tried something called Aluminet that is an aluminized open weave shade cloth. We have been using it for a year and it really does mitigate solar loading. It reflects 70% and the open weave permits breeze to blow through preventing heat buildup. The skin of caravan is no hotter than ambient. Used it for fourmonths on coast and Yucatan and were more than satisfied
Reed and Elaine
Kebbin said
10:13 AM Jun 9, 2018
Reed, are you using the Aluminet as a screen like these.
Mike - the 7 x 8 section ( we are in US and English units are still in use here and in Liberia) was used for four months in 34 fifth wheel and then for five months in Mexico on 19 Roadtrek. There is one small tear where I pulled it over a projection.
Kebbin - we are not using as a shed as shown in advertisement. I have three 12 x 8sections on south (sunward side in northern hemisphere) side. I ran a tie down strap (several straps) between rear of rear slide and front of forward slide. Attached the Aluminet sections to strap with cable ties and then with a few bungee cords to the solar panel mounts so that there is space between the cloth and the tops of the slides. I have some simple ideas on making this easier to mount and dismount.
We are in younger sons backyard in Fort Collins, CO. At 5200. Outside temperature is 98 F and inside is 91 F. Fans are sufficient for comfort since we spend the days outside helping son and family on yard work. Will run air conditioning later on solar and LFP for evening comfort and sleep.
Are having stronger axles and springs installed in ten days and then heading to boondock sites between 2800 and 3100 m where night temperatures are around 6 C and daytime are no higher than 23 C.
Teed and Elaine
Reed said
03:51 AM Aug 28, 2018
Have ordered an 11 m x 3 m section of Aluminet (34' x 10'). This covers the slides (which have very little insulation and are at right angles to rays of sun), the top of 5th wheel to solar panels, and past the base of slides.
Weather was down to 50 F (10 C) at night and 72 F (22 C) during day at 9000' (2700 m). Sure beat the 100 F (38 C) heat wave at son's place in Fort Collins while we were gone.
New axles are rated at 7000 pounds (3175 kg) each. Still have to keep weight under 10500 lb (4700 kg) since frame and kingpin (hitch and pickup loadings) should not be exceeded.
Mike - have placed foam rubber (cylindrical pool floats) at edges of slides and over rain drains to mitigate any wind damage. Taped these on and they collapse when slides pulled in. Have them on lower edges of slides as well to prevent damage to my head. Was wearing a bicycle helmet when Elaine and I got back from five hours to playground and "Farm" and smacked into the slide. Son Charlie said "Dad, maybe you should wear that helmet whenever you are wandering about trailer!"
Mike Harding said
01:27 PM Aug 28, 2018
Reed wrote:
Mike - have placed foam rubber (cylindrical pool floats) at edges of slides and over rain drains to mitigate any wind damage. Taped these on and they collapse when slides pulled in. Have them on lower edges of slides as well to prevent damage to my head. Was wearing a bicycle helmet when Elaine and I got back from five hours to playground and "Farm" and smacked into the slide. Son Charlie said "Dad, maybe you should wear that helmet whenever you are wandering about trailer!"
Wise advice from your son I think Reed :)
The Aluminet is on my shopping list for caravan add-ons.
tried something called Aluminet that is an aluminized open weave shade cloth. We have been using it for a year and it really does mitigate solar loading. It reflects 70% and the open weave permits breeze to blow through preventing heat buildup. The skin of caravan is no hotter than ambient. Used it for fourmonths on coast and Yucatan and were more than satisfied
Reed and Elaine
www.coolweave.com.au/aluminet_caravan_shade_screens.html
Thanks for that info Reed.
How robust is it?
Kebbin - we are not using as a shed as shown in advertisement. I have three 12 x 8sections on south (sunward side in northern hemisphere) side. I ran a tie down strap (several straps) between rear of rear slide and front of forward slide. Attached the Aluminet sections to strap with cable ties and then with a few bungee cords to the solar panel mounts so that there is space between the cloth and the tops of the slides. I have some simple ideas on making this easier to mount and dismount.
We are in younger sons backyard in Fort Collins, CO. At 5200. Outside temperature is 98 F and inside is 91 F. Fans are sufficient for comfort since we spend the days outside helping son and family on yard work. Will run air conditioning later on solar and LFP for evening comfort and sleep.
Are having stronger axles and springs installed in ten days and then heading to boondock sites between 2800 and 3100 m where night temperatures are around 6 C and daytime are no higher than 23 C.
Teed and Elaine
Weather was down to 50 F (10 C) at night and 72 F (22 C) during day at 9000' (2700 m). Sure beat the 100 F (38 C) heat wave at son's place in Fort Collins while we were gone.
New axles are rated at 7000 pounds (3175 kg) each. Still have to keep weight under 10500 lb (4700 kg) since frame and kingpin (hitch and pickup loadings) should not be exceeded.
Mike - have placed foam rubber (cylindrical pool floats) at edges of slides and over rain drains to mitigate any wind damage. Taped these on and they collapse when slides pulled in. Have them on lower edges of slides as well to prevent damage to my head. Was wearing a bicycle helmet when Elaine and I got back from five hours to playground and "Farm" and smacked into the slide. Son Charlie said "Dad, maybe you should wear that helmet whenever you are wandering about trailer!"
Wise advice from your son I think Reed :)
The Aluminet is on my shopping list for caravan add-ons.