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Need Recommendation for Sun Shade Material


SKP62107

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We are full-timers with a leased lot at the SKP Co-Op in Hondo, TX.  We spend most of our time here and it's hotter than H**L in the summer.  Our 5th wheel rear windows get the blazing hot afternoon sun.  We need to find some way to block some of the heat coming into those windows without blocking the light we get.  We don't want to cover those windows with that aluminum foil stuff which puts us in a dark cave.  We would like suggestions on the best sun blocking material for making shades to fit over the entire back end of the trailer in hopes that it will help lower the temp inside.  We're pretty DIY savvy and plan to do the actual "making" of the shades/screens ourselves if that would be our most cost effective solution.  Just need to know what material to use to get the best "bang for our buck".  We know many of you have had the same problem, so any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Jim & Patti

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Set up a 10x10 EZUP right tight agains the back end, put the legs in 5 gal buckets fill them with sand and then water and they will stay until hell freezes over

I around the inside of the frame at the top installed PVC pipe all the way around to stabilize it and then hung misters

Jim Spence

2000 Dodge 3500 1 ton QC 4x4 dually 5.9 diesel LB

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Here's the sort of material that our sunshade is made out of.  It blocks ~90% of the light but still permits you to see out from inside the MH.

Sun blocking shade material

If you search online you will find other retailers who will let you buy "by the inch" so you don't have to deal just with the sizes HD has.

Sandie & Joel

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We just bought and put up inside our MH windshield :

https://www.amazon.com/Reflectix-BP48010-48-Inch-10-Feet-Insulation/dp/B000BPAULS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1527622105&sr=8-1&keywords=Reflectix+BP48010+48-Inch

It's about a 1/4" thick and stands pretty much on it's own . You can't see through it , but it definitely blocks the sun and lowers the heat level very noticeably .

Goes around , comes around .

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Getting a window awning will really help.  Also, if you get a sunshade, install it on the outside with snaps. Outside will get the heat before reaching the windows.  In addition, a dark color will allow you a crisper view of the surroundings rather than a light color and it won't cut down on light that much. It will just give you a 'tinted window' effect.  A light (white) can be glaring.

Full-timed for 16 Years
Traveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome
and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel

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Along the lines of what docJ said, you can buy large swatches of sun block shade material, like at Home Depot:  https://www.homedepot.com/p/Easy-Gardener-6-ft-x-20-ft-Heavy-Black-Sun-Screen-Shade-Cloth-75020R/100533825

If you are going for some sort of custom configuration, like covering the front of an area, one idea I've considered before is making a PVC tubing frame big enough to cover the area and stretching the sunblock shade over it, and then placing it in front of the area you want protected.  It'll be fairly lightweight, able to be broken down easily, and could be moved as the sun moves.  

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A few years ago when we were in the RGV we had custom made sun screen made for our RV. The material used looks similar to a heavy duty window screen and blocks 80% of the light. Now this might sound like it is really darkening things but it doesn't. What it does do is cut down on the amount direct sunlight transmitted heat. We had then made as the edges are sewn with a commercial duty machine. We had ours made so that they can snap on or off as needed or put away for travel. You can buy the material on Amazon. 

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Had some made for my truck and trailer. Will look up the source of the material. If you are close to Fremont, Iowa, there is a small upholstery shop that added hook and loop (velcro). Will also post a couple photos in the near future. 

 

Rod

White 2000/2010Volvo VNL 770 with 7' Drom box with opposing doors,  JOST slider hitch. 600 HP Cummins Signature 18 Speed three pedal auto shift.

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I make MANY sunscreens for boat salon front windows. Use Phifertex Plus by Textilene, find it online or www.sailrite.com will probably have it. 90% sun reduction, should run you around $ 14/yd + shpg 54" wide in several colors. If you are quoted a LOT more for it, I can get it shipped to you but the freight would be from Longuysland. (That's in NY) I made one for Mark & Dale bruss a few yrs ago, he installed.  

You'd have to see the movie to understand..........

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