Van Life Essentials How to Stay Cool Living in a Van

Today we continue our series on How to Beat the Heat by showing you a very simple method to cut and install either Reflectix or insulation to fit a window in your van in order to keep the heat out of your van during the summer, or heat inside the van during the winter. This is a great way to stay cool or warm in your van, depending on the season!
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Thanks for watching!

[@karenclausen6724]

I so glad Bob admits his faults and he is so hands on with is tutorials. Very down to earth, simple language.

[@deb664]

Thank you, Bob. But, I have to chuckle every time I watch a “how to” video from you! All that keeps coming into my mind is something you said in one of your van build videos..”I’m the king of “half ass “ and “good enough”!! 😂😂

[@dianesisneros8811]

That’s what I say about myself (except the good enough part. I like it😂). Some people are so exacting and I get frustrated halfway through and just want to finish.

[@BradSavoie46]

LOL gotta love em!

[@millieallen1876]

I’d like to thank you Bob for always making intimidating things seem achievable. I’ve been watching your videos for a few weeks and so far I have enjoyed all of them. I like how encouraging you are. I’m beginning to believe that this is something that I can do. I’m not there yet but I’m learning and getting more confident every day. Thanks!

[@sandeedobberstine5591]

Millie Allen ditto, I’m years away. Learning in the meantime!

[@Javaman92]

Hahaha, we gotta love ya Bob. Anyone who has watched your videos for a year or so will know how handy you are. To have ya say, I'm not a handy person, if this works out its going to be a minor miracle, made me really laugh out loud! Too many people get too hung up on having to do things perfect. You are a welcome relief from that. :-) Function first, then form.

[@NHJDT]

Bob "I'm not very handy". lol are you kidding? You are one of the handiest youtuber. Love your channel.

[@slptp]

Given the sealant on either side of the pink insulation, it is also possible to cut partially through (several parallel slits), not all the way through, so that the foam follows the curve of a vehicle. Saves on tape :) As for being ugly... you can always add stick on cabinet liner (contact paper) for function and aesthetics or glue spray and fabric.

[@tracyranger]

I used my left over reflectix and silver duct tape to make wheel covers for my cargo trailer. It protects my tires from the hot sun and was way cheaper than buying some new ones

[@lauralake3209]

I used blue IKEA BAGS , LOL

[@12sisters1bride7]

Bob is such a guy,duct tape and magnets solving life's small issues.but,it is a great,simple and pratical solution

[@chopper680]

I'm the Prince of just right and king of half assed and I approve of this 😁

[@gigglinggypsy4636]

ROFLOL.. Duct Tape, a bigger hammer and WD40. Brilliant! Bob, i LOVE your humor.

[@haroldfitz5146]

Bob, you can use a paint brush and gorilla glue to seal the edges of the white foam insulation (R-Tech). That stops the bubbles of foam from falling out. R-Tech conforms much better to a curving window, plus you have the foil backing on the inside to help with heat retention in winter. Just my humble opinion

[@penname40]

I saw Dawn of Van Life use dark/ black contact paper on the backside of the reflectic and it worked great for her.

[@maggiefriedrichs777]

You are so unbelievably helpful and generous with you time and knowledge. Thank you for all of the great ideas, information, and encouragement to those who need it. I am going to utilize all of your videos in my own van build. Thanks for all you do.

[@BrendaBodwin]

I think it's great. If people are worried about ugly, then they can figure something out for themselves. Simple, easy, effective. 😀

[@starwish2468]

If it helps with your quality of life, or might actually save your life - that is the definition of BEAUTIFUL!

[@Pamela-ro8vh]

Very helpful. God bless the person who fast forwarded the cutting. Lol!

[@bessieoriotis5104]

Look we are trying to use the economic way . A lot of women are novices and we need to use the easy practical way and get the job done. Thank you for showing us.

[@colty7764]

Heat id transferred 3 ways (radiant, conduction and convection). Aluminum reflects infrared heat. Everything gives off radiant heat (sun being the most noticeable). However aluminum is a very high conducter of heat, so don't let it contact any hot surface, because that will defeat the purpose. It becomes a "heat sink" . Once it conducts heat (heats up rapidly as all metals do), it will radiate that heat. It is extremely effective when you understand how it works and use it to reflect radiant heat (to either keep heat in, or keep it out of a space.

[@russellcupples2170]

If you paper or cardboard as a template you can perfect your fitment then transfer it to the reflectix. Poster board would work great . Also if you cut to much of the poster board then tape another small piece to the short spot then transfer the pattern after it's perfected on the poster board .

[@margarete8054]

I saw a video where a young man used aluminum foil to make a template.

[@rmacster]

Function over Form! You don't go into van life for the glamour and aesthetics! Great video! Thanks!

[@OverlandOne]

Bob always has great information to share. Thank you Bob, you help a lot of people.

[@manonarcand2146]

Loooove the flap idea, especially for taking out reflectic. First time i see flaps for it :))))

[@manonarcand2146]

Sealing idea, and doubling the window panels r great too. Thx for sharing :)

[@Javaman92]

Lots of good ideas, thanks Bob.

[@cr3237]

I live in the uk and have to smile when Bob talks about keeping the heat out. I change it in my head to 'keeping the heat in'! Love the informative vids.

[@sgtevmckay]

As my father would say; Good enough for government work. Many thanks again.

[@galememeeof6688]

Thanks for the tips, especially with the weather stripping. That could be useful for a lot of places.

[@eternitywithjesus777]

I find measuring the window and then transferring the measurement to the reflectix is easier. Then, you can lay the reflectix down on a table or any surface and cut. I would do Step 2 as shown. I used foil tape for adhesive just so it doesn't look extra shabby.

[@wfm5121954]

Thank you, Bob. Very informative video!

[@justd4377]

Thanks Bob! I really appreciate seeing projects that can be done without expensive power tools that I don't own or know how to safely.

[@sallyplus4]

Bob, thank you. I just made a reflectix panel for my front windshield. When I put it over the outside of my windshield the inside of the windshield was too hot to touch. An hour later I touched the in side of the windshield again and it was cool.

[@Char209]

Bob you're amazing!!! Thank you for a great solution to a typical problem!

[@deanduke8677]

Love it bob. Doesn't need to be perfect. Good enough!

[@spiritualexercise265]

I was set on reflectix with cloth outer layers, but thanks to your video we will have XPS insulated windows for next summer's excursions. Thanks for always showing us better options!

[@phyllisgovia4253]

I rv live full time stationary , I cut reflection an inch big than my windows and attached with magnets. The reason was all the heat was coming mainly from the wind aluminum edges. I can easily take them down to let natural heat in. I painted the inside for cosmetics. They look and work great so far.

[@Wanna.Wander]

Yay! I just got my new (1994) old GMC Safari ... I can’t wait to build a bed and get some screen and reflectix... thank you for the tutorial.

[@monnaprovost7294]

Bob, glue a piece of fabric to the inside! Yes, ur right Bob. Seeing it being done is so helpful. Thank you so much for the tutorial.

[@monnaprovost7294]

Karin Corbin, good to know, thanks.

[@tammierizer1537]

This is so helpful, Bob. Thank you so much.

[@asphaltgypsy868]

Thanks! Great info! I've been dreading the fact that the weather-stripping in my van is shot and needs to be replaced! Yay! Simple fix NOW!!! Happy trails!

[@Locd4life707]

Awesome job Bob! This video is a GR8T help to me.👍 Thanks for sharing your knowledge! It makes things easier for many car dwellers & van dwellers & Rv dwellers alike.

[@rollshow3024]

I put them on the out side', and mark them, and then cut a little bit bigger ; then they will fit tight on the inside'. That's the best way'.

[@gosmoothgolight7567]

Thanks, Bob! Just bought an older Ford Econoline van ... some great tips here :)

[@northtexas4110]

Good job! Very nice..So simple to do! Thank you for your video! So very helpful! Happy Trails!

[@TheAntHill184]

Thanks for sharing, your videos help.

[@donnasloane9031]

You are so kind to be so specific.

[@julianlord2258]

Welcome back to my next video! Makes me trip every time. . . That is for the great info

[@theGreatandPowerfulGOD]

REALLY ENJOY your channel Bob!!!

[@yakinkate7946]

Tabs and magnets are a great idea! Thank you for that.

[@thebamlife1775]

Great video!!

[@CHoggsVideos]

3 is my favorite number..hehe Hottlanta, got to get outa here. Great Information, Bob !! Thanks !!

[@stewmiller778]

"Whittle as needed" LMAO. keep up the preaching/teaching on the difference between reflection and insulation. So many people don't understand it. And kudos for mentioning reverencing the Reflectix. heat out in the summer, heat in in the winter.

[@gogogojeff]

I think your magnet + tab combo is the solution to a few things I've been thinking of, thank you!

[@justdawndb]

The tip with the tabs & magnets is invaluable! For ancient rigs like some have the weatherstripping also, something I hadn't even considered. Thank you!

[@southpawsgarage]

VELCRO...YOU COULD STICK ON DOOR AND WRAP..LEAVE AIRSPACE BETWEEN GLASS AND WRAP...WORK BETTER...JUST A THOUGHT..

[@donedennison9237]

They have attractive duck tape too. It's not as strong as regular, but I bought mine at the dollar store. :)

[@sarahskies3568]

great video, this is gonna help me in the future!

[@Protosaki]

much thanks for that idea, appreciate it!

[@laurajphillips]

Great Vid Thank You!

[@frankungaro237]

Helpful video bob

[@traceycrawford9938]

This is fantastic information Bob, thank you

[@cleoklobucher3062]

Nice ideas on reflectics window coverings.

[@migratingRobin3767]

Your wonderful ! Thank you so much for all the helpful videos ! Your a great inspiration ! I can't wait to be able to be a Nomad!

[@migratingRobin3767]

+Rhonda Waldron lol

[@francesdavis613]

Made paper template for each window ,cut reflectix and topped with black felt. Thanks for useful ideas and inspiration Bob. Love to all 💕💕💕

[@menofairy]

great info Bob

[@77elco43]

Well, you said it before Bob. You aren't much of a handy man but it will get the job done. Thanks for your help to others who don't know what to do.

[@StaceyBillsAdventures]

Thank you for this video, this is going to be our first project and video for our camper van project :)

[@euphegeniadoubtfire5825]

I have got to get this stuff in my car. People have been telling me to get it since I started vehicle dwelling 9 months ago. I'm such a slacker lol Thanks for the video, sir.

[@renkun7064]

You can get it at lowes i found it in the window aisle

[@calgal5752]

I ordered it by the roll from Amazon....

[@peggymcg7595]

Great ideas. Love your duct tape tabs and magnets! And the black felt too! Thanks!!

[@thatsrite55]

Very informative video.. thanks

[@kodeywhitewolf5756]

Great job

[@MaryPoggemann]

Bob, I always enjoy your can do attitude! It may not be pretty... But, it works!! Thanks for sharing.

[@creativehearts7127]

Looks good..nice work...

[@kirsten7072]

Thank you very much for all your videos ❤, from Belgium

[@philcapling8268]

Another great video, Bob! I had done this for the windows in my high roof GMC Starcraft Conversion Van. I used 3M Spray Adhesive glue to connect the blackout curtains I got at Walmart. Works great and has the benefit of switching between day and night. With the black side out at night and blackout curtains separating the driver compartment hung from a spring loaded shower curtain, I recently stayed at a 4 star hotel parking lot in Pensacola, Florida-my overnight stay cost? $0. Folks staying at the hotel? $200 per night and up. Thanks for sharing.

[@susanwagner7605]

It was helpful to see rough , raw , non crafty task ! With my broken wrist … I’ve lost my talent for craftiness 🤣 This made me feel more comfortable … like , just try it and stop being a perfectionist !

[@ramvanbobby3889]

I love it Bob

[@CC-vw1cs]

"Cody Sighting" love it :)

[@vannemocilac274]

I saw this video n thought oh good! Maybe there’s an easier way! Lol. There is not. It’s just fiddly going but I sure had a good laugh so thank you! And I did learn new things!

[@suekaiser4163]

Brilliant! Thank you

[@dawnturner7010]

"Duct tape, a bigger hammer, and WD-40." LOL

[@situationsshow1537]

Your the best.

[@rubyred8845]

Great easy and cheap fixes!

[@ElinorRumming]

I'm doing this for my Tesla, what an easy solution!

[@brendatrump5163]

Lol, you did it the way I decided to after being all super cautious of the first one I tried. After the first one you start realizing easier ways to get the job done.

[@arnitacanas5958]

Good information thank you Bob for sharing. As all your videos have helped in our transfer to van life. Prayers to you. Be safe.

[@CheapRVliving]

Thank you Arnita, so glad it has helped you!

[@rexg2985]

We are cutting reflectixs to fit our 2004 Freestar. Wouldn't you know it every window is a different size! Almost done, 1 left! Thanks Bob for your video!

[@Gimo76]

I started off with Velcro which melted down the window in the heat. Then I went to suction cups which worked great. They come with a hook which I just poked thru reflectix and they stayed up all the time. I had too many things in my van that I didn’t want passerby’s to see. So I just left it up.

[@jerrywatson2596]

Hay pal I have been reading the comments and you are the only one saying anything about it’s being ugly. You put out informative videos. I like the tab magnet idea. Keep up the good work.

[@08FayFay]

Love it❤️

[@leonas3840]

God bless u man ..

[@gbarraco8888]

Nice job Bob!

[@yolicastro4414]

Thank you

[@DOGakaDefenderOfGems]

Creating tabs with duct tape and ceramic magnets ... fabulous tips ... thank you Bob. I always learn something useful.

[@FeralCatSanctuary]

Perfection is such a terrible thing. It keeps us from doing things. I believe in exactly what you have shown here, which is to find a solution to a problem. That is all that is needed....a solution. How can that be anything other than perfection? When did we start deciding we had to think things had to be pretty too? Great information, Bob, about hot and cold. Thanks so much.

[@Downeastwaves]

Thank you Bob!

[@HobbsHorror]

Thanks i will def use these techniques.on my new rig ive done a.few vids on it this.is much easier

[@janetnieves5056]

Gr8 ideas,thnx

[@MSWcryptoworker]

Love the tabs

[@theresam1649]

Great idea to make a how-to video about this.

[@parksguy3018]

Thanks for the video, I got a few ideas that will help me. 🙄🇨🇦

[@tracybrookey2289]

Bob, I just love watching your videos! Between you and Carolyn I have all but gave up TV, it's on but I watch you guys on KZbin! Give Cody a big wet doggie kiss for me!👍🤣🐶

[@young1471]

Very cool video Bob! Great magnets! I think Velcro would’ve work too…

[@maribethspence9458]

Finally got the time to get back and watch this one. The way you're doing things is exactly the way I'd do things...cheap and easy. So thank you for this very informative video. PS I'm not sure why but I get a kick out of the fast forwarded parts, I guess maybe it reminds me of the ol slapstick comedy and makes me laugh. Anyway I just love it :D