DIY Reflectix window inserts! Keep heat in during winter, or out in summer!

In this episode I take some cheap Reflectix and cut it out to fit all the windows in my vehicle. My hope is that this will both help insulate the windows when winter car camping, but also reduce condensation build up and subsequent frost on the inside of the glass.
Reflectix: www.homedepot....
Price: $25
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#snowwheeling #carcamping #4runner #t4r #toyota #toyota4runner #toyotatacoma #landcruiser #taco #toyotafj #fjcruiser #toyotafjcruiser #toyotalandcruiser #overland #overlanding #overlander #softroading #adventuring #snowcamping #pnw #pacificnorthwest #toyotasequoia #landcruiserprado #fortuner #j20 #j50 #4wd #4x4 #snowstorm #coldcamping #diy

[@jaithevegan]

Thank you for showing a real step-by-step on making these! I’ve been watching these videos for months and nobody has shown how to do it like this. 🤯

[@GrizzlyPath]

Haha I’m glad I could help!

[@kolerogers1233]

Yes! I've been watching videos & reading about it for a long time as well. Thank you so much!😊

[@lilopaxton4172]

This deserves so much more views. Thank you for spreading knowledge.

[@GrizzlyPath]

Happy to help, thanks for stopping by!

[@rosed9665]

Get one side black to absorb sun and increase temps. The other side white to reflect sun off more to increase cooling.

[@GrizzlyPath]

That’s a cool idea to flip sides for different uses, might add it to the to-do list!

[@xsoloishx]

i used black duct tape on one side so it was reversible for reflecting or stealth. Also helps make it a little more rigid. Holds better too

[@GrizzlyPath]

I’d be worried about the duct tape losing adhesion and turning to goo when used in hot weather. Hopefully it works out for ya!

[@xsoloishx]

@@GrizzlyPath i used it for about 3 yrs that way with no issues, no longer have that setup. so cant say for long term

[@colty7764]

technically, its the aluminum that reflects the radiant heat (almost all of it). Non metalic material absorbs radiant heat and them retransmits it (doesn't block it out or keep it in). Reflectix is very effective at keeping a car warmer in cold weather if kept over all windows.

[@gud2go50]

Very helpful. Thank you!

[@joanies6778]

To get benefit of the ventilation under the wind deflectors, you can cut the side window cover down just a few inches across the top. Tape it back to itself with metallic tape so you can fold it down inside. Voila! Don't forget you'll need to add mesh to keep bugs out. For the bugs, I am using gutter guard ($4 ea @ Home Depot) with mesh, cut to the length and height for my windows. The flat end is trimmed to slide up into the window frame and the molded end sits over the glass. If you use gutter guards, turn the mesh side out so bugs don't get stuck between the plastic and the mesh. I have one in my sunroof until I can get the side wind deflectors.

[@GrizzlyPath]

Smart!

[@roamingcali]

Thank you for the video. This is the first video that mentioned poking holes at the top to allow for air flow at night. That and my sunroof (mesh cover) will be enough for air flow.

[@GrizzlyPath]

Perfect! I’ve done something similar for bugs.

[@christablair6243]

So helpful! Thank you, now I’m not so nervous about my first cold weather car camping experience! 🎉

[@GrizzlyPath]

Bring lots of blankets!

[@drs2q]

Great job...best diy car shades tutorial

[@khrysschulte5197]

YeeHaw Thank you!!!!

[@tanyamcallister6951]

You are cool

[@Silverback_GMT410]

You saved me from going with an amazon one that was over 3x the price that isn't as thick.

[@GrizzlyPath]

Sweet! This is a fun easy project so hopefully it works well for you!

[@Silverback_GMT410]

@@GrizzlyPath Appreciate the video, and helpful tips. Thanks!

[@JasonLooseArrowAlso]

Well done, thanks!

[@George-nx8zu]

Really cool. I'm going to try this on my new Model Y, even though that Reflectix material isn't available anymore on Home Depot it seems like there are similar double bubble insulation products

[@busted_dyna8580]

Awesome! I just bought a roll so I can do my xterra windows

[@SarasotaTim]

Every time I find a DIY video to do this for my 4Runner I find one a little simpler. So.... I choose your tutorial 👍 Thanks buddy 😎 Leaving for Moab in a few days. Maybe check my upcoming videos I plan on uploading during my adventure. I’m digging your rig with the amber fogs and lift. 👍 Maybe some running boards? Update: I see you made your own. Damn you do it all. Subscribed

[@GrizzlyPath]

Haha thanks! I’ll check out your channel. I bet the reflective inserts will come in handy in Moab! Later on (pics on my IG) I punched a row of 1” holes in the top so when I have the windows cracked there’s ventilation. Also a small electric fan can help a LOT. Have fun!

[@tonibauldree7862]

Great video. Thanks

[@UtahNick71]

Appreciate this video.

[@GrizzlyPath]

Thanks for watching!

[@volleyballDave]

Thank you for your very helpful video. I do wonder after having watched many videos about sleeping in car and staying stealthy about it when in cities... Why not get the windows tinted dark??? You do that and maybe wrap your window inserts in black cloth (stapled to inserts?) and no one would ever know you're in there. I keep seeing people in minivans and suvs talking about staying stealthy but i never see them tint their windows. 5% (darkest tint) for areas you dont need to see through (rear corners) and 35% (darkest legally allowed for front-sides) would be perfect. You can still see through the windows you need for that. And black cloth inserts behind 35% tint just looks like super dark tint. So at night time no one would ever know you're in your car. The rain guards help with rain (of course) and with ventilation. You put some for of screen on the ventilation to keep bugs out... and you're good.

[@GrizzlyPath]

I would 100% do that if I was city camping. I only camp out in the middle of nowhere so stealth isn’t absolutely necessary.

[@nightfangs2910]

It's a great idea for warmth, but if anyone calls the cops you get that 2am knock, them thinking your doing something shady inside

[@GrizzlyPath]

I mention in the vid that I don’t use it to stealth camp, I’m in the woods so no cops around haha. But some people do use them to stealth camp and usually they cover them in black paint or fabric to help be stealthier.

[@CarlGeers]

have you noticed a significant difference in temp on hot and cold days? You know, warmer in winter and cooler in summer when you have the shades in place?

[@GrizzlyPath]

It definitely helped while out winter camping in 20° degree weather. I haven’t used them in the sun yet, but I foresee just blocking the windows will help, the reflectiveness should help as well, but is untested by myself.

[@SirNic4180]

@@GrizzlyPath any updates???

[@GrizzlyPath]

Sure! I’ve used them a couple times so far for solo camping and it’s helped keep heat out quite well in the morning (Green Mountains video) I actually just packed them tonight for a trip this weekend too.

[@christophervela8120]

Awesome video on sun shades Where did you get the bolt replacement tie-downs for the cargo space?

[@GrizzlyPath]

Amazon! They’re all M6 thread. I would recommend unscrewing the stuff that’s there to get an idea of how long of a bolt you need. For the ceiling ones I used 1/2” long and for the lower ones on the side I used 1-5/8” long.

[@christophervela8120]

@@GrizzlyPath awesome thank you so much

[@johntenfelder7624]

This is great thanks! What size Reflectix roll did you buy?

[@GrizzlyPath]

I’m not quite sure, but it’s in the video description!

[@208Tyler]

Don't mislead us; we all know you want to go stealth camping

[@GrizzlyPath]

Coming to a neighborhood near you.

[@PointMicrosoft]

I kind of want to put some reflectix on the exterior of the windshield to prevent the dashcam from frying.. would this work? Awesome video, Thanks!

[@GrizzlyPath]

Yeah honestly I think it would! Outside would work better than inside in my camping case too, just have the downside of exposed to the elements to contend with.

[@blnswamy007]

Nice hack man.. what are the tires and lift/suspension on your 4runner. Would love a video about that.

[@GrizzlyPath]

285/70r17 Duratracs 3-3.5” IronMan Foam Cell Pro At some point I’ll do an overview!

[@spiromentos]

Thanks a lot. Do you know a safe heater for overnight in a car? And how to configure it?

[@GrizzlyPath]

Best option I’ve used and seen is a diesel heater (look them up) as it does all its combustion separate from the air flow that would blow into the tent/car. Wouldn’t recommend a propane heater since it’s a fire source, creates CO2/CO, and generates moisture as part of the combustion process. I’ve used a propane buddy heater in a tent before though. Still not ideal.

[@nkalaska1408]

Nice blockage! Vs. e.m.fs2? 😉 Stay warm! Miss my gbaby.

[@railduke68]

Probably a silly question, but what’s the purpose of stealth camping? Unless you can cloak your whole vehicle to make it invisible. It’s obviously parked either with someone in it or left vacant. I’d almost prefer someone passing by to know it’s occupied. Good video

[@GrizzlyPath]

So for clarity, I’m not using these for stealth camping personally. Some people will make these black and combine them with window tint and then you can’t tell a person is inside. Stealth camping is a phrase usually used for when people are vehicle camping in an area where it’s not allowed (city street, neighborhood, park, etc). In those areas if it’s obvious you’re camping law enforcement can kick ya out. If you’re low key you can get away with it. Often people aren’t necessarily stealth camping for the camping portion, but rather to check out an area or when road trip passing through or something.

[@chrisz.9974]

Did you ever figure out the ventilation issue? I’m trying to figure out how to do but also bug free.

[@GrizzlyPath]

I can’t remember if I mention an issue with ventilation, but the holes I made worked well and then I usually run a little battery powered that that helps circulation. These things have been a great addition to throw in the kit when planning on sleeping in the car, I’m happy with them!

[@GrizzlyPath]

For bugs I bought one of those cheap bug nets that stretch over the door/window. If you watch my Oregon camp vids I use it there quite a bit. Like $5-10 cheap thing worked well.

[@RileyK1134]

I've had this same setup for 4 months now and I still can't figure out how to keep moisture off the windows... What did you end up doing to counter that? I cut 6, 2" diameter holes along the back window and cracked it about 3 inches. Still have a moist interior in the morning..

[@GrizzlyPath]

Local temp/humidity is going to play a big role, but I did what you did I think after the fact. There might be some pics on my IG but along the top of all the side windows I punched a row of 1” holes. Then cracked all the windows a couple inches when camping. My rain guards keep weather out. I have a small fan I use to circulate air which can help too. When I borrowed my friend’s diesel heater once I obviously had zero issues which is a big plus. Other than that I’m sure if I camped in higher humidity I’d probably get some moisture too. I keep a rechargeable dehumidifier thing in the vehicle as well to sorta help pull moisture, but it’s not fast enough for overnight.

[@GrizzlyPath]

If I camped in higher humidity I’d definitely keep my fan going nonstop. I think circulating the air will help. Crack all the windows and punch holes in the top to allow air to circulate. That’s probably your best bet! Some sort of forced air like a diesel heater (can just blow cool air too) would help, but is a more extreme solution.

[@kylemoore7918]

Do you remember how much of the reflectix you needed to buy?

[@GrizzlyPath]

I’m not sure precisely, but I bought a 25-ft roll and that did all windows except the windshield (used a sun reflector I already have)- after that I have at least 1/3 of that leftover. Link to the stuff I used is in the video description if you wanna see.

[@jaredp19]

How did this work for you??

[@GrizzlyPath]

I actually really like it! If you watch a few of my solo camp videos I’ve used it a few times. Now I don’t have any empirical evidence, but anecdotally it has helped keep heat in vs bare glass. Additionally it is nice to provide some privacy (not stealth camping, but still- camping in the woods with windows can be a bit eerie haha). For the price I paid it has 100% been worth it.

[@RobertShroder]

Hi, thank you for sharing! I'm looking for a camping group in the area, I'm in Kent, Covington area. I just converted my Subaru into a camper. Do you know any SUV camping group that I can possibly join? Thank you!

[@GrizzlyPath]

Awesome Robert! There are a TON of great Subaru communities. If you’re on FB I’d recommend just searching and I bet you’d find one. MTNROO is popular. Forum wise I can’t quite say, but when I’m looking for a new group I usually start by browsing forums and FB groups to see if there’s any like minded individuals who might wanna hang. Often there are!

[@RobertShroder]

@@GrizzlyPath thank you!

[@pedersteenberg2010]

doesit work

[@GrizzlyPath]

So far it provides good privacy and ventilation with the holes I put in them. I’ve gone winter snow camping with and without and I would say they help with interior insulation. Bare windows definitely lose a lot of heat. I would do this mod again and for the price would recommend it to anyone interested in car camping 👍🏼