Need some advice please...

[MandysMom]

Karen what is a good source for MCD to replace those stupid string type, which in my van at now 12 years old, the strings are giving out one by one? Thanks
Velda

[Liz]

This is what I have....made in the USA.
http://www.irvineshadeanddoor.com/products/roller-shades/

[Bethers]

This is what I have....made in the USA.
http://www.irvineshadeanddoor.com/products/roller-shades/

Liz, halve you noticed if the solar shade helps keep the heat out? I've been considering getting the ones that you put on outside because some say for the effect it needs to be on the outside. However if they work well enough inside... Maybe I could consider something like this.

[MandysMom]

When we took the van in 2009 to Oregon for a rally, we were aware they were in for a series of 100 degree plus days and knew the fairgrounds had inadequate electric for a bunch of big busses plus our little rig. So we cut Reflectix for inside all windows and outside front, the only practical place to hang outside. We quickly found if Reflectix was on inside front window we could feel more heat than if we hung the outside piece. We had mostly been keeping it inside because in addition to 105 it was very windy in fits and starts! ( don't even ask about how our awning got folded over roof when it in seconds went from dead calm to huge gust! And Mel was on crutches at the time!!!)
Anyhow our conclusion was, shade outside if you can to keep heat outside vs shade on inside where heat comes through window then you have to try to get it back through that glass via reflection. If I could I would do both but that's not often practical plus it's dark inside! but my next RV for sure will have MCD or similar and window awnings if I can.
Velda

[Bethers]

Velda, that's my thoughts. I've used reflected and other products, but I'm hearing the outside solar shading works much better. I just can't convince myself to spend the money just yet.

[MandysMom]

We used magnets I bought on Amazon to hold Reflectix to the outside of the windshield of my van. It's all metal so magnets held except in heavy wind. My next project is to line the inside of outside wall of every cupboard with Reflectix to add more insulation both for warm and cold days. We still have a partial roll of the stuff.
Velda

[Bethers]

Reflectix has been shown to hurt the finish of some windows and paint. And the solar fabric is showing to be more effective, plus is better in different weather's, which is why I want to go with it.

I do use Reflectix in many storage areas to line things. I haven't seen the difference I had hoped for, but haven't given up.

[JudyJB]

I love my MCD shades!! I got the black mesh and the beige room darkening shades. They are expensive--I paid $300 per window, but that is partly because I had them install them. They would have been less expensive if I had installed them myself.

I had had it with the strings breaking on my old cheapo blinds that came with my motorhome new. It would have cost me at least $50 per shade to have them restrung and more to get new ones installed, but i knew they would break again right away. If I had to do it over again, I would have had the MCD shades put on before I even took delivery of my rig.

I occasionally get migraine headaches and I do a lot of work inside on my classes. I would have to keep the old shades pulled down all the time and could not see out. The MCD mesh shades keep the sun out and still let you see out.

As far as heat, I think they do help, but I have no evidence. I think it would be a good idea to have something outside also, but as you all know, something outside is also likely to blow away, plus you have to go outside to put it on, so I don't think that would replace inside shades.

[Azusateach]

We have Magne-Shades for our Class A's windshield and 2 front side windows. After spending a week in 100*+ weather in Mesa last October we knew we had to do something.

They are made out of material similar to the MDC shades, but attach to the outside of the windows via a series of very, VERY strong magnets that have been adhered to the windows. Getting the magnets installed was a 2-person job, but I can put the shades up by myself with the help of a pole included with the shades. And take-down is just as easy -- just pull and they slide away from the magnets. They're custom-made for each rig, so the fit is exact. A bit pricey -- I think we paid about $800 for everything -- but well worth it in our So. California heat.

I've noticed a big difference in the inside temperature of the rig with the shades up. And the nice thing is that we can still see outside. People can't see in during the day, but once it's dark outside and we turn on our lights people can see in. We still have curtains that we draw at night, and they also help with insulation as we added a layer of black-out material.

For the windows behind our couch and over the dinette we use the insulated aluminum "bubble wrap" sheets that we cut to size. They really, really help as well and aren't expensive.

Hope this helps with another option.

Laura

[MandysMom]

Laura did you order the Magna shades online?
Velda

[Bethers]

Laura, those are the ones I've been looking at. On another forums man said he purchased the magnets (not sure if from them) and then purchased the screen/shading bulk at Home Depot and cut to size. Saved him big bucks and he says it's been working well in the plus 100 degree days in Arizona. But because I'd want them on three other windows plus the front three, I almost want to try do-it-yourself. Almost. I'm saying this summer and probably will buy them from Magna.

Thanks for telling how easy they are to put up/take down.

[Liz]

I like my shades and haven't felt the need for anything outside. I do extend my awning to provide shade on that side when in full (hot) sun, but as you know, I tend to follow the weather, and don't spend much time in 100+ degree temperatures.

[Azusateach]

Laura did you order the Magna shades online?
Velda

No, there was a company rep at the RVing Women's national convention in Mesa. He came over to the rig and measured our windows and we ordered directly from him and had the shades within about a month.

Laura

[Azusateach]

Laura, those are the ones I've been looking at. On another forums man said he purchased the magnets (not sure if from them) and then purchased the screen/shading bulk at Home Depot and cut to size. Saved him big bucks and he says it's been working well in the plus 100 degree days in Arizona. But because I'd want them on three other windows plus the front three, I almost want to try do-it-yourself. Almost. I'm saying this summer and probably will buy them from Magna.

Thanks for telling how easy they are to put up/take down.

Beth, I'd think the biggest difference between getting them from the company and doing them yourself are the little pockets they sew onto them that hold the magnets and also provide a "cup" for the pole to go into so you can push the shade up to the magnets on the windshield and side windows. So unless you're really handy with a sewing machine you might be better off biting the bullet and spending the money to buy them directly from the company.

Another little funny ...
I'm staying at an RV park while my house is being shown for selling. I had to move TWO sites down and didn't feel like taking the shades down. Remember, I can see out of them just fine, so I just tootled over 2 sites with the windshield and side windows all dark. If someone had seen me I'm sure they'd have wondered who was driving, because they sure couldn't see me!

Laura

[Bethers]

Hahaha, handy with a sewing machine. Not me LOL

Then you mentioned moving and I got a second belly laugh.