Curtains and Window Covers for Minivan Campers | Vanlife |

Master stealth camping by blocking out all the light from your windows!
If you'd like to see everything I use in my van, click here: www.minivancampergal.com
Welcome to Minivan Camper Gal! I'm Kelly and I camp and travel in a Chrysler Pacifica Minivan, doing part-time van life. Here you will find van build videos, tips on the digital nomad lifestyle, general travel vlog videos, and more. I'm into minimalism, and I eat a mostly plant-based vegan diet. I'm still learning how to do vegan vanlife well! I have some great vegan camping recipes to share with you, but would love some suggestions, too! Sometimes I stealth camp in the city, but mostly I like to boondock. Join me and my camper van as we embark on all the car camping adventures!
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[@minivancampergal1554]

My apologies for the shaky camera, hopefully you don't get too dizzy! I'll use a tripod next time. 💕

[@hoists1829]

Hey Kelly, your videos are awesome. But how could we contact you? 😀😀😀

[@angelinasouren]

I hadn't even noticed any of that? Just a nice usually enjoyable video.

[@photogher]

The best solution is the one where you used a piece of insulation board, which made for a stiff and sturdy window covering substrate. I'd be inclined to redo the other window shades and use the insulation board + fabric on both sides, plus an extra inch or so around the perimeter. As far as a privacy curtain, anything with a shine on it (like the black tape you used) is going to reflect light back to the person who's looking in. Someone with a flashlight will note any reflection immediately. So the best fabric is one that is completely black and dense, and has a texture like a felt or velvet material, where any light shone on it gets absorbed and doesn't reflect. Any fabric will need a liner to fully block light from getting in or out, as is standard with blackout curtains. thanks for showing your solution!

[@johnburge3990]

For my back & third side windows I used carpet tape and leave them in, I also tucked screens into the third windows. Cut screen about 3 inches all around larger than window to tuck into the surrounding with a plastic putty knife. It makes for some extra bug free ventilation.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Oh cool!

[@aaroningram9741]

Ur window covers are pretty similar to mine. And that white corrugated plastic panel stuff is great cause it won't sag in the heat. I have a big piece covering my back glass and it's velcroed at the top to keep it in place and I just leave it in all the time. I use my side mirrors to see when backing up and my mini-van has the rear sonar. That velcro comes in handy too! And yes,sometimes I have to super-glue the velcro to keep it in place. Great video!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Oh nice! Eek, good tip below about the spray glue!

[@jacquelinejensen5360]

To get a better pattern of each window you might try using the heavy brown wrapping paper. It can usually be found at Walmart where boxes are sold. Cut a piece that is a few inches bigger than your window, you can get that rough measurement with a tape measure. Use a few pieces of rolled masking tape, so it is sticky on both sides, to hold the paper to your window. Using your fingers, press the paper into the outer edge of the window, forming a crease in the paper. Once you have that crease, take a pencil to draw a line in that crease, your line will not be perfect because of the wrinkles in the paper. Remove the paper. When cutting off the excess paper, cut a half inch outside of that crease/line, getting the excess paper out of your way. Now you can put your pattern back in the window and trim until you have the fit you desire. Use that as a pattern for your reflectics and fabric. You only need to do one side of the van windows, you can reverse each pattern for the other side. I've been living full-time in my van for 2 years. Vanlife Rocks!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Jacqueline! Oh how I wish I had known you when I was trying to make these!! Thank you so much, this is a little golden nugget. I hope others find it.

[@MySonsMother]

though I have a great black curtain divider, I often use those pop open front window covers which expands my living area. I use some on the sides, too. I actually have multiple ways I do curtains.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, nice!

[@stormdavies250]

Wow. You a really good at filming with one hand and working with the other hand simultaneously. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone else do it better. I’ve worked and reworked my window coverings it seems like a thousand times. I’m still improving them in my mind. 😆

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks! Yeah, window coverings are definitely the least fun part of van life imo

[@okiejammer2736]

Shaky camera? Didn't even notice. Needed this info! Thank you.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Oh good, thanks for the feedback!

[@user70331]

You can use small copper tubing to shape whatever curtain holders you need, instead of Velcro.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, interesting!

[@Lisa-16]

I'm glad you did this video. My back window has been an issue too. For the side windows I covered the reflectix with black fabric on one side and pretty light colored fabric on the other. In the seam I stitched in some very strong small bar magnets that stick to the metal around the window frame. It works great! Too bad the rear window has no metal. 😢 Our van has handles just above the front doors so I stretched a bungee cord across the ceiling and hung a black curtain for privacy. I made some side ties so I could tie the sides to the door handles just behind the front seats. I also use binder clips to close any gaps I may see by clamping the fabric to the headliner (if we are in an area where we really don't want peepers).

[@minivancampergal1554]

Oh magnets- that’s a good idea!

[@debbie2027]

I used reflectics .. they kept popping out ... I now have weather tech which have some tiny gaps around the edges and I may use fabric or tape in spots but they are much easier to pop in ...and they stay in better generally ....

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Debbie! Oh interesting- I wondered how good the weather tech ones were.

[@adventurebythemile]

I found a company online that made window coverings for my 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan they were around $100, kinda pricey but the wines I mage myself just didn’t cover right. I also used black duct tape on the ones I made. I took left over reflectix and made a cover for my portable fridge.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Oh a fridge cover, what a good idea!

[@okiejammer2736]

I LOVE YOUR CONTENT AND EZ WAY OF TEACHING, EXPLAINING, SHOWING, etc. THANK YOU.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@gypsylizzy8893]

Great idea - Thanks for sharing

[@minivancampergal1554]

Glad you liked it!

[@ohizkimmie]

Love the corrugated plastic on the front window reflectix!❤

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks!

[@awhinakarauna4313]

Use suction cups to hold to window

[@FiftiesForward]

I bet you could just attach Velcro around the window frames in the side back windows and attach a curtain with Velcro edge's? ?

[@minivancampergal1554]

I kind of tried this with bug screens. The temps are just so hot where I live that everything melts off. 😔

[@Gwen3344]

I can attest that in creating a car camper, finding the right materials is one of the more challenging tasks. From my own experience, here are a few tips: 1) Rather than taping the Velcro directly to the pillars of the car, tape duct tape to the pillars, and then attach the sticky-back Velcro to the duct tape. The adhesive on the duct tape works better for ABS plastic. I can specifically vouch for Monster tape for this purpose on the A B and C pillars, which seems to be a different chemical composition than the plastic used elsewhere in my vehicle. 2) There is a lightweight blackout shade fabric with a silver back that is easier to store than shades made with Reflectix. However, this fabric has two drawbacks: a) The insulation effect is good in the summer; however, I cannot vouch for it in the winter. b) Pinpricks in the fabric will allow light to seep through. What this means is when making the curtains/shades, don't use pins to measure and cut the cloth. Use mini clips or fabric tape instead. After several iterations over several years, I find this fabric to be more versatile because of its light weight. I use it for curtains on all back windows that I never take down -- decorative fabric sewn on the silver side facing into the car. Because I follow the seasons, I don't use these for winter insulation; so can't vouch for that. I can confirm that the fabric alone blacks out 100% of the light. 3) For the curtain separating the front and back areas of your car, have you considered using a staple gun and/or cubicle pins to attach non-sticky Velcro to the roof? This would avoid the adhesive mess on the headliner. A curtain made of the fabric suggested above might be lightweight enough to not cause separation of the curtain from the ceiling; more specifically, the Velcro from the ceiling. The pins I'm referring to are the type used in some builds to attach fairy lights to the roofs of the vehicles. The fabric I use I bought from Amazon. It's called, RUseeN Portable Blackout Shades Window Curtains. The ASIN is B0B17G9ZGC. It comes in 3 different lengths, width is 57". The fabric is thin enough that it can slip into the grooves around the windows where you are currently inserting the duct tape. Hope that helps in some way.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hi Gwen!! Oh My Gosh - this is all amazing information! Thank you so much! What a genius idea - to put tape on the pillars,, then the velcro to that! Wow! All of your tips are simply fantastic! I hope others read your comment. Thanks for sharing!

[@Gwen3344]

@@minivancampergal1554 It's my pleasure to share. One thing I didn't mention: I also use the staple gun/Velcro/duct tape technique for attaching Velcro to the window frame for hanging the curtains. The advantage of curtains over window inserts is they allow air circulation, especially in the summer. (The curtains are a few inches longer than the windows.) Happy camping!

[@jayceewedmak9524]

Thank you, Gwen! ❤💐 😊 Ontario 🇨🇦

[@Gwen3344]

@@jayceewedmak9524 My pleasure. As someone with basecamp in Florida, USA the heat and humidity are brutal when it comes to adhesives. Then, there's the different chemical composition of the plastics in different parts of the vehicle, that complicates things. For example, Velcro sticks well to the plastic used in the B pillars of my vehicle; but not on the plastics in parts of the back hatch. I have noticed that 3M Duct tape does seem to work well (perhaps better than the Monster tape I mentioned in my original post). But I think it just depends. I don't think there's a real solution for the adhesive challenge short of something industrial. But I think most of us are seeking semi-permanent solutions when it comes to attaching things. Anyway, best of success with what you're trying to accomplish!✌

[@jayceewedmak9524]

@@Gwen3344 Nothing sticks well on plastic in our cold winters or hot summers (sigh). I'm going to give your duct tape a try! Hope the roads you travel and the people you meet on them are good ♥ 😊

[@robertberin4872]

I make mine out refletix as well. Traced the window onto regular printer paper taped together then to the refletix. Main benefit I found is the shade when you park in a store parking lot at night. They also provide minimal insulation as I found out over a 5 day camping trip to N. Nevada.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Robert! Yeah, they are insulative! I've camped without them, thinking, "oh, I'll really enjoy the night stars and the morning sun," and was shocked at how much colder the van got. Good idea with the paper!

[@wunderfinderorg]

thank you so much for sharing! that is so valuable you sharing your approaches and also what you learned from the process! thanks a lot ❤

[@tucsontom7244]

I use small pieces of wood about the size of a shim to hold my reflectix in place. It's great for the tailgate because I can open and close it without the reflectix falling down. For the blackout curtain I created a custom rod using PVC.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ooh, nice!

[@Je-Lia]

I really enjoy your presentation. I've been looking at van-camping videos for the last two weeks steady, and I've seen some who well -- they're not MY culture. You are intelligent, thoughtful, humble, and intrepid in your willingness to try things and willingness to share the experience. You asked for suggestions: I think magnets of various sorts and strengths might be helpful too. Any place I can use magnets instead of velcro is preferred.

[@joanndavis4843]

Well you kept at something again and you got the results that work! I myself pretty much gave up the window covering construction. I got all frustrated by the different angles, measuring the templates, then after all that still got it wrong by a matter of centimeters and still could see bits of daylight! I'll just spend the money and order on Amazon, maybe. Until then I'll just stick close to home and retreat back to home at dusk. I need the sense of adventure like you have! I think it has something to do with not straying too far from home base after my road trip of a lifetime last summer from California, through 10 states, all the way to upstate N.Y! Unfortunately, not having the will physically, or mentally to drive back home, had car shipped from Chicago back home, and took Amtrak back😊.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hi Joann! Don’t let the covers defeat you! It is definitely one of the more challenging things to make. Woah, your trip sounds awesome. And what a good idea to ship the van back when you were done! That’s a cool idea.

[@Nemo-yn1sp]

Thank you. Window coverings have been a bit of a pain for me - the cutting is the hardest part! I do have a small gap and you've confirmed my thought that adding duct tape would solve that and give me material to tuck into the gap. I'd like to use velcro for the cab curtain, but I'm concerned about wrecking the headliner, which is carpet material.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yeah, the Velcro will leave a stain. I figure I can try to get it out if sell it.

[@PattyGurdy]

thank you!

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Patty! Thanks for watching!

[@user-gr2tq8bn7p]

Thanks... blessings to you.

[@StevefromOhio1972]

Hi Kelly, You have done a good job blocking out the windows. The curtain is nice too. You are inventive and resourceful. The only thing I might suggest is to have your windows dark tinted. If that is something you would be interested in doing, you would have to check with your state law. Here in Ohio, they can only be so dark and no tint on the windshield, other than that factory blue strip at the top. Steve.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Steve! Yes, good suggestion. It’s legal here.. I need to do that!

[@musicalmarion]

I'm loving your earrings Kel ❤🌼

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks Marion!

[@adventurebythemile]

Duct tape everyone’s friend!!! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@FiftiesForward]

Yes! I have a home and use any kind of tape for everything 😅

[@minivancampergal1554]

Haha, totally!

[@steveclements5854]

I’m thinking of horizontal shower curtain rods that are spring loaded on each side of the front curtain they are hight adjustable and all you have to do is attach rods to each side of curtain then adjust rods to correct hight to roof and push into place just like a curtain rod above a tub in a house

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Steve! Yeah, I tried that, but the problem is there is too much light that comes through the top. It works, as long as you're not trying to be stealthy.

[@chrissmith-no3bo]

Lol i used heavy foil taped it. Im not good at sewing or crafting things lol😂

[@douglashoward5738]

Great DIY😊

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you! 😊

[@lindaohia6938]

I found black out curtains at a thrift store...$3😊. I had to hem them but works great. I did the reflectixs with a pattern that I made with heavy duty wrapping paper. It lets you be more accurate. Do you use industrial strength Velcro? It is almost like cement...lol

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hey Linda! Ooh, good find! I get weaker Velcro because I find that the adhesive fails before the hook and loops if it’s too strong!

[@javiev]

thanks for your video... !! un abrazo desde Patagonia

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thank you!

[@kikilynn1167]

There are two kinds of reflectix, and one is thinner than the other. it looks like you have the thinner one. The thinner one is Everbilt brand. The thicker one is Reflectix brand. It's about 50% thicker than the everbilt brand and works way better in my experience.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Hi Kiki! Woah, I had no idea, thank you! I’ll definitely look for that when I redo these!

[@TravelingGamer_]

Lol nice great minds think alike. My back window was super stupid as well and I ended up going for the same type of foam insulation. Mine did eventually compressed too much on the corners and wouldn't stick up anymore, sounds like you are having a similar issue. Lol

[@minivancampergal1554]

Ha! That’s cool we had the same idea! Yeah, I might have to replace mine soon…

[@glenchilada]

I really love my High End Motorsports brand window covers. But I keep all the ones in the rear on full time. I think I'd personally have to leave that curtain up full time. Putting it up and taking it down would drive me nuts.

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yeah, it does drive me nuts, ha! I’ll have to check out motor sports!

[@nerdinium]

Will the spiky velcro part stick to the headliner? If so, you could put two spiky pieces together back to back and adhere that to the headliner and then to the front curtain. No goopy bumpy adhesive then. If you don't mind small holes in the headliner, pop rivets could hold the velcro on too.

[@minivancampergal1554]

I wish it would stick. That’s a good idea though!

[@TheGoodlifeoffgrid]

All my windows cover full down Arfter the hot water got to it

[@minivancampergal1554]

Yeah, hot weather is tough to combat!

[@agr8h2o]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@minivancampergal1554]

Thanks!

[@Dee-im7zd]

Where can we get the corrugated plastic? Thanks!

[@minivancampergal1554]

You can find it at Lowe’s or Home Depot. www.homedepot.com/b/Building-Materials-Glass-Plastic-Sheets-Corrugated-Plastic-Sheets/Coroplast/N-5yc1vZcbtuZdw1