Opinions on Raptor liner

[TwoVans]

117 is the norm for me in the summer. 1st thought is don't drive anywhere near me in the summer.

That's why I went with the factory rear a/c. If I ever get my van back, it is supposed to get about six vents all along the driver's side. Stand by for reports... Of course, not an option at this point for you.

I think you're on the right track. My guess is that low-e window tint has the best chance for an impact based on having low-e windows on my house when I lived in Phoenix. I would like to know more about auto glass options. SMB West doesn't seem to have an option other than normal tint.

I would also be very interested to hear if you can boost your a/c.

I doubt you will notice anything from a roof color change.

[PatO]

I did a color matched (Baja Tan) UV protect Line-X on my pent house, roof & gutters and love it. It does make the PH much heavier. I can still push it up but it is a chore! My problem was SEVERE cracking and gel coat disintegration. I had it done locally (San Diego) and they did a really good job. Pictures on the site somewhere. It seems like you could just do the horizontal top if you really wanted get a more reflective color on your dark van and not muck up the aesthetics.
Pat

[Scalf77]

Herb,
I have a dark blue van and was looking down the same path. I went with lizard skin, my intent was to use the product in white, when I received it was the dark gray color (They just started making the ceramic insulation in the darker color also) I was already committed to getting the job done so I went forward with application. I wish I could tell you I have great before and after data, but I did not really collect any data.

http://www.lizardskin.com/
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/vie...hp?f=13&t=5309

[charlie56]

Originally Posted by jessenej

I think you're on the right track. My guess is that low-e window tint has the best chance for an impact based on having low-e windows on my house when I lived in Phoenix. I would like to know more about auto glass options. SMB West doesn't seem to have an option other than normal tint.

I came across this article. Don't know if it is still valid due to the CARB vs USA war but...

CALIFORNIA’S LOW-E AUTO GLASS REGULATION TO HELP CURB EMISSIONS
by Shane Smith on 09/11/09

Earlier this summer, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) voted unanimously to require auto manufacturers to install low-e glass on all new cars sold within the state starting in 2012.

This type of glass is manufactured by many customers of Applied's Glass Coating Products division and is designed to help keep the interiors of vehicles cooler during the summer months, reducing the need for air conditioning, boosting fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions at the same time.
<snip>
California has also passed one of the most aggressive carbon emissions bills in the U.S., known as the Global Warming Solutions Act (CA AB 32). This requires reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles to 1990 levels by 2020. The low-e glass regulation is among several strategies the state is pursuing to reach those goals.

[maxacceleration]

While driving in vans in years past (I am from Las Vegas & have spent time in Phoenix), we/I have had a draw curtain behind the seats or rear quad captains.
Then the A/C only has to cool a smaller amount of air rather than trying to cool the whole interior.
It makes a difference.
Doesn't help with your raptor decision...

[bridges]

I sprayed a 35 foot bus with raptor liner, tinted to a light grey. Looks great, sealed up minor cracks, and protects against rock chips on the dirt roads here in central Oregon. Did the bumpers in black. Will do the penthouse of my SMB in green in the heat wave this winter or spring. Great stuff.

[daveb]

A little over a year now on my top (white) and I feel it's one of my better upgrades. So far it looks great, never looks dirty and is super easy to clean. Just hose it off. I still can't say if it's a mistake, but I sure don't miss waxing the top.

Dave