Window Tint Dilemma

[sourdough]

Our trailer has tinted windows, not dual pane unfortunately. When facing the sun the windows induct a tremendous amount of heat. We've tried various things INSIDE the windows but it doesn't do any good because the dark windows have already absorbed lots of heat. Has anyone used any kind of an exterior tint to reflect the sun before it hits the dark glass?
Any and all ideas or experiences are appreciated.

[GaryWT]

If it is hot and the sun is coming in we just keep the shades pulled or the curtains closed and it helps. The AC keeps up with things so we have not looked at anything else.

[Festus2]

Geo, one of our Texas members, has tackled this issue by using a type of flexible screening which is attached to the exterior by magnets. I believe this material can be rolled up and stored when travelling and attached when the rig is at the campground.

It is not a tint but a removable fabric (black in colour). His 5th wheel has tinted, thermo pane windows but as you pointed out, they aren't overly effective in the Texas sun.

He is on the road at the moment but if you like I can reach him and let him know that you may be interested in what he has done. Send me a PM and we can discuss it there.

[ImTravis]

I believe they're called solar screens or something like that. I've used them in the California Summer's to help the bad si glee pane windows of an old house.


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[sourdough]

Last summer I had looked at some kind of material you could place over the windows that used some sort of fasteners you had to attach to the RV. When the material was removed you still had a ring of "buttons" sticking out around the perimeter of the window. I may have to go that route but thought there might be some sort of reflective "film". or something, that I could apply to the window itself without looking bad or causing maintenance problems going forward. We have wood slatted shades that help but when it's 100 degrees, black windows and black sides on the slides it just really radiates the heat.

[mobile42]

Last year in 2014 I decided to experiment and purchase a couple rolls of Radiant Barrier Insulation from Home Depot (about $23) to put over my windows on the inside and carefully trim and fit most of my 5th wheel windows with this stuff and was held in place by closing the day & night shades over them. While installing this over the windows, I could feel the difference immediately. Here's a link below.


http://www.homedepot.com/p/Enerflex-...5362/202088286

[eds451]

I use the radiant barrier foil to cover my windows when I am not going camping for a while. It does make a difference.

[sourdough]

mobile42

Did you just trim the material to fit the inside of the windows and let the shades hold it in, and, are your windows dark tinted? It seems to me that the dark windows reduce glare but, boy, they really absorb and radiate heat. If it actually cuts the heat induction I'm all over it. Thanks.

[mobile42]

Sourdough,

No my windows are not tinted. I was thinking of tinting them prior to a trip last summer to Arizona when I saw this foil at Home depot and installed it. Yes, I did trim the material to fit inside the window frame and the shades do a great job in holding it in place and its easy to remove and fold away when their not needed.

[hankpage]

My windows are dark tint from the factory. I added a bronze mirror tint to the inside and it made a big difference. I also use the Reflectx (shiny bubble wrap) insulation under shades on south side while in storage and between domes in skylights .... makes a big difference in heat transfer and the tint gives great daytime privacy even on the big picture windows. The bronze tint does not make it as gloomy as the gray tints. I keep the insulation cut to size and numbered under the couch for when I just need them for the sunny side. Works well in winter with the heater also.

[bobbecky]

There is always the option of using an outside sun shade, such as this:

http://carefreeofcolorado.com/products/sunshade.html

[TexasKevin]

I have a 2015 Sprinter 331 RLS and had all of the windows limo tinted and this helps tremendously. You still need your shades down on the sunny sides to reduce the amount of light/heat transfer coming in. My windows were already tinted but with the 5% added, it makes a big difference. My last 3 trailers have been done that way. Suggestion is to paint your frosted door windows on the inside black, then install the foil bubble wrap insulator on the window also. I covered my skylight in the shower, the darker the camper the cooler it will be. Hope this helps you.