Window Blackouts.

[LaOutbackTrail]

I just got an idea of making several pieces of cloth to fit in all the windows of the vehicle to keep prying eyes at bay.

What I had in mind was just a black sheet or similar, and cuting it to fit the windows and then having small suction cups to keep in place.

The back windows are pretty dark, but can still see in. I'd rather not go darker though.

Do you guys think this would be a good idea for my trip into Mexico? Or do you think "we cant see in, lets bust a window to see if there is anything in there"

????

[gjackson]

We used cloth to make curtains for the Rover. Worked very well. Connie used some elastic running through small beads wedged in the trim. This allowed us to remove them easily if needed.

I think in most cases stealing out of a car is a crime of opportunity. If the robber can't see in, he probably won't think it is worth it. The best security is keeping the knowledge of what you have and where you have it to yourself.

cheers

[DaktariEd]

How about using Velcro strips?

[LaOutbackTrail]

How about using Velcro strips?

That'd work.

I am in the process of making my drawer system for the cargo area. It's going to be nice. I have some heavy duty ball bearing drawer sliders.
http://www.illinoislock.com/uploadedImages/Products/Drawer_Slides/drawer_3578.gif
Like these. Should support 150lbs per drawer. Will get pictures of the drawer system later.

I'm also working on a roof rack.... well just have all of the materials....

[dd113]

Good idea. get some of this, http://www.filmtools.com/duvetyne.html. Works great and is really cheap.

[LaOutbackTrail]

Good idea. get some of this, http://www.filmtools.com/duvetyne.html. Works great and is really cheap.

Good idea. Purpose built stuff! Cool!

[paulj]

Reflective bubble pack that hardware stores sell for insulation (Reflectix?) is easy to cut to fit in windows. Cut just a bit large, it fits in many windows without extra hardware.

paulj

[LaOutbackTrail]

Reflective bubble pack that hardware stores sell for insulation (Reflectix?) is easy to cut to fit in windows. Cut just a bit large, it fits in many windows without extra hardware.

paulj

Kind of like the front windshield covers that keeps the sun out? Sounds like it could be an interesting alternative that will keep extra heat out..... hmmmm

[SOAZ]

I dont know if its an alternative, but i just limo tinted the car and have a sun shade for the front. Cant see a thing

[jeff@work]

I made some of those....used reflectix and then glued some black cloth to one side of it. That way I have a blackout that provides a little insulation or if it's super hot out I can flip it around and have the reflectix pointing out. Plus since the reflectix has some stability to it you just have to cut it out well and it will hold itself in place in the window.

[LaOutbackTrail]

I dont know if its an alternative, but i just limo tinted the car and have a sun shade for the front. Cant see a thing

I like to see OUT of the vehicle from time to time...:p the tint is perfect, can see out at night without compromising anything and gives cools the interior a lot. However, you can still see in.

[LaOutbackTrail]

I made some of those....used reflectix and then glued some black cloth to one side of it. That way I have a blackout that provides a little insulation or if it's super hot out I can flip it around and have the reflectix pointing out. Plus since the reflectix has some stability to it you just have to cut it out well and it will hold itself in place in the window.

I checked the price for the relectix at the local hardware store..... friggan $7.39/ft.

[paulj]

I checked the price for the relectix at the local hardware store..... friggan $7.39/ft.

Last I bought some, it was $10 for 2' wide roll, 10' long. This is a useful size for use in the car. For house insulation it sells for around $20-25 for a 16" wide, 25' long roll (Home despot prices).

paulj

[ntsqd]

I've been pondering something to block off & insulate the big rear windows of the Sub. Had been thinking of pulling out the Bernina and sewing a simple curtain, but now I'm thinking of using the Refletix left over from insulating the roof in those curtains. Maybe laminate the Reflectix to a layer of cloth.

I've seen those vinyl or similar 'stickers' for windows that static cling to glass. Wonder where I might find some of that stuff in strips? Could sew it around the perimeter of the curtain so it would 'stick' to the glass. Btwn that and the stiffness of the Reflectix I think they'd stay in place while camped.

[jkam]

When I started to put my van together I used reflextex.I made some covers for the windows.
http://www.nomadicman.com/images/roof_insulation.jpg

It was OK but I didn't like the shiny stuff always staring at me so I had friend sew up some brown material into curtains. On the long side windows I used some rails I got at an RV supply to hold them and I can slide them back if I want. Since my van is metal everywhere, I used magnets to hold the smaller ones in place, makes it easy to remove and yet keeps prying eyes out.
http://www.nomadicman.com/images/interior_looking_back.jpg