'll learn about winter if that happens!
I asked Al to look for a job in Idaho, I'd love to live there, I guess I'll learn about winter if that happens!
tygerkittn- Moderator
- Posts : 30
Join date : 2010-05-31
Re: Insulated Window Covers for Campers
tygerkittn wrote:We don't have much of winter here, summer is the killer.
I asked Al to look for a job in Idaho, I'd love to live there, I guess I'll learn about winter if that happens!
You could always move to where we are
kelee877- Admin
- Posts : 225
Join date : 2009-11-09
Age : 61
Location : Southern Ontario
Re: Insulated Window Covers for Campers
I love snow, but the lack of freedom of speech would get me arrested immediately. LOL
I've read about pastors being arrested for saying homosexuality is a sin or just preaching out in the open.
We're on our way to no freedom of speech, but technically it's still the law of the land.
I'd have to get rid of my guns, too, wouldn't I? The kids love shooting at the range. We love our guns. Do they allow them in the bush?
I told Al I can't live in any state that doesn't allow guns or homeschool. Canada is soooo beautiful, I'd love to live there if the laws were better. We could be winterizing together!
I've read about pastors being arrested for saying homosexuality is a sin or just preaching out in the open.
We're on our way to no freedom of speech, but technically it's still the law of the land.
I'd have to get rid of my guns, too, wouldn't I? The kids love shooting at the range. We love our guns. Do they allow them in the bush?
I told Al I can't live in any state that doesn't allow guns or homeschool. Canada is soooo beautiful, I'd love to live there if the laws were better. We could be winterizing together!
tygerkittn- Moderator
- Posts : 30
Join date : 2010-05-31
Re: Insulated Window Covers for Campers
I finished the curtains for the winter trailer..I only used flex in the curtains but not the pillows..we used the pillows in the sky lights and fan vents areas
So far so good they really make a difference in the heat contained inside..also keep the moisture down...
So far so good they really make a difference in the heat contained inside..also keep the moisture down...
kelee877- Admin
- Posts : 225
Join date : 2009-11-09
Age : 61
Location : Southern Ontario
Re: Insulated Window Covers for Campers
That's cool! I want to put bubble wrap on our windows, but we might end up selling the house so I may as well hold off.
tygerkittn- Moderator
- Posts : 30
Join date : 2010-05-31
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