I often park in spots with my coach pointed south (long story) and in the spring, summer and fall the heat in the cockpit can be much worse than the rest of the coach -- even with the inside curtain closed -- so I have been thinking about putting up a sliding thermal curtain to shut off the cockpit.
Has anyone done such a thing?
I'm thinking about putting the rod and curtain behind the captain and co-pilot seats and I may even put another one in the back to shut off the back hall and bedroom. At that point, a portable swamp cooler would keep me cool as a cucumber.
I have a cover for the outside of the windshield but I don't use it because I often want the sun to be able to shine in and warm the coach in the morning.
I use something like this Amazon product when parked.
I also have a powered MCD dual shade with the see thru black sunblock on one shade and the other with the vinyl night shade. Both are useful when driving.
I notice the reflective portable shade keeps the rv cooler when used while I'm parked.
Newport West RV Motorhome Reflective Collapsible Sunshade (1pc Shade 2 Rings)- 90" Wide By 43" Tall
Amazon.com: Newport West RV Motorhome Reflective Collapsible Sunshade (1pc... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B8DNL7C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WAvSDbPDGF3DJ)
Yes.
I use a expandable shower curtain rod to hold things up - the wimpy spring loaded curtain rods are too weak.
Place the rod to your liking and adjust. Plenty of strength to hold up thermals as you twist the assembly to adjust tension.
Used this system all summer long and helps with AC a lot.
Will send pic if you need.
In addition to the MCD shade we have, a PO installed a removable black screen on the outside of the windshield. Really cuts the heat down. Justs snaps to the snaps installed around the windshield, but a ladder helps.
We use a Magna Shade...works awesome really cuts the heat.
Mounted eyestraps (lots of choices: West Marine (http://www.westmarine.com/search?Ntt=eye+strap)) outboard on overhead cabinets just behind the front seats (Mike Leary who has out coach may be able to post a picture.
Then had some line and two SUNCOR Stainless Steel Carabiners with Eye | West Marine (http://www.westmarine.com/buy/suncor--stainless-steel-carabiners-with-eye--P006676837?recordNum=15)
Threaded a clear plastic shower curtain on the line. Stored under sofa. Installs/removed in 20 seconds.
Thanks for all the great ideas. Lots of ways to solve this problem. I like Moby and Mike Leary's ideas and hope Mike can post a photo or 2.
Meanwhile, I just scavenged up a 1 3/8" diameter wooden curtain rod for free and may go with something like these Deconovo Faux Linen Blackout Curtains...
Amazon.com: Deconovo Faux Linen Blackout Curtains with 3 Pass Energy... (https://www.amazon.com/Deconovo-Blackout-Efficient-Insulated-Darkening/dp/B07FYG868K/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?keywords=thermal+curtains+75+inches+long+w44&qid=1571857757&s=home-garden&sr=1-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFUN0dUREZKUkdTNjQmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5NTUyNjRLOUNRN0FXWUsyQkUmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDc5MDY5NVFISDA3MDlJNVc1QiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)
I like this one. Yes a small stepladder helps, no sagging or stretching! RV Windshield Covers & Window Covers | Enjoy a Cool Environment (https://www.shadepro.net/product-category/windshield-covers/)
Yes, the external sun screen is very effective of keeping heat out.
I just posted a link, they make wiper covers, too! I heard they have a outlet in Phoenix now!
If you use a wood rod, you'll have to find a way to suspend it. Home centers have curtain rod pockets for the ends of rods but you have to secure them somehow.
This is true. I could make a trip to home depot or fabricate something -- maybe a couple pieces of wood.
This coach came with a nice Naugahyde cover for the outside of the windshield and front side windows -- with nice fasteners in place -- but I don't want to be outside climbing on a ladder every time I want to let the sunshine in or look out.
Thanks Mike. For some reason I was thinking you had some kind of a room divider INSIDE your coach.
There WAS one. No idea of removed by the "owner between me and Mike". The eyestraps for quick installation/removal may still be there, even if no curtain.
I,m a fan of the Magna Shade as well. There not cheap by any means. So getting ready to pull the trigger on one and needed a way to get the store to pay for it. Spoke to our accountant and Voila! Going to put this on the screen and will get a 100% write off for advertising. Will post the finished product installed when I get it. ( about 30 days ) Hoping to have it for the CA. Rally
1K total for the magma shade for all the front windows is high but not to bad considering the total cost of our coaches. My snaps could let in water and since I've had a bad leak there could be from that. I vote for the magna shade minus the advertising.
No clue: where was it, Brett? ???
Go to driver's seat. Look back and up at the overhead cabinet.
Should see the hardware that would secure one side of the curtain-- yes, unless removed by a subsequent owner.