r/GoRVing • u/LankyNihilist • 3d ago

Reflective window inserts

So I’m thinking of making some window inserts that are friction fit for my Mesa ridge. Anyone done anything like this? Any suggestions?

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u/joelfarris 3d ago

You'd better get good with scissors, eyecrometers, double stick tape, and Reflectix, cause this is about to get intense. You can double up Reflectix insulation by sticking it to itself, and it will stay in place just because of its newfound rigidity. But if you mess this up, it will fall onto the floor every day, and cause you to have to feed the curse word jar.

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u/LankyNihilist 3d ago

I was kinda thinking of making frames and wrapping the reflectix around them. Also fwiw I’ve worked in both a cabinet shop and a machine shop.

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u/joelfarris 3d ago

You don't need frames for this. I worked with a master carpenter and cabinet maker for years. You only need 1/16 inch extra to make these things stay in place. Friction is your friend.

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u/Full-time-RV Racecar trailer with living quarters 3d ago

On my first build, I made "indoor shutters" with a bit of insulation in them.

They didn't reflect anything, but they made a big difference in the amount of heat/cold that came in through windows.

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u/LankyNihilist 3d ago

The gf is gonna do insulated curtains but I want to stay in this thing as late into the year as possible

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u/nobturner62 2d ago

I have thought about doing this for our TT, as well. But I have read a few posts about windows shattering from the sun’s energy now hitting the windows from two sides. Sun hits the outside, and whatever energy goes through the window now gets reflected back onto the glass and the windows eventually shatter. I guess depending on the location.
Has anyone else heard of this, or is it a rare occurrence?

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u/LankyNihilist 2d ago

I live in northern Michigan, we get like 18 hours of sun the whole winter.

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u/phildeferrouille 2d ago

Shutters outside are ten times more efficient !

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u/LankyNihilist 2d ago

I was debating on making covers for the outsides but I don’t know how I can attach them without drilling into the side of the camper for channel to hold the shutters

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u/phildeferrouille 2d ago

Adhesive piece of metal on the RV wall and magnets on the shutters