VAN LIFE: Custom Reflectix Window Coverings for Insulation & Privacy

Check out our custom reflectix window coverings that help keep the van insulated and give us privacy.
Find out about us here saraandalexjame...
🚐💕SUBSCRIBE HERE: bit.ly/2U4HBWV
➳ VAN DETAILS
saraandalexjam...
➳ CAMERA GEAR:
Sony a6300: amzn.to/2PpmWI1
Gimbal: amzn.to/2BxR9By
➳ WHO ARE WE?
We are Sara & Alex, and definitely don't forget about our dogs - Bambi & Nugget - or else they might be a little upset. We converted our own Sprinter van and have hit the road for full time adventure and fun. Subscribe for new van life and travel videos every week.
We hope to inspire you to create the life you love - whatever that looks like for you! So get out there and start creating some epic content.
➳ CONNECT WITH US:
saraandalexjam...
/ saraandalexjames
/ saraandalexjames
➳ HOW WE TRAVEL FULL TIME:
www.joincreato...
➳ OUR CURRENT VAN:
Van Life Tour | The Ultimate DIY Sprinter Van Conversion with Bathroom: bit.ly/2Km0899

[@Alan62651]

I think I like hot glue better than sewing, but that's a personal preference. For much better insulating characteristics, use two layers of reflectix, with a honeycomb plastic between them for air gap.

[@ronbelcher9190]

and then put in heavy duty bag suck air out with pump close off and seal now you got a vacuum insulated panel.

[@goy1849]

you convinced me to just buy mine lol

[@OldManandtheSuperC]

I think I would have sewn the fabric first, inside out like a pillowcase. Then insert the reflectix and sew a seam around the edge, fold and tuck the open end and sew that last. Sew 2 layers of reflectix and you can insert a piece of Coroplast for a dead air space if you want. You can also get velcro made to be sewn.

[@DontStopBrent]

Good idea, Brent.

[@yonihales9133]

Real pro tips.... 1 do not use glue to hold velcro to a windows that heats up and melt the glue loose (expecually when using black that attracts heat) Pro tip 2 use a large piece of paper to trace window after lay the paper on inner material and mark to cut so the covering fits the window fully and completely . Pro tip 3 black facing out attracts heat on the inner window, hearing up the interrior Pro tip 4 reflectix reflects sun when its not covered by a material (unless you just like crunch sounds with your wimdow coverings)

[@ronbelcher9190]

It's nice to know there are other smart people in the world! I'm not alone.

[@SoSoquel]

@anonMS dawg The reflective coating absolutely needs to be exposed to have any effect on reflecting the radiant heat and take full advantage of this product. Reflectix works in two ways: Reflecting and insulating. It's primary function is to reflect radiant heat from the sun or your body via the reflective coating..."Reflect" is in the name for a reason. And, almost as a bonus, the "bubble wrap" traps air and insulates much like a down jacket does. With the Reflectix covered or enclosed you will still achieve some insulation because the bubble wrap is trapping air, but there may be better and cheaper products out such as cotton batting or quilted fabric. With it covered, it merely becomes a very expensive, and not that effective, insulator. What a lot of people do is cover one side with felt, automotive carpeting, or (better yet) quilted fabric. This gives you a dual purpose sunshade that in the daytime reflects radiant heat, and can be turned around at night time to act as a privacy curtain and reflect your body's radiant heat back to the interior of the vehicle. Triple purpose, actually.

[@chevyvantravel9735]

j hales can you recommend another video maybe i thought it was strange about the glue on the window and they didn 't show what that looked like. not criticizing just mentioning the facts..

[@chevyvantravel9735]

@anonMS dawg she did provide a suggestion. no reason to get defensive.

[@clydezee9216]

@@SoSoquel thank you so much for your excellent explanation. I've been looking at video after video on how best to use this for my car and you gave me an explanation I actually understand. Thank you!

[@1TexasKid]

Excellent idea. I have a three technical tweaks for you. 1.) Use butcher paper to trace out your windows. Therefore creating a cut out template. 2.) Sow a think flexible wire cable around the outer edges of the cover to help keep your screen’s outer shape. It will also create a tension. Stretching out the screen. Therefore no Velcro is needed in the center of the screen. The cable wire is sold in Home Depot’s chains/ screw area. It is designed for picture frame hanging. You will need to buy a cable joint to crimp tight in order to connect your cables. The wires are sold in different thicknesses. 3.) Screen Storage; Use a card board box to store your screens. You put a lot of effort into creating the window screens. You can find a very large cardboard box that you can fold & cut into the right size for all your screens. Screens will obviously be applied & removed daily. Side note over time the sun your fabrics will fade. On the positive side, nobody will be able to see it through your tinted windows.

[@MakinMoneyISeasy]

You're not worried about the gaps on the top and bottom?

[@laronis]

Yeah, that gap is too much for me.

[@debra2415db]

How about sewing some tabs around the side with magnets to hold the panels. Then don't have to use velcro. Also add a zipper so you can wash the cover.

[@gov683]

Great ideas

[@user-ll7fv6tu7k]

Thanks Eric Bana. Good tips!

[@rosiejenks5802]

Thank you❣️our blinds were bad and we hate blinds anyway so we were looking for a solution and ran across your video. I actually found a accent fabric for the inside and I used a cheap black fabric for the outside. I found a roll of Velcro in our trailer from the previous owner (score!) this was such an easy project and really looks great ❣️and I love that it blacks the light out for sleeping and keeps the heat out. Perfect solution 🌹 Happy ⛺️ camping ⛺️

[@pjmjunior]

Love the Idaho shirt! I ended up lucking out and finding a bowl with the correct diameter to cut the corners of the reflectix to fit the window corners. Just using plan reflectix for now but will probably add fabric at some point.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Nice!

[@Ross-ye3ep]

Thank you so much for this helpful video, I will be using your instructions to make snazzy privacy coverings for my minivan camper !!!

[@andreawisner7358]

The purpose of the Reflectix is for the aluminum to reflect the sun when facing outwards. It doesn't work for anything if it's covered up. So if you're going to cover both sides, you might as well use cardboard inside.

[@natalienoftsger4300]

I am currently making my own window covers and was also thinking about this but nobody seems to have a tutorial on how to make that.

[@BrianHSC]

This defeats purpose of using Reflectix. Just use cardboard and bubble wrap if you're gonna cover it up with cloth.

[@CorinaVR]

During the summer (hot weather), the exterior facing fabric should be white (white reflects heat from the sun, black absorbs). During the winter (cold weather), the exterior facing fabric should be black (black absorbs heat from the sun, white reflects).

[@BelindaTOV]

Junk Mail finally someone who thinks! They keep using black and call it "blackout" jeesh! Hahahaha

[@earthgal2000]

You use them at night. Not like there is much heat gonna get in the windows from the sun at NIGHT! lmao wow

[@BelindaTOV]

"Stops the sun from getting in while youre sitting in your van and baking you". Didn't mean to offend you. :/

[@robaire.b]

Junk Mail Black is however most effective at radiating heat

[@maleesmemoir]

Junk Mail I did cream outdoor canvas for the outside...

[@lcireland7]

Beautiful idea and sewing instruction. However, It needs to be cut to fit so that no light comes in, especially at night.

[@Michael-zp9kl]

In my experience, getting velcro adhesive to stick to windows in a nightmare

[@donnakkasper6634]

Very original thinking, and creative! Many women would love a man who even gets close to a sewing machine! To fool the goofballs who want to look into your van, use light colored cloth for the outside...it will reflect any light and heat should you sleep late and fool the peeping Toms into thinking they can see inside. I second another comment about using paper to make patterns. So much easier and exact, but hey, you did a fine job and now you have privacy. Well done you!

[@taradead]

Doesn't fabric defeat the purpose of a reflective finish? You might be able to make shades less expensive by using something other than Reflectix.

[@Dalmatg]

Reflectix is not that expensive 😀 I found it at home depot!

[@erismana2105]

I would think so I get putting fabric on one side to not feel like you're in a tin can but he could of done the same thing with cheap bubble wrap

[@isabeldejesus1924]

I believe in the summer you can put the reflectix side towards the window to keep the heat out. In the winter you can put the reflectix side towards the inside to keep the heat in

[@susananderson9619]

I just bought Double Bubble Reflextic .i was going to use packing bubbles vetween Reflectix and black fabric, but this is easier.

[@DontStopBrent]

Really liked the idea, your vid, and I appreciate you sharing. Would have liked to see more of the finished product, including from outside. Thx again.

[@dubdzine]

could you please show how it looks from outside at night time with lights on. I would greatly appreciated. thank you for the great content.

[@beautyofgray1054]

fabric on both sides defeats the reflectix...it can't reflect through the fabric, i hope others aren't following and wasting money :(

[@evelynharyono]

I loveee your channel and your van conversion! Finally found a van with a legit bathroom conversion in it. I've subbed and is excited to see more videos from you guys! Please do more in depth tours of the van and tutorials! Others seem to skip these types of video but its actually crucial. Keep it up guys!!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Thank you! We definitely will keep the videos coming!

[@maxinef6654]

Great video. I definitely would like to see more videos and maybe a video on the monthly cost of living in the van.

[@Banannaspot]

It would seem that black fabric on the outside would draw heat in. have you noticed any heat coming in because of the black fabric?

[@sweetpea3472]

Yep, Lowe's. & they have cheap, prompt shipping.

[@theflyinhawaiiantravels354]

This is by far my favorite build!! Too bad U guys didn't video step by step build!!!

[@veliagarcia3606]

I love the black material on the out side.........

[@russianlisa1]

You didn’t leave the gap between the window and the reflectix? It works better at insulating if there is an air gap. Without the gap that reflectix will allow the hot or cold air right thru

[@venuss.7218]

I'm the 1600th like yay! Thank you for the tips!!!

[@sexyladyakb]

I totally want to do this on weekends

[@misofunne1654]

Will this keep me warm in cold weather car camping ?

[@whu58]

I think I would have made slip-on covers for the reflectix sheet using black & silver material (covers can then be washed)+ use `Dual Lock` tape or studs to hold in place.

[@osiriswills6749]

If you stapled it instead of sewing it would it have worked the same?

[@ryanthompsonatl]

Artist!

[@heathertoledo8324]

Brilliant! Thank you 💖💖💖

[@earthgal2000]

Thank you for this... Was getting ready to buy custom made coverings. Now I can save money and DIM. ; )

[@JudyG745]

I heard that velcro stuck to Windows just melts off have you had that problem too?

[@debslifesimplified6406]

thanks for showing how to measure for the curved windows, exactly what I'm doing for all my bus windows.

[@jacksonhunter8920]

actually amazing sewing tip i was pinning all wrong

[@faridzakeri7759]

Instead of using velcros, what about using 2 small threads or bands of fabric or something, that go in the middle with a little space in between, and hold them in place ? Just a thought !

[@carpenterfamily6198]

Dec 2018 - my local Home Depot had Reflectix

[@bethdixon3896]

Alex...how many needles did you need or break ? Bravo for your thorough instruction ♥️🙏🏻👏🏻

[@itsanorristhing3825]

Great job!

[@VivienReis]

I'd be interested in a little experiment to prove the effectiveness of these! A lot of people are arguing over whether or not they would work and to me, while the black may absorb some heat, that would be secondary to the blocked radiation from the sun entering the van. I think a lot of ppl think reflectix is supposed to totally block heat from getting inside, which isn't possible, but I'd wager it still reduces heat caused by radiation entering the vehicle even with fabric over it. Temp gun here I come!

[@julianplamann5076]

As some anecdotal evidence: I have reflectix panels that are painted black on one side and plain (reflective silver) on the other. On a recent trip to Yosemite this winter it got up to 78 degrees inside of the vehicle with the black side facing out while it was only 35 degrees outside. This was at about noon. Black facing out during the daytime regardless of season is a bad idea unless your goal is specifically to heat the vehicle using solar radiation.

[@jrodriguez4392]

@@julianplamann5076 Just wondering how well did the spray paint hold on the reflectives. I've heard some people saying that it does start to chip off very quick.

[@mommaceleste]

He’s hilarious!

[@SaraandAlexJames]

He is pretty funny :)

[@j.r.walden9937]

Real queston...What if I just spray paint my reflectix black or dark gray on the outside?

[@richardhopper3524]

I"ve heard that paint will flake off over time. Better to use contact paper or cloth instead.

[@taradead]

Doesn't work.

[@Tbone.357]

Defeats the purpose of reflecting the heat. Black retains heat. Must stay shiny to reflect!!!

[@nickygrant1280]

Thanks for that, practical and easy to follow.

[@summer201291]

Hi guys, How much insulation would you say these provide? We will be skiing out west this winter and need something that will keep the cab/ van nice and warm in extreme cold temps. Let me know if you think these will do the trick or have a better recommendation. As always thanks for the help and awesome DIY videos

[@welcometoreality3450]

why not use spray glue to attach cloth?

[@Scrambler85]

Well done

[@601salsa]

a man that sews.......girl you are lucky.

[@Xplorer228]

I've heard that if you cover it up without a significant air gap that it no longer reflects heat. Has anyone researched this and can verify?

[@12sisters1bride7]

Yes,3/4 inch gap is best if not a whole inch.read this awhile ago,cant remeber which site.i just googled it and read a few items.people use this to insulate windows (some the entire van)in winter which is not very effective without another insulation inside the vehicle. reflectics has an R(radiant) factor of 1.this vid link gives the greatest example to effectively use reflectics to insulate windows in winter.the example to make a template to cut reflectics was pretty darn good too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5ezipt6eMehfZo found this vid today right before watching this sara&alex vid.

[@jessmarosfernweh5565]

Yes, use a honeycomb plastic piece and two pieces of relfectix

[@AridersLifeYT]

congrats on 100k but dude this window insulation isnt very accurate. the Reflectix needs 1 layers with a air gap to be effective.

[@friendoflife2416]

Please ask mom what type thread, needle and settings- and what kind of machine.

[@BradSavoie46]

Hey guys, I have my reflexitx going in and considering putting black fabric to make more stealth. My question is how much difference in heat is it with and with out the black heat absorption. Like I can sacrifice some stealth in order to reflect as much sun heat as possible.

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@debslifesimplified6406]

Sewing is better than hot glue, and those stickers won't stay up. I learned the hard way.

[@alyssareach5287]

Great content thanks.😊

[@jeffsadon552]

Nice work but what's the point of the reflects if you cover it up with fabric?

[@billymelgar4411]

Lol! And black fabric so it attracts more heat.

[@earthgal2000]

Stealth. Gosh! lol The silver would show that the shade is there. In the dark, the black will give more of an appearance that the vehicle is empty.

[@earthgal2000]

Oh and insulation from heat and cold. And also, to hide light from inside.

[@SH3player]

@@alegriart yeah...not carboard. Bubble wrap would be a good alternative but cheaper.

[@chanthataing7042]

Do you cover the front windshield with reflectix as well?

[@kristianberg4264]

Do you worry about moisture/mildew getting on the fabric for window covers?

[@vegasheat71]

Talk about getting measurements the hard way! 😆😅🤣😂

[@truckerdaddy-akajohninqueb4793]

I saw another KZbinr use a layer of cardboard to stiffen up the reflectix before sewing.

[@brianmcintyre8940]

Fabric absorbs water. ..just us black spray paint.

[@catalinababy6068]

Nice

[@katiemartin6674]

Where do you guys store these when not in use? Love the idea of all the windows!

[@adelemartinez8235]

I have many problems with this. First off, whats the point of the reflective stuff if youre going to cover it with fabric? Speaking of fabric..oh geez. Condensation='s mold and mildew. Not to mention, these arent washable, right? I mean, i may be missing something and if i am, please tell me. Im learning. I need and want to hear everything. I dont know everything, and learn as i go, and one thing ive learned is that when trying to keep cool, start from the outside. I realize a van is different from an rv. A permanantly parked rv...but there are removable ways of keeping cool while parked. .yeh? Thats what i was researching when i found this video. I have my idea but just still researching. I will definitely post my idea if it works. I did enjoy your video though. I can tell we would totally get along in real life and thank you for your posts. It takes a village to raise anyone, including us. Id rather that village be us and not them. Have a good one. And thanks again!

[@JoleyTube]

I ended up just using suction cups to hold it on

[@sexyladyakb]

Where’s the link for the stuff ???

[@onlycanbeoneofme]

Awesome tip -= what about the gap at the top though? Also can we see your couch to bed conversion? Thanks :)

[@SaraandAlexJames]

There is about a 1" gab but it really is not a big deal for us. We have tint on our windows and with our low lighting at night you can't see any light coming in. Yes we are going to do a video showing the table to bed transition!

[@mimilion6072]

Does it keep cold out aswell...as I've just bought a van and the windows make it freezing !!

[@backroadsusa6915]

Yes it absolutely will help. I do that in my van on the walls because it's not insulated and the windows. And I use black duct tape to hold it around the frame. And the windows that I have to take it in and out of I use magnets.

[@taradead]

The insulation value of standard (1-ply) Reflectix is minimal...but it's definitely better than bare glass. Plus, in summer, it does a fantastic job of deflecting heat (if you don't put fabric on the out-facing side).

[@4yellowwolf]

There’s a big gape on the top

[@mommaceleste]

Good stuff thx!

[@icantspell210]

Could you do a video on electric system and installation of Solar panels and lights

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Yes we are going to!

[@danicanyon4201]

curious what do y'all guys do for ur clothes to keep them smelling good ya know...? like I notice if clothes stay in hot spot for a good while even if they are clean they stink. how do y'all combat this???

[@wandafanning7283]

How to stay cool on a hot day in your van.

[@aerofan778]

Nice video. Thanks. What did you guys use for the ceiling please?

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Hi Lee! We used Cedar Tongue and Groove for the ceiling. It's more expensive than pine but it doesn't shrink or expand as much.

[@tonylyons2007]

Have you seen any condensation build up, on the felt

[@pathoffman5813]

Popping blackheads

[@hookandlooped]

The biggest mistake I see people make is covering the outer side of the reflectix, it reduces its insulation properties in the 90th percentile! So, if you’re making these be sure to only cover the inside with fabric.

[@-_AjB_-]

Anybody else spot massive gaps around the panels?

[@SaritaGardner]

Have you had any condensation? Has the fabric gotten wet? Thx

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Nope. We have not had any issue with moisture around the windows.

[@Milo19970]

6:10 think I'll just use super glue on mine😂

[@caraame]

You bare a resemblance to Cory Feldman....

[@sylviawatts2548]

Hi do you think I could do the same in my hobby caravan

[@flowrob6861]

Yes

[@lioninthesun]

The sun isn't harmful, it's the food you eat which gives you the reaction you think is coming from the sun. The sun is extremely vital

[@billsales3235]

big gaps on edges

[@JoeS322]

Some long time RVers have reported that using this inside results in overheating the windows and causing damage to rubber seals.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Never heard of that or had any issues so far!

[@jrodriguez4392]

Yes it does happen.

[@cindychounard6597]

I heard you shouldn't use on double pane windows

[@joanhazelgrove9444]

Since black absorbs heat, won't putting black fabric on the outside side make your window glass hotter? Why not leave the silver Reflectix showing on the outside? Not as nice looking, but will reflect the sun.

[@SaraandAlexJames]

Yes it does absorb a bit more of the heat because it is black. however we really wanted it to look stealth so the trade off was worth it for us.

[@ihaveriffs8261]

What about those gaps?

[@jrnyman1957]

It will still reflect radiant heat, behind the black fabric. Reflects heat in during the cold and keeps heat out during the hot seasons. The glass would be hot regardless

[@taradead]

During summer, I think a black window covering is cooler than just letting the sun shine in...but yeah, black is not as good as white (or, even better, just leave it reflective).

[@maddirogers3893]

I'm physically challenged these days, but viewing your clip has given me the best idea I could aim for. I live in Australia and I think I will just use flut core, painted black and make a tight fit so that it pushes into the window with an added pylons Pull tab to pull them down again. You bit only made my task easier, but it leaves me with one question... you do have an older single brother who looks and sounds just like you???

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Sorry - you missed one SUPER CRITICAL point with using reflectix....

[@BrentDaughertyMe]

Have you found a good way to store the covers when not in use? Storage seems like the drawback compared to curtains or roll-up shades, and I have windows all the way around.

[@RonInAVan]

Great videos, but Alex you need to change your name, maybe to Jack..Jack of all trades!! :) Love your van!! Thank for the videos!! :)

[@SueT55]

This is a great idea, hmm at least I thought … but just think of all the plastic you are inhailing. Bendable plastics are exceptionally toxic especially in a small space as a van.

[@pinkrainbowkennelz1640]

Definitely not Home Depot Lowe's all the way

[@stevenfraker5471]

Wouldn’t double sided tape water/weather resistant be easier than pinning seams before sewing? Why not just use high adhesion weatherproof tape as final (and sew through it if you feel additional reinforcement necessary? Also, why not use 3M spray adhesive to maintain stability while fabricating and also later as fabric will tend to stretch and sag with repeated on/off and storage stresses?

[@SaraandAlexJames]

So the 3M Spray adhesive is an option and I used it to secure the black side to the reflectix actually. It does leave some residue on the fabric so I did not want to use it on the side that would be facing inside the van. There are lots of options you can use we are just showing the way we decided to make ours. All other options do exist.

[@Fmblogger04]

Horrible job. Holy gaps Batman. Ya think you can be stealth with the light slipping through those gaps? Try again man bun.

[@ES-vt4zn]

Buys refectix, sews black fabric over panel, which completely defeats the purpose of reflectix. 👎

[@MrPangulo007]

Let me just pull out my $10,000 wallet out of my $100,000 van from my $100,000,000 house.