Van Life Essentials Stating Cool While Living in a Van - Shade CLoth and Aluminet

In today's video, I give you my 7 Best Tips for Beating the Heat in a Van!
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Thanks for watching!

[@greenspiraldragon]

Speaking of air passing through, If you will raise that shade up instead of just laying it over the top of your vehicle your vehicle will be 20 degrees cooler. When you lay it directly on the vehicle the radiant heat goes straight through. Get some collapsible poles and it will make a lot more shade and a lot cooler.

[@DylanBegazo]

Interesting. Collapsible poles? Do I need rope or no? How do you keep the poles standing up?

[@citytrees1752]

good idea

[@toddramsay977]

When i was in Saudi Arabia in the Gulf war, we learned a lot from the Saudi's on hiw to stay cool in the desert. The said almost the same thing. Use those reflective nets. We used to use them under camoflage on poles, the military versions had grommets like tents for poles. They are goid for signal reflection too.

[@susanhernandez8088]

You're so clever! Magnet storage is brilliant! The Aluminet gives me many ideas for the heat (oven) here in Phoenix Arizona. This is a big help! Thanks for sharing! Have a great week! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@campgoerOne]

I found an aluminet at a thrift store here in Phoenix think I paid $3.00 for it! What a deal!!! 👍

[@thesunnyspot508]

Don't you love those thrift store finds!!

[@campgoerOne]

@@thesunnyspot508 YES I do! 👍

[@emiliofernandez7117]

@@thesunnyspot508 👌🏼🤗

[@LindaWolfe20]

Good to know Bob!!! great video... you was in the sun to long my friend put on a big hat.. take care now and be safe...

[@kbc1883]

Every single time I am trying to solve a yurt related issue, I type in the topic and, BAM, I find exactly the info I need on your channel. Literally EVERY problem I come up against, there you are with sage advice based on personal experience. This time it is which type of shade cloth to put over my clear dome on my yurt that will allow me to create shade and let air move through when I open the dome a few inches. Marvelous! I am so grateful.

[@mpdacor]

Thank you Bob for being you!💖💖💖💖💖

[@johnfortes2171]

I've found that if you keep the netting AWAY from the vehicle for better air flow- also military camo netting works well a bit pricey but very versatile!

[@Jolly.Mermaid]

That's why I bought a minivan it has rear air conditioning. I love it!

[@whoodiestyle]

Yeah but does it work while the vehicles off?

[@angiesparks4684]

Great ideas. I want to use this for my black Nissan Frontier with camper shell. As you know black vehicles are even hotter but I found that parking strategies you describe help. To my surprise, my cab is being shaded now by the shell and is cooler. I noticed that instantly. Just got my made to order shell 7/31 and am slowly working on a living space. I’ll incorporate a canopy and a tent but will be able to stay in the shell. That’s the plan. Your teachings are helpful and appreciated

[@RFS1009]

Angie Sparks Angie, I’m planning a long trip around the west in my Frontier next year, also planning to sleep in the truck bed with a tent or screen tent as extra space when needed. What type of shell did you purchase? I’m looking for one as tall as possible.

[@billhuman448]

as ALWAYS thank you bob keep on being you as well as your fellow van folk god bless all.

[@andy-jac]

You are fantastic. I love the magnets, Aluminet, spring clamps, and broken magnets!

[@johnd4348]

A few poles and a tarp over the van would help out even more. Shade is your friend. Keep the sun off the van . it's normally 20 to 30 degrees cooler in the shade.

[@KashfuzzCrochet76]

I’m so glad you test everything for us! I’m not a nomad but I do go camping! 👍🏼🌻

[@stevefiorito5379]

That aluminet would make a good "tarp" cover over the van suspended by some ropes. I think that could be a better solution overall ... keeping the sun off of the heat-sucking metal of the van ... when it's hot and you are trying to stay cool.

[@rmacster]

I LOVE these updated videos. I always learn something new. Do more of them. That's an order! :-)

[@mablebartlett1988]

We love you Bob! Thank you!

[@Sweetwildflower]

You're a beautiful soul 🌺

[@merium401]

What a beautiful camping spot! Great info.👍

[@vibelife5133]

I like the idea of portable solar so you can utilize any available shade trees. Shade trees are a total game changer on hot summer days.🤙

[@contactjoy4140]

GORGEOUS SCENERY!!

[@sandraburney414]

I would love to see more of women's solo high raises van or R V s thank you so much you do a wounderful job keep up the good work

[@VonBluesman]

Great ideas Bob, you always have interesting videos. I would try to get the solar panels to where I could detach them and put them in the sun and park the van in the shade as long as you are surrounded by trees. Definitely keep your front van cover over the front windshield and two side windows at all times, glass heats up so much. A car can get up to 150 degrees in the sun with the windows up in the south. While you are close to the lake, get some buckets of water and wash the van off, it has gotten dusty and the water is free. Stay safe and happy travels.

[@bigpaddy8363]

Great job Bob!

[@Ann-jh9bn]

Thank you for the detailed written description and for the captions! Great info as always! By the way, I prefer the shorter videos like this. Thanks again!

[@treenotion9466]

Thank you. I bought the magnets and space blanket you recommended before-fantastic! I'll have to try the aluminet.

[@anitamitchell3452]

Hi Bob, thanks for all the tips .... I'd like to add an affordable tip of my own. I like space blankets ... they are inexpensive and reflect very well ... maybe not the best in windy situations but they have many uses and they store in a very little space. Stay cool!

[@jenniferh.7219]

So do you sleep in it or you used i around ur car/van for reflection?

[@mallorymcguire833]

What you really need are four tall poles to make a frame around the aluminet like a structured awning and just live outside under the awning in the hottest parts of the day.

[@ginaallen3797]

I love your videos and the practical testing in the real world. Thank you for what you do. Peace.

[@anthonyhoffmann7316]

Just ordered 2 space blankets, magnets (50 pack), and the Aluminet 10x14. Thanks Bob. Your KZbin video was posted at just the right time for me. MY van is DARK GREEN. Need all the shade I can achieve,

[@jarrodharris5929]

Other thoughts for you and your subscribers is 1st stretch out the shade cloth away from the metal if you possibly can metal does not like heat so it radiates off, same with cold, so if you can create a breeze way the van will stay even cooler, I know that is not always possible, second there are many mini swamp cooler options that draw 9 watts or less, available at Amazon and Walmart, third, my wife and I have a tent that attaches to the barn doors of our van increasing living space. It gives us the ability to have a screen room or completely enclosed and that helps a lot also. But the key is exactly what you said, ventilation, and a covered roof helps. If you have the ability to put roof racks on and put as much gear up there as possible it will shade the roof. Example is solar panels, solar shower, boxes that contain seasonal clothing, or gear you don't use every day. The more real estate you use on the roof the better, but don't buy racks that fit tightly to the top of the roof, it needs a little bit of airflow to work

[@asphaltgypsy868]

@Jarrod Harris- Where did you find the tent that extends off of your barn doors, please. I have been searching for some! Great idea!!

[@jarrodharris5929]

@@asphaltgypsy868 amazon carries a couple of brands, but I got mine off craigslist, arb awning is the most common and it works as an awning, or a tent, you have to buy both units, I believe that it is about 500 for the tent and awning, but keep an eye on craigslist I paid 150 for mine, but I don't remember the brand name, I can look for it later today if you need it. Also the key words I used when looking was "vehicle awning ". Hope this helps

[@asphaltgypsy868]

@@jarrodharris5929 Thanks so much for your assistance! I will check out CL too! I have found a few, but they would take some "adaptations" to keep the bugs/critters from coming into my van.

[@amieloria6319]

Great Ideas!!😀👍But A tarpulin is also good idea👍👍😀😀

[@PittwaterMowing]

Love your work Bob Thanks for all your tips

[@trishellingson276]

TY, I'm learning so much from ur videos, ty again

[@ryanmartinage]

Im not made for heat. I'd definitely have to move around with the weather.

[@lanahallock1118]

Thank you very much. Always the best info on your channel.

[@marywrong7041]

A suggestion: Use the magnet first then space cloth and magnet again. This will create a space between the metal of the truck and the cloth for ventilation. There will be less heat directly on to the body of the truck.

[@julieplant444]

Thank you, Bob. Very interesting and good tips.

[@karencastle6002]

Thank you for the great information. 👍🌞

[@MacgyverSharon]

Thanks Bob, great Info!

[@redrobin99]

Thanks for all you do.

[@Pantherman63]

Some of these items will come in handy when I take my caravan on the road come Oct. 1.

[@garyanthony4854]

I have been waiting for you to pick the best one for some time now. Thanks Bob for the decision. Next item in line to purchase now. It’s 101 degrees with a feels like 109 in central Texas. My home base. My rv is not happy right now.

[@zack2zack215]

Thank you for all that you do 🙌

[@marktapp5408]

Maybe you should add a thermometer to your video to show what the actual temperatures are. Thanks!

[@goldpanvanman4313]

Shade fabric is much more efficient and effective if you create a gap between the cloth and the van body of at minimum a couple feet. 70%ish allows more heat to rise out from my experience while still providing enough to keep the outside cool. I personally use the desert tan color. I simply take a couple zip ties to my van and toss a couple stakes in the ground. Really just felt I had to share my experience working with all different materials over the last couple years. Thanks for everything you do Bob. Rebecca great point about sleeping on a air mattress. On another note. If your in a van, and have a vent van. Open your dampeners at night. This will allow you to channel air from under the van, do not do this while the van is running. I saw someone once who had cut a vent into there floor. Just to pull the air from under the van into the van. It's very effective once the ground you park over cools down. Safe Travels.

[@Mr.Grumbdy]

Bob thanks for your info on cheap RV living.

[@ritabarnes1105]

Bob you’re my Guru! I have a very old used RV I am Not mechanical and I don’t know 🤷‍♀️ from Solar and Batteries 🔋 ugh 😑 I Have an old air conditioning unit that I don’t wanna use so this information ℹ️ is crucial! Thank you for Sharing your Kindness and your Passion! ✝️🙏❤️☮️

[@JOHNMORIN100]

Nice going thanks for the grear information 100 + points wish we had that type of setup when we lived in the bus The only hope was we painted the roof white.

[@iwrist313]

I'm considering van life and most things you mention for use in a van I have around the house.Things like shelf racks, shade cloth, 5 gal buckets, oil pan which I can store urine in, bowl for a sink, tent, magnets, refectex, pesticide sprayer (I never used) as a shower, old shower curtain, rings and hoola hoop for shower. Boy, I'm glad I'm watching these vids before getting rid of stuff otherwise I would have buy it again. Everyone should watch these vids to see if they already have the things they need for vandwelling.

[@PRTTYBTTRFLY1]

Awesome tips thanks

[@klouism1]

Very good ideas thank you.

[@kathybitzan7473]

I bought windshield shades at $ store , boy what a difference on my west side and the sun hits afternoon and early evening. My little fan inside keeps it comfortable. I might only need a.c. for a short time before bed.

[@johntrevor8815]

Good vid my brother

[@winstonsmith3433]

thanks great idea......my cool down today a trip to the barber for a hair cut......

[@Downeastwaves]

We use the windshield silver shade thingys from the dollar tree. I cut to shape and taped them together to fit. What a huge difference for a couple of bucks. Very quick and easy to put up and down. We were given a stiffer version of windshield cover I cut and attached snaps to the side door. Really made a difference last month while traveling to Delaware. Some glad to get back to cool Island life in Maine though. Trying to figure out how to hook up a temorary awning. That netting looks great. Thanks.

[@bingsballyhoo711]

Thanks, Bob!

[@BrotherAlan]

gotta love the alumanet! Yeah baby!

[@maribethspence6740]

Great video! I love these testing videos a lot. I don't mind 90 if there's a nice breeze. When I can park this rv in the shade and it's a breezy 90 I'm fine. Trouble is with Iowa though is when there's no breeze and humidity is 90% or more....although being shaded is better even then. I need to get solar power and or my generator to work so I can have fans going at least before I can really boondock when the weather is both hot and humid.

[@jeffnorbert1871]

Populated areas of Wisconsin are almost as bad. Spent 9 mnths around Des Moines. WI has more trees but typically they are in places that aren't very helpful. The good spots are really hard to get.

[@meldacano1525]

Great information. Enjoyed watching the video. I wish I could live RV Cheap. I'm a new subscriber.

[@FormulatedButterCoping]

When I was boondocking on city streets, I would look for shade trees to park under. I imagine this set up works better because you can get good cooling from fans being used off of the solar panels.

[@busybeenation]

Thank you. I am in a constant state of dehydration (no colon) and very heat intolerant but I still want to road trip the southwest. I use a ram 1500 with a utility box topper with minimal equipment. The ram has a built in 120outlet in the dash for elicricity. I am also going to install a ceiling fan. I hope to shake your hand someday.

[@arithia5874]

Can one drive north until the temp cools? Higher elevations and upper latitudes in the summer.

[@grannieannie1371]

Thanks Bob I was curious about the aluminet.

[@jamesking4308]

Nice shades. Thanks! :)

[@bar0nger]

I was brainstorming this a while ago. I’d like an awning system that goes over the vehicle (with a cut out for the solar). 70% Black shade for the outer perimeter. Then tarp and aluminum closer to the vehicle for when it rains. Corners held up with poles. It would be a larger footprint, but with sides added and an outdoor carpet your living space would be enhanced.

[@awomanwalksintoabar954]

You are awesome. Thank you. Am looking forward to the Nomadic life. Am shopping for a van right now, but dang!!! They are expensive!

[@miratay3221]

Be patient my friend and soon you’ll find the perfect one.

[@campgoerOne]

Look in the thrift stores... that's where I found a nice one... for $3.00!

[@cubey]

That's an advantage to my 85 Class C, it's all fiberglass except the cab portion. Fiberglass can let in heat but it doesn't retain heat like metal, you can stick your hand on it and not burn your hand. It's 27ft long and gets single digits mpg (9.25 mpg hwy, diesel) but it does have an A/C and generator too if it comes to needing it, and it costs about $1 to 1.50/hour to run. For just a few hours a day, it's nice to have if you get caught off guard.

[@leoblumhagen644]

Bob said class c is the most ideal vehicle for nomads

[@cubey]

@@leoblumhagen644 It depends. If you want off road access with 4wd, a slide in is better. If you prefer everything being on one level but have a lot of room, a small class A is better. I was eyeing class As when I got my C. I even told myself I didn't want a C since the biggest bed is up a ladder. I'm young and spry enough that the ladder isn't a big deal for me, but my 60lb dog can't get up to the cabover so she's less happy if I sleep up there. In winter, I sleep less comfortably down on the convertible sofa/bed so she will be happier. Plus I generally don't run any heat so we share body heat and stay toasty warm. In warmer seasons, she doesn't care as much if I sleep up there.

[@petuniaromania6294]

Once I'm having to live on the road here in Florida, I'm going to purchase microfiber towels and lightweight clothing - everything will need to be made of quick dry materials. I figure that lightweight polyester (like windbreaker material) hiking pants, capri's and biking shorts will be best for me - but during the Winters I can have thermal underwear (shirts & pants) that I could put on and the lightweight polyester clothing could go over that for whenever I'm out in public :)

[@citytrees1752]

thank you!

[@Octopusmaster]

In FL our #1 rule to a good parking space is not the Proximity to the front of the store, but the main focus is on the best shade in the lot.

[@johnd4348]

How about a 12 volt pump connected to a sprinkler mounted o the roof of the van. If your that close to water you can spray down the outside of the van to cool off the van thru evaporation. Or use a small swamp cooler.

[@dwightharvey5708]

Thanks for the review Bob. Thinking a large enough piece of Aluminet to fit the van under with 5-6 feet longer on each side then add stakes and guy lines. Little more complicated but should be better ventilation and look better. High winds would be a problem either way.

[@ronaldsahn9649]

Thanks Bob, so if a person has portable solar you can cover your whole vehicle for sun and bugs, if you put this around your sleep area when it's cool it would reflect body heat back to you and let the condensation out of your sleeping area.

[@pmwilliams123]

1. My limited experience with aluminet was that it snagged a lot in setup/takedown, and was not very durable. I have had better luck with the lightweight nylon tarps with an aluminum side that come on many lightweight popup shelters, which can be ordered from aliexpress. 2. order them long and narrow, using many in parallel to that the wind spills between them. 3. Rivet some bootlace loops to your solar panel frames if they can handle a little weight/wind. This increases coverage up so your camper top doesn't get hot and transfer the heat. 4. Guy the bottoms out and leave a 2" gap at the top to spill air/heat on days without breeze.

[@mikebtrfld1705]

After travelling for a year with my cat Lily in my truck and campershell, I finally gave up and moved into my house. One day in summer I saw how she was suffering and had to act. If I could spend the summer on the Oregon coast it would be OK.

[@edwardlulofs444]

I had trouble with my cats too. I had to pour water on my hand and pet them to cool them.

[@lancenorton3747]

Ty,I bought a couple boxes of magnets

[@tomcondon6169]

I have a Toyota, with windows that open at the back a little over an inch. I put a stack of magnets top & bottom to hold the space blanket away from the window opening.

[@ronpeted]

Nice vid.

[@alstaggs8006]

Love you you brother

[@dixxebell]

This is how I put my shade cloth on same exact way it helps a lot...

[@onesuzee8314]

Bob I know you have solar so I want to try to make a makeshift canopy like cut a slit so that your solar panels go through it and set up like a canopy so you don’t have to go through all that and use all that sunshade that you have then you don’t have to go through all that covering ,,,,,, you just have one big canopy ...to cover your van and your solar is still getting sun .....

[@jannwebb]

Susie A. My solar panels prevent heat from hitting the top

[@onesuzee8314]

Jann’s Gypsy Journey ohh ok I’m still learning .... Thank you for responding.

[@willowgreen5350]

I have never heard of the aluminet before, thanks☺

[@cynthiagrove4325]

Have you thought of spritzing that sheet with water and letting your fan pull air through it? I've seen info that was used during the depression

[@terrymyers699]

The Aluminet would make for a fantastic awning cover instead of a tarp or parachute fabric as this will reflect the great yet let the breeze pass thru. And, if you have the money, connecting a couple of them together to form an awning cover for your van to park under would be brilliant. Using galvanized plumbing poles w/ hooks on them to hold the Aluminet. Then anchor the poles w/ paracord and heavy-duty tent spikes would secure the unit. The park your van/rig under. Even making a lean-to a foot or two away from your sun-facing side, so that would you and any breeze could pass thru, would work also. And remember to keep the cockpit separated w/ a privacy curtain will also help in establishing the non-transference of heat from the front to the back.

[@tom_olofsson]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@mykirbs2002]

Bob, there is a million trees behind you! Park there😁

[@minenot4753]

His solar is on top of the van. No sun, no power.

[@MrMarkar1959]

👍🏼 fyi,i have cheapest 40%black 10X10' and it reduces the Sun heat on my back porch 5degrees and the shade is nice.

[@stormthrush37]

At the risk of asking a stupid question, have you thought of parking in the shade of a big tree and having the solar panels connected with a cord so you could keep them out in the sun?

[@Eric12358]

You usially have to move to stay in the shade during the day too.

[@nickster624]

And if your in a place where there is no shade?

[@priestesspos6629]

I bought 2 of the Aluminets. I am going to test drive them today, as it is supposed to hit 100 degrees.

[@travelinmyblood]

Great ideas! I thought in a past video you mentioned that you had purchased a heat sensor and were going to do some number comparisons on the heat differences. Is this still something you are considering, or did you decide just to go by feel? Thanks!

[@denastravels7099]

when is the next RTR? need to know to make plans to be there.

[@thirstydogsmith2606]

You are so cool.

[@RC-sq3xt]

When I used to think about traveling around in an RV later in life, I thought people stayed in cooler areas in summer, warmer areas in winter. Seems like they are usually just staying in the hot areas and trying to adjust. Why don't people travel with the seasons? I'm not liking the thought of suffering through extremes.

[@whoodiestyle]

You can absolutely do that. Maybe there budget isn't allowing them to travel or maybe they have a job to stay at?

[@alstaggs8006]

Trees make great shade

[@stoppolice.coercionpanico5959]

U r th best

[@charlesdeza7915]

Great info! Can the aluminet block mosquitoes? I imagine it won't handle no-see ums.

[@ZiggZagg11]

I use Aluminet over the top... and off the side as a awning... 😎

[@Noah-qt3rq]

Hi Bob, love your videos. I am just wondering, after watching this, shouldn’t you make it a priority to park the vehicle in the shade rather than try to overcome the sun’s rays (if that is an option). I understand you need to charge the solar panels, but what about having a portable solar array that can be set up outside the van with optimal angles. Thanks and best wishes!

[@zoommikerobinson3315]

Those backpack size solar panels combined with mini USB fans work all day to keep my cat cool.

[@zoommikerobinson3315]

@@redalesmoothie6464 -- They're online...but, also in places like Cabelas. I also get those portable USB chargers, several. If you keep them charged, you'll always have power for those little fans.