Yukon XL Questions and Build advice

Oh nice! So… sticky Velcro on the top and bottom to attach it? That must be the key.

1 Like

Yes! The velcro was definitely key to getting them to attach and push back into the windows.

2 Likes

I have a few amazing fabric stores I’m going to go JT tonight.

Did you Velcro the top too or attach a different way here?

1 Like

We used paracord strung up around our van to attach them, but I think Velcro on top would probably work better. We just hit the road in it, and we’ve noticed some gaps at the top, so I think adding Velcro on the top is the next step for us.
But you could always just do the Velcro thing, and then you could just take them down whenever you want and store them somewhere.

2 Likes

I’m heading up to a fabric store soon. I think I’m going to Velcro all the way around.

2 Likes

Grab yourself a roll of reflectix from the Depot. It is a reflective barrier/insulator. This is a cheap and effective way to keep the car a little cooler in the day time and block all light from escaping at night time. Best part is that you can cover them in the fabric you are about to buy and they will look like some of the fancy insulating shades that sell for 100’s of dollars.

3 Likes

For facing outward? If I was camping away from people that would be great but for trying to be stealthy this would draw attention.

No, for inside. The covers would be masked by the dark tint of your windows. People would not be able to see in at all. Then if you cover them with fabric, they will be visually appealing to you while you are inside. The number one benefit is the fact that your truck will remain way more climate controlled by blocking out the heat of the day.

Trying to be stealthy you say, come on. Stealth is the name of my game, sweetie literally…

3 Likes

This method is useful in many ways!!
Thanks for that share :heart:

I have been wondering something about the reflectix for windows and haven’t been able to find the right answer - if you put fabric on it does it impact the rating at all? I know it says you need to have air space but does the fabric impact it at all?

2 Likes

I don’t think it makes too much of a difference.

But then again, ive never done it before. So @StealthCamper would be able to answer this question better then I can

Do not worry about the fabric hindering the insulating properties of the window covers.

Thanks!! I wasn’t sure haha

For window covers - we found this material called Insul-Shine. It’s a reflective material on one side, and batting on the other. We just sewed some dark blue fabric on the opposite side and hung them on hooks. This way they are reversible. When we’re sleeping in freezing temps, we have the reflective side facing in which keeps the interior warmer and when we’re in hot temps, we flip them around so the reflective side faces the windows to keep the heat and sunlight out. They aren’t flushed on our windows to allow a bit of a gap to let the heat actually radiate and bounce off. when we are not using them, we just roll them up and velcro them above the windows. Best of luck to you brother!

5 Likes

This sounds awesome.

2 Likes

On a past project I used magnetic tape for the “blinds” to attach to the sides of the window. (see here for an example)

The tape I used had adhesive on one side which I stuck to the van. The other oppositely charged strip was inserted in to a sewn “fold over” on the curtain edge. Both were placed vertical. Easy to put up and remove when needed :slight_smile: In case my “instructions” are not all that clear I found this tutorial on making a tarp. Hop down to STEP 6 and note the hem diagram. I slipped the magnetic tape into the fold that was sewn lol.

3 Likes

So, after going over all the messages, most of this looked like the best bet was to see something together with one of the types of reflective material.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a sewing machine, nowhere rents them or has them for use.

So, I went with a good old black felt with a few sticky Velcro tabs around the windows. Not going to block all the light but I care about privacy more than my sun alarm clock. Not a bad fix. I’m going to cut them down a little better later to clean them up but for now this works just perfectly.

And when I drive I can just pull it off the tops and sides and let it hang.

2 Likes

That looks amazing. Great idea here!

Magnetic tape sounds like a great solution to a lot of things! Hah. When I get to upgrading my current solution? I’m going to give that a shot.

The good stuff will hold well too. I used to use it when installing retro double glazing - perspex sheets held against the window frame with the tape so they could be easily removed for cleaning etc :slight_smile:

1 Like