Window blackout ideas?

[jamesfamilytx]

Our trailer will once again serve as home away from home for Dennis this summer. He will be working nights and sleeping during the day. Any ideas for ways to make it nice and dark in the bedroom? The "escape" window has a curtain but no additional blind or shade, and the bedroom door of course has the frosted glass window. Dennis would be happy to just tape some foil up there but I'd like something a bit more tasteful AND I'd like something that I can put up and take down pretty easily!

Thanks,
Beth and Dennis James
Austin, TX
2013 Bullet 248RKS
2011 Silverado 2500 HD

[SAD]

I have used one of these in the bedroom door/window before:



Attaches with velcro. Works pretty good.

[Justvisiting2day]

When in Alaska we used simple old cardboard cut to fit, cheap too!

[justlkn]

What we did was buy a black out curtain in the color of your choice. We then cut it to fit the windows and used stitch witch to make the ends where we put a small cheap spring rod. We used one on the top and bottom of the curtain and just spring rod it in the frame of the window. Works like a champ and never falls off when towing. Pretty easy and nice and cheap. Think we spent maybe 15 bucks altogether.

[sagebel]

I agree with SAD. Get some solar shades and kill two birds with one stone. Keep the light and heat out.

[buzzcop63]

I purchased from Dollar tree art boards that are black on one side and white on the other, cut to fit door screen and trap between door and screen, black side out. From Camping World purchased push in pillows for the skylights and last we have a side window in our bedroom that another art board can be pushed between window and the pull down shade. Have been doing this routine every night out now going on three seasons. Its inexpensive and it works, bedroom stays nice and dark, also the ceiling sky light pillows block out the cold or heat.

[jamesfamilytx]

Thanks all! Great ideas.

Beth and The Gang

[kimrb266]

I took down the tacky, cheap blinds and when redoing the upholstery in our trailer, I also made curtains in our bedroom. I was concerned about shadows when I am changing so I purchase some blackout curtains from Walmart. One panel was enough to cover both windows and they now have 2 functions...Looking better than before and blackout.

[TDF5G]

Good old corrugated cardboard.

If you remove the frame from the inside of the window and trace it out. Then cut slightly larger for a press fit.

It is hidden from the inside by the blinds being closed. Painted black on the outside with rattle can for a great appearance. Easy to remove and replace.

It'll be dark as night. Makes it great for sleeping in late.

[mobile42]

I too also agree with SAD but we went one step further. Me and my DW where in Phoenix Arizona the 1st week in August (last year) where the temperature was averaging 108-112 degrees during day. Prior to our trip I purchase a couple rolls of Radiant Barrier Insulation from Home Depot (about $23) 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 (you don't really need the shades if you trim the barrier to fit the window frame). It really help because when we where out and about and would finally returned to the 5th wheel, the digital wall thermostat would be showing 74-76 degrees each day we were there. Of course, I was plugged in to 50 amp service (using both AC's) and also use a tower fan to pull the cool air from the bedroom into the rest of the trailer. My DW says, "Aw, it's nice in here. Boy you got this down don't you" It wasn't important to us that we weren't able to look out those windows anyway but they're easy to remove if needed. I rather be comfortable than miserable anytime!


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

[TDF5G]

The foil insulation works great for blocking out heat, but the sun will shine through it a little.

The cardboard is very opaque. No light gets through.

Gives me an idea, maybe attach the insulation to a piece of cardboard and put it in the window.

[michol02]

I used foil covered bubble wrap, and spray painted the side facing out flat black. It insulates, blocks out all the sun, and looks good.

Not a very good picture, but window I did is on the right.

[mobile42]

Originally Posted by TDF5G

The foil insulation works great for blocking out heat, but the sun will shine through it a little.

The cardboard is very opaque. No light gets through.

Gives me an idea, maybe attach the insulation to a piece of cardboard and put it in the window.

No actually if it's cut correctly around the curvature of the window frame, you won't get any light through it and yes.............sure blocks out the heat! That foil insulation is at least a little thicker than 1/4 inch.

And when your ready to open up a window, just remove the insulation and roll it up.

[TDF5G]

I must have some thinner foil insulation then. I bought it at Lowe's.

In the direct sunlight it bleeds through a little. I 'm not refering to the edges, I mean the material itself.

[LateArrivalforLSU]

Originally Posted by michol02

I used foil covered bubble wrap, and spray painted the side facing out flat black. It insulates, blocks out all the sun, and looks good.
Attachment 5841
Not a very good picture, but window I did is on the right.

The flat black paint is a nice touch. I've used the foil covered bubble wrap in the past and it worked like a champ. I just purchased an Avalanche and am gonna cut some more foil covered bubble wrap, but will incorporate your idea of the flat black paint on the outside

[TDF5G]

Just wanted to point out that I paint the cardboard. I've never tried painting the foil insulation. I don't know how well that would work.

I use thick, approx 1/4" maybe 3/8" double corrugated cardboard in the bedroom to block out light for sleeping. I paint it flat black with a rattle can on the side that shows from the oustide. With black window frames it looks great in the window from outside the RV. On the inside, I pull down the blinds and it covers it up and looks great too.

Just raise the blind and remove the cardboard to open the window or clean. I cut it just slightly over size for a press fit. Blocks out the light completely including around the edge.

I use the foil in other areas of the camper to block out heat. Of course it blocks out the light also, but not as well as the corrugated cardboard does for me.

Just didn't want to creat a misunderstanding here with the paint.

Thanks.

[Maxine51334]

I have used the light weight twist car shades. They fit the small windows great,and they store easily,and keep it dark.

[Desert185]

My wife is an old-school, Alaska, homestead girl. She taught me to close my eyes and adapt. Hey! It works! , honey!

She also taught me that duct tape can be my friend...tastefully applied, of course.

[05hd350]

I too used the foil type bubble insulation from lowes. Cut to fit the windows and slide it between the window and the shade. Also cut a piece and velcro'd it to the ceiling to cover the bubble in the shower. Great stuff, duel purpose light/heat blocker.

[mobile42]

Originally Posted by 05hd350

I too used the foil type bubble insulation from lowes. Cut to fit the windows and slide it between the window and the shade. Also cut a piece and velcro'd it to the ceiling to cover the bubble in the shower. Great stuff, duel purpose light/heat blocker.

Yes!!