Living in a car: Custom DIY Reversible Folding Reflectix & Black Out Window Covers - How to!

[@NikkiDelventhal]

After thoughts: I would now put magnet strips along the edges if I had to redo this. Also, to hit a few questions, I originally did one side black(def do this) and one reflective to reflect heat, at the end of the day the reflective side doesn’t make much difference (tints and a roof box to absorb heat did though LOL) Any other questions on the project as a whole drop them here.

[@chrissocha7457]

Reflective needs a sealed air gap between it and window to work properly, try adjusting fit to accomplish this and it's ability to keep cabin cool will improve. Maybe add a thin layer of foam on perimeter to create the needed air lock space.

[@nbsman80]

Thinking about using nylon fabric to avoid mold. Also maybe corrugated plastic boards will help as insulation, but this will add bulk.

[@nbsman80]

Reflectix is not suppose to absorb ,it reflects (you know that) the heat, but the car has all that sheet metal that warms up during the day ,so it will eventually get hot inside if ac is off and windows all the way up. Still it's better to have reflective material blocking the windows because ac will cool the car quicker and also it's not fun to seat in the car with direct sun shining inside.

[@HondaFit4Adventure]

@@nbsman80 Try ottertex

[@ronpaguio9014]

I was thinking of doing same. Reflectix side out during day to reflect sun away and black side out during night for stealth. Want it to look like natural dark tints to not attract attention.

[@DL-by8el]

Do this from the outside where it allows you to lay the reflextics on the window, while standing. Use a credit card to crease into the edge of the window. You can make it a bit bigger when cutting to allow tweaks . This is much easier than doing this on the inside. Hand sewed quilt bias tape to the edge. I wish l would have done fabric on the inside. The credit card trick worked well though.

[@athenalee4229]

Thanks!

[@beeveedee9355]

I would suggest using parchment or Kraft paper to trace your window sizes, then use those patterns to cut the Reflectix.

[@richbabegang]

That's what I did - super easy and fit perfectly!

[@tammybrooke3605]

Aluminum foil is even easier. You can flatten it out and fold the edges

[@KeepnITRealWithKat]

thanks so much! I was fishbowling for a while. Been burning up in this heat. Thanks to this video i just made mine today and I'm excited for tonight!

[@rinhinson8124]

Just placed my first order of gear!🥺 I love all of your videos and you have inspired me to put my best foot forward thank you Nikki for all the hard work you do to help us out!! You and camper stay safe and have lots of fun!

[@itslexielea]

This is so, SO helpful! My boyfriend and I used to live in his Subaru but now we just use it for short and long term camping trips/road trips. I've always wanted to make these for the car but I never knew how until your video!!! Thank you for providing such an in-depth video. I can't wait to get crafty with it :)

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Yay happy crafting! And thanks so much for connecting and sharing!

[@travelwithmycat]

Saw this today and it help solve a problem. I have a 2003 Excursion that I made similar window coverings for. I did not allow for a fold for ventilation. After watching your creative way to fold the covers I got an idea. On my rear window coverings I cut an 1/4" channel from left to right without cutting my material (I only removed the top and center part of Reflectix). With my window screens up I can now fold my covers about 4" for ventilation. I also found that they are easy to fold from left to right, along there natural breaks, which helps with storage. Thanks to your video I have solved my ventilation and storage of covers.

[@jackson28bn]

Really appreciating your videos. Love how you give subtitles for additional instructions and it’s very easy to follow. You answer questions that I am often thinking of as well. Thanks a lot! Wishing you the best.

[@angelaoakes7717]

I was having trouble with my Velcro sticking on the rear window and was starting to wonder if my car was non-stick like a frying pan. 🤣 glad to know that it’s just the Velcro’s adhesive not being very good. I like how you did your shades so that they can fold up.

[@caroldinius4402]

Nikki, I made these for my truck cab, but I cut a little "window", cutting 3 sides, so I can see out when I hear noises, etc. They just pop right back up in place.

[@DL-by8el]

Did you edge yours? I did with quilt edging. I don't want to do the velcro.

[@karenbuckner1959]

Love your idea, Carol. Sometimes we slept in the front of our vehicle in truck stops. It was hard to see out stealthily around regular window shades.

[@veronicalee6022]

Thanks so much! I've been looking for a good video on privacy windows and reflectix. This one is the best one I have found. So thorough and thoughtful. This is great! :)

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thank you!

[@saffronandloki]

Just an invitation to consider that when spraying your adhesive onto the grass you are spraying it directly onto a plant and an ecosystem. You tout 'leave no trace' but then do this... I know most people don't consider grass as anything more than concrete but many creatures live there and the grass is a living thing. I've done this myself! Next time, spray glues onto another surface please ^_^ Let's all care for out limited resources.

[@chaseroberts7580]

Ok Karen

[@MountainSpringsAdventures]

PSC camper conversions has the best window cover tutorial on KZbin. Both sides are wrapped in Black fabric so you don't have shiny silver everywhere inside the car, that's what I used for my Prius camper

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Cool! I purposely did one side reflective. :-)

[@cavsarge11]

I just started following you. Thank you so much for actually showing us all your projects- roof rack, window covers, and bed platform.

[@DiAllinson]

So glad I found your early Prius video Nikki as I have a lovely prius now and I'm planning to do some car camping for the first time ever this year. At the age of 55 with health issues and disabilities, I'm really hoping this is going to be a convenient and manageable way for me to see more of my country

[@thesunnyescape6806]

Hello Nikki! Thank you so much! I am moving into my SUV soon! I am so excited! But have been trying to figure out how to fit everything in my SUV! But watching as many of your videos as I can, I am learning a lot! I just finished making these window coverings! These really save a lot of space, and they help keep the car cool, and private! Such an easy way to make these! I kept over thinking this! Thank you again for being an inspiration to so many! Hope you and Camper have a super blessed 2022!

[@michaelgray1143]

It’s wonderful to see a young lady such as yourself doing the things you are doing! You are a inspiration and keep the wind in your face.

[@JeffErdmann]

I like your design, the cardboard will ad additional insulation for cold & heat. Nicely done

[@Jesskox]

best tutorial! i always had a hard time getting my cardboard to stay up on my trunk window, but now i’m def going to try your method. ty!

[@dewayneavery5097]

I have been going patty watching videos for my windows. I have been watching ur travel videos for sometime. Keep seeing this one popping up & keep passing it by. Finally clicked on it. Wow.😊. Best ever. 🎉

[@jb3222]

This looks like a fantastic job and I wish I had the patience (and dexterity!) to do something similar.

[@DriveBreakFixRepeat70]

Man wish I saw this before I did my window covers. Great idea on folding and leaving the folds for air.

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Yes!!! Total game changer!!!!

[@abyssalsoul6216]

With an infrared thermometer I was able to determine that when there is an air gap between the window and the reflectix it was actually cooler ( think thermos) than when the reflectix is pushed up and touching the window. There is some degree of conductance through the reflectix itself.I glue strips of the refectix on the panels for a standoff

[@SimoneAlexandra]

Where do you glue the strips? Do you have photos posted somewhere online or have you see any videos where they did the same as you?

[@abyssalsoul6216]

@@SimoneAlexandra Hi Simone , I glue the strips which are about 1/2 inch and appropriate lengths horizontally across each panel . I use two strips per panel. My panels are also modified in that I glued thin panels of styrofoam on one side then cover with black fabric. The styrofoam gives a better"R:' factor, hopefully. Since each panel , in my case , is thicker and heavier I help the stay in place with wood strips that I custom made for each window. I place these anchoring strips vertically in the windows , hence the reason for placing the reflective strips horizontally. There is a youtube video of a gentleman who uses coroplast sheeting for his panels , white in color , and primarily for privacy. It is lightweight , thin and rigid. Home depot sells an eight by four sheet for 20 bucks. I don't think it offers the heat reflectivity as much as the reflectix . Cheers

[@Laniepop]

As someone who cannot sew to save her life, thanks so much for this! I can’t wait to get started in mine 😁

[@michaelgrantham176]

I think it's just the new one has arrived in the new world. Thanks for sharing your story with me!!!!!!

[@toddstearns8437]

Best Reflectix video I’ve seen. Can’t wait to make panels for my Jeep!

[@dogie1070]

The BEST tutorial by far! Thank you! 🌿 Now I can have great window cut-outs!

[@NikkiDelventhal]

YAY, thank you!!!!! Glad it helped! PS. I accidentally cut mine too small by like 1/2 inch so after a few weeks of use, I had to put an adhesive on the side windows in front - aka don't do that! hahaha

[@williamlee7782]

I plan to make mine using ABS plastic as the rigid base for the reflectix cuz I don't need it folded down for storage (Jeep wrangler, small windows). The plastic will be wider so it pops into the window grooves and stays in place. Bend it slightly at the verticle center to seat/unseat. Thanks for the video.

[@tristanvarsovia]

I love the idea, and plan to do the same on my Honda Odyssey. Can you also show how you made the netting to keep the bugs out and get some ventilation?

[@KareemPinkston]

That is actually a product that you can purchase online or Amazon and it goes over the entire window frame.

[@scienzchic1]

WOW that looks complicated but you explained it really well. Good job!

[@shaunalee5660]

I subscribed and liked just for this video! I seen a dozen of these videos but I was waiting for someone to explain how to use them with the bug screen and window open for fresh air and Noone talked about it! Thankyou! I can imagine the project got quite expensive with all the reflective insulation fabric, spray glue tabs velcro ect but if you use it a lot I'm sure it's worth it. Where I live just a roll of the insulation is 75$. Thanks for sharing

[@prasanthprathapan113]

Hi Nikki, love from Kerala ( god’s own country ) wishing you a safe journey always. I would like to travel all around in India first with my Polo. The main thing is u r really looking my cute chubby wife.

[@WSallai]

Nikki, all that took a bit of time and some mental exercise, but the finished product looks outstanding. How affective is the reflexive panels for reflecting heat outside of the car? How about retaining heat in cold weather? When it gets really cold where you would want to keep the windows rolled up, you can use DampRid as a dehumidifier to keep from feeling clammy. Does your car have an inverter to provide 120VAC? If so, there are plug-in dehumidifier desiccant units that you can restore while driving and then can either use right away or store in Zip-Lock bags until needed. Keeping condensation out of the car is really important as that moisture can turn into black mold.

[@daveerb2877]

Just stopped to take a break from driving my big truck To watch another great video Love all the information you give everyone on your journeys

[@scotth721]

Just got laid off from my job and am thinking of loading the dog up into my Prius and hitting the road for a bit. Thanks for the great ideas!

[@kevineng8421]

Good idea with the black fabric. I tried painting mine flat black on one side for my truck. It works but eventually flakes and chips off. Thankfully it was only for the windows in the back truck shell

[@tjmarie6554]

Awesome step-by-step, thank you for taking the time to share!

[@XabooAlex]

You answered questions that were on my mind. Can’t wait to start my project

[@lumoworkscompany2187]

Great design. I haven’t seen folding covers with reflextics before. Thank you. 🙏🏽👍🏼

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Glad it helped and you enjoyed! Happy DIYing!:-)

[@RAMCO840]

@@NikkiDelventhal More daisy dukes , please 😉👍

[@killarneystar]

I have the exact same car - 2007 green Prius ! :D I'm hitting the road this summer to tour my music and spread love and light to this country. I hope to meet you, Nikki!

[@NikkiDelventhal]

I love this! Happy and safe travels :-)

[@blancagenesis5174]

Nikki, watching your videos for a whole year inspired me to finally get my Prius last month. I struggle to maintain employment with my disability, and sometimes living with my partner is overwhelming due to my disability as well (it’s a neurological disorder that tricks my brain into thinking I’m being attacked by everyday small noises). I took a cross country road trip in my Prius and know I can now set it up comfortably. I finally feel secure though knowing I can escape to my car to stay whenever I need to. I can’t thank you enough for your inspiring videos. 🙏🏼 Would you be able to share the measurements you used to make these covers? I’m going to attempt to make them soon!

[@hittingcarpet2449]

The Swiss Army Chick is at it again. When I first heard you say “I will teach you everything you need to know”, my first thought was that’s a pretty ballsy statement. But….you do a really good job of explaining things and are knowledgeable and skillful. Ballsy statement. But you walk the walk. Keep up the good work.

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thank you!!!!

[@K03sport]

using chip board or poster board to make templates (only 3 as each window is the mirror of the other) prior to cutting the reflective material can help eliminate waste and additional cutting... plus then you have templates for future/friends' cars that want the same thing

[@jonathanhansen3709]

Best video I’ve seen on doing this.

[@neosogorgeous4336]

Thanks great save me a whole lot of money has a van Nissan van and we have hot days this makes it more cooler while at a park while not driving

[@grendle81]

I've never seen anyone over-engineer window coverings like this. I thought I went overboard with mine but Nikki takes it to a new level. BTW where's Camper?

[@daniellogue3702]

You could make some hooks on the side window shades, so that you can eliminate the need for the Velcro by “hanging” the shades on the windows when you roll them up. That could help save you some time and make it easy for you to set up😇

[@NikkiDelventhal]

I thought about that but I didn’t like the idea of having the bulk on the widow sides moving around back there haha- but after 6 months of using these new ones I would totally put magnet strips along the edges inside the fabric for a great hold ! Such a great idea tho, I had the same! Haha

[@sandyca1106]

To extend those pieces cut too short, you could use black duck tape to layer out your edge to the desired length, making a tighter fit and coverage.

[@Lookbusybuddy]

Looks awesome for the summer. My car so hot when i get back in it from work during those months.

[@hmoobs1]

One of your best videos. Thank you for showing us how you did it

[@noturningback2023]

I just ordered my custom shades from WeatherTech. Black on the outside at night, silver on the outside during day in summer.

[@nnnnnnnnnataliem]

She doesn't cut corners!! 💪🌺 Awesome, I'll be making these soon!! I didn't see the roll of reflective stuff or the adhesive spray in your affiliate link (?) Wanted to buy and thought I'd mention it. Thx! Best to you!!! 💖🕊️

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Ahh yes, those I got at Home Depot but I will add them in today if I can find them!

[@FreeSpiritMom]

You put in some work!!!! I love it

[@vincedagiel3905]

Love your ingenuity. YOU ROCK !

[@westyw.4235]

You would be an awesome elementary/middle school teacher!

[@agnesdo9802]

I agree, very good teacher

[@Patrick-oy5fv]

I would tell my son/daughter to purposely get into trouble daily so they have to set up a parent/teacher conference... Any excuse to meet up and have a conversation with Nikki.

[@warrenpabbott]

Nicely done. I am very impressed by your ingenuity and the fact that you actually did it! I've been planning to do this for my Outback and keep putting it off. I gotta get to it! Great video. 👍

[@3jhe]

I like to see your engineer mind at work, Nikki!

[@davidjohn9006]

Nice job, well demonstrated 👍🏼 can see the self-satisfied "chuff" look on your face at the end 😉🙂

[@stepno]

Yes, I am convinced you are the Martha Stewart of living in the car ... in fact, on your next visit to Connecticut, maybe you can get her to guest star!

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

Tell grandpa you're getting lots of points 👍

[@dwaynesmith7153]

Crazy courage to just go out there and do it

[@SerbaSerbi66]

beautiful scenery, I really want to go there ... I always follow this KZbin channel ... passionate about making videos

[@fuzfire]

Use ble tape and cut short small strips of cardboard. Do top bottom and sides. Then fill in uncovered area with more cardboard and blue tape. This wi give you a PERFECT fit!

[@petmx86]

awesome information! this can help when you want to save in a unncesesary hotel night in my case! very helpful! thanks

[@brendamichelle4783]

I’m going to do this soon to my Prius! Thanks for the great vid. Love your content.

[@FreedomRock44]

I don't know if you thought of this on your own or found a video on how to do this but pretty ingenious Nikki!!!!! I know I know You like it the way you like it!!!!!!! Hahaha.

[@NikkiDelventhal]

This was on my own! Thank you!!!!

[@FreedomRock44]

@@NikkiDelventhal Way to go!!! You are a Hard Worker!!!!!

[@ishadoll1801]

Lol I don't mean to gas you up on every other video of yours but damn you're soo innovative!!!

[@ridelocalride]

Real nice job explaining and showing how to use reflector on the windows. Thanks

[@karenann4277]

Thanks so much for all the excellent DIY videos. You are very helpful and you also have a great sense of humor. Praying for you always and wishing you the very best for safe travels. May God watch over you and protect you always.

[@1TexasKid]

Suggest; I you use butcher paper rolls to trace out the windows from the outside. Thereby creating a template for tracing & cutting out your insulation. You get an accurate fast cut. I use a cable wire from Home Depot that joins together by crumpling a coupler. You can find them in the metal chain area. They are for picture frames. The cable wire will stretch out your foil insulation. It also keeps your shape during storage. You just use a long piece of cloth to wrap, so that you can sow it onto the insulation piece. This only works for fixed window pieces. For your contact adhesive, use a high temperature adhesive at Auto Paint dealers. That is what they use to fix old vehicle headliners.

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Great tips!

[@overlandsubaruinternationa2378]

little trick for the window you take the outside mesurement with transparent plastic film and draw your line like the tein window guys does it easier

[@wildhorses7303]

OMG 😨u m8k that l👀k e z 2! Is there anything u can't do? A.D.D. & dyslexic here no way can I do that ur amazing smart & talented👏

[@richardsmith5477]

For tracing the contour of the windows checkout how to trace vinyl one piece install. It will be a bunch cleaner and easier! I’ve done it.

[@neeor10]

This is really helpful! Thank you!

[@reesecruznwright]

Thank you for taking time to share your great ideas!

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thanks for taking the time to watch and connect!

[@nonyabiz2777]

Brilliant. I myself would lose patients. Nice work.

[@estefani3793]

I'm too distracted looking at how gorgeous your hair is. ❤

[@MsCdawnj]

I did the same thing 2 years ago but don't use velcro anymore it didn't work in the hot months at all. My back window is always up. I only have to pop in and out front windows as back is always up to.

[@sunilnand62]

1. U R 1 of the Best n The Beautiful, thing ever seen on the road.....Wow...😎... 2. All is good, except for measuring. Do not struggle to measure it from inside, Eazy peezy , measure from outside, upto the edge of the glass, stick it from inside....eazy as....🤪.... 3. IF its a stealth car, use only black side out. If you put the silver foil side, eazily all theives know what's inside... something in goin' on...🤪🤪... 4. Every man wants one like you...❤️👍

[@kylethornhill1058]

Ms. Delventhal The futility and impracticality of paying rent has manifested within myself a need for a more viable and pragmatic alternative. As such, I hope to become a Prius dweller in the near future to save for a Home. Ienlightening. Unfortunately, while I do have two hands with ten fingers, they are all thumbs😩. I do not have the remarkable DIY nature that you obviously possess. While I will have to come up with a solution to this particular conundrum, please know that your videos are very helpful and informative. Keep up the great work.

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thank you for the kind words and I hope to hear updates as you explore your hopes and dreams!

[@KareemPinkston]

Fortunately, many of the basic necessities for the Prius VanLife can be purchased conveniently online and on Amazon. Yes, the bill will add up initially. But consider it an investment while you save for future months to come.

[@veganvanlifeaustralia9189]

I’ll make these for my car when I start travelling, whilst saving for my van

[@jimkoz5052]

Nice job Nikki Take Care and be safe

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thanks! You too!

[@Patrick-oy5fv]

I just tried doing the cut out with left over gift wrapping pair I had from Christmas, but failed miserably! I think its because the paper was unable to mold in shape. Picking up a roll of reflectives at my local hardware store tomorrow and trying again. Thanks for a great tutorial Nikki! You inspire many! Doing my own Rav4 living in a few months. Currently in the process of transforming my 2016 limited hybrid into a more ideal living space. Wish me luck! 🤞

[@markhiett4130]

You got a subscriber.thank you for being a real Inspiration.and what impressive things you've done! Look at you,no I'm not talking about how pretty you are ,But having the time of your life!I must meet you in person

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thank you.!!!!

[@theresafinn4257]

Lovely demonstration.

[@Robert-bm5fz]

new fan here. liking the vids. thanks

[@paulrichards2365]

Are you in a cold environment? Having the Black surface on the outside would make the car hot on the insde wouldn't it? And vice versa, having the silver side facing out would reflect the heat and make it cooler inside. I'm in Sydney and I don't want to make it hotter inside.

[@HondaFit4Adventure]

That is a popular misconception and let me explain why. First, my window covers are black on both sides. Q: "Wouldn't the black facing the outside attract more heat in the summer?" A: No. Tinted windows (even non-ceramic) help keep your car cooler during the summer. The black window inserts have the same effect. Q: "Wouldn't you want the window covers with the reflective side facing inside to keep the car warmer" or "Outside to keep the car cooler in summer" A: No. Despite it's name Reflectix works better as an insulator then it does reflecting any radiant heat. Why does Reflectix need an air gap? "For either a reflective insulation or a radiant barrier, an air space is required on the reflective side of the product. (Most Reflectix® products are reflective (shiny) on both sides.) The radiant barrier's benefit is derived from the interaction of the low emittance surface with an air space." So applying the reflectix directly to your windows during the summer negates all insulative or reflective properties. (Yet that's how everyone shows you how to do it on KZbin) I have an air gap between two sheets of reflectix and then it was wrapped in the canvas material. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJWqloOIaqeBqKc

[@timmiller5975]

Love ❤️ this lady such a detailed DIY....would love to date her she seem very down to earth

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thank you For the compliment!:-)

[@anagoldstein1453]

Great idea but to make it simpler I would cut pieces so lines are horizontal instead of vertical. This way you can easily fold them along the natural lines as you please.

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thanks! They are horizontal ;-).

[@anagoldstein1453]

@@NikkiDelventhal I meant the naturally occurring horizontal lines when you unroll the refectix- your natural lines are running up and down and you places the tape horizontally but no biggie it worked for you. You did a great job.

[@lifewithpugwinkle]

@@anagoldstein1453 good idea!

[@tilafaith3523]

Looks great but should have let us know how much you spent hon.❣️ Great idea though... I’m all into saving money😝 Aaaand use Velcro for many things.😉 Love your channel sweetie ❣️

[@GilAdams]

Very cool DIY .. great job.. you have skills

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thanks!

[@fenraven]

Folded, they take up too much room. I'd lay them flat under the bedding. But I love every single other thing you did in the video. Clever!

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thanks! That’s awesome if that’s works for you! For me The issue is getting them from underneath the mattress and keeping them in great shape as i already have stuff stored under there and they would blemish. But my main motivator to not do that is that every time I want them I would need to get out of the car or it’s a huge pain in the ass getting under the mattress and they would for sure end up in bad shape if I didn’t get out. If you do this full time you may agree, that sucks having to constantly reach things from outside the car, especially things you use every day before bed and when u wake up when u want to avoid being seen Outside the car at night. As it cuts down safety or the step of setting up elsewhere and driving again . So I didn’t opt that route. Again. that’s just my personal rig!:-) but some thoughts why the foldable is best for me.

[@fenraven]

@@NikkiDelventhal All good points, and I may discover you're correct. I'm prepping my Prius to hit the road, so I'll definitely keep this in mind as I make my window covers. Thanks!

[@Joe-co4sq]

You're like Martha Stewart and MacGyver all rolled in one.lol

[@jreagle58]

Or you could take aluminum foil, push it into the window then use that to create a template.

[@boromirofmiddleearth557]

You need some sponsors! You're a driving inspirational motivational wunderkind! Hope you had fun in Philly! Is your pup still with you?

[@NikkiDelventhal]

Thank you! We did, and of course He is! :-)

[@serenalwoods]

I did the same thing to my prius, but on one side of the reflectix I used black duct tape and that would be my blackout side.

[@NikkiDelventhal]

GENIUS.

[@wednesdaysbliss1]

Hi Nikki! Just recently started watching your videos - you and Camper are so inspiring! :) I may have missed it in the video, but do you recall about how much this project cost you to complete? Thanks so much for all of your car campin tips!

[@patgamble3217]

That's going to look good .your awesome that will be handy when your sleeping. I did that to to my 1995 jeep xj I used to sleep in it at camp sites. Love ❤️ u later

[@Glenn.Cooper]

Thanks a bunch for this - a great help!