Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade (Read 570 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Is there a difference justifying the expense?
LD 22', 1989 Custom Build. Chassis 1990 Chevy Van G30, 5.7l.
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #1 –
I believe there is two kind stuff of refleCtix.  The one we buy has a layer in between two pieces of foil.  I believe it is a bubble wrap type layer - it traps air.
This gives more nf different layers to help keep heat / cold / even sound out. 
If I remember right it had an R rating of R-3.

Compare that to the materials and R rating of the standard aluminum shade you are considering.

Jane
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #2 –
What 'standard alum shade' are you referring to? We can't compare without specific information. Can you give us a link to a product page?
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #3 –
Quote from: Andy Baird  - 
What 'standard alum shade' are you referring to? We can't compare without specific information. Can you give us a link to a product page?
Fair question. The type one would buy for the windshield on any vehicle.

Amazon.com: EzyShade Windshield Sun Shade + Bonus Item. See Size-Chart with...
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
LD 22', 1989 Custom Build. Chassis 1990 Chevy Van G30, 5.7l.
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #4 –
I'd say, the biggest difference would be the presence of more of a thermal barrier.  The typical silvered windshield shade will reflect much of the light and IR, but what it absorbs will turn to heat and easily radiate towards the inside.  Reflectix is like heavy duty bubble-pack with silvered outside layers.  The shiny outside also reflects much of the light and IR, but the air  bubbles conduct heat inward much less easily.  In our bus, the large front windshield is the largest single point of heat entry (or loss).  A large sheet of Reflectix between the glass and the inside shade makes a large difference in heat transmission.  We had several pieces of Reflectix  in our LD that we cut to fit most of the windows.

YMMV,
Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #5 –
I think the price difference you are seeing is because you are comparing two different sizes.
A comparable piece of reflectix is $10.45 - 24" X10'

There is no r-rating on the amazon link you gave. It says it reduces heat by 85%....
Their pictures show a 100% coverage of the window  but if you look at the pictures that the customers submitted there are several gaps where the sun is not prevented from getting in.
Reflectix you can cut to the shape you want it.
You can also put Reflectix on the outside of the window so that the window glass never gets hot (the windshield screen you listed goes inside so that the window gets very hot).  We covered our main cab window by putting the reflectix on the outside of the window, just tucking an inch or two inside the doors and shutting them to hold it in place.  That works well for us.
Jane 
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #6 –
The auto windshield shade you linked to is a piece of thin, silver fabric stretched over a metal frame. It will reflect some heat, but as others have pointed out, not nearly as much as Reflectix, which has two silver layers with trapped air cells in between. The only advantage of the auto windshield shade is that it can be folded down into a very small package when not in use.

Jane is right in saying that the ability to cut Reflectix to the exact shape of any window is very useful. You can buy Reflectix by the roll in one foot and two foot widths in hardware stores such as Lowe's or Home Depot. I've made removable inserts for most of the windows in my truck and RV, and they really help a lot.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #7 –
I found a 4'x25' roll at LOWES and covered every opening except the front windshield on a 31IB with some left over.  I already had an insulated cover for the windshield.  
I permanently installed a sheet in the shower skylight which was the worst heat source by far in the summer sun. The rest roll up  into 2 cylinders and are stored in the shower or in the void behind the sofa back.
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #8 –
Thanks all.
LD 22', 1989 Custom Build. Chassis 1990 Chevy Van G30, 5.7l.
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #9 –
Quote from: joel wiley  - 
I found a 4'x25' roll at LOWES  ...
I permanently installed a sheet in the shower skylight which was the worst heat source by far in the summer sun. ...
That seems to be a good price. I'm just wondering whether I need that much for my 26.5 MB.

How did you fix the piece in the shower skylight? That is definitely something that I also want to do.

Klaus
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #10 –
Hi, Klaus--

I blocked off my shower dome, but didn't use Reflectix, because I had received free giant bubble wrap from a friend who'd received a lot around a shipment of parts for his body shop.

I put in a sheet of aluminum foil (shiny side out) in the dome, then made a double layer of bubble wrap to fit the size of the dome, then I cut a piece of cardboard (large pizza box worked well) & sealed it around the edges with clear packing tape to the ceiling.  Since I've now shrunk back down to 5' I'm short enough that water isn't splashing up high; I suppose if one were tall enough to worry about water on the cardboard a piece of plexiglass or other waterproof material should be used for the bottom layer.

I used the same process (minus foil) to insulate the ceiling vents for cold weather trips, & also had enough bubble wrap to fit behind the bathroom & kitchen blinds; I cut up eggcrate mattress foam I got at an auction for the big windows for winter, &  I've got several extra-large windshield reflectors that I put in the windshield/door windows/sunnyside lounge & bedroom windows for summer, otherwise I'd probably have gotten Reflectix for all the windows.

Lynne
Lynne
LDy Lulubelle, Green '05 31' TB
Lilly, the 4-Legged Alarm
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #12 –
I had my upholsterer make a foam pillow that fits snugly into the skylight.  It has white vinyl on all sides.  It dramatically cuts the heat intrusion during summer and cold in winter.  You can easily remove when showering.   I am in the process of cutting a reflectix type material for all large windows to cut heat intrusion.  Will fit behind shades and hold in place with double sticky velcro tape at the bottom.  For the front windscreen I purchased a covercraft window shade.  It is a thick folding sunscreen that is also insulated with shiny side out and felt pad on inside.  We have them for all our vehicles and work well in Arizona's blistering summer heat.
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #13 –
"I purchased a covercraft window shade."

I live in the same town with blistering heat as you. I want to buy the Covercraft shade but I don't see an F450 listed. What size did you buy? I'm wondering if all the models are basically the same or if it's worth the extra money for the Premier ones.

All advice appreciated.

Langton

Keep having fun
2002 27" RB
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #14 –
"I don't see an F450 listed."
----
Does the listing include an E-450? (Or, E-350?) If so, that's the Ford chassis type for your LD. The "F" series are pickups.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #15 –
Thanks Joan, I guess  the blistering heat has fried my old brain. I don't know why I keep thinking it's an F450. Thanks for the clarification!

Langton
2002 27" RB
 
Re: Reflectix vsStandard 'Alum' Shade
Reply #16 –
Quote from: Klaus  - 
That seems to be a good price. I'm just wondering whether I need that much for my 26.5 MB.

How did you fix the piece in the shower skylight? That is definitely something that I also want to do.

Klaus

I got the idea from the  DIY picture frames.  I took some coat hanger wire and bent it as shown. They loop over the edge of the skylight in the corners and hole the reflectix in place.  There was a bit of trial and error to get the bends correct.

I used the tool in the picture to do the bending.  It came from DULUTH TRADING some years ago
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE