Heat Block: XPEL Prime XR Window Tint

[dr_nelson]

Hey y'all,

I have a a window van (not a cargo van) and came across this youtube video.
But this might also be of interest for cargo van dwellers, as this can also be used on the front windows (windshield).

This guy demonstrates with a BTU-meter how this window tint film called XPEL PRIME XR actually blocks a lot of heat penetrating your van.

• He has a heat lamp that produces 917 BTU of heat.

• Then he puts  a basic dark tint film in between and it  blocks aprox. 150 BTU.

• He goes through a couple others, and then he puts a dark XPEL PRIME XR tint film and it seems to block approx. 700 BTU.

• But since anything dark absorbs heat, he shows the lighter tint of XPEL PRIME XR and this blocks approx. 800 BTU.
  

I have huge windows all over and windows is the place where most of the heat comes in. So, I think this would actually be a good idea, including all the windows up front in the cabin.


Has anyone installed this?

Thanks,
dr_nelson

 

[SternWake]

I would like a BTU blockage figure of bare glass, then one with one layer of the Film applied, rather than an open air blockage of just the film.

if it is indeed effective and cost effective then it would be a great addition in summertime, possible retain more heat in winter too.

 

[AbuelaLoca]

I watched that video a while back and just assumed it was out of my price range! Would love to know actual cost!

 

[VanKitten]

Abuelaloca,

Thought I saw you got the base vehicle a couple days back.?.? Time to change the tag line.

I keep looking for the pictures of the work you plan to do.

dr_nelson,

I also want to know the cost.

 

[VanKitten]

Hey...went to their web site.....the have NO authorized installers in the USA.

 

[highdesertranger]

I too want to see more research on this. a heat lamp basically puts out infrared light only with very little visible light. sun light puts out a full spectrum of light(heat). I also saw that vid awhile back. I would like to see the temp difference of 2 identical vehicle in full sun light, one with the tint and one without. I am not saying it doesn't work but I am not convinced by their little display. that tint is also super expensive. highdesertranger

 

[highdesertranger]

Kat I also went to their web site they have several installers in the US. http://www.xpel.com/locator/search/clearbra_installers/ . another point in the winter don't you want the heat from the sun warming your interior? highdesertranger

 

[ArtW]

I can't speak on THAT tint, but standard solar control type tint does make a difference, I had it on a cab I drove

 

[TrainChaser]

Why not just get some Reflectix and velcro, and block the windows when you don't want the heat of the sun coming in?

Also, does that material also block heat from LEAVING the van, or does it only work one way?

 

[ArtW]

so far as I know, only works one way
would you want to drive with reflectix on your driver's window, and the corresponding passenger side window?
Or would tinting those sound like a better idea? I sunburn very easily

 

[dr_nelson]

I'll try check out the prices. I have found one local dealer here that is licensed to do XPEL Prime XR tinting and plan to stop by this weekend and ask how much it would cost to tint ALL windows, and also whether this tint film blocks heat only one way or bi-directional.

Yes, true that if you have this tint film, the winter-sun may not warm up the inside of the van that much. But from what I understand and read, heating up the van can be done fairly quickly with those propane-heaters (retaining the heat is a different topic), so my focus is more on the summer months, as here in SC 80% of the year it is warm or hot.
During the day, my van will be parked in the sun while I am at work, so that my solar can charge the battery bank. But also, I don't want the inside getting too hot, since I plan to have a 20 lb propane tank inside the van in a more or less enclosed box vented to the floor. I am hoping that this tint film along with insulation and a roof fan will do the trick... and maybe parking it in the shade after lunch break. My job does not allow to follow the 70 F locations.
But this is all theory right now. Still looooots to learn for me and loooots to build and install (and buy $$$).

 

[highdesertranger]

make sure you report back to us on what they tell you and if you get it done how it works. highdesertranger

 

[dr_nelson]

make sure you report back to us on what they tell you and if you get it done how it works.  highdesertranger

Absolutely, will do!

 

[TrainChaser]

Do you mean that whatever you put on the windows behind the front seats, you also have to put on the front windows? And the windshield? This could get tricky, couldn't it?

 

[dr_nelson]

Do you mean that whatever you put on the windows behind the front seats, you also have to put on the front windows?  And the windshield?  This could get tricky, couldn't it?

I am not quite sure if I understand your question... If that tint is affordable for me, I will have it put on all windows, including the windshield (which is where lots of heat is coming in. But then, maybe an insulated bulkhead divider may be good enough. I don't know.).
I can tint windows myself, but I am sure the windshield would turn out really ugly, with it being not flat at all. And they would probably not sell the tint film over the counter, anyway.
I'll know more tomorrow.

 

[Wabbit]

... If that tint is affordable for me, I will have it put on all windows, including the windshield...

Be sure to know the laws on tint in the states you plan on traveling. Would love tinting my windows with a decent ceramic tint, but I can't afford that kind of money. If you can afford it done at a shop, make sure that you're getting a lifetime warranty and that you understand what that warranty covers. Workmanship is important, but if fading isn't covered, the lifetime warranty is almost mute(from my bare basics understanding). Best of luck!

 

[dr_nelson]

Sorry guys, my local shop that installs the XPEL PRIME XR tint is closed on the weekends . I will try to check it out during the week, but I am pretty busy at work. So, not sure when I will manage to do that but I can promise that I am going to check it out before before I start the build and report back with my findings.

 

[Weight]

You can get yourself in a world of legal hurt by tinting your front windows. Also some reflective films are illegal on any window.

 

[NEXT LIFE]

I am not quite sure if I understand your question... If that tint is affordable for me, I will have it put on all windows, including the windshield (which is where lots of heat is coming in. But then, maybe an insulated bulkhead divider may be good enough. I don't know.).
I can tint windows myself, but I am sure the windshield would turn out really ugly, with it being not flat at all. And they would probably not sell the tint film over the counter, anyway.
I'll know more tomorrow.

When u apply tint on a windshield you should do it with two pieces of tint but only one cardboard or poster board template. After deciding the height of the tint make the driver's side template first and go past the rear view mirror so you can make the cut out for the rear view mirror more accurately. Install the drivers side tint. After you get the tint installed, turn the template over and check it so the passenger side template and tint will overlap the driver's side. You do that so when you install the tint on the passengers side you can trim it more accurately where the two sides meet. Ya only get one chance at a proper meeting point, so take yer sweet time.

 

[caretaker]

DO NOT TINT YOUR WINDSHIELD