I get the impression that a lot of you use solar panels and/or a slabe of plywood over your roof, either of which would provide some shade to the vehicle when parked in the sun thus reducing heat gain. Blending in is important where I'm at, and as shade is preciously difficult to come by I'm brainstorming and researching solutions.
ShadeTree Autoshade looks to be a pretty simple solution and not terribly expensive. Would attract attention while up, but doesn't scream anything about "person inside" or DIY. I measured and looks like it would nearly completely cover my minivan roof.
A large rooftop carrier would be another possibility. In summertime it would blend in okayish, I'd simply appear to be an outdoors enthusiast or vacationer, and I could put it in storage once the weather turns cool. Downsides include the storage in off-season, cost, and reduced mpg. If I did get one, it'd have to be something that looks right with my minivan and I'd get it used off craigslist.
This automated retractable carshade is a project that apparently never quite got off the ground. Pity, it looked like a good idea.
Since my minivan came with a factory roof rack, I'm wondering whether some nylon fabric to make a mini-tarp roughly matching the silver/grey color of the van would fly under the radar. I'm thinking if I pull it tight over and around the roof rack only with no overhang whatsoever, it might not be too noticeable.
I'm still in the idea stage. Anyone else have thoughts to contribute?
ShadeTree Autoshade looks to be a pretty simple solution and not terribly expensive. Would attract attention while up, but doesn't scream anything about "person inside" or DIY. I measured and looks like it would nearly completely cover my minivan roof.
A large rooftop carrier would be another possibility. In summertime it would blend in okayish, I'd simply appear to be an outdoors enthusiast or vacationer, and I could put it in storage once the weather turns cool. Downsides include the storage in off-season, cost, and reduced mpg. If I did get one, it'd have to be something that looks right with my minivan and I'd get it used off craigslist.
This automated retractable carshade is a project that apparently never quite got off the ground. Pity, it looked like a good idea.
Since my minivan came with a factory roof rack, I'm wondering whether some nylon fabric to make a mini-tarp roughly matching the silver/grey color of the van would fly under the radar. I'm thinking if I pull it tight over and around the roof rack only with no overhang whatsoever, it might not be too noticeable.
I'm still in the idea stage. Anyone else have thoughts to contribute?