silver screens

[Minstrel]

We're going skiing with our motorhome for the first time in March and already have internal screens. Should we invest in some external ones also? Our Euromobil has heavy velour curtains between the cab and living area and we haven't found cold a problem on frosty mornings.

[Bazza454]

Hi,

Click search at the top of the page, enter silver screens in keywords, then change the date limit to one year. There's loads of info and advice there.

[Geoff Cole]

Hi,

Its a personal choice, but I am on my second silver screen I had to get a new one for my new 2007 Fiat based Swift.

Although the cab windows/windscreen are fitted with blinds, I find the silver screen invaluable in the summer to keep the cab cool the sun out and in the winter it really does keep the heat in the cab. I always found the cab the coolest place in winter and you also do not get condensation/ice on the inside of the windscreen/windows. I also put it on at this time of year when parked up at home to protect the windscreen keep the sunlight out to stop fading of the upholstery and dash plus help keep the camper free from condensation whilst laid up. It only takes a few minuets to fit. I am very satisfied with the product. hope you keep warm have a good trip

[Basil]

Hello Minstrel,

 

we have both and use them at different times or both together in very cold weather. We find in the coldest of weather the internal only ones still allow some condense to form on parts of the screen, but never any with both sets. We use the internal ones only, if we are parked where we may wish to depart quickly and perhaps without exiting the van, the externel (or both) if we are happy that we will be able to retrieve them with no drama's.

 

Bas

[Mel B]

Yes - get some external ones, you can't beat them, they are maide by various companies but the two most well known are Taylormade and Silver Screens, there are lots of references to them in back postings - use the search facilities as already mentioned to have a shuftie. You'll find they really do make quite a difference.

[Minstrel]

Thanks all for the replies, all I have to do now is persuade him downstairs to spend the money!!

[Brian Kirby]

You'll regret it if you don't!  It depends a bit where you are going skiing, but if you intend visiting the Alpine resorts, and want to pitch up near the ski lifts, you must expect much lower temperatures than we normally experience in UK, especially at night.  Think at least -15C, possibly with added wind chill. 

Your biggest problem will be condensation on the cab windows and screen, which will freeze overnight.  To reduce this to the minimum, the glass needs to be kept as warm as possible, which can only be achieved by insulating it on the outside, so get the best you can find. 

Putting the insulation inside insulates the glass from the warmth of the van, which just allows it to get even colder, so worsening the condensation problem and virtually guaranteeing ice formation on the inside.  Does all this matter?  It will when you try to leave, and find you have to remove half an inch of ice from the inside of the screen etc before you can see out!  That, is a long job  :-)