Just wondering if anyone has successfully insulated their bunkends with anything besides reflectix. I am wondering specifically about modifying the dollar store windshield sunvisors as a poor man's alternative. Open to any suggestions though. I am looking at about $90 in reflectix and silver tape at the local HW store.
You can use pretty much anything but it may not be as effective but it would work. I've also seen those reflective tarps covering the entire bunk end. Any kind of insulating you do would help to some extent. In the summer I just put a reflective tarp over the bunk end vrs reflectix in the windows, but that's because I like fresh air vrs AC unless it really gets hot. In the cold you can put fleace on the bunkends, think a tent within a tent. Like you I had a limited budget so used what I could afford at the time.
I did both ends on my camper with some left over for less than $25.00 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Reflectix-...ive-Roll-Insulation-24-in-W-x-25-ft-L/3011904
That is what I got as well. I looked at Dollar store stuff but I would have needed to tape some together for a couple windows. With the reflectix I just cut and still had some left over. No tape needed.
Wish I could but the pu has dual king bunkends so the windows are long (not a bad thing, by any means)
If you dont mind me asking, what size bedding in your pu? I may have overestimated how much reflectix I need.
I have dual King bunks. The truck is to use big pieces of cardboard or something like that to make a template for each window. On mine the windows are a little different on the size from each other so make sure you have it right. Then you can lay it out on the reflectix to plan your cuts. I believe my mattresses are 70x80.
thanks! same size as mine so maybe I can get by with 1 small roll. I was figuring on 2 of the 4ft rolls.
When I built my Reflectix window inserts I bought a 50' x 48" wide roll because I didn't want to have to seam 2 pieces together to get enough height. Determining the length of roll required is as simple as measuring your windows with a tape measure and doing the math. Absolutely do make cardboard templates, making adjustments to them as necessary so when you finally cut out the Reflectix there won't be any mistakes.
I checked my emails, when I did it 3 years ago I ordered a 48" x 25' roll and still had some left over. Cost back then was $45.
i got the 48" x 25' roll for $44 from home depot, I didn't want to piece 2 together for the windows so I did my 6 bunk windows out of the roll and I still have a LOT left over...i've used some for the doggie door flaps at home, i'm going to make one for the vent in the camper since it seems to magnify the morning sun, and I think make some covers for the coolers. I didn't bother with any tape, they haven't been a problem and I think are softer so they don't poke holes in the bug screen when i install them.
At one time, I did have the Dollar Tree windshield visors in my bunk ends. I never bothered cutting extras or taping together. I just had them in the side windows as is, and I did cut one to make a longer one in the end. But the tops were just humps, leaving the tops of the windows uncovered. I liked it because I could still unzip and peek out. They worked the same as reflectix, although they are much thinner so needed straightened out sometimes when we set up. Right now, I don't have anything in the windows. The a/c cools fine without it, I just never put any back in when we got our new canvas. In this photo, you can see the Dollar Tree visors in the rear bunk window.
It is because the canvas (more specifically the vinyl ceiling) is too saggy. It seems to be a common problem with Colemans. It prevented water from pooling on my old canvas, but doesn't on my new canvas. Currently trying to find a solution. I did see some super fat pool noodles somewhere and should have purchased when I saw them. If I see them again, I will.
I also have two King size beds, I bought my reflectix from recpro.com $37 shipped for a 6ft tall by 15 ft long roll. No tape required They labeled this as insulation for the bottom of an RV
Embarrassing, but I did my math incorrectly and was able to do the bunkends AND the kitchen window with 1 4ftx25ft roll, with a bit to spare!