DIY MiniVan STEALTH Custom PRIVACY BLACKOUT Window Covers + Tips & Tricks Camping Must Have

Рет қаралды 49,409

Күн бұрын

This is the first in a series of videos where we convert our Mini Van into a Camper for some cross-country road trips and camping getaways.
I have had questions of why reflectix isn't on the window side for heat reflection, I get it, but when we do that you can clearly see the foil from a distance, these were made for stealth purposes so nobody sees in but we aren't "spotted". If we were in a hot summer day sure you could cut and use the foil side to window for heat reflection, but we don't really camp in the high heat areas or months.
Want to see our video for a custom DIY Bed Platform? • DIY One Of A Kind Mini...
Our Amazon Camping VanLife Fitness Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/bonsaiketo
Template Craft Paper - amzn.to/3q1RIJf
Reflectix 24"x25' Roll - amzn.to/2J8S688
Elmer's Spray Adhesive - amzn.to/3nX0eat
Plain Black Fabric - amzn.to/366JvM0
(we used 4 yards and had extra)
A Similar Custom Fabric - amzn.to/3pZbmpj
(we used 4 yards and had extra)
White Fabric Pencil - amzn.to/2V3i9Qu
Brother Sewing Machine - amzn.to/3l4XgyL
Singer Heavy Duty Needles - amzn.to/3lfSsXL
Sewing Clips - amzn.to/2J0mj9v
Bias Tape Wrights 706 031 - amzn.to/39hSH1O
(we used 5 packs and had extra)
Step one for us was privacy blackout window covers, we looked into buying a set online we weren’t impressed with the choices or looks so we decided to make it a project and get creative with it!
Most of the items are available at your local stores or on Amazon, we hope this video helps to inspire you to make your own, they weren’t hard to make and we were able to choose the fabrics and hey it’s fun to learn and create something custom too!
If you liked this video, subscribe and follow us on this journey, we have many other plans and ideas in the future of step by step in creating our camper.
Bill & Stacey
Email:
StaceyandBillsAdventures@gmail.com
Amazon links are affiliate links which earn us a small percentage of funds to help support our efforts in creating these videos to share with everyone on our channel, if you click thru them and buy anything (not just the items listed above), We Thank You!
#Blackouts #Stealth #WindowCovers
Boondocking

Пікірлер: 200

@notaennebodie531 3 жыл бұрын

very nice job, as a solo traveler I added a peek hole in the back side windows with a matching flap, so I could look out without taking them down.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Yes another thing I’d like would be some pull straps to take them out of the windows easier, always a work in progress

@Debrajoy 2 жыл бұрын

@@StaceyBillsAdventures your blackout window coverings are amazing! However, I was able to use a company called heat shield. You give them the make and model of your van or car and they make them exactly to those specifications. The best $175 I ever spent on my van, except of course, a small Mr Buddy for heat.

@VivianRAlex Жыл бұрын

AWESOME idea!!!!

@okiejammer2736 Жыл бұрын

⚘ Wowww. What a beautiful job on these covers. Thanks so much for showing us the How-To. Needed and appreciated!

@ruthgumataotao1792 2 ай бұрын

Those look great. Thank you for the video.

@dianastoevelaar9548 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for a great instructional video with lots of attention to details!😊❤ However, it is important for everyone to know that if you cover the reflectix, you lose the heat, deflecting affect of them, and will turn your van into an oven in the summertime! It is important to leave the reflectix to do the reflecting of heat, when facing outward. When facing inward, they don’t work either if you have covered the other side and black fabric for stealth camping. So to be clear, leave one side, reflective for heat, reflecting value, and position your window coverings with the black outside, only if you are trying to be a stealth camper and/or trying to keep heat out, during the daytime. :-) I look forward to more great videos from your channel and wish you many happy and safe adventures.😊❤

@RandomStuffWithBill Жыл бұрын

I agree and mentioned it in comments here a few times, I could cut reflectix bare and put that up then put our covers up but I don’t really stealth camp in super hot conditions. Also reflectix bare sure gives a reflection and gives away your stealthiness so it’s five and take on that but great point yes :)

@dianastoevelaar9548 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for a wonderfully edited, instructional video with lots of attention to details. 😊 For those of you sensitive to chemicals, like I am, a great alternative to spray adhesive is double-sided, carpet tape. I learned this nontoxic trick from a wonderful channel called “Eric enjoys earth” here on KZfaq. 😊❤

@Thetravelingmoes 2 ай бұрын

New here, love this. I was just talking with the hubs about making our own. Just to fit our own van. I had the same exact method in my head. Now, off to the van. Thank you, I appreciate that someone did it too so i didn't feel like I was wrong in my thinking. Love that so many chimed in too. Thank you community❤

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for all the input and comments on these, Stacey was very excited to share these with everyone, subscribe and hang out with us on our process of making the minivan into a camper for some fun adventures this spring! - Bill :)

@VEWNZ 2 жыл бұрын

Hands down ....the most professional result, the neatest tidiest tutorial. Thank you for showing how it is supposed to be done

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, thanks! Much appreciated.

@michelleunruh2307 3 жыл бұрын

I never thought I could make something so pretty!😆, but you make it easy I’m going to give it a shot. Just bought my van this week I will be doing this. Thank you Stacy!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Michelle, I hope the process goes smoothly for you, we'd love to see them when you're done! - Stacey

@beeARTcanada Жыл бұрын

Ironing the tape in half first helps when placing it around the edge. Also you can zigzag it on instead of straight stitch it. Nice job - very inspiring.

@dschulz9695 2 жыл бұрын

Dear Stacy and Bill. I’m just thought of a great source of income for you. Manufacture custom window coverings for specific vehicles. I have a 2010. Ford Escape and have tried making window coverings three times and had each fail miserably. Can’t sew worth a darn and can’t find anyone realizable enough to do a nice job. By the way, love the start look. Just a thought, hot glue some of those glow in the dark stars all over the place. By day they’ll charge up and at night when you put them up you’ll get to feel like a kid all over again.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Our local library has a sewing club, always looking for projects, i wonder if any senior center or library may have something similar, if you can trace them out on poster board or something and grab the materials I would bet someone local might be able to help put them together!?!

@lorriew2812 3 жыл бұрын

Stacey nice job

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lorrie! Have a great day!

@yoursacredjourneywithyello996 3 жыл бұрын

Nicely done. Thank you!

@BonsaiKeto 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I am pretty proud of them!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! These were actually fun once I got past the fear of starting the project :)

@alexandrastevens8892 3 жыл бұрын

I really love the way you have chosen a beautiful spangly material for the inside of your van, looks like a starry sky

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah we figured why not dress it up, a few bucks above basic black but makes us smile when we see them so that makes the van more like home :)

@kevincameron7389 Жыл бұрын

Wow. Those look TERRIFIC !!. I've always wanted to learn how to sew. You've just motivated me to learn. They look SO professionally made.

@sheila5707 3 ай бұрын

This is exactly what I was looking for to put in my new 4runnner camper. Thank you so much!

@kathiesagert4299 3 жыл бұрын

Those came out awesome!!!!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kathie :)

@joane8651 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job, Stacey!

@RandomStuffWithBill 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you, they turned out really good I’m excited to use them!!!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thank. you Joan! I am super happy with them!

@markstevens4264 4 ай бұрын

I've seen many similar videos getting ready to make some covers for my Highlander. This is BY FAR the best video I've seen on the topic. (By the way, Stacey has a beautiful smile.)

@sueb860 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, thank you, thank you! We used this method and my husband sewed everything together. We have Chrysler Town & Country and tried out last night for the first time. Very happy. This is an awesome help. I feel like me finding the video was my contribution. 😂😂😂

@RandomStuffWithBill Жыл бұрын

What’s funny is our setup changes depending on the trip or who all is going but there hasn’t been a single trip we didn’t bring and use our window covers ;)

@amyfu2047 2 жыл бұрын

This was seriously the best video I’ve seen on making window covers. And I’ve watched a LOT of them the past couple days!! I will be using your method and you have a new subscriber!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!! We have been using them nonstop and they work great for us!

@hannahrosa5485 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, I just popped over from Travel Snacks. I need to lose 60 lbs.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

We enjoy all the videos she does :) learning a lot here on KZfaq can’t wait to hit the road this spring :)

@CaliforniasGoldCoast 2 жыл бұрын

I helped my neighbor make some for her van, I found a gorgeous 3D landscape scene on a curtain that looks great as the inside fabric. Looks like a continuous scene on one side of the van and another on the other... yet cohesive .. came out super nice. Thanks.

@Edelwiess1066 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely! Thank you for this inspiration!

@BonsaiKeto 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I was a little intimidated when I started but went much better than I thought!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

So glad!

@baz7055 Жыл бұрын

Thank you Can't wait to make my set. Great instructions

@VivianRAlex Жыл бұрын

EXACTLY what I needed to see. Getting ready to get out there this summer and trying hard to spend as little as possible.... Thank you so much for this video.

@billiebaldwin6069 8 ай бұрын

Those came out amazing!! Great job!

@momistaken 3 жыл бұрын

What a beautiful job!!! Thanks so much! Your video was exactly what I needed!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Donna! One thing I had stacey add was tabs to pull them out of the windows easier, I don't have nails like she does hehe - Bill :)

@angelabraggs7614 3 жыл бұрын

OMGosh! I love them

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Stacey did a great job on these they work great, one thing after this first trip use is to add pull tabs to remove them easier for me since i don't have the longer fingernails :)

@dfros1957 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing. They look fantastic ! I plan on starting my van build soon.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Stacey is way more patient and talented than me, if I did it it would be a parody video lol - Bill

@stacey9003 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing great result!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Great name btw - 🥰

@rosehill1595 3 жыл бұрын

Looks great!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!!!

@musicgeek8087 3 жыл бұрын

Looks really nice - good job!

@BonsaiKeto 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! I was a little worried about the project but easier than I thought when I got started.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@dragondudenv Жыл бұрын

watched the video with no audio and still very informative and actually works. Thanks!

@firequeen2194 2 жыл бұрын

My process was very similar. Only hitch was NONE of the van windows are the same size. I put a light color on one size for warm weather and a dark color for stealth/cold weather. They do not flip easily for the color change. Still figuring it out. I also added diy window tint to make the windows darker so even the light side is pretty stealthy. Also created covers for front side windows to help with any light bleed at night from separating curtain. The window shade for the front window is purchased and is large enough to cover entire front window. Believe it or not, with all the coverings in place, you still can’t tell they are up. The vehicle looks completely normal unless you’re super close. Fantastic job.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

I did each window individually just in case ~ I was nervous enough on how the sewing so I didn't want any issues - lol. I was pretty happy with the way they turned out. Nice idea having two sides for summer/winter.

@davidw_52 Жыл бұрын

Love the fabric design. May attempt it myself, thanks for the video

@thecarpenters9571 Жыл бұрын

Thank you! I’m glad I saw this today, as I am making our window covers and will now use this instead of what I had previously planned. BTW, I adore your star fabric, too…great job!

@debbierika478 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. Really good instructions I am going to make some now that you have explained it so well. Cheers and happy days and camping . xxx

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome we are really enjoying these! If you make a video share the link love to see it!

@OliviaHer 3 жыл бұрын

Inspiring. And they look beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! It was a little nerve wracking when I started but no so bad once I got going.

@connief5154 3 жыл бұрын

Stacey, you did an excellent job on demonstrating and explaining each step of the process. You are appreciated.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

She’s my favorite narrator/Demonstrator :)

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

But I am also biased hehe

@christophervela8120 Жыл бұрын

Yall did amazing 👏

@perentietutadventurneering1652 3 жыл бұрын

What an awesome job, when I make mine I too will use my sewing machine, the binding gives it a professional finish, the custom interior print makes the cover unique & looks great!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

The binding we did helped sorta fill gaps in the template and hold the panels up into the plastic trim areas easier, the one thing we are adding are pull straps on the inside so we can remove them easier.

@liveandletsbuild2701 4 ай бұрын

This was THE best video on making window covers. Thank you for the video!

@RandomStuffWithBill 4 ай бұрын

I am still using them 3 years later, i did have stacey sew me on some pull tabs and on my rear window i had to have her add just a tad more of that binder outter edge part, it just wasn't staying up as well after being used a half dozen times or so, the side windows tho are super solid still, just that back one needed some extra material to stay in place.

@jam8773 3 жыл бұрын

Really beautiful job!👏👏

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks these actually work great for us and love the custom look too

@randabuffer6562 3 жыл бұрын

Came out great!!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Pretty happy with them!

@carmenlo2391 Жыл бұрын

👍🏽thanks for sharing

@BrianBonner 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job on the blackout reflectix panels. Nice work! We have to make those!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Always a work in progress I told Stacey I need pull tabs on these to get them out easier also would be neat if they had a lift window to peek out just things to add on :)

@RetroGameRepublic 2 жыл бұрын

Very nice, I'm going to try and make these for my van.

@debbiemiller123 2 жыл бұрын

These are awesome! Going to give them a go for SUV 😍

@sarahmeyer7150 Жыл бұрын

i just looked these up on amazon and they are 160!! i will be following in your footsteps to make these!

@bethelteshuwah9824 2 жыл бұрын

Wow what inspiration thankyou!!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@gracehoihchingofficial 2 жыл бұрын

i really love the sky pattern fabric you used on the inside

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, took lots of “sampling” but by far the best!

@TheDISSHonoredOne 2 жыл бұрын

they look beautiful, you did a great job!!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Awe, thank you! They make me smile when we use them!

@ShalomOnTheRoam 3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Thanks for adding one of my videos to your "Inspiring Mini Vans" Playlist!!!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

No problem!! LOVE watching all the videos out there the only problem is i get all these ideas and well the van gets full fast, hardest part is trying to decide what i need vs what i want.

@kathleenhoward7070 2 жыл бұрын

Very nicely done.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Awe, thank you Kathleen! Have a great day!

@neilstemp7137 2 ай бұрын

Excellent video your blinds look Professional highly impressed hope mine turn out something like yours

@GR8SCOTT 3 жыл бұрын

I love the pattern you got!!!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Yeah she was just wanting something to dress things up inside ;)

@ramonalesafifth1694 2 жыл бұрын

An amazing job one of the best methods I have seen

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! We had fun with it :)

@MrJaspermyboy 2 жыл бұрын

Great tidy job!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@skpjoecoursegold366 Жыл бұрын

very nice.

@gracecallowayable 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

@jannah4288 2 жыл бұрын

Very nicely done video and window covers. :)

@joanies6778 9 ай бұрын

Why cover the reflectix on both sides? The silver side is usually used to reflect sun away to help keep the vehicle cooler inside, and the black side is used to absorb heat to keep the vehicle warm.

@RandomStuffWithBill 9 ай бұрын

Stealth, because the reflectix against the windows is clearly seen from outside, now if it's a super hot day we do have reflextix to use on windows then use our inserts, but when we are trying to just go park be stealth not be "noticed" as camping the black just makes it look like a tinted window.

@JonTanOsb 3 жыл бұрын

Well, now you've done it. I've got The A Team theme running through my head. :) My Pontiac Montana has tinted windows in the back, so I might be able to get by with just a curtain separating the front. Time will tell. Jon in rural BC, Canada

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Right on! Life is short so just tossin some stuff together and heading out is the way to go, each trip I make the list of take and leave at home changes, evolves, etc I am just glad I am getting out there finally.

@paulaobeid 3 жыл бұрын

They look great and I love the pattern you chose on the material

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Paula, a few things we are adding are some pull tabs on the insides so they are easier to remove and we also made some panels from the excess relective material to put in the window in daytimes to reflect direct sun if needed, then removed for stealh mode black if needed other times etc.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching, we love the swirl/star pattern as well. We looked for quite a while at Jo-Anne Fabrics before spotting this one. We both agreed as soon as we saw it!

@paulaobeid 3 жыл бұрын

@@StaceyBillsAdventures sounds like a video update is needed LOL

@lianestennes6492 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for your design. Did you ever make a front privacy curtain?

@aarontracy5160 Ай бұрын

Looks great. Curious though if it would have made sense to keep a foil side exposed to reflect the thermal energy during the day

@RandomStuffWithBill Ай бұрын

So here's the thing I get that the silver would reflect sun and I could cut just silver pieces for that, but its SO not stealth you see it even with the van windows tinted, in cases where we just wanted to park and not be noticed the black is what we wanted to not be detected, it ends up looking like limo tint from a distance. If i was like middle of summer arizona desert 100+ degrees yep i'd want to pop the silver insert in window then the black one behind it as sort of a insulator, we tend to not camp in the van in extreme heat or cold really though this was all about the stealth aspect.

@tinatrebilcock8307 3 жыл бұрын

Great video,pretty neat pattern, how come you didn’t make the for the front windows and the wind shield,are you going to divide it with a curtain for the privacy

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

We still have enough of the materials to do the front windows, but yeah our plan is a curtain just behind the 2 front seats at this point. - Bill

@naimasrael6829 3 жыл бұрын

Beautiful Job Stacey!!! I saw some clips around some of the windows. Yeah, most these businesses are over pricing window covers. I think I will make these without the adhesive and add yet another layer of some sort of thinSulate-ish🥴kind of material. Are You using added clips 2keep the covers in place or are they just fitting in on their own??? Thankhz so Much for sharing. Wholeness n Essence of Love ((-;

@Merlinsluck 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing job! I am getting ready to make my covers for my van. I like your method the best. Where did you get the starry material?

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

I have to say, it was a little daunting to me before I started the sewing but went easy peasy once I got started! We got all of the material from Jo-Anne Fabrics. Thanks for watching.

@danesba1 2 жыл бұрын

I love this video, thanks! I wonder though, why you didn't keep the shiney reflection exposed to reflect the warmth in or warmth out?

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

Good question! We have a set for when we are camping vs. when we are trying to be "stealth" in a parking lot this is what we prefer

@lynnsmith6221 2 жыл бұрын

great look with the fabric, i just used reflectix and painted the outside black for stealth. Yours are much prettier ! Im curious how and where you store them when not in use ?

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

During the day we put them under the mattress to keep them flat.

@charlesdecload4980 2 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate your show,it looked so good ,just too much for me.i only wondering how much it cost on Ebay??

@saintbyron5150 2 жыл бұрын

Looks great! Curious if the black fabric has faded? I just spray painted the reflectix black on mine.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

not that we are noticing at this point.

@daddancingmywaythroughit 2 жыл бұрын

great job. wondering how they have held up to condensation

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

no issues so far!

@bethelteshuwah9824 2 жыл бұрын

I made mine out of posterboard first to get the hang of it a trail run.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

That's a great idea and I saw poster board at the dollar store too so i shoulda went that route!!

@zillionzulu 3 жыл бұрын

you know you can make money with this,,, rent a each models van and make a template ---- boom sale it online

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Ours is pretty simple but I’ve seen some of those couch ones where the guy even made schematics that was impressive!

@garyabc 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. I'm going to buy a cheap sewing machine and try to make some just like yours.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

The only thing I would suggest is a little thicker needle, otherwise very easy!

@garyabc 2 жыл бұрын

@@StaceyBillsAdventures I haven't done much sewing. I don't know what the needle sizes are. I will try sewing a few strips with larger sizes and see what works.. Thanks.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

@@garyabc If you go to JoAnn Fabrics let them know what you are sewing and they will show you what to purchase. Luck!

@lifewithpugwinkle 2 жыл бұрын

This is a really good video on how to go about making the window coverings. However, I must ask how did they work at reflecting heat away from your vehicle in the hot summer? Everything I have been learning about reflectix, is if you want it to actually work to reflect heat from the vehicle you cannot cover it with anything. I would really love to know how they actually worked since you covered them.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

We use these when we want to "stealth" when not in a campground. We bought in bulk so we also have reflectix without coverings on them for the campgrounds.

@ThienTran-xl4ey Жыл бұрын

Looks awesome, I'm going to try this. 2 questions. Are you able to roll it up after you added the fabric? Also have you tried leaving it on for rear passenger windows while driving on road trips?

@RandomStuffWithBill Жыл бұрын

We store them flat but i doubt they would roll up so well with the fabric on both sides, I have tried leaving the back side covers in but they are so easy to take in and out that i found i wanted to have those open for driving safety wise, once at a camsite or location where we arent driving i tend to just leave them in place during day and night till we hit the road.

@susanshaver912 3 жыл бұрын

These are beautiful black out curtains. My question - how do you get air flow?

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

We have two fans and I sometimes crack the front windows just a 1/8th inch, or I open the rear vent windows a hair and just move the cover at the top it allows a bit of air without seeing in. During this time of year we are experiencing cooler nights when it gets really warm we have some door window netting things we use and will keep bugs out. I’ve thought about a flap with screen inside the actual window covers may have to experiment with one or make one with a vent to try here soon but with our curtain we don’t have front door covers so those are usually how we get a bit of air. I’m my old car we had a sunroof I wish this van had one that was handy with some mesh and magnets on the roof for airflow.

@lt2339 2 жыл бұрын

Does the black outer material make yr van hotter? I see most ppl leave the reflective part bare.

@TheAllang123 3 жыл бұрын

I missed how you attached them?!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

They are form fitted so as you put them up into place the binding strip we attached just pushes into the window framing and holds them in nice and snug.

@susananderson9619 Жыл бұрын

I'm thinking of cutting a slightly smaller piece of bubble wrap for each window and placing it between fabric and Reflectix. What do ya think of this idea

@RandomStuffWithBill Жыл бұрын

I bet that would work, actually what we have done since this video is cut another piece of reflectix to place against the window directly (to directly reflect sun) then put our covers in place behind that, but its not as stealth, only have used it in day in sun heat wise to try and make a difference (didn't notice huge change tho).

@susananderson9619 Жыл бұрын

I discovered Reflectix makes a Double Bubble Reflectix already

@bobbydobbs6125 10 ай бұрын

I know this is a couple years old, beautiful job. Can you say how many yrd of material you required

@RandomStuffWithBill 10 ай бұрын

It has been a while, and we only did the slider doors, rear vent windows and rear hatch, but I would guestimate in black material about 3yards, in swirl material about 3 yards, and on the seam parts gosh i lost count maybe 6-7 packages total. The one thing not in the video is we added pull tabs, because once in the window frames i couldn't get them OUT from the inside easily, so the pull tabs help me get them out. Stacey did a great job on those i couldn't have done 1/3 as nice of a job on them - Bill :)

@mdm38251 3 жыл бұрын

Quick question I have a 2010 Chrysler T & C I also did reflectics window covers my question is did the black fabric over the material draw excessive heat??? I was going to paint mine black but afraid of heat draw. Thanks

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Ok here’s the lowdown, I don’t notice it drawing in more heat but we had extra reflectix so what I did as an experiment was cut an outline put it in first then out panels I saw no difference after a few similar days same outside temp inside seemed same. What I didn’t like was from outside u saw reflectix vs just a black window which blows stealth mode to me, but I never felt a difference. Now to be fair it’s only in the 70-80s now car got warmer with sun but not miserable once doors were opened up to grt in. When it’s 100 or in the desert I won’t be camping anyways that’s too hot for me to be comfortable.

@Tekoa80 Ай бұрын

I've tried to do this, but I just can't get the templates right 😕 You make it look so easy... My paper was sliding around everywhere - I tried to use masking tape to hold it in place but it just peeled off 😔

@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 3 жыл бұрын

New subscriber here. Great tutorial on the window shades. I am about to make some for my van. Will definitely follow your template, cut out , and sewing directions. However, I think I am going to try a reflective sandwich with a Coroplast panel center from Home Depot in the center with a fabric cover. There is a great minivan conversion by Mini Yet Mighty if you qre interested. I also invite you to check out my vanlife cooking and travel channel if you would like to see some easy van friendly recipes. Happy travels 🙂

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

We too thought about adding in a layer of something else but we were afraid it may not sew as well, we aren't the most proficient at sewing so that aspect scared us but it turned out the heavy duty needle and using adhesive spray to hold the fabric in place things went pretty well overall, and so far these have been fitting and working great even with just the reflectix in place. One thing we want to do is ad some pull tabs to remove them easier on the inside but that will be a fast easy addition, always tweaking something hehe. Bill :)

@gloriouslifeonwheels3621 3 жыл бұрын

@@StaceyBillsAdventures I had forgot about adding tabs. Thanks. I will definitely do that.

@TryMyMartini 3 ай бұрын

So you didn't leave one side reflective to face out during the day to keep it cool? It seems like dark fabric on both sides would heat up the van.

@kbarb1000 17 күн бұрын

Hi there i was wondering after 3 years how your beautiful window coverings worked out? Did you find moisture a problem with the cotton fabric? They looked sensational.

@RandomStuffWithBill 17 күн бұрын

No issues with moisture, all four that go in doors and rear windows are solid fitting the rear one (because we used the lift gate alot) sort of needed some tlc with more bnading added so it would fit more snug as weight of lift gate being open sort of made it sag and come out a bit, but an extra bead of banding fixed that around edges so it fits more snug. The thing we added not in the video from just needing it was some pull straps, once they were in the windows it was hard (for me at least with no nails) to get my fingers in there to pull them OUT lol, but Stacey added some scrap strips of strap so I would have mini pull out strips much easier.

@kbarb1000 15 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for taking the time to write that update, it was very helpful and appreciated.

@Starrmiller 3 жыл бұрын

WOW! You did a great job!! Professional lQQking!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@tempchannel3885 3 жыл бұрын

How are they holding up any updates?

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

I to trip number three now they are doing great! One thing I want to add to them are a few inches of fabric to use as a tab to pull them out of the window frames they fit in there so nice and I don’t have nails like Stacey to get them out as easily- Bill ;)

@clareg.8563 3 жыл бұрын

You are very tenanted!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Clare, they turned out really nice and we ended up saving a lot over buying the boring silver or black reflectix types from a few companies out there we found. Stacey has the patience and skills for projects just this, I am more the electronics gadget geek - Bill :)

@terribolen4746 2 жыл бұрын

May I ask why you chose the Elmer’s glue spray versus Aleene’s Tacky Spray? (These were the two choices at JoAnn’s). How does the Elmer’s glue hold up under the sun’s heat? And does it have an odor after the glue dries? You have inspired me to make coverings for my new van. Your shades are beautiful.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 2 жыл бұрын

So far it's held up great and made it thru some seriously warm summer months in NM, WY, CO areas, just got the elmers because it was a brand we recognized. I haven't noticed any odor, I think the only thing I would do differently is cut another bare piece to place in daytime in the window to truly reflect heat, but at night having the black on the outside makes them almost invisible (more stealth). Oh another thing I may still do is try to cut a flap up window to be able to peek out without removing the panel if desired. and maybe screen that piece so if i wanted to vent a bit i could without bugs getting in.

@terribolen4746 2 жыл бұрын

@@StaceyBillsAdventures thank you

@TacticalCentral 3 жыл бұрын

How long in hours/days did it take to make all of these coverings or at least the biggest one? Thank you.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

After we got the supplies about an hour of template outlining, cutting reflectix was fast 15-20 mins sewing and fabric cutting an hour or so, I think trying to film things slowed us down a bit but about 2-3 hours total for all 5 pieces.

@CaptZenPetabyte 11 ай бұрын

Ok so, did I miss something? How do they stay in the windows; just tucked up under the plastic window surrounds?

@StaceyBillsAdventures 11 ай бұрын

inside the window has this plastic molding, the window covers have this edging that we sewed on, so when put into place they sorta snap in, in fact I had to have stacey sew a little pull strap to get them OUT hehe.

@rylee6979 3 жыл бұрын

OH HOW PRETTY.... Everyone please stop covering these. The silver reflects heat (keeps it out in the summer inside in in the winter). Pretty != useful.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Actually we camp during milder times so the reflecting properties aren't required, BUT these black out the windows great and are super stealth (from outside reflextix stands out super easy), and I have extra left so I could cut templates that are plain bare to just stick up if I ever did want to reflect the sun in warmer climates, but thanks for your input!

@xnjn8881 3 жыл бұрын

What is keeping the window covers on the windows from falling off

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, the way these were cut and have a fabric binding strip around the outter edges they just sort of friction pop in fit, I actually want Stacey to put some straps on them to pull them out as it's hard to get the edges to come loose, so no problems having them stay in place once pushed into the windows.

@ronlanger776 3 жыл бұрын

Did you have to splice the reflectix I can only find 16x25 rolls, the windows are 18in wide in these vans. Thanks

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Our rolls were 24 tall I wonder if the box stores by you or thru Amazon could get you the taller versions? I guess technically tho you could splice them and duct tape them to complete the height needed.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

Maybe Menards Home Depot Lowe’s or last resort amazon.

@pandorajournals6336 3 жыл бұрын

simply stunning... However, since the "reflectix" and cardboard have the same R-Value when the reflectix has both shiny sides covered. I'm gonna save a little $$ and use cardboard.

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

A few updates so first I’ve asked her to make pull tabs to remove easier from inside since I don’t have the long fingernails she does and second I had her cut reflectix just raw so I could put a piece in the window then the cover if desired to reflect daytime heat If needed.

@alexasilvestri1380 2 жыл бұрын

Isn't the whole idea of reflective material to reflect the heat of the sun?

@sandrabeck8788 3 жыл бұрын

Just so you are cautioned...a 2007 Honda Odyssey has almost no windows the same shape! Don’t assume!

@StaceyBillsAdventures 3 жыл бұрын

I wasn't sure what you were saying here about assuming, yes every van is different and window sizes vary, heck I like the hondas too i own two hondas an accord and pilot, i made shades for the pilot too altho not as nice as what Stacey did here for the Grand Caravan, hope the video helped with a tip or two if you're considering making some black outs :)

@thejoyofflooring751 2 жыл бұрын

Lovely work and very useful instruction, but I have to mention that the "a" in the second syllable of "template" is not pronounced long in American English, but like the "e" in "get." (Okay, there, now I feel better.)