Window Covering for my van

[Belchfire]

Can anyone tell me what is the best way to cover windows for stealth sleeping in a van?
It's a minivan with windows all around

 

[Theadyn]

I've got a lot of windows around my conversion van, as well. I will be going with black out window tint and covering that with reflectix. Also will be hanging a blackout curtain behind the drivers area. Some other may have other options for ya.

 

[Reducto]

I don't think we can agree on a "best" option - it depends on how much insulation you need, just how stealthy you need it to be, and how easily removable you need it.

After trying various methods that did not work for me (get a pro to do the tint if you go that route) I gave up and painted all my rear windows black. It looks better from the outside than anything else I tried and gives me 100% light blocking. The only downside is that I can't remove it when I'm driving but my backup camera helps with that. I mounted foam insulation over the entire interior which has been a huge help in hot and cold weather.

For the front I have a big piece of 2" thick blue foam behind the drivers area with black fabric glued to one side. It has a hole cut in the middle with a matching piece of foam so I can reach back and forth if I need to or get out through the front if I accidentally activate the child safety lock on the side door and get locked in. Not that I would ever do that. Again.

 

[gramakittycat]

Going with Reflextix on my tinted minivan windows after reading up on it.

 

[Belchfire]

I spoke with the tinters and they can use 5% window tint is that the blackout you were talking about?
Can I use Reflextix in California ?
What kind of a Blackout curtain are you using?

 

[HarmonicaBruce]

My last van, which began life as a Fed Ex van, had black spray-painted windows.  I scraped that off.  I have black garbage bags for curtains, held up with magnets.  It took 5 minutes to make, and I keep them up for driving and put them down for sleeping.  I like being able to peek out the window.  If needed, I could cut out some foam board insulation to fit.  My method was cheap, easy, effective, and easy to undo.  I've used it for 4 years.

 

[Vic.]

I followed Suanne's lead. Tinted windows and curtains made from felt and bungee cord.

http://suanneonline.blogspot.com/p/windows-and-privacy-i-do-2-things-for.html

 

[highdesertranger]

in ca you can tint all but your front windshield and your 2 front windows in the doors. however if you don't have a rear view mirror on your passenger door you must be able to use your mirror on the front windshield to see behind you, so your rear windows can't be blocked. highdesertranger

 

[MK7]

   I have black garbage bags for curtains, held up with magnets.  It took 5 minutes to make, and I keep them up for driving and put them down for sleeping.  I like being able to peek out the window.  If needed, I could cut out some foam board insulation to fit.  My method was cheap, easy, effective, and easy to undo.  I've used it for 4 years.

TRASH BAGS. Thanks. Can't believe I didn't think of this. I spent a lot of time, effort and some wasted money, trying out other ways. Most didn't seal out the light completely, leaving little cracks which are very noticeable if it's very dark outside. Then there was the chore of taking them down, storing them out of the way, for sunlight & view; then having to put them back up. I have the foam board and cardboard, and they are a pain. Relfectix shows right through the glass, that's already tinted by the conversion company and it just screams "vandweller" inside as all the windows are now shiny & silver.

How did you get the magnets to stick on the glass? Glue or tape some metal plates to the window first?

 

[HarmonicaBruce]

TRASH BAGS. Thanks. Can't believe I didn't think of this. I spent a lot of time, effort and some wasted money, trying out other ways. Most didn't seal out the light completely, leaving little cracks which are very noticeable if it's very dark outside. Then there was the chore of taking them down, storing them out of the way, for sunlight & view; then having to put them back up. I have the foam board and cardboard, and they are a pain. Relfectix shows right through the glass, that's already tinted by the conversion company and it just screams "vandweller" inside as all the windows are now shiny & silver.

How did you get the magnets to stick on the glass? Glue or tape some metal plates to the window first?

Sorry I took so long to reply, I didn't notice you addressed my post.  My vans are cargo vans, and around the glass it's sheet metal.  It's worked out really well.  When I get up in the morning sometimes I start to drive without putting the "curtains" up.  I can drive without the back window being blocked, but it's so much easier (and safer) to see out the back window.  If you don't have metal available to attach the magnets to, I'm not sure how you'd be able to use this method.

 

[MK7]

Sorry I took so long to reply, I didn't notice you addressed my post. 

Yeah, what took you so long....that was a good 40 minutes....haha, thanks.

 

[ccbreder]

I have just seen a van in a walmart lot, with cardboard in the windows. Corrugated boxes have dead air space for insulation and are free.

 

[Ken in Anaheim]

.....  If you don't have metal available to attach the magnets to, I'm not sure how you'd be able to use this method.

You could just glue a large washer to the plastic.
KinA