How To Make EASY Thermal Van WINDOW COVERS From Insulation And Carpet ♻️

Рет қаралды 520,758

Күн бұрын

In this tutorial, I show you how to make easy DIY blackout thermal van window covers without a sewing machine & share my with tips, tricks and hacks on how to get the most out of your vehicle reflectix window covers.
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🔗 affiliate links which helps support this channel:
👉 Thermal suction cups: ebay.us/ZTdD9f
👉 Trim Fix high temperature contact adhesive: amzn.to/42CPLGj
👉 Thermawrap bubble wrap insulation: amzn.to/408FYGB
👉 Masking tape: amzn.to/40tpBEd
👉 25mm herringbone edge fabric: amzn.to/44Liolz
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - Making window templates
01:16 - Cutting the foil bubblewrap insulation
02:28 - Carpeting the foil window covers
03:46 - Trimming the carpeted window covers
04:21 - Adding an edge to the window covers
06:18 - Adding suction cups to the window covers
07:35 - Top tips for getting the most out of your window covers
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This is my tiny Nissan NV200 camper van & although I already have a DIY van cab curtain, the purpose of the blackout window covers is to keep condensation to a minimum, darken the vehicle when sleeping in it & to keep the sun and heat out.
For this tutorial, I’ll be making covers for my newly installed tinted back door windows, so I’ll start by making templates to work from, trim them to leave an accurate outline of the windows, stick them to the foil insulation & cut round the edge. If your window is too big for one piece of insulation, as a windscreen may be, then join two pieces together with aluminium foil tape.
After doing the second window, I can check the fit, trimming the covers until they fit well. If you’ve got quite a lot of window insulation available, you could also double up the insulation at this point.
I then start carpeting the covers using a high temperature contact adhesive & smoke grey 4-way-stretch automotive carpet left over from lining my van. Spray the adhesive onto the insulation & then carpet, wait for the solvent to evaporate & press them together. If you get any glue on the carpet, use a little bit of white spirit or mineral spirits to wipe it off.
It’s important to use high temperature adhesive, (I used Trim-fix) because the car window sun shades will be exposed to sun and heat. With the carpet stuck to the foil, I’ll now trim the carpet. I’m using 25mm wide navy blue herringbone fabric to create a neat edge along the covers & without a sewing machine I’ll be using contact adhesive again.
With the covers prepped, I spray adhesive onto both the cover & the fabric & I’ll work my way round carefully pressing them together for a neat finish. I repeat the process on the carpet side. It doesn’t take long to clean any excess glue off with some white spirit or mineral spirits, which is what I did after removing the tape.
I purchased a set of really good suction cups from eBay & these push through the covers leaving the cup on the foil side and a small handle on the carpet side. They have a collar on the middle of the handle which covers the hole. Search for ‘thermal suction cups’ on eBay. To attach them, simply push the cup through a hole in the covers. You could also use magnets, velcro, or a push fit.
So that’s my easy-to-make mini camper van window covers for car camping that will last you years & save you a lot of money instead of buying them.
Here are some final top tips for getting the most out of your stealth window covers. Look after them! Store them somewhere safe and ideally flat. If you get a tear in the foil, then it can easily be repaired with a piece of aluminium foil tape. When you’ve got them up in your windows, they may identify your van as being slept-in. Not a problem if you’re in a campsite, but if you’re on the road, car camping, or perhaps somewhere you shouldn’t be, then a black outer material will help with stealth camping. They won’t stop all condensation from forming, or magically heat up the vehicle. But by insulating the single-glazed windows, they will help to reduce condensation. If this isn’t enough, install a diesel heater or consider airflow by installing wind deflectors & cracking the windows or by installing a ceiling fan or vent.
🔔 Thanks for watching and if you’ve enjoyed this video, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! 🔔
#Vanlife #NissanNV200 #LensOfJames
DISCLAIMER: In this video, I am in no way stating that this is the proper way to undertake the conversion of a van, however after research and experience using the van, I believe this to be the way that is best suited to my van and the way I intend to use it.

Пікірлер: 212

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

🔥 Check out my full Nissan NV200 Tiny Camper Van Conversion here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/idJ7aayotqedgoU.html 🔥

@TheRossWilliams 9 ай бұрын

If you used black carpet you could make it reversible, reflective out for the day and in for the night. It would keep more heat in the car at night and make it look black from outside.

@pietrogian 7 ай бұрын

Good idea but what to do with the wear and tear reversing the plugs every time?

@carpediemgirl1 7 ай бұрын

@@pietrogianwhat about making two sets? One for day, one for night?

@DeliberateNRandom 6 ай бұрын

There are other ways to attach them. I was also considering Velcro/hook and loop tape attached to the edges. That way you can flip them over. Also, there are snaps you can permanently attach, or spring clips that push the panel down. I'm sure there are clips that you could twist onto the edge or binder clips.

@comenterrimcd2571 5 ай бұрын

Amazon has screw in suction cups. It would make these completely reversible

@bro2917 2 ай бұрын

@@pietrogian plugs are not necessary, I have made a bunch of window covers that only use friction to stay put.

@stephaniebradshaw7940 15 күн бұрын

Hi James,your video was really helpful and I have now made covers for all my van windows.The best tip was using smaller pieces of paper to make the template as even a slight wind made it difficult.I found it easier to work from the outside windows for all covers

@emilyking329 5 ай бұрын

I made these for the windows of my wagon and they work terrifically. I double layered my insulation and used a darker carpet fabric on the inside. Also sewed on a label to each one so that the window they belong to can be easily identified. For the larger window at the back of the car I adhered cardboard cut outs to allow for it to be folded after use and to give it some more stability over the bigger window size. I also didn't need suction cups because the car has gaps between the window and seals where the sunshields can squish in. Thanks heaps for this video, it's the neatest version of this idea that I've seen executed on YT.

@aloha_element Жыл бұрын

The paper template idea is genius! I'm going to make some for my Element. Thanks for sharing mate. 🤙🏼

@rokko_hates_japan 10 ай бұрын

exactly! I was stupidly trying to use one very large paper and trace... and it doesn't work that well. this way is much better!

@celestialmajesty2053 7 ай бұрын

I couldn't figure out for the life of me how I was getting a piece of paper big enough to trace my windows and this video answered everything

@bdmenne 3 күн бұрын

What’s your height for sleeping in the Element? I’m 6’3”. I hear it’s good for tall drivers, just wondered about laying down in the back, with seats no doubt pushed all the way up.

@vdavis1959 Жыл бұрын

my problem has always been cutting a perfect template for my windows. You have just solved my problem.......big thanx. And the suction cups........genius.

@comenterrimcd2571 5 ай бұрын

I have been watching videos on making these for almost a year. This is the best I have seen. Good job! 👍

@ChemiConscious1 4 ай бұрын

I like your voice. You’re very easy to listen to.

@nancym712 Жыл бұрын

I just finished reading about the R-values of Reflectix on the Reflectix website. Doubling the Reflectix does not increase the R-value. You need an air space between the layers to add r-value. At least you left the reflective side uncovered. I just watched another video where they covered both sides with fabric completely negating the reflective value of the Reflectix. Nice video. When I made Reflectix covers for my last van, I used the spray adhesive, but used bias tape and a sewing machine and neo strong magnets. Thanks!

@CreachterZ 11 күн бұрын

Even with one, the r value is practically nothing.

@arieswaters Жыл бұрын

Holy cow what a well-made video

@yogibeer9319 10 ай бұрын

What an awesome job! Thanks for a great how-to video! 👍🏼

@crashjump1849 9 ай бұрын

This is a great DIY project. I will be adding a little Velcro on the edge a my shades Stelton stay-in-place.

@_..____ 7 ай бұрын

Totally love the use of small pieces of paper like this. ty for sharing!

@tonysutton6559 Жыл бұрын

The best way to find the middle of a square or rectangular shape is to measure diagonally from corner. I made some covers from silverscreen windscreen covers from the £1 shop. Two of them did the whole van and they lasted for years. Being lazy I used 25mm duct tape where you used nice black ribbon on the edges.

@adamnorton748 6 ай бұрын

I got and learned how to sewing machine during covid, so I would use that to do these things rather than so much spray adhesive, that's for non sewable surfaces. It was awesome to learn about the suction cups that are available, thank you!

@drivinfool9902 7 ай бұрын

Lots of good info with helpful examples. Will try mine again. ❤

@roadtripmitch Жыл бұрын

Thanks! Looks great! Safe and wonderful travels!

@becnelson3645 Ай бұрын

That was the best demo I've seen....simple, to the point and excellent. thankyou

@dacat8171 Жыл бұрын

Very well done both the covers and the video. 👍🏾

@Ms.Frankenbuilder Ай бұрын

One of the best jobs I have seen.

@lynnedolan7905 5 ай бұрын

So tremendously appreciative for this video. Most EXCELLENT! Just what I want and need for my micro camper. Many thanks.

@leevonwall6548 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for making this video, it was really helpful. I'm excited to make my own with some tweaks. Cheers!

@lindagrace2 13 күн бұрын

Thank you! I love this info-centric video style! Am subscribed, you're a great teacher, fun and to the point. I finally feel like I can do this!!

@DanTheManIOM 8 ай бұрын

bought a washer and dryer, used that corrugated box to over size cut sections, spray adhesive, walmart had black stretchy material on clearance, it all worked great. Needed it for one trip. It was a proof of concept, so there is always room for improvement. black out panels were the 3rd best Idea I had on that trip, 2nd was a fan (it was unusually hot in Florida this past april like 33C, 1st was going on the trip.

@VAinWI 2 ай бұрын

I’ve been looking for fans, what did you go with?

@brianhoskins1979 Жыл бұрын

I am in the process of planning my own window covers for my old Defender. And I need the stealth route which you mentioned at the end of your video. In this case I think the choice of material is important because I don't want the sun facing side to fade. Thanks for all the tips!

@chriscadman5715 3 ай бұрын

Nice work! Thanks for the simple work-flow and materials list!

@retiredyeti5555 6 ай бұрын

I have been using Reflectix in my house windows for over a decade, in the summertime. Helps just enough to keep the AC bills manageable. I use it in the East windows in the AM, South windows midday and the West windows in the afternoon. That way I still get light thru the windows where the sun is no longer shining on them.

@shotgun4348 9 ай бұрын

Instruction nicely done. Thumbs up!

@ImTristanG 9 ай бұрын

Easy to follow - great video - thanks for the tips! :)

@randallbruursema7553 6 ай бұрын

thanks for the advice, I am working on my camper

@grannyscookies6140 6 ай бұрын

Love this method always wondered how to get the shape

@VJIX Жыл бұрын

This is awesome, I was planning on making some for my van. This is perfect!

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks, good luck with your window covers! I love mine, they're so useful!

@jasonannesley5889 10 ай бұрын

Great video, they look really well made.

@marygibbons4702 2 ай бұрын

Thanks for ur lovely video I am going to do it for my caravan Windows too. So very easy to follow so happy thanks

@TheJDWay 3 ай бұрын

Brilliant video James. Thanks for sharing. You inspired me to carpet my doors and now i've got a feeling i will be doing this as well soon. Great work mate, keep it up. Jon.👍

@jjm9902 8 ай бұрын

Great vid! Thx so much. I will do this for my sailboat windows. ❤

@equynenergie 9 ай бұрын

Great tutorial- thank you 😊

@steiner554 8 ай бұрын

Nice quick tutorial. Great!

@garylecarpentier9640 Жыл бұрын

Another top addition 👍

@tucsonmclean5138 9 күн бұрын

Good tips thanks for the video

@AmberKardes Жыл бұрын

I made simething simular for my car and since the trim is metal in the window used rare earth magnets aroubd the edges. Works great for keeping them in place.

@MakazHome 2 ай бұрын

Love your magnets. Tfs 🤙🏽🌺

@deniseday8188 2 ай бұрын

I love these window covers. TYSM for sharing. I'll let you know how mine turn out. 😏 😅❤ safe travels! 👍

@gosomewherenew 6 ай бұрын

Thanks! Neat idea and will come in handy for my build

@clareedmonds7579 Ай бұрын

Excellent video thank you, I'm looking to do this for my car then eventually my campervan when I get it :)

@Mechpg 3 ай бұрын

Looks good. Good job

@shane555 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant, informative and concise video matey 👍 I need to make some for my work van, so I'll give these a go. Also, I had some pre-made ones in the campervan I bought, so in case it helps anyone in the future... My old suction cups were failing, particularly in strong heat, so I bought a set of "Limpets" from Dometic and they were brilliant!

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked the video and thanks for the extra info! 😄

@meri-ro1gp 9 ай бұрын

Gdje si to kupio?

@user-lv2dg8rc3m 5 ай бұрын

Thanks! A good idea👍

@ImJustAmberE Жыл бұрын

Great video! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

@lynnefischer8000 6 ай бұрын

Thank you, really useful

@AdamLouisTV 11 ай бұрын

AWESOME!!! Thank you!

@RecreationallyHouseless 7 ай бұрын

Awesome tutorial, I'd been thinking of making some for my car build,... then you're video popped up on my feed! What luck, great work!

@LensOfJames 7 ай бұрын

Thanks, glad the video was helpful :)

@RD-650 4 ай бұрын

Very good 👍

@socaloutdoors7355 8 күн бұрын

Messy is an understatement

@rachelrichman5960 4 ай бұрын

It's a proper professional tutorial thanks! The tips given by other viewers to make them reversable with black on one side makes a lot of sense yeah?

@VogonPoet81 6 ай бұрын

Very clever.

@pixycampervan3483 Жыл бұрын

It will be helpful Thank you👍

@mindbodyfitness99 Жыл бұрын

Love this !!!!!

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks! :)

@lesleywall4186 Жыл бұрын

enjoyable as always.

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks Lesley!

@xxlalbatross3287 2 ай бұрын

I am a new follower of your channel Greetings from Türkiye 😊

@crazycrab8578 Жыл бұрын

good vid, best I have seen, be making these type, have a fiat doblo

@T4LiebeHeike 5 ай бұрын

Amazing..thanks

@HammerRocks 8 ай бұрын

Good work.

@LensOfJames 8 ай бұрын

Thanks!

@ML-uk6lu 8 ай бұрын

thanks

@peterkostedde174 2 ай бұрын

Perfekt 👌

@ChefCateringLeeds 3 ай бұрын

That wouldn’t be easy for me, I want to buy some. Well done, they do look great!

@brandonsmisek Жыл бұрын

well done. thanks

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

Thanks! :)

@Shanaifan1 Жыл бұрын

Handy thanks for this

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

Glad it is useful :)

@capodad2u 6 ай бұрын

I noticed that your using the single bubble layer of reflectix? Here in the USA we have the 2 layer bubbles and single if you prefer. As a wallpaper hanger (decorator) you can make a template out of a single larger piece of paper loosely taped on and then make a crease with a credit card and Sharpie (felt marker) it in place. Voila a perfect template. I love the thermal qualities and easy storage, almost as much as I love my diesel heater !!!

@paulmoffat9306 11 ай бұрын

If you are in a VERY cold area, say where the temperature hovers around -10C or less, insulating the inner surface of the window actually increases condensation as the glass can get very cold. Insulation on the exterior surface, allows the window surface (inside) to warm above the dew point (hopefully). I found that laminating 4 layers of bubble-wrap works quite well. The drawback, is that it is OUTSIDE and subject to wind and the odd passerby pulling it off!

@Ipsissimus 10 ай бұрын

Bastards!

@pooroldfred 10 ай бұрын

Or stay at home and put the fire on...

@nnaheim. 8 ай бұрын

@@pooroldfredBart Simpson.

@rachelrichman5960 4 ай бұрын

It really good fun car camping in extreme cold. I did minus 12 and my hottie froze! And I had loads of condensation which I don't normally get. So this a good tip NOT to use internal window covers in extreme cold. Thank you ! Wish I known that. Would curtains be better? Or at least not as bad. Not sure how I would attach something outside cept' the main windscreen where you trap it in window?

@tommyhua626 2 ай бұрын

Have you tried magnets?

@kcgunesq 9 ай бұрын

Smartly done. My only concern is that your design doesn't really allow them to reverse, but reversing could be very useful to change between when you want to reflect the heat from entering vs. leaving.

@davecoop9579 8 ай бұрын

You might be able to reverse them by popping out the suction cups and pressing them in from the other side

@comenterrimcd2571 5 ай бұрын

There are suction cups that screw in. Would work great and make them reversible.

@JustaCuriousity Жыл бұрын

Hi, its a great job and great idea for making my own covers, but how much lower degree could it get on sunny day? Thank you.

@karronlaneNOLA 7 ай бұрын

nice.

@NURSENOMADICRx Жыл бұрын

nice

@thebeardedgeordiephotography Жыл бұрын

I made my window covers the same on my NV200 but need to finish them wound the edges. I made mine slightly larger and used neodymium magnets bonded between the layers. I think suction cups will be the way I go for the windscreen and doors though

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

Magnets is a great idea? Have you carpeted your van and do they stick to the metal through the carpet?

@thebeardedgeordiephotography Жыл бұрын

Yeah they are only 8mm ones from amazon and I doubled them up. They stick through the carpeted apertures no problem

@fanikurti2420 7 ай бұрын

GREAT IDEA! How many spray glue cans do you need for everything?

@0692XA 5 ай бұрын

The best way I've found to hide condensation and window coverings is to tint your windows. Check local laws on how much is allowed but for me 35% works great without being too noticeable or causing any issues. UV resistant tint costs more but is worth it as it also does quite a lot to keep heat out of your vehicle.

@alectrapaw 5 ай бұрын

nice, thank you! question, if you double up on the insulation do you just spray them together with the adhesive?

@Cateutopia 10 ай бұрын

Thanks so much. You outdid yourself making these. I will try this if the cheap items I bought from Amazon doesnt do the job.

@cynthiamgentles6781 8 ай бұрын

Need to have the reflectex on the inside to keep heat inside in cold months. For this you would need an air space between the foil and window which the suction cups will provide but you’ll need more spacers. The carpet would be more for the look which in your case is mighty fine. Should make them reversible so you can keep the sun out in summer.

@rachelrichman5960 4 ай бұрын

I always use a template. I made the the window covers for my honda jazz from old foam sleep mats and friction keeps them in place. But does this foil work better please? I need to make another set as I have changed cars.

@scarlettbrannigan6391 Жыл бұрын

Hi! Love these and the vid! Do you think these will be good for the Alps? Also do you have shopping list? I need to =make thermal lblinds for my VWT4 LWB in the next couple of week! Help much apprecited! Thanks and HNY x

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

I'm not sure about the alps, I live in quite a mild climate. I've got a Amazon affiliate shopping list for window covers here: www.amazon.co.uk/shop/lensofjames/list/2ADX56VET21DB?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsflensofjames_BK1SZ5JNBXN4D3C1PH8D

@janicecrockett1400 6 ай бұрын

I am going to do this for the odd shaped skylight in my shower.

@bensully94 Ай бұрын

Come make some for Skoda superb plz

@ladyhawke1357 10 ай бұрын

Well done on a professional job and excellent instructions. Just thought you were a tad wasteful with the materials but I'm OCD about that.😜

@ExperienceNovaScotia 4 ай бұрын

😂I was thinking the same

@katebettesworth2638 Ай бұрын

I thought thay too. But then I am a sewer/dressmaker. 😂

@jill-of-all-trades 22 күн бұрын

Thanks for sharing. How's the navy blue twill tape holding up to the UV rays? Faded much? Consider reflective on one side and black on the other so you can use either side depending on the situation.

@LensOfJames 18 күн бұрын

The twill tape has been fine, not really faded much though I suppose that depends on the quality. That's a good idea for stealth

@annem7806 6 ай бұрын

Looks for cheap foam backed drapes at a thrift store. That could be a bonus of insulation attached.

@missbuon 9 ай бұрын

Just wondering is it better to have reflectors directly on the glass or would off the glass be more affective? I'd rather not use suction cups and wondering if magnets on the metal frame would be fine instead. It means the reflective sits of the glass. Anyone know?

@gloriapemelton1708 8 ай бұрын

I was wondering about the outside where ppl can see it.i want to make mine look like my suv has just black car tint.very cool video thanks.🤗😇👍🙏

@DecrepitBiden 8 ай бұрын

Just spray paint the reflectix side black, or use black carpet so it's reversible. One side silver, the other side black.

@LensOfJames 7 ай бұрын

Exactly what they said!

@BarryMountford Жыл бұрын

hi James great videos, do you have a link to the wind deflectors?

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

Hi Barry, thanks, these are the ones: amzn.to/3JU634E (🔗 affiliate link which helps support this channel)

@perseus3362 6 ай бұрын

👍

@dfgmavis Жыл бұрын

Great video! The only thing I'd say is you're wasting a lot of materials when you're cutting your pieces out. It might have been to show on camera what you were doing, but to make the kost if your materials, place the template on the edge of the material you're cutting from, rather then in the middle of a piece. Same as when you cut cookies to make the out of the dough :)

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

I agree, I wouldn't normally be so wasteful but it was all leftover from insulating/carpeting the van so has been saved from the bin.

@cathyjones7590 3 ай бұрын

Do these collect condensation??

@DLX1444-Asc-Nav Жыл бұрын

Greetings, are you UK based? If so, could I arrange to compensate you accordingly to make me a set of covers for an Audi A4 Avant B5 year 2000? Thank you

@Opescuseme 11 күн бұрын

Great tips! What kind of carpet is that? I’m having a hard time finding stuff that isn’t the scratchy stuff for boats

@LensOfJames 8 күн бұрын

Thanks, it's 4 way stretch automotive carpet: amzn.to/3ncNHEP (affiliate link)

@bonnieculpepper6700 Жыл бұрын

Hey there! I’m curious if you’ve tested the suction cups in extreme cold weather and if they work on cold or frozen glass.

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

Hi, I haven't I'm afriad - I live in quite a mild climate

@rachelrichman5960 4 ай бұрын

Ah yes, we need advice on cold climate. We in North East of England here.

@desertdeb 11 ай бұрын

Could you tell me the cost of making your window shades? Very good video thank you this is helpful.

@LensOfJames 11 ай бұрын

Hi, it depands on how many windows you have and whether you want to do the carpeting too, but about £20-30

@matthewhumphries1130 Жыл бұрын

Where did you get the 4.2mm screws for the ceiling I can’t find them anywhere?

@LensOfJames Жыл бұрын

Check out eBay, there are quite a few available: ebay.us/8N9oFY (affiliate link which helps support this channel)

@postplays 4 ай бұрын

7:15 an easier method to find the center is to simply make an X. Where the center of the X is the middle. No need to measure anything at all as long as you line up the four corners right.