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Cockpit Curtain?

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.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #1 –

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...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
97 U295 40, Build #5040, 6C8.3 325 HP
Oregon Continuous Traveler
Samsung Residential #RF20HFENBSR,
Xantrex SW2012, (3)AGM8D Hse, (2)AGM Grp24 Eng, Victron BMV-712, 1800w Solar 4 LG & 2 Sunpower
Extreme Full Body Pt w/hdlmps, new furn/floor, 4 down Lexus 2004 GX470 AWD curb weight 4,740 lbs
Prev: 1990 Barth, 10L 300 2 yrs; 91&92 Monaco Signature, 10 yrs, 10L C 300 &  6C8.3 300; 1997 ForeT 6C8.3 325 since May 2017.  Employed by Guaranty RV 14+ yrs.  Former VW New Car Dlr/Service Dlr, Sales Mgr, Rv Sales, and Service Adviser from 1968-2017
"Don't criticize what you can't understand" Bob Dylan

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #2 –
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 restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #3 –
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.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #4 –
We use a Magna Shade...works awesome really cuts the heat.
Hans & Marjet
1995 U300 "Ben" (#4719)
3176B Cat,4060HD,Jake
SKP#139131
Motorcade#17579
2006 Honda Element (towed)

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #5 –
Mounted eyestraps (lots of choices: West Marine) 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

Threaded a clear plastic shower curtain on the line.  Stored under sofa.  Installs/removed in 20 seconds.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #6 –

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...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #7 –
I like this one. Yes a small stepladder helps, no sagging or stretching!  RV Windshield Covers & Window Covers | Enjoy a Cool Environment
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: mike leary –
I like this one. Yes a small stepladder helps, no sagging or stretching!

Yes, the external sun screen is very effective of keeping heat out.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #9 –
I just posted a link, they make wiper covers, too!  I heard they have a outlet in Phoenix now!
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
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...


 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.
As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Moby –

 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.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #12 –
Quote from: mike leary –
I just posted a link, they make wiper covers, too!  I heard they have a outlet in Phoenix now!
Thanks Mike. For some reason I was thinking you had some kind of a room divider INSIDE your coach.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Dakota Slim –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #14 –
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
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #15 –
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.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #16 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
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.
No clue: where was it, Brett?  ???
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Cockpit Curtain?

Reply #17 –
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.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020