[DaveInSeattle]

I'm considering making my own as well. Seems like most folks on this thread are using reflectix, low-e, or ez-cool. It was my impression that all of these radiant/reflection products needed some minimal air gap in order to function. When they are covered up with black fabric, the reflective layer can no longer reflect back radiant heat, so the remaining insulation value is coming from the polyethylene foam. Am I missing something here? Any reason not to just use foam if you're going to cover it up anyway?

-Dave

 

[Travlin]

One thing to consider is that when placed behind glass the surface can still reflect a lot of energy back through the glass. Glass is transparent to IR and Visible light, though it does block most UV light.

Covering with black plastic would indeed absorb the IR and radiate heat. (though some of that IR would go back outside through the glass) Covering with a translucent fabric might allow some of the underlying foil to reflect energy back out through the glass. Shade cloth might be a consideration to cover the outward facing side as shade cloth can be purchased in specific blocking percent values.

 

[DaveInSeattle]

That confirms my thinking. There's no value to burying aluminum foil behind fabric, and during the day these covers would actually be hotter than the reflective covers. I see several different and conflicting needs:

1. Reflect back radiant energy to the outside to keep the van cool - and this need primarily occurs during the day when the sun is shining
2. Not advertise that someone is sleeping in the van at night with shiny shades on the windows - when there is no need to reflect radiant energy back to the outside

Someone (don't remember who) on this forum suggested reversible shades, reflective on one side, black on the other. Mount the shades reflective side out during the day, black side out at night, or during the winter to keep heat in. Although one downside to mounting with the reflective facing in at night in warm climates is that our body heat is now reflected back to us even more

I think that's the approach I'll take. I'm installing 2 sets of Motion windows. The rear windows are symmetrical, so the shades can be flipped. The front windows are asymmetrical, so I'll swap shades from one side of the van to the other.

 

[DaveInSeattle]

Since I have so many windows in the van, it's worth it to me to take at least some steps to insulate them. I'm thinking about convection, conduction, and radiation.

* Radiation - the reflective products really only do radiation insulation, and once they are wrapped in fabric, that disappears. So I'll use low-e with the foil facing out on warm days during the day.

* Convection: Wrapping the entire window with an almost airtight cover and prevent air flow from the hot window to the interior will definitely help. Belloinsula's covers fit so tightly they definitely help with this.

* Conduction. As far as I can tell, Low-E and Reflectix do NOTHING on conduction. Basically, an r value of 1. I thought about adding additional foam to improve this, but to get any real r-value, you have to go thick. Too thick to be easy to put up, take down, and store. I looked at minicell and it's insulation qualities. The best info I could find was by talking to the rep at Foam N More. She stated an r value of 3.6 per 1" of mini cell foam. So even using a fairly thick 1/4" of foam, there's not much r value gained.

But I did come up with a solution to add an air gap. My 4 custom windows will have wood framing around them. I can mount my shades with a 1" air gap between them and the window.

More background on the use of reflective products without an air gap:
Reflectix: " I just got off the phone with David Yarbrough. Here's what I learned: 1. The material R-value for Reflectix is, indeed, only R-1." - https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.co...uestion/reflectix-still-claiming-r4-2-for-its-bubble-wrap-my-hvac-guy-is-hooked

Low-e: Could not find any data on r-value without air barrier - all published numbers assumed an air barrier. But this article claims that all these radiant products have an R-value of 1: https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog...d.com/blog/29497/The-Foil-Faced-Bubble-Wrap-Sham-Understanding-Radiant-Barriers

And comments on all the misleading claims about reflectix, low-e, etc: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.co...uestion/reflectix-still-claiming-r4-2-for-its-bubble-wrap-my-hvac-guy-is-hooked.

-Dave

 

[bicyclist]

The rear windows are symmetrical, so the shades can be flipped.

The rear windows are not symmetrical, one is wider than the other.

 

[dcp6904]

Question about windows: medium roof 130" wagon VS. medium room 148" wagon...
-Is the slider and opposing window on driver side the same?

If so, that means the only difference is that the 130" has a single window on each side behind the slider. 148" obviously has two windows on each side behind the slider. Does that make sense? I have a few Transit owners with 130" MR wagons and I'm trying to figure out which patterns are different than my 148".


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Thank you for remembering the 130" - Midroof build!

....arguably the best combination of fit and function for urban camping.

 

[Eiko]

the best combination of tit and function.

I would have gotten the 130" if I'd known that!

 

[SSamples]

I made another set of rear door covers today out of the diamond ripstop and must admit that they're much easier to sew. The only problem is that this fabric is three times the cost of the pvc polyester. I think I will use this stuff going forward, but prices will increase. Check out the new version and the storage bag that was a request from a forum member.

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What do you use on the edges

 

[Y0ung14]

I've made some insulated window covers / screens for my wagon but have made patterns for rear doors and the slider on Transit cargo vans as well. If anyone is interested, I will make them available for purchase. Right now I only have patterns for the medium roof wagons and medium/high roof cargo slider and rear doors.

Currently, offering black diamond pattern nylon/poly ripstop fabric covering Low-E reflective insulation. All seams are taped and the covers are held up using suction cups through steel grommets. They're about 3/8" thick. Pockets and a storage bag are also an option.

Pricing: Medoum/High Roofs
-Rear cargo windows $200
-Slider window $150
-Wagon Windows: email me

Email me: Info@strawfoothandmade.com

@belloinsella, do you still sell window covers? I had sent you an email a couple of days ago.

 

[jeneralwu88]

Curtain talk -- I installed a curtain/rod running across my front cab, directly behind the front seats. They are blackout, insulating, and somewhat sound deadening curtains with black cloth on one side and white on the other. When I welcome warmth in the van, I face the black outwards to absorb some heat (and vice versa, white outwards when I'd like to keep the van cooler). I'm experimenting with using the white cloth as a projector screen for movies, etc.

Some observations:
1. If you open your windows while driving, your curtain will flop around on you even if it's bunched together. It wants to act like a sail. I'm about to install window deflectors so we'll see if that helps any. If not, I'm thinking about switching it to a top-down roll system and tucked away in the upper cab shelf.
2. If you want total blockage off the cab, you might want to add some sort of attachment (magnets, velcro, etc) of the upper corners since the edge of the van is rounded.
3. I do think it helps insulate the interior but insulated window covers are still necessary.
4. I'm not experienced in sewing but regardless of insulation materials you use, it'll be fairly thick so use heavy duty thread and ideally a heavy duty or industrial type machine. I know some people hand sew them but that sounds painful!

 

[bayou2beach]

Sorry I missed your post. The suction cups are very strong and the grommets are steel size 2. The suction cups were a specialty style from Adams USA. If you have a cargo van with exposed metal I have found that magnets work well, but you need rare earth magnets with a good quality hold. I recommend eBay for the best price. Sewing with magnets can be difficult as they want to stick to the presser foot on the machine.

Reflectix is loud and has a crunchy bubble layer which does not sew very well but it's inexpensive. I use Low-E insulation and s diamond ripstop fabric. Neither are cheap. You could try lightweight Cordura fabric, which sews well but can fade in the sun. I'm sure tinted windows will keep the fading to a minimum. Good luck!


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Can you tell me what suction cups from Adams USA you use? Is it the Medium size mushroom head suction cup?

 

[mannie26]

You could also put tabs on the window covers. If you look at the glass frame there are openings between the glass and the metal frame. I cut covers out of Reflectix to fit the glass but added tabs on the perimeter that go in the openings. No need for magnets or suction cups.

Hi!! I am looking for my Ford transit T250 low top 2018 the rear windows insolation cover.

 

[mannie26]

The high roof cargo is my friend's van. Really like the high roof. Our medium roof wagon got some updated side window covers and rear door covers today with pockets. I plan on using the pockets on the doors for surf wax, bike tools, and a couple headlamps.

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Hi!! I am looking for my Ford transit T250 low top 2018 the rear windows insolation cover.

 

[mannie26]

I'm not bashing anyone using the bare reflectix method in any way. I used that method in my last four vehicles and it works great. Since I have sewing machines at my disposal I thought of an alternative. I'm open to all ideas on how to make these easy to use and easy to manufacture.


Sent from my iPhone usiHi!! I am looking for my Ford transit T250 low top 2018 the rear windows insolation cover.ng Tapatalk

Hi!! I am looking for my Ford transit T250 low top 2018 the rear windows insolation cover.

 

[IndoorNebula]

I've made some insulated window covers / screens for my wagon but have made patterns for rear doors and the slider on Transit cargo vans as well. If anyone is interested, I will make them available for purchase. Right now I only have patterns for the medium roof wagons and medium/high roof cargo slider and rear doors.

Currently, offering black diamond pattern nylon/poly ripstop fabric covering Low-E reflective insulation. All seams are taped and the covers are held up using suction cups through steel grommets. They're about 3/8" thick. Pockets and a storage bag are also an option.

Pricing: Medoum/High Roofs
-Rear cargo windows $200
-Slider window $150
-Wagon Windows: email me

Email me: Info@strawfoothandmade.com

Hello. Are you still selling these? I’m looking for a set for my 18 xlt mid roof 15 passenger

 

[Knarfly]

Hello. Are you still selling these? I’m looking for a set for my 18 xlt mid roof 15 passenger

I make insulated window covers for the passenger vans currently, let me know if you have any questions! Passenger Van Window Covers

Insulated Window Covers - 148wb Ford Transit (Mid/High Roof) - Knarly Vans

Insulated window covers for Ford Transit passenger vans. Works with plastic trim, easy install, retains window, no storage space needed

knarlyvans.com