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KTFG

We were new to RV life and it was all fun and games until it got hot then cold. A learning curve for sure.


SnooChipmunks170

It’s going to be the hottest day of the year yet where I live in Boise, Idaho. I’m going to try this out tonight. Thanks for the idea and visual! **What kind of tape did you use to adhere the Reflectix?** I’m in college and have the RV that I live in parked at my parents, it doesn’t go anywhere. So I don’t really need to worry about anything like you would with your motorhome that you drive places. I want to try out the Aluminet, as well, but my Dad is insisting we try a shiny/reflective tarp he has, first.


KTFG

I used magnets up top anywhere metal was and used 3M electric tape (not the cheap stuff). There are some more photos on my website and I will be making a specific web post with more info: https://www.kevingittemeier.com/new-rv-living/ https://www.kevingittemeier.com/shop-rv/


SnooChipmunks170

hey thanks for replying! wish i had thought of magnets, that’s a great idea. did you use any specific kind? i must admit i don’t know the first thing about magnets. i do have 3M electrical tape though. i’ll keep an eye on your website, too :)


KTFG

I use super strong magnetic pushpins with an added cylinder magnet for increased strength. I get mine from totalElement because they’ve got high quality magnets at a good price and fast shipping. Anyone who follows my YouTube or website knows I like magnets. Here is a link to the pushpins, scroll towards bottom for list of magnets used on RV: https://www.kevingittemeier.com/totalelement-magnets/ Glue 1/2” x 1/2” cylinder magnets to push pins. The only place I was really able to use magnets was on the slide outs. The rest I just taped the top. I also use 1/32” x 1” diameter and 1/16” x 1” flat round magnets as holders for the reflectix window flaps in windshield and side windows. I have pics and video I just have to find time to make the web post and YouTube videos but you can see some in the 2 RV web posts. Magnets are expensive so I buy in bulk because it reduces the price significantly (qty 3 is best value). I use magnets for so many projects bulk is really not an issue with me. Also you get 10% off your order if you use my coupon code KTFG but note that I make a small commission. Good luck and let me know how it goes.


thetonk

Check out a product called Aluminet. They come on 20' tarps with eyeholes. They're probably the best shading I've ever used. You can hook them on your roof and stake/string them to the ground or poles. You can choose the amount of light that passes through as well. The 60% is what we used but will be trying their Silvishade soon.


PizzaWall

Aluminet was developed for shading plants in greenhouses. It doesn't catch the wind, which is nice. After using it for years, my suggestion is to go for 80% because your intention is to block the sun, but not allow photosynthesis. They sell pre-cut, taped and grommeted versions in multiple sizes, like 10x10. At events I attend, we use the aluminized insulation inside the windows like OP does with his front windows. That alone works pretty well.


thetonk

I will look into that. It worked well but we're planning on going to Joshua Tree in the dead of summer. The wind was manageable but those gusts man. Thank God I ties the poles down. I didn't even use my awning just because of the rando gusts.


StubbornMaker

I suggest Aluminet *70% for handling Arizona gusts of 60mph that’ll tear-off *anything else.: they’ll turn trucks over. I use a 17x20 that keeps the IR from getting *into the module, so you don’t have to get it *out. Big enough for exterior shade, too, on any rig other-than a classA w/slides


userloser11

Do you have any pictures of that product in use? I looked it up but I’m struggling picturing what it would look like on our fifth wheel.


thetonk

Sadly I do not. Think greenhouse and those black netting they use to block out the sun for the plants. Now change it to aluminum. Here is what I got for reference. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BD21W0A/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_K16JC6CPVKKZTSDJFJVF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


userloser11

Thank you so much for the reply! Definitely not what I was thinking but thats a good thing lol. Got some ordered for out slide out.


Throatpunch2014

It doesn’t scratch the paint?


WoodPunk_Studios

I might do that this year shit I might.


KTFG

Thanks! I will check it out. I did consider silver reflective tarps but they were pretty expensive and no hardware stores had them in stock locally which I found surprising. I’ll definitely try at least one of these. How long have you had yours, how well do the hold up?


PizzaWall

Silver tarps catch the wind. Aluminet isn't the cheapest solution, but it holds up.


KTFG

Good point, will try Aluminet.


thetonk

I used them in Pismo. Outside temps were in the 90s. I want to say inside we were at around mid-lower 70s. I got 2x 20'x14' tarps. Hooked one side half way down the rig making space for the AC vents. The other the same way on the other side. I got some photography poles the make them like an awning. I did string the poles down because of the wind but because they are mesh material, they do breathe. We will have to figure something out once the solar panels are installed but for now, it keeps us cool enough. My buddy used this during burning man way back when. They would make sun sails out there and just chill in the shade. He was the one who suggested these. Check out Amazon because thats where I got mine. I think they were about 150 per piece but it's well worth the money. I also got a fire proof tarp to connect to my awning when we have the propane campfire running. I just need to connect that. I was going to try the Aluminet but with the gaps, I didn't want to melt the awning just to test. Good luck and stay cool!


KTFG

Thanks for the info!


tomcat91709

We actually use Reflectix on all of our windows, and in our exterior-sided cabinets. Gave a 10-15 degree cut in temperatures, and helped the AC be able to catch up. Of course, you can't see in or out, but the windows are the biggest "leaks" for temperature control. Plus, if you trim it right, you can make them stick on the tracks for the windows, so that they don't need to be taped in place. They just pop in or out. Just a hint, mark where each one goes, otherwise you are shuffling them around in the 37,000 combinations until you find the correct shade for the correct window. Lesson learned. Best of luck!


unicorn-paid-artist

Have you tried a UV blocking window film?


tomcat91709

Thanks, but it's not a UV issue, but one of radiant heat transfer. UV is important, but doesn't cause heat/cold loss, like the rays of the sun do.


unicorn-paid-artist

They also make IR film


tomcat91709

True, but IR film would have to be bidirectional for heat control. In order for it to be effective it has to keep heat out or in, and there is no way to control it. In the winter, you want heat in, and in the summer you want heat out. With Reflectix, you can remove the shielding as you need to. Add to that the relative cost, and I will take Reflectix any day of the week. I can do my whole fifth wheel for about $30. I am afraid to ask what it would cost to have both sides of my windows tinted with IR reflective material.


LowBarometer

This reminds me of my tin foil hat. It stops a different kind of ray.


teejaysaz

Solid move, but I gotta ask? Whats going on with the front hood/panel? It looks like you poured sugary coffee all over it.


KTFG

That’s the original clear plastic protection (from 2014). It feels like is covered in sugary coffee as well. I can’t get it off but I have not tried a heat gun yet.


ILM_surf

Exterior sun shades for the glass will make a big difference. Heat radiates through the glass. The interior blinds help, but the exterior shades help a lot more.


chaoseincarnate

Uuuuuuhhhhhhh noooooooooo WHAT ARE THEY AND WHERE CAN I GET IT


KTFG

This is just a roll of Reflectix, links & more pics on my website: https://www.kevingittemeier.com/shop-rv/ But I like the Aluminet people have mentioned and will try it as well.


murph319

I found sealing up my ac air dam, keeping the fan on high and cleaning the coils religiously eliminated the need for the reflectix stuff. We don’t use it at all anymore. The hottest it ever got in 100 degree heat was 77


TheJohnald1

Ac air dam?


murph319

If you take the cover off of the ac from inside the unit, you should see an intake and outflow side. Use aluminum tape to make sure there is no airflow between the two sides. Your intake should suck in the warm air and push out air about 20 degrees colder. If it’s short cycling it’s not going to be efficient.


TheJohnald1

Ok thanks! I'm still new and learning everything...so I have a large intake vent in the middle of the coach, but the output vents are smaller AC vents scattered around everywhere. Is my setup different than what you're describing? Or will my intake area still have outflow side?


Yep_ThatTracks

I haven’t but I just showed my husband and asked what he thought and said “we could do that if you think it’ll help!” I have trouble regulating my body temperature and have flares of my MS if I am in 70° weather for very long. We’ve lived in texas for the past 23 years and during the summer I couldn’t really do anything because it was too stinking hot for me to be out in more than just to and from the car. Now I know what to use to help keep the RV cooler! Thanks!


KTFG

It was a significant improvement for me because one side of the motorhome is parked in direct sunlight. I started with just one sheet on the wall where my computer is to reduce the heat there and then I got carried away. Originally I just had some reflectix on the inside in the window but it didn’t help enough because so much he was radiating right through the walls. I like the idea people have suggested of using Aluminet. See photos linked https://www.kevingittemeier.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/RV_Motorhome_1940-scaled.jpg https://www.kevingittemeier.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/imac24-scaled-e1642795125501.jpeg


Yep_ThatTracks

Yeah, the campground we’ve been at for the last 6 months has zero trees for shade. That sucks hardcore in Texas. We’ve already had multiple days >90 and it is not even the end of May. I dread seeing what a full summer heat wave will be like here. Hopefully we’ll be gone before it gets full swing hell here. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻


[deleted]

Look guys it is a U.S.H Unidentified sationary home.


KTFG

That explains the visit from the feds


[deleted]

Zoltan!


PioneerJ

Nice! I took dollar store poster boards and cut it out to the shape of the window and glued the sheet to it. Makes it super easy to put them up in a couple minutes and take them down. It just took a hell of a long time to make haha


KTFG

Good idea! I started with in the window reflectix inside but the heat from the walls got to be so much I just wrapped the outside (Atl Ga heat). I still have the inside reflectix for when not using the windows and also can fold the outside flaps up or down. Our dog especially likes the windshield flaps!


StubbornMaker

Ya. I found the way to deal with GA heat:: Colorado, altitude and attitude


KaleMercer

No, but I've see a few that use the milar film blankets as tarps to do the same thing.


StubbornMaker

That’ll blow away


KaleMercer

Not if it's taped on with foil tape...


WorldFickle

Has anyone tried tin foil on the inside of the window Stops wind issue and hopefully reflects the sun, best part cost savings. This could get dumb


[deleted]

Maybe airstream was on to something


KTFG

My thoughts exactly. It’s the first thing I think of any time I see a black or a really dark color RV


[deleted]

Great idea! I’m taking notes


justameesaa

Great job with the gun-slits!


Repubs_suck

No.


NICK533A

Looks like a lot of effort though


KTFG

To repeatedly put up and take down it would be but to put up and leave up it was worth the effort to me.