Campervan window covers - three ways

[@janm8477]

You make a really good instructional video. Thorough, with nice slow panning video, and all the things we want to know - right down to cost and precise amounts. Easy to watch and I learn a lot! Thanks.

[@janeschiller7299]

I second this entire comment! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank you very much @averysmallcampervan

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you enjoyed it! Let me know if there are any questions unanswered!

[@averysmallcampervan]

you're very welcome!

[@FindingMyMuse]

Agreed with other comments - brilliant instructional video...you would make a great teacher. 🤩🤩🤩

[@karenclausen6724]

I fourth this video of the month. Very precise and informative. Thanks so much!!

[@DaudiMajozi]

Excellent instructional video. Good camera work, pleasant narration voice, simple and effective. So easy to follow. I liked the pros and cons for each type. I liked the cost summary of each type. Good editing trimming away unnecessary footage or comments. I also liked not having and background music.

[@allentuggle2837]

When I make my window covers I use cardboard and I paint the edges and outer sides with flat black spray paint. Painting the edges makes the cardboard stay together much longer. I spray the inner side with gloss white paint. The white inside reflects light better. The flat black on the outside makes them invisible to anyone trying to see in, and the combination of the two seals up the cardboard to last longer.

[@DazzlingDanaOfficial]

The black does not reflect light and will actually make your space much hotter. If you aren't concerned about the heat, the black is great for stealth.

[@georgecullen9516]

Black will retain heat making the inside hotter.....white reflects heat...(think about very hot countries that paint the outside of the house white ...it,s done for a reason)...😎.

[@allentuggle2837]

I'm not as concerned with it being a little warmer at night, as I am with being ANONYMOUS.

[@LyonhartZ2]

Hi Allen. I go driving around town and find strong cardboard boxes from major stores like furniture outlets. they have tough cardboard. I then use black "Gorilla" Duct tape instead of paint. Makes for a durable cheap cover

[@nancylo2219]

@@georgecullen9516 less of an issue at night when the sun isn't shining

[@easydoesit2572]

probably the best window cover video i've seen on youtube! thank you!

[@lumiwilde1022]

WOOOWWW omg ingenious!! Sticking the papers on the window and then tracing that way. Smh I gave up before with another method, but I'm gunna try THIS! THANK YOU! 🙏🏾🙌🏾

[@dianastoevelaar9548]

Wow! 🤩 You have created such an excellent instructional video on the subject of window coverings! It’s the best I’ve seen yet!😃 I have not seen so many creative ideas on this subject on any other channel. Thank you 💝 for your detailed instructions, especially including the tabs, with all the details that I’m always wondering about. Thank you so very much for not only sharing your creativity, and what works and what doesn’t, but such wonderful videography showing every detail .I will definitely be subscribing and watching all your videos. Keep up the great work! 😃

[@Alvin_Vivian]

The way you use paper to get the shape of your window is genius. I've seen other KZbinr trace it with cardboard, use aluminum foil, trace the outside of the window, and it has never made much sense.

[@stankell3629]

Used white coroplast as my privacy coverings on my white Plymouth Voyager minivan back in 1996. Used small zip-ties threaded through 2 slits to act as grab handles for removing covering when necessary for travelling. Didn"t have a need for insulation for cold weather but they kept the heat down in the summer. Lasted great for 12 years until I sold the van.

[@nancylo2219]

Coroplast is a great idea but it sure is expensive now in 2024

[@writeyarn]

I’ve watched LOTS of how-to videos on van conversions but yours are the best at giving practical advice with detailed instructions. So glad I discovered your channel! My husband and I just got our van and window coverings are my first task. Thanks for making it easier!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Wow, thanks!

[@scottt2012]

Excellent. The first and last video you need to see in order to grasp making your own window covers.

[@dominusvobiscum8820]

Oh my! Definitely the best video I've seen so far re: window covers! ❤ Going to watch the rest of your videos. 🙌 Subbed!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Wow, thank you! Thanks for subbing and watching!

[@username566-jb8sx]

This is literally one of the best car camping videos on KZbin. Ty!

[@ChrisAndEmilie]

Great idea to use reflective emergency mylar blankets. We used window reflective screens for one of our layers, but I think the blanket gives you much more sizing flexibility and keeps the thickness of the covers to a minimum.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Hi Chris and Emilie, I also started out with one of those windshield shades but found it very bulky. The mylar blankets have proven pretty durable too.

[@lilliandurham7713]

I really appreciate the three methods you demonstrated plus the cost for each version. Thank you, and good luck stealth camping.

[@vicky_webcatuk]

Such a fab video, and the best ones I've seen demonstrated. I thought there must be a woman here on youtube that has made better ones than the men have, and its true! They look nicest and three types too. Brilliant! Thankyou i know how best to do it now and what to use. Fantastic x

[@cluelessbushcraft]

This was such a fantastic video. I've been looking for a straight forward approach to getting my windows covered and this is it. And your video was so easy to follow and watch also. Thank you!

[@Invertatude]

Best campervan window cover video I've found thanks!

[@robinsweeten5413]

THANK YOU!!!! Outstanding video and I can't thank you enough for not filling the video with useless, endless chatter. This is by FAR the best video I have seen.

[@averysmallcampervan]

You're welcome! I try to keep things to the point - glad you liked the video.

[@charlest1178]

BEST window cover video, and I have been searching...

[@averysmallcampervan]

Yay! Thank you!

[@lynnef3297]

Thank you for sharing your videos. You do a magnificent job of showing and explaining all of your ideas. I have probably watched a hundred or more van builds and your creativity and attention to detail is amazing.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thank you so much Lynne! I'm just trying to make the kind of videos I would want to see - thanks for watching and I hope it is helpful to you

[@Whiterose4ever]

This is the best video I have watched. Especially cutting little papers and taping together. Excellent idea. Also, I liked the added black tape to pull the shades off. Thank you so much. Amazingly well done video.

[@tothelighthouse9843]

Hello from a fellow Canadian! I'm just getting my van set up for a 10 day trip--blocking out the early morning sun is priority number one, lol, so here I am. Subscribed, looking forward to more of these clear, helpful how-to's. Cheers.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks - more coming... slowly

[@Fatfreddy7]

By far the easiest way to shape the paper template, very clever

[@bkbff]

I have some reflectix insulation left from making winter window covers for my house, so I'm going to try adding some self-adhesive black velvet liner paper that I found for cheap on Amazon. Reflectix can be pretty affordable at home improvement stores, and it insulates wonderfully. I hope my plan works!

[@wallacekelley9179]

Excellent video, thanks for the tutorial on how to make window covers!

[@marshallwebber9682]

This is an excellent instructional video, because if you talk about it, you cut to an insert closeup of it. Great work! Please keep making for videos for the hobby.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thank you! Will do!

[@TheJanet4321]

The best video by far that I have seen on this topic.

[@rocknmamma2666]

Just saw this video and really appreciate the time and effort it took you to film it to share with us. It is done very professionally and your running commentary is very succinct. I learned so much from your experiences. I already have a roll of reflectix so I'll try that with some blackout curtains I also have. Thank you. 👍

[@carolko2444]

Excellent video. Thankyou so much for sharing. Cheers from Australia 🤗

[@tomwall2361]

This was an amazing tutorial! Thank you for sharing your experience with us!!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

My pleasure!

[@blackwhite9177]

You are one of the smart girls, you must be proud of your job. Well done my friend

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks!

[@Sunshine-md9jj]

This is my first ever KZbin comment, couldn’t resist it 😂. The BEST VIDEO!!!! Ever ❤

[@mgeds5]

Love all of your practical and common-sense instructions. Thank you for your great videos!

[@salr1686]

Terrific video. This will be such a help for me and my Element window coverings. Thanks so much

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@crimson25543]

Brilliant! You are quite an inventor. I love each set you did and how you did it.

[@valerief1231]

I am so grateful this video showed up in my recommendations feed, I just used an old roll of craft/butchers paper I’ve owned for at least 10 years lol, to make the templates, but I haven’t gotten past that. I never thought to make different materials for the different times of year, but this video was so clearly explained I now have the confidence to get on with it. The tabs are a brilliant idea. Thank you for sharing your process with us!

[@averysmallcampervan]

So glad the video was helpful.

[@3dprintingdoctor]

Thank you for the video. I went with sleeping camping mats that have a reflective side. Super cheap and works out of the box just had to cut them

[@bkgdnoize111]

Are they on amazon? Interested in this idea

[@meekoferg6469]

@@bkgdnoize111 those mats are cheaper than the reflectix insulation - would have used that instead.

[@anneleykay9437]

This is why I love KZbin. Great ideas here

[@Karen-bj7lc]

You are a great teacher.

[@gunner8226]

I use clear plastic sheeting and tape over the window on the outside as if the glass is broken. You can see through it so it's extremely easy to the widow and trace the exact shape with a black sharpie. Cut it out and transfer it on the the reflection and it's a perfect fit every time. Second step is to use some spray adhesive (loctite) is what I use and black wool fabric to make the cold weather side. When they're installed you can't even tell they're in the windows from outside it just looks like black mirror glass. When you cut the excess of the fabric off leave about 1/4" all the way around to give yourself tuck in room for complete black out

[@Phoenix_Atlas]

I'm currently homeless between apartments and this is very helpful. I've been using the large construction papers from dollar tree and it works, kind of.

[@jamesbrook16]

To try to get the wrinkles out of the silver blanket as you stick it down, try using the edge of a credit card to push out the bubbles and/or one of the little rollers for smoothing the edges of wallpaper - or even just a bottle or a rolling pin!

[@the_katman2181]

Great ideas, and well presented. I love how these window shades stay in place thanks to a perfect fit, rather than using suction cups or magnets or velcro. Do you have a large one for the front windshield too, or do you have a separate curtain blocking the front of the cabin off?

[@Teisharocz]

OMG, the paper is such a great idea!!!!!!

[@MrGaza74]

Thank you. Your videos are very helpful and well done. And your ideas are fantastic!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you like them!

[@itsdeanya]

VERY smart idea on how to make a template.

[@juliadawnyel3648]

I put bug screen over window and cut a opening in center so I could open for air flow worked great used Velcro to close

[@vegasvampire66648]

Great video and great tutorials. I used cardboard covered with black vinyl wall self-stick wallpaper on both sides. I left about 3/4" lip of wallpaper all the way around. This helps to hold them in, and also pull them out. I also folded the bottom edge of the side window covers to make them easier to pop in and out. Thanks again for a great video.

[@dearmemphis1997]

I just scored a fridge size box for to make cardboard inserts to test out on my trip this week. I never thought about felt but I will be in my van in cooler weather in Northwestern Ontario (And by that I don't mean about 5-6 hours north of thunder Bay... Lol) so... Thanks!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

That's a great idea! Good luck!

[@meekoferg6469]

Great video - I am making my window covers for my Subaru Outback using reflectix insulation. The 16" x 25' roll costs $36 at Home Depot. Reflectix is light weight and fits well. For my back window I bought a sun shade from the Dollar Tree as the reflectix was too narrow and I didn't want to buy a wider roll. For the rear window I did use cardboard as the backing and duct taped the sun shade to it. I bought painters heavy duty drop cloth which is waterproof, tear and leak resistant from the Dollar Tree. I will use the spray adhesive to attach it to the cardboard and will keep the felt side out. Your video has given me other options if this doesn't hold up with useage. My car camping is mostly for overnight stays for hiking areas that are not close to my home.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Sounds good - just remember that the reflective side needs some room - it works by reflecting radiant heat back. So if you stick stuff to it doesn't do anything

[@davemeise2192]

Excellent tutorial style of video. We've recently bought a used van and are going to need window covers for it. Great information. Good camera work, several informative types of window covers used, pros and cons etc. Thank you.

[@charlesatwell8548]

Great video and ideas!! I like how you made your templates and proceeded fro:Reflective Foam Core Insulation roll, Radiant Barrier - Engineered Foil, that is light weight and flexible 😊

[@Unit13FREMSLT]

This video gave me all the information I need to make these for our 4Runner. Very well done! Thank you for sharing!

[@paulrush9166]

Very good! Clean job!

[@ljli]

Great job on this video! You're so well spoken and show a lot of attention to detail in making the covers.

[@russeldeeney1406]

Great explanation, fantastic innovative fine tuning, great video. Thank you

[@terryestepp2615]

You did a fantastic job of conveying your information. I was very impressed with your style of communication... Your voice lends itself well to.your videos. I will be looking for more of your videos. Thank you.

[@lateepiphany]

Great detail. Love calculating costs. Thanks sooo much!

[@jumont23]

You are genius. Thank you for sharing all 3 options 😊

[@kuladeeluxe]

Nicely done. Maybe I'll make a second set now. I am making some using thermal wrap with fabric glued to it at the moment.

[@donnaallen9263]

This is the most helpful and informative video I have seen for window covers. Thank you!

[@averysmallcampervan]

You're very welcome!

[@kerannasommers7324]

Brilliant! I like how you explain the silver/black sides

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you liked it Keranna and thanks for subscribing!

[@willdavid6697]

Great explanation of your three versions! This is a good video. Thanks for posting!

[@r.jenkins5982]

Thank you for making such a great comprehensive video!!!

[@1life2pono]

Super helpful and great narration to make these great ideas and instructions easy to follow. Thank you!

[@AmyHilsen-o7n]

This was incredibly helpful!! Thank you.

[@ErikStenbakken]

Great ideas here and super well explained. No fluff. All good content.

[@christophervela5447]

Live and learn super awesome video

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ericswild]

Best idea I have seen yet for a DIY.

[@styper28]

You thought of everything. Excellent job 👍🏽😍

[@Wagons-Rule]

Incredibly good video, thanks!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you liked it!

[@w6263]

Jiffy foam wrap. Maybe too flimsy though! but could spray glue sheets together to required thickness?! Is excellent for under a sleeping bag keeps warmth in. Excellent ideas for what you are sharing. Brilliant!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Hi Wendy, I'm not familiar with Jiffy foam, I'll look it up

[@johnwillard6198]

Best tutorial for this on KZbin ❤

[@JuCarlos-ex8ip]

Thanks for sharing the video

[@turk242]

brilliant efficiency, beautiful execution, to the point, and superb shooting/editing skills. thank you!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks for the comment! Much appreciated!

[@oelen2132]

Very well made and done ! Thank a lot for the very well explained video ! Exactly what I needed !

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad it helped!

[@dirtdobber7799]

fantastic video. Starting a 2016 Subaru Forester car camping build. going with the colorplast idea.

[@dunigan4225]

This was a great video, thank you. Now I can start making my covers.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Great!

[@debbiethorne6222]

I realize your instructions are a couple years old but I’m about to begin my adventure and I love your tutorial! My Vanpackers conversion kit has already shipped so I’ve got to get on it! I just can’t justify dropping $159 on the WeatherTech ones. Thanks so much!

[@dianabest4807]

Excellent directions.Thank you.Will try

[@boomer8393]

That was informative, educational, interesting and fun to watch.

[@sandrews2801]

And, your video is a nice, and helpful one! Appreciate it!

[@audradurkee1435]

Such a great, informative video!

[@budluck8820]

I’ve watched several of your videos and I’m so impressed with your creativity, ingenuity, and skills. You’re my go-to for camper van ideas. Do you have a solution for combining window covers with screens? I have deflectors so I can crack the windows without rain getting in but still haven’t figured out how to get screens and window covers together.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Hi Bud, thanks for the kind words - I'm flattered that my channel is your go-to for van ideas :-) I have figured out how to have the back window screens in at the same time as the covers but my middle sliding door windows don't open and if I am being really stealth I don't use the front side window covers - I leave the clear and use the curtain to hide the sleeping area. That way, I can have the mosquito screens in, the window cracked and it just looks like an empty car. Are you thinking of one piece dual cover/screens? Sound like a challenge! I saw a good example on this channel: Chris And Emilie kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaDHaKKtbNWAia8

[@librarian92]

Thanks for this excellent video! Starting with the cardboard and keeping them as a template is a great idea.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gazzaman6130]

Really great ideas! Shamon!

[@smooth111012]

Awesome tips

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you liked it

[@dacat8171]

Great job. 👍🏾

[@somenomad5332]

I've seen several videos you made and i love the ideas you came up with

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks so much!

[@canthandleit1377]

Great video!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks!

[@kossmonaut]

this is a great instructional

[@JOYsCAmpeR_ADV]

Awesome video and very helpful!👌 I made and use cardboard covers at the moment. I never thought about coroplast and safety blankets. Thank you so much.

[@michaelt.wardlespider2496]

Love the template idea...

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you like it!

[@thanatoskatakrima5864]

Great video 👍

[@antoinettejwilliams1496]

Thank you so much esp. for tips. I looked at vid again for the pull tabs suggestion and got more than expected. I really appreciate the back window part; I should have watched vid. again before I cut mine only to find out it’s asymmetrical. 😀 but I can alter using your dual flap technique. 👌Thanks again

[@bethelteshuwah9824]

I enjoy your creative abilities.

[@H_alsumait]

Thank you for your information

[@Whereswally606]

Such a brilliant and comprehensive video. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. I will mostly use the choroplast ones in my env200.

[@domino4565]

~ Tech Mom! Giving Product Engineers a run for their money their money! Ace design and development! Why hasn’t somebody hired this woman already?!?

[@benjaminjwilson6694]

ma'am, you are amazing. great information. thank you.