Reflectix Insulation - suggestions?

[bhamBaker]

Gonna cut some reflectix for the attic bunk for winter camping. Thinking to cut the dimension from the ledge to the roof topper. Make two segments, have them wedge into place. Leave the front windows open and just enclose the rear bunk.

Anyone have suggestions or insights other than this basic concept?

We've got a 5kw diesel furnace that i've already did an overnight test run w no relfectix in the attic. At low fire kept the bottom bunk 60f and the top bunk at 45f while it was 26f outside. Have reconfigured the output of the furnace to give more heat to the forward area, thus getting a little more heat to the attic.

So goal is to boost the attic temps just a little to improve sleep ability...

Thanks for your thoughts.

[YoTerryh]

I've done something similar in my GTRV. I have two triangular shaped pieces of Reflectix that I line the inside of the pop-top sides with, as well as a rectangular piece that goes across the front. More recently, I cut out Reflectix pieces to insert into the driver, passenger, barn door, and rear door windows as well as the passenger rear side window, which is next to my bed. My GTRV came with curtains for all windows which are made of a furrily heavy, dark fabric. I regularly use all the Reflectix pieces for the lower windows, and add the ones for the pop-top when I'm camping in more extreme cold. What I don't have is any concrete data on how much these actually help with heat retention, though I'd sure like to think they provide some additional R-value.

I have also been curious about exterior insulating covers. I know of two companies, both in the UK, that make these for *some* pop-tops. In the past I looked at their websites and I recall one or both would make a custom cover to fit my van, The two companies are https://www.comfortzleisure.net/, and https://www.rainbowthermalscreens.co...screen-covers/.

Cold weather pictures of my van for reference.

[MarinBlaine]

We have a suburban heater. Have window in the slider, right behind the slider and behind the stove…plus the two rear windows in our EB50. My wife cut reflectix for each window, plus the front door. We use reflecting windshield shade which is less than tight. Other windows fit very tight.

We have one for the fantastic fan, but have not used it much.

All-in, makes a gigantic difference. We camped outside of Mojave CA last Feb and it was 16 degrees when we woke up in the AM. We honestly had no idea it was so cold outside, very comfortable in the van.

Anecdotally it’s much colder without the reflectix, plus it takes much longer to warm up.

Extremely affordable solution, definitely give it a try.

[SteelheadJones]

It helps in my Astro van too. Windows everywhere in that thing. Without Reflectix, my Olympian Wave 3 can’t keep cold nights at bay. I cut Reflectix for every window, and now nights and mornings are much warmer.

[arctictraveller]

I have found that reflectex definitely helps, but I’ve also discovered that it’s far better at keeping the heat out in the summer then keeping heat in, in the winter.

[Mikerson]

Originally Posted by bhamBaker

Gonna cut some reflectix for the attic bunk for winter camping. Thinking to cut the dimension from the ledge to the roof topper. Make two segments, have them wedge into place. Leave the front windows open and just enclose the rear bunk.

Please follow up with pics of how it turns out!

[Darkstar]

I got some spray adhesive and put a thicker felt on the inside of the reflectix and it makes it asthetically nicer on the inside vs all that shiny reflectix and adds a bit of rigidity to it

[nyyankees588]

Neodymium magnets work great with reflectix and any windows that have metal around them. Many of the magnets on amazon come with adhesive backing or you can get 3M adhesive strips. Cut the reflectix slightly larger than the window (so that it overlaps with the metal), stick magnets on the reflectix, and they will stay up perfectly fine. If your talking about a fiberglass roof, you could do the same, adding magnets around the outer edge of the window on the fiberglass as well.

I've tried adhesive-backed velcro as well, but it doesn't work as well.