Which windshield sunshade do you prefer?

Deezl Smoke · July 21, 2023

Finally spending enough time out and about in the rig, so need a sunshade for the windshield.

Which brand or type do you use or have used and either like or dislike? I see several on amazon. I dont think I need a custom fit shade, but it's a tougher decision when you see sunshades for semi trucks listed with rearview mirror cutouts. So far I've only ever come across one day-cab with a rearview mirror and that's because I installed it. But.....

Thanks.

Jaydrvr · July 21, 2023

This is what I use in my Volvo windshield. Jay

https://www.google.com/url?esrc=s&q=&rct=j&sa=U&url=https://www.walmart.com/ip/Auto-Drive-Universal-2-Counts-Jumbo-ASST-Colors-Twist-Sun-Shade-31-5-x-38/175503599&ved=2ahUKEwjG6PLggaCAAxULZTABHZEYDqwQFnoECAkQAg&usg=AOvVaw1tR630GbaZyAEy8NuXfx_e

rpsinc · July 21, 2023

I dont usually spend much for windshield screens but I did for my 730: https://www.raneystruckparts.com/volvo-vn-vnl-window-covers-sun-shades/ and I am really glad I did opt for this one. Works very well.

Darryl&Rita · July 21, 2023

Your truck didn't come with the windshield curtain?

lappir · July 21, 2023

For my Volvo I cut a piece of "reflectix". I think it's a 48 inch wide(or tall) and I have folded over one edge to make it fit better. It's much better at blocking the sun than the "Privacy Screens, but I still close them behind the reflective insulation stuff. You will need a light inside for most things though. I've also cut pieces for the other windows and the "Skylight".

Rod

Pat & Pete · July 22, 2023

24 minutes ago, lappir said:

For my Volvo I cut a piece of "reflectix". I think it's a 48 inch wide(or tall) and I have folded over one edge to make it fit better. It's much better at blocking the sun than the "Privacy Screens, but I still close them behind the reflective insulation stuff. You will need a light inside for most things though. I've also cut pieces for the other windows and the "Skylight".

Rod

Not an HDT , but , just to say that we do the same in our Monaco motor home windshield . Much better at blocking light and adding an insulation layer .

rickeieio · July 22, 2023

Totally off topic, sorta, I'll add that I really disliked the skylight in the Volvo. I often had to wear a hat when driving to keep the sun out of my eyes. Not so with the KW. After over 50 years of working in the sun, I like my shade.

Steve from SoCal · July 22, 2023

I made window covers for the side and windshield from some thin rigid foam. Don't forget the lower door window on the pass door.

Deezl Smoke · July 22, 2023

8 hours ago, Darryl&Rita said:

Your truck didn't come with the windshield curtain?

It did, but I removed them as they are a real pita to keep folded when not in use. When new, they are nicely folded and strapped into their corners. Once used, they never go back. Just too much clutter in that area right beside my head. So I'm looking for a shade that I can just setup when needed, and fold to store in the sleeper cubby when not.

lappir · July 23, 2023

On 7/21/2023 at 7:19 PM, rickeieio said:

Totally off topic, sorta, I'll add that I really disliked the skylight in the Volvo. I often had to wear a hat when driving to keep the sun out of my eyes. Not so with the KW. After over 50 years of working in the sun, I like my shade.

Rick, I also dislike the Skylight. In the Gold truck it was covered both inside and outside for a long time. No light would come in. I was used to it. Now with the white truck, I sometimes appreciate the "Natural" light in the sleeper area, but as soon as I start driving it more during the day, I'm sure it will be covered too.

Rod

lappir · July 23, 2023

On 7/21/2023 at 10:56 PM, Deezl Smoke said:

It did, but I removed them as they are a real pita to keep folded when not in use. When new, they are nicely folded and strapped into their corners. Once used, they never go back. Just too much clutter in that area right beside my head. So I'm looking for a shade that I can just setup when needed, and fold to store in the sleeper cubby when not.

In my first truck the curtains didn't have many of the "Hooks". I could still use them and fashioned some of my own hooks after pricing the little ones from Volvo. WAY too much money for a bent wire, even if it was sharpened.

The new to me truck had all the hooks, but the track was falling because of the broken "Plastic" clips. Found some replacements (Not the $3.00 each Volvo ones) $25 for 25 including shipping. They are exactly the same, except in white. Problem is the aluminum track has bent over the years of non support and trying to clip it into the clips was almost impossible on the passenger side, and so far is impossible on the drivers side. After several hours yesterday I quit. Was starting to get hot in the cab. I'll try in the fall when the temps are cooler, but not cold enough to make the clips brittle.

If you are going try this, replace them one at a time. There is a small spacer behind the fabric that is not attached to it's spot. Got lucky and found the one that dropped out if here when I couldn't get the screw to go in. The spacer had turned sidewise and when I looked fell on the floor. Thankfully I found it and got it to stay long enough to get the screw started and secured.

Rod

Deezl Smoke · July 23, 2023

48 minutes ago, lappir said:

In my first truck the curtains didn't have many of the "Hooks". I could still use them and fashioned some of my own hooks after pricing the little ones from Volvo. WAY too much money for a bent wire, even if it was sharpened.

The new to me truck had all the hooks, but the track was falling because of the broken "Plastic" clips. Found some replacements (Not the $3.00 each Volvo ones) $25 for 25 including shipping. They are exactly the same, except in white. Problem is the aluminum track has bent over the years of non support and trying to clip it into the clips was almost impossible on the passenger side, and so far is impossible on the drivers side. After several hours yesterday I quit. Was starting to get hot in the cab. I'll try in the fall when the temps are cooler, but not cold enough to make the clips brittle.

If you are going try this, replace them one at a time. There is a small spacer behind the fabric that is not attached to it's spot. Got lucky and found the one that dropped out if here when I couldn't get the screw to go in. The spacer had turned sidewise and when I looked fell on the floor. Thankfully I found it and got it to stay long enough to get the screw started and secured.

Rod

Not sure how close to the windshield the Volvo curtain gets, but my Pete 567 the curtain stays a ways back and allows the dash to get quite hot. I would think it similar to volvo as the 567 has a wider one piece windshield like the volvo.

I did leave the track in place, just removed the stops at the end and slid the curtain assembly out. The stored position of the cab curtains interferes with the stored position of the sleeper curtains and makes a heck of pile of curtains right behind my head when driving. So that's why I'm looking for the separate dash shade. I can just fold it and put it in the sleeper cubby when not in use, and not have to deal with the bulky curtain pile when driving.

lappir · July 23, 2023

1 hour ago, Deezl Smoke said:

Not sure how close to the windshield the Volvo curtain gets, but my Pete 567 the curtain stays a ways back and allows the dash to get quite hot. I would think it similar to volvo as the 567 has a wider one piece windshield like the volvo.

I did leave the track in place, just removed the stops at the end and slid the curtain assembly out. The stored position of the cab curtains interferes with the stored position of the sleeper curtains and makes a heck of pile of curtains right behind my head when driving. So that's why I'm looking for the separate dash shade. I can just fold it and put it in the sleeper cubby when not in use, and not have to deal with the bulky curtain pile when driving.

On the Volvo it's too close to the windshield for me to get much leverage to twist the aluminum track to get it in the clip.

The curtains hang deep into the "Defroster vent" area so the dash is pretty well protected with just the curtains. My "Reflectix" makes it even better.

Rod

Edited July 23, 2023 by lappir
Tried to edit out the bold. Copied and pasted the name in quotes for correct spelling and it chose to keep the font and boldness too.