Window Blackout

marbles · 10-01-2016, 05:13 PM

We camp the most in the summer. The sun comes far too early when I am camping and am on vacation. The sun comes in the window and wakes me up.

I am looking for a method to darken the bedroom windows and even door windows. I bought creme colored blackout fabric but have not figured out how to hang the fabric over the windows.

What have you done to keep out the light and to sleep in a little longer?

2008 24RKS with bedroom up front. There is also a door to the outside in the bedroom.

StormPOD · 10-01-2016, 05:19 PM

We used this

Shop Reflectix 100-sq ft Reflective Roll Insulation (48-in W x 25-ft L) at Lowes.com

We have cut it for all windows and skylights, store it under mattress when we do not want it...however the bedroom stays covered.

spoon059 · 10-01-2016, 06:05 PM

We use Reflectix as well, but we've noticed that it loses effectiveness with age. The most simple solution is a piece of cardboard, cut to fit your window frame.

We also use those pop up style sun shades as well. We have a 2 year old that naps in the main living area, so we have a LOT of windows to cover for nap time. Any of those options work just fine.

JEFF1963 · 10-01-2016, 06:48 PM

I was stationed in Alaska off and on for almost 20 years, and sometimes one can't even get to sleep because of the sunlight. In about April/May most families placed aluminum foil in many B/R windows and removed the foil in October. Problem solved for very little expense. AND - the foil can be easily removed daily if desired.

RogerR · 10-01-2016, 06:48 PM

We have used the reflective bubble wrap type (not sure of brand) for three years with no degradation. My primary use was to prevent sun fade and excessive heat when not camping. Lately, we also used it while camping to let us sleep late. We stopped at a casino parking lot for the night and the foil did a nice job of keeping out the parking lot lights.

Velcro holds it up to the skylight and vents. Our pull down sun shades hold the wrap up with no other support.

redenbacher · 10-01-2016, 08:33 PM

I've mentioned this in a previous post, but I also used an old sunshade I had in the garage, cut it to fit bedroom window (which was our culprit) and attached it to the window with 3M Command hook and loop fasteners. We opted for the 3M so it would come off if we decided it wasn't going to work. It has made a world of difference.

Rustysocket · 10-01-2016, 10:06 PM

You could cover the window with duct tape.

Murphie · 10-01-2016, 11:09 PM

Have you thought of replacing the glass. Most glass shops can order in very dark tinted glass.

jsk · 10-02-2016, 04:59 AM

Walmart sells blackout fabric and is cheap and very effective. We cut it to size, sewed it, and hung it. There were different colors to choose from.

Rustysocket · 10-02-2016, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jsk

Walmart sells blackout fabric and is cheap and very effective. We cut it to size, sewed it, and hung it. There were different colors to choose from.

From the OP's original post:

"I bought creme colored blackout fabric but have not figured out how to hang the fabric over the windows."

Seem's we are stuck at what to do next.....

maromeo · 10-02-2016, 07:28 AM

On our previous TT our curtains were just attached with Velcro. you could sew the curtains and just put one piece of mVelcro on the underside of the wood valance and sewed one on the fabric. That is all that Jayco did for our curtains. They stayed very well.

ttavasc · 10-02-2016, 09:29 AM

I'll add another vote for velcro - it works quite well. We used the material from a set of pop-open auto sun shades cut to fit our windows and sewed some black backing material on them. A few small pieces of sticky velcro around the metal window frame holds them in place nicely.

Rustysocket · 10-02-2016, 10:46 AM

Velcro is a great idea. Inexpensive and easy. You could use a hot glue gun to affix it to the frame or under the valance.

jsk · 10-02-2016, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rustysocket

From the OP's original post:

"I bought creme colored blackout fabric but have not figured out how to hang the fabric over the windows."

Seem's we are stuck at what to do next.....

Sorry. We used small spring loaded curtain rods.

Camping Grandpa · 10-02-2016, 02:15 PM

Buy yourself a sleep mask on eBay. Why take the time and effort of covering and uncovering the Windows every morning and evening.
We bought sleep masks for airline travel and visit to Estonian this summer ( never actually gets dark...like anchorage). They're comfortable, cheap, and effective.
Then when your not trying to sleep you and the DW can play Marco Polo...or some other fun game fir adults.

Just my two cents��

marbles · 10-03-2016, 05:53 PM

I think I like the idea of the Reflectix from the DIY store. I like the idea it will keep heat out and prevent fading of the interior.
Reflectix is so light but stiff that the frame and blinds should hold it in. If not, I will put a few velcro spots across the top of the window.

Thank you for all your ideas and experiences.

marbles

jasum · 12-26-2016, 01:26 PM

You should be able to buy and install limo. tint. It's very dark and you can't see thru it.......

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Seann45 · 12-29-2016, 09:21 AM

I use the silver bubble reflecting material. Cut just a little larger than the window and force fit in the frame that way you can pull it out when you want light in the area. It also helps keep you cooler on hot days..

KYCAMPER · 12-30-2016, 08:34 AM

We bought some blackout fabric. DW taped velcro to the top of the inside window awnings and to the fabric so the fabric hung over the awnings around the windows. Worked great, cheap and easy to remove, and the velcro being only on top of the awnings wasn't that visible.

gwenzel · 03-21-2017, 09:59 PM

I need a dark bedroom to sleep, so over the years, and 4 RVs later, I found an easy way to take care of the problem. I had some old blackout curtains from Walmart that I had taken out of my home windows. I used the hems on each end of the curtain to put the small extension rods through. I cut the curtains in the middle and cut to fit the length of the windows. They are thick enough to create straight scissor cuts,
I put them behind the shades. This way, if I need to open them for air or light, I pull the curtains to one side and raise the shades. They look like made to order curtains, and completely blackout the light.They can be hung in front of shades or blinds or behind. They come in a variety of colors and are inexpensive.

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