Window coverings

#1

Hi again

Well I’ve been and gone and done it ----I bought my van!!!
Its a Merc Sprinter and has been converted already. It has a kitchen, shower and fixed bed, plus a partly set up basic composting toilet. The engine has done a lot of miles but that’s ok as I’m not planning a huge load of driving.
It has solar and diesel heating plus wired up lighting. I got an three way fridge, bit old but working and has a cooker with hob, grill and oven that runs on gas.
I’m pretty darn pleased… but still got a few things to do before moving in.
Which brings me on to the windows; I need to make insulated blackout privacy inserts for the rear, side and all the cab windows.
I have bought a roll of reflective bubble wrap foil and was planning on covering this with thermal, blackout fabric. Will that work? I saw online someone do this but they used a material that was more like a waterproof canvas than thermal fabric. Which would be best? I am in Scotland and our winters are cold and damp.
This will be my first experience of van life and I like to be toasty but not mouldy if you know what I mean…any suggestions?
Thank you for your time and assistance, most appreciated

#2

Greetings!

The problem with insulating window coverings is that they don’t stop the condensation or the frozen insides of the windows, they only hide it. I want my heat to reach my windows to prevent condensation and freezing. I have 360° of windows, and rarely cover any of them. Only my toilet & shower are private. I don’t hide, and I don’t care if somebody is watching. Most of my neighbors usually know me by name, know exactly what I’m doing, that I’m a good neighbor, and have no reason to hide or be ashamed of what I’m doing.

Temperature wise, your heating & cooling equipment is what keeps you comfortable. Not insulation, and not window coverings. Required ventilation totally defeats any benefits of insulation, and lack of ventilation is what leads to moisture & mold issues. The best combination is lots of ventilation, and enough dry heating/cooling power to keep you comfortable in spite of the needed ventilation.

It gets down to 60 below zero sometimes where I winter, but it’s still paradise in my van at 70°f, without any added insulation, or window coverings. I use a kerosene wick type heater, which is also safe to run over night.

Cheers!

"Proper Planning is preferable to premature failure" ~ DreamLife