'Silver' Screens

[Hawcara]

What are the best type of silver screens, internal or external?

The price seems very much the same.

Thank you B-)

[JohnP]

I would always go for the external ones. They are more effective for cutting down condensation and tend to be a better fit. The only draw back is that you have to go outside to fit them and you may have to pack them up when they are wet. They soon dry out.

 

The internal ones fitted with suckers tend not to hold against the screen to well.

Very little to chose between the makes of 'Silverscreen' or 'Taylormade.

[Philjp]

I bought the external one as it covered the vents on the front of the Van, also the main part across the screen can be detached or rolled down to allow light in, Downside is when it rains and you are packing up to move on. we roll it up store it in its bag and put in the shower. We also have internal blinds fitted but do not tend to use them as the let in light and do not keep the sun and heat out....

[Hawcara]

Thank you both.

 

[Hawcara]

Just looked on ebay, there is a firm called www.silverproducts.co.uk

They seem to be cheaper than the others.

Is there any feedback on them?

Thank you in advance :-|

[flicka]

 

3 main suppliers Taylormade, Silver Screens, who I think both only deal direct, don’t know of any stockists).

Isomatten – German.

Another is Fiamma but covers rather than Insulating .

 

http://www.taylormadecovers.co.uk/acatalog/Longer_Length_external_windscreen_cover_.html

Deeper length £117.50

http://www.taylormade-covers.co.uk/acatalog/Bonnet_Cover.html

£39.00

A guy& his wife, but previous threads advise delivery can be hit & miss.

They do attend most of the Shows, giving you an opportunity to have a look at their product.

 

http://www.silverscreens.co.uk/index.html

Don't attend any shows, so unless you know someone with their product you can’t determine the quality, before you order.

Can be difficult to get hold of on the phone, also Hit & Miss whether they ring back.

No prices on website.

 

Isomatten

German External Screens, they are available for Coachbuilt as well as “A” Class.

http://www.vancomfort.co.uk/VanComfortFAQWebPageforscreens_000.htm

Then click on Products.

Van Comfort are at Retford, so may be able to see the product before buying.

 

 

http://www.fiammastore.com/Motorhome-Covers-and-Caravan-Covers-and-Shades/Fiamma-Coverglas-for-Fiat-Ducato

around £49.00 The least insulation of these listed, but sufficient Spring & Autumn or if you only want to keep dirt off screen, but I wouldn’t go for this one if intending to tour in deep winter.

 

[BarnacleBob]

 

I have an Isomatten from Van Comfort external for my m'home.

They are expensive, but they fit very well and the insulation is excellent.

 

The cab area on my Rapido used to be difficult to keep warm in the winter with just internal folding silver screens but the Isomatten externals have cured that little problem. Conversely they keep the cab area cool in strong sunlight in hot weather.

 

BarnacleBob

[emmbeedee]

Hawcara - 2010-10-31 8:39 PM

 

Just looked on ebay, there is a firm called www.silverproducts.co.uk

They seem to be cheaper than the others.

Is there any feedback on them?

Thank you in advance :-|

 

I have a set of Silverproducts & have found them to be excellent. Perfect fit, come with storage bag & instructions. This company is run by the son of the owner of Silverscreens & uses the same cutting patterns. As you say, much cheaper & as far as I can see just as good, if not absolutely identical.

Our van was supplied with internal screens & we only used them for one night due to dreadful condensation.

[kelly58]

External every time no internal misting of windows and a lot warmer van I have had both Taylormade and Silverscreens there is not a lot of difference in my opinion only that Taylormade are a lot less money,

[Brian Kirby]

In truth, there are no hard and fast rules, and the choices really depend on why you want them.

If you are going to use your van in winter, especially if you intend going winter sporting, more especially if going to the Alps or similar high locations, external screens are pretty much essential, ideally with an extended "bib" to insulate the whole cab area as well as windscreen/side windows.  Unlike the habitation cell, the cab on most coachbuilt vans is virtually uninsulated, and is a great source of heat loss, A class vans are somewhat better, but the engine bay bulkhead is the same whatever the type/make. 

If considering winter sporting, first make sure that the van is adequately insulated, and that at minimum the fresh water tank is internal.  Many vans are not made for this kind of use and you will struggle for comfort whatever screen cover is used.  Look at French/German covers for this kind of use, such as Soplair or Hindermann, as they are produced for the more extreme conditions, but they aren't cheap!  They are also bulky and a bit difficult to store when wet/snowy.

On the other hand, if your van lacks cab blinds, so you only want the screens for privacy, especially if you will only use it in summer, internal screens should be fine.  Easier to store, they are much less effective against condensation, though this is not generally a big problem in summer.  However, you may still benefit from the greater insulation of external blinds in southern Europe in summer, in keeping the van cooler.  For this use just the simplest form of nominally insulated blind would be fine, and they are far less bulky, so easier to store.

As a general rule, if you are going in the "shoulder" seasons, either in UK or travelling to southern Europe, and you will be away during March/April or late October/November, you will be liable to experience condensation on the screen and cab windows with internal screens.  This will be especially true heading south in early spring, and heading back north in late autumn.  External screens, of a lighter type, such as those generally sold in UK, will provide an adequate antidote, but they can be a bit of a fag to fit/take down for overnight stops, when the need will generally be greatest and wet screens most likely.  Fine if you use sites, a bit more of a fag if you use aires etc, as wet screens will most likely end up in the washroom.  Not insurmountable, but one more thing to ensure you do in the right order!  Yer pays yer money.

Finally, if you wild camp, and feel you may need to leave at short notice, internals are really your only choice.

[Hawcara]

Yet again thank you all.

External I think :-D

[t5tripper]

Great advice from everyone and just what I needed as I am looking too, thanks for all the great tips

 

;-)

[BGD]

Ours were self-made by the Sparkle for our old-dog of a MH, as we couldn't find anyone who did them for our vehicle.

 

We were given some (rubbish) internal screens when we bought the MH, but we MUCH prefer these exterior screens instead......as sun shades in summer, and as insulation in winter.

 

We just bought the material by the metre. Costs for screen plus both front side windows, fully bound etc etc, was about 100 euros.

 

Photo attached (possibly, depending on file size.............)

[t5tripper]

Morning All

 

just taken delivery of my silver screen, so easy to buy from their web site, choose your van picture and click on buy. I haven't yet put it on the van but will give it ago. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

K

*-)

[John Anne]

Hi,

Which company did you use in the end?

Cheers.

[StewartJ]

We are at present holidaying in SW Scotland and this last week condensation on cab windows has been a nightmare every morning, it even formed inside our tax disc holder staining it.

 

Following a similar thread on another forum and reading reviews I phoned them this afternoon, all our questions were answered and explanations given (fitting, weight, size etc). They manufacture them to order and the customer can expect delivery within 3 working days of payment, obviously being away at the mo we didn't submit our order today but will do so on Friday.

 

If you haven't already done so check the website its very informative.

 

http://www.silverproducts.co.uk/

 

ATB

 

 

[StewartJ]

Yo Flicker,

 

As my post, he does seem to have satisfied customers prepared to post favourable reviews both of the service and the product which many of us seeking advice on these forums base our purchases on.

 

A 100% Positive Feedback on Ebay would also back up the comments of others?

 

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FOLDSTAR-SILVER-SCREEN-COVERS-FIT-VWT5-/180570900945?pt=UK_Campervan_Caravan_Accessories&hash=item2a0add49d1

[flicka]

Hi Stewart

I accept my post may appear a bit harsh on reflection.

 

But I have never seen this Company advertising in any of the M/H or Club magazines. Nor have I seen them at any Shows.

 

Then to have a website which does basically REFUSES to identify where they are, rang alarm bells.

[t5tripper]

Morning All

 

I had no problem with my delivery from this company. They delivered when they said they did, took payment via pay pal so not an issue there. Have not yet tried it on the van but will do so this weekend and report back to you all.

 

K

[Mel B]

I've not seen the "silverproducts" in the flesh, but looking at the photos they don't seem to be as well padded as other screens, which I assume is why they are 'lightweight'.

 

I note the claim that:

 

"The 'Foldstar' will stop condensation 100% and also reduce the cost of heating within your motorhome whilst providing excellent privacy."

 

But if they are thinner I would want to hear from actual users if this is definitely the case in mid-winter.

 

[StewartJ]

Order placed with Silver Products will update with regard to product quality, delivery etc

[Mel B]

Basil

 

I think you'll find they're on about his own website:

 

http://www.silverproducts.co.uk/

[t5tripper]

Morning All.

 

http://www.silverproducts.co.uk

 

We purchased our screen last week from the company, product arrived next day, fitted it at the weekend - fits beautifully, I have no reason to doubt the credentials of this company although as of yet we have not been out to try it out over night.

 

Thanks K

 

*-)

[StewartJ]

Impressive delivery they arrived mid morning today, OH (a retired seamstress (spelling?)) has passed them as fit for purpose on build quality and stitching.

 

Not tried in-situ yet a MH is still to "clarty" (Geordie word for those wondering meaning filthy!) from our 10 day stint in SW Scotland. Weather allowing will get it washed tomorrow and try them for size and fit.

 

Unfortunately off back to work early next week (for 4 weeks) so a full on test will have to wait till the end of December.

 

Stewart

 

 

[Losos]

t5tripper - 2010-11-02 4:16 PM Great advice from everyone and just what I needed as I am looking too, thanks for all the great tips ;-)

And another one looking to buy here, in fact I was on the verge of starting a thread!!! Think I'm with Hawcara and will go for the external ones.