how to make an insulated curtain?

[AlexK90]

I'm currently doing insulation on my van.  I have a metal bulkhead installed between the cargo area and the cab, with the center panel converted into a swinging door so I can move between the two areas without having to leave my van.  I was originally thinking of packing the partition itself with insulation, but because of the way it's built I think this is more trouble than it's worth.
My plan is to put in a curtain just behind the partition that will insulate the cargo area from the cab, as well as blocking light.  I'm looking for ideas on how to do this - I was thinking of lining a space blanket with blackout material and using that, but it was also suggested to me that I use Reflectix as the center of the curtain.  
Has anyone done this before?  Any advice is much appreciated.

 

[Almost There]

If sewing isn't one of your talents then the easiest thing to use is a moving blanket. Get one as close to the dimensions you need as possible, cut as little as possible and figure out a way to hang it.

I quilted my own matching curtain material to make an insulated custom fit curtain that runs all the way around my driving area because I could. The quilted material works wonderfully for blocking heat from the sun and keeping out the cold when needed. A moving blanket will be heavier than my quilted curtain but might block more heat/cold than even mine does.

 

[John61CT]

Using shiny inside is pointless.

Thickness/density, think heavy wool, and completely blocking the opening.

Quilted or "doona" comforter style, not down though, that will settle hanging vertical.

A big beautiful heavy Indian blanket or Pendleton would be my choice, but not cheap.

Also google "insulated curtains" or "solar window covering" for ideas

 

[karl]

x2 on moving blankets, shop around- some are thicker than others.
Found one that was black on one side, gray on the other and the perfect height for my van.

 

[Matlock]

Ditto on moving blanket.

Home Depot 72 in. x 80 in. Non-Woven Padded Moving Blanket, Navy/Black
$13.71 /each

I have two of these and keep one folded and stored for really cold nights.

 

[highdesertranger]

with my military tent we hang blankets on the walls. wool, fleece, even cotton. makes a huge difference. highdesertranger

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

Thrift stores will sometimes have insulated curtains; will have blankets and quilts.  Hang a sheet in front of it if you don't like the pattern.  Reflectix won't give you much insulation.

 

[TrainChaser]

If you go the moving blanket route, consider installing a 'curtain rod' in the spot you want the barrier, and hang it with METAL show curtain hangers. Just use an ice pick or something to poke holes where you need them, and push the small end of the hanger through the fabric. These: https://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image/BedBathandBeyond/2171710518628p?$478$

And if you want to fill in the curve of the roof, add something else from the top to hang down to the rod, instead of trying to make the blanket do both jobs.

 

[Weight]

Insulated drapes are available at walmart and many other stores.

 

[Kathleen]

Can anyone tell me how to hang insulating dark out curtains behind the front seats in a minivan? I tried a spring rod but the walls are angled and won't hold it. The handles above the second row doors are too far back.

I have not made any alterations to my T & C but will if necessary. Anyone else with a minivan and heavy front curtains have ideas?? Down both rows of side windows and across the back too.

Can get pretty cold and windy in Q in January.

 

[Kathleen]

If I can't find a way to hang insulating curtains in the T & C I may have to trade it in for a shorty bus.

 

[SoulRaven]

Can anyone tell me how to hang insulating dark out curtains behind the front seats in a minivan? I tried a spring rod but the walls are angled and won't hold it. The handles above the second row doors are too far back.

I have not made any alterations to my T & C but will if necessary. Anyone else with a minivan and heavy front curtains have ideas?? Down both rows of side windows and across the back too.

Can get pretty cold and windy in Q in January.

HI Kathleen,
I have a 2012 Toyota Sienna and what I did was stretch a bungie cord across the cabin THEN added a metal curtain rod.  You can sort of see it in this video.  I've added the timestamp to the link so you don't have to watch the whole video.

I decided against the moving blanket because it was too bulky.  I got the thinner, cheaper moving blanket at Home Depot that is more like felt and it works fine.  I also have covered Reflectix with black fabric for the window covers so no one can tell that I have covered the windows from the outside. So far I haven't frozen even in 39 degree weather but that is because I insulate myself with a down sleeping bag.

Gypsy P

 

[Kia girl]

If I can't find a way to hang insulating curtains in the T & C I may have to trade it in for a shorty bus.

When I had my van I used a shower curtain rod and put each end in the grab bars. It seemed to work then.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Kathleen]

HI Kathleen,
I have a 2012 Toyota Sienna and what I did was stretch a bungie cord across the cabin THEN added a metal curtain rod.  You can sort of see it in this video.  I've added the timestamp to the link so you don't have to watch the whole video.

I decided against the moving blanket because it was too bulky.  I got the thinner, cheaper moving blanket at Home Depot that is more like felt and it works fine.  I also have covered Reflectix with black fabric for the window covers so no one can tell that I have covered the windows from the outside. So far I haven't frozen even in 39 degree weather but that is because I insulate myself with a down sleeping bag.

Gypsy P

Thanks, Gypsy P! Bought lots of bungees, haven't tried that yet. Good tip on the thin cheaper moving blankets. I plan to put black fabric on my reflectix too. So much to do between now & RTR!

 

[CautionToTheWind]

Can anyone tell me how to hang insulating dark out curtains behind the front seats in a minivan? I tried a spring rod but the walls are angled and won't hold it. The handles above the second row doors are too far back.

I have not made any alterations to my T & C but will if necessary. Anyone else with a minivan and heavy front curtains have ideas?? Down both rows of side windows and across the back too.

Can get pretty cold and windy in Q in January.

This is the design I have in mind. Video shows a flat metal bar contoured to the inside ceiling. Appears to be quick and easy. There are two videos (1st one shows the design and how to, starts at 4:08:  -- 2nd video you can get a later glimpse at 2:54 

 

[SoulRaven]

This is the design I have in mind. Video shows a flat metal bar contoured to the inside ceiling. Appears to be quick and easy. There are two videos (1st one shows the design and how to, starts at 4:08:  -- 2nd video you can get a later glimpse at 2:54 

Brilliant!

 

[Kathleen]

This is the design I have in mind. Video shows a flat metal bar contoured to the inside ceiling. Appears to be quick and easy. There are two videos (1st one shows the design and how to, starts at 4:08:  -- 2nd video you can get a later glimpse at 2:54 

Thanks so much, CTTW! As soon as the coffee kicks in I will take a look at that solution! 

 

[Kathleen]

When I had my van I used a shower curtain rod and put each end in the grab bars.  It seemed to work then.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Been so busy that technique did not register. A long thin curtain rod might fit in the hooks on the grab bars, then I could run a blanket down both sides of the van, where the windows are that let in so much of the cold.

Have to view all responses to this question. Multi tasking between getting very quirky 200 yr old adobe ready to leave in some degree of order (after the recent move) and prepping for travel at the same time.

Thanks!

kd

 

[Kathleen]

HI Kathleen,
I have a 2012 Toyota Sienna and what I did was stretch a bungie cord across the cabin THEN added a metal curtain rod.  You can sort of see it in this video.  I've added the timestamp to the link so you don't have to watch the whole video.

I decided against the moving blanket because it was too bulky.  I got the thinner, cheaper moving blanket at Home Depot that is more like felt and it works fine.  I also have covered Reflectix with black fabric for the window covers so no one can tell that I have covered the windows from the outside. So far I haven't frozen even in 39 degree weather but that is because I insulate myself with a down sleeping bag.

Gypsy P

Hey, Gypsy P, what color is the thinner cheaper moving blanket at HD? Could it be used for the fabric for the window covers? If not, what fabric did you use? I want something black I can just cut, now sew, for quick action, little time left to prepare.

Thanks for your info!

kd

 

[Bohemian scout]

Hey, Gypsy P, what color is the thinner cheaper moving blanket at HD? Could it be used for the fabric for the window covers? If not, what fabric did you use? I want something black I can just cut, now sew, for quick action, little time left to prepare.

Thanks for your info!

kd

I cut reflectix to fit each window and covered the edges with duct tape. That works great except it was too shiny inside so I covered each window piece with felt covering the edges again with duct tape. I used a spray adhesive to apply the felt, no sewing necessary. I suppose you could do this to the outside of the reflectix with black felt. I don't mind the reflectix on the outside because my tinted windows block the shine a little bit and I want it to help block the Sun.