How To
How to make and
install insulated
sun-blocking window
covers for a stored RV.
Here is the
reasoning behind this project. I
will be storing my RV in Texas Texas
Supplies
that you will need:
·
Hook
and Loop sticky back tape fasteners (I recommend the Velcro Industrial Strength
because of the quality of the adhesive used)
·
Reflectix
Insulation of the appropriate size for your needs. (There may be other brands of similar
material. I just am not aware of any)
·
Self
adhering label (optional)
Tools
Needed:
·
Tape
measure
·
Straight
edge
·
Marker
·
Scissors
·
Template
for the curved corners of the RV’s windows (optional)
The first order of business is to measure
the windows. The insulation is going
to be on the inside of the RV window. So
that is the important measurement. You
will want to measure the outside diameter including the frame, not just
the glass. I found by measuring the
window frame both inside and outside the RV that the measurements were
essential the same. This may not be true
on your RV. However, because the
measurements were ‘close enough for government work’, I chose to measure my
windows from the outside as it was easier than working around furniture, window
shades and curtains on the inside.
Now this part is optional because it
will not affect the purpose of the
window covers, which is to block the sun and protect the interior of the RV
from Ultraviolet rays and heat. Most
modern RVs have windows with curved corners.
You will need to have a template that matches that curve if you wish to
have the covers match the windows. As I
said, you can completely skip this step and just leave the covers with square
corners. I found that the simplest
template was a plastic lid that matched the curve perfectly. Be creative try different cans, pots and pans
et cetera.
Once you have your windows’ dimensions,
you can proceed to laying out your cutting pattern. I found for my own purposes that when I laid
out the patterns for the largest windows first, that I could then lay out the
patterns for the smaller windows in the scraps.
Now it is time to cut the material. I began by using a razorblade knife. However, it was easier to cut the curved
edges with scissors. Then I remembered
watching how fabric is cut in a fabric shop.
Using nice sharp scissors, the fabric is stretch out and held tightly
with one hand while the open scissors are simple slid along the cutline for the
fabric. This is so quick and easy that I
abandoned the knife altogether.
Once the insulation is cut, it is time
to apply the Velcro. The Industrial Strength
Velcro comes in 2” wide strips. (If they
make smaller widths of the Industrial Strength, I have not seen it.) You will need to cut several tabs of the
Velcro. I recommend about ¾” x 2”
each. Keeping both halves of the hook
and loop meshed together, peel the backing from the ‘Hook’ half of the hook and
loop Velcro tabs and apply to the window frame at strategic points. I found that two tabs at the top and one on
either side of the window was sufficient.
With the hook and loop sections still stuck together, remove the backing
from the ‘Loop ’ half of the set and press the
insulation is place, adhering it to the Velcro.
To save yourself some frustration, remove the backing from one piece at
a time because when this stuff sticks to the insulation, it does NOT come off
without tearing the insulation.
This part is also optional but
recommended. Add a label to the window
cover that identifies which window is to be used on. Example: Curbside
Bedroom or Living room slide rear window.
It appears that RV manufactures can construct windows in an infinite
range of sizes. So labeling the covers
can save you time and frustration.
Now this final suggestion is given by my
clever wife, Ella; store them flat (not rolled) behind your couch (assuming you
have a freestanding couch). This will
save a lot of room in your storage bins.
2012 February 06
