Window awnings, sunscreens, etc.

richard5933 · October 09, 2018, 05:56:56 AM

We've traveled through the summer using Reflex stick inside our windows to keep the sun from heating up the interior. Functional, but not terribly convenient. Also a bit tough to see through.

My ultimate goal is to find something that can reduce the sun intrusion into the bus while still keeping the bus looking like a bus. We've explored awnings, and the main thing holding me back is that they look very RV-like. Worse, because the ends of our windows slant the arms of the awning have to cross over the windows.

I looked at the patio awnings without arms, but since our bus is skinned in aluminum I have a nightmare scenario in which a sudden strong wind lifts the awning and tears the skin of bus as it breaks free. That's just an awful lot of torque being applied to the mounting points on an awning with no vertical support.

We looked at smaller window awnings. They are not as bad visually but the arms still have to cross over the windows. We had these on the 4106 driver side. They protected from the sun okay but definitely changed the look. And with the higher roof on the 4108 a ladder would be required to open/close them (I'm vertically challenged).

While at the FMCA rally we saw the black mesh sun guards that mount to the exterior of the windows with magnetic fasteners. Theoretically they block quite a bit of the sun but it's still possible to enjoy the view from the inside. Downside of these is again the ladder thing. The side windows are high and there's no way to reach them from the ground.

Another option I'm considering is a sun-blocking tint on the inside of the glass. I've read about these but have not heard any first-hand reports of how well they work. Downside here would be that we can't get to the inside of the windows behind the bathroom and kitchen, so one window on each side would look different from the outside.

Thoughts? Suggestions? Anyone have experience with either the mesh sun guards on the outside or sun-block tint on the inside? Any novel ideas for making small window awnings?

lostagain · October 09, 2018, 07:11:42 AM

We have the individual awnings on each window. No need for a ladder. You pull them down with a stick. Done in no time. They keep the sun off the windows. Great. They are very solid, like it would take a tornado to rip them off. Yea they look a bit like an RV, but aren't you RVing?

For the windshield and front side glass, we have the black mesh that you have to climb on a ladder to put on with snaps. So it is a bit of a chore to install, which is worthwhile if you're going to sit for more than a day. You can see quite well from inside. They reduce the light and the heat quite a bit.

The bus came with a large awning on the pax side. We only deploy it if we are going to sit somewhere hot for a few days. It is an old fashioned ZipDee. Have to get up on the ladder to pull out and let back in. A PIA. And worry about the wind if you go away. And it looks ugly anytime on the side of the bus. The arms also partially block the view in the mirror on that side. If I was building a bus conversion, I would not do a big awning. I would have the little window awnings all around. And use one of those tents to have outside for shade.

JC

luvrbus · October 09, 2018, 07:34:32 AM

We have always had Zip Dee on the windows and patio they are higher end awning I like the small arms and fabric no plastic.We have the screens that fasten on the windshields on the outside they are a PITA but they work.I have 2 Girard's I plan on installing on the MCI the way they mount I am not worried about any damage plus the rain and wind sensors will handle the retraction they retract fast in the wind

windtrader · October 09, 2018, 07:39:22 AM

Richard,

Can you be more clear about your needs? It seems there are several environmental controls you desire. 1) Reflect heat away from entering coach with some form of tinting or mesh screening (internal or external). 2) Extended awning on side of coach for internal shade control and shading of area where sitting outside. 3) Privacy screening through (semi) opaque material.

This topic is on my list too. Currently, I just use that Home Depot silver bubble sheeting for reflecting heat outward and privacy. Does the job fine for now. Side windows are tinted so there is some reduced heat/light intrusion. Works alright for now. External shading is not addressed as yet.

Yes, we may be Rving but I am NOT in an RV. Personally, those awning support poles look simply stupid and distract from the look and form of a bus. I'm toying with the idea of having two mounts on the rooftop where the base o long carbon fiber masts can secured. Then on the tip end, there would be a vertical pole secured at the ground to keep the awning material from lifting. The masts are extremely strong yet flexible so there is no issue with the other dimensional motion. They are from my windsurfing days so looking to repurpose them. When not in use, there would be a simple bracket to keep the two masts secured to the roof. The material would roll around the mast(s) when stowed.

chessie4905 · October 09, 2018, 09:45:23 AM

Zip Dee window awnings. Use a portable 10x10 or 12x12 canopy. Originally, our 4104 had a box canopy. The fabric pulled out of a box and connected at bottom of coach with arms.What a pita! After not being used because of this, it was removed and scrapped. Then went to the window awnings. Much more pratical. Those arms are small and if they bother you,well, maybe put blinds on inside.

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · October 09, 2018, 10:02:04 AM

Check out these window covers. This is what I have. They use magnets and no ladder is needed. They provide an extendable pole. Watch their video. https://magneshade.com/

richard5933 · October 09, 2018, 11:04:05 AM

Quote from: windtrader on October 09, 2018, 07:39:22 AM
Can you be more clear about your needs? It seems there are several environmental controls you desire. 1) Reflect heat away from entering coach with some form of tinting or mesh screening (internal or external). 2) Extended awning on side of coach for internal shade control and shading of area where sitting outside. 3) Privacy screening through (semi) opaque material...

Mostly we are seeking to reduce the amount of sun that gets into the interior of the coach.

Privacy is not much of an issue since our windows are so high, and we have curtains inside if needed. Patio awning not really an issue, since we don't spend much time just sitting around. We'd get a pop-up shelter for that if needed.

Quote from: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on October 09, 2018, 10:02:04 AM
Check out these window covers. This is what I have. They use magnets and no ladder is needed. They provide an extendable pole. Watch their video. https://magneshade.com/

I called them this morning after reading your suggestion. I believe these are the same thing we saw at the rally in Gillette. Usually they use external magnets for side windows, which I'm told we think would look hideous, but apparently they can all be done with internal magnets. We'll see what they cost once they get the pattern kits back from me.

dtcerrato · October 10, 2018, 06:38:23 PM

Blocking the sun from the glass on the outside is so much more efficient than any interior strategy. We have sun guard on all glass that's not shaded by an awning. The darker color is much better with less glare. Ours are 60% so you can still see through them. We like them - use the windshield & rear glass a lot otherwise we need to sit awhile before covering everything.

sledhead · October 11, 2018, 04:36:31 AM

we had the front windshields and the door and the driver side window covered from the outside with a screen type cover that was held on with snaps . the MCI was black and the Featherlite is tan and is a lot cooler then the black was . yes it makes a huge difference when parked

dave

Branderson · October 11, 2018, 07:51:37 AM

Quote from: Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM on October 09, 2018, 10:02:04 AM
Check out these window covers. This is what I have. They use magnets and no ladder is needed. They provide an extendable pole. Watch their video. https://magneshade.com/

I'm definitely getting these soon. My screen is about wore out and I recently ripped a button off the bus trying to take it off

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · October 11, 2018, 11:40:06 AM

Quote from: richard5933 on October 09, 2018, 11:04:05 AM
Mostly we are seeking to reduce the amount of sun that gets into the interior of the coach.

Privacy is not much of an issue since our windows are so high, and we have curtains inside if needed. Patio awning not really an issue, since we don't spend much time just sitting around. We'd get a pop-up shelter for that if needed.

I called them this morning after reading your suggestion. I believe these are the same thing we saw at the rally in Gillette. Usually they use external magnets for side windows, which I'm told we think would look hideous, but apparently they can all be done with internal magnets. We'll see what they cost once they get the pattern kits back from me.

Yes, I believe they were probably in Gillette. They attend most of the rallies in the US where they can. I bought mine from him at one of the rallies. They fit perfectly and everyone loves them. They are a bit pricey but will last forever if you take care of them. Tell them I sent you as I have worked with them in the past and they are good people and will take care of you.