Teardrop Trailer Hack #6: Interior Thermal Door/Window/Privacy/Blackout Coverings
In the middle of the day, you can't see inside the teardrop at all. The glass in the doors is dark, and it's way brighter outside than inside, even with the lights on.
At night, however...
We've thought for a bit about how to sort of create a curtain of some kind that would give us nighttime privacy, some thermal protection in the winter, and a way to keep outside light from interfering with our sleep.
My mom, Jane Patterson, who is an RV veteran and sewing wizard, suggested some hanging coverings that would do all three. She's one of those people who goes from concept to production in the blink of an eye, and uses a sewing machine like it's a third arm.
So here's what she made, custom fit for the size of our side doors and windows.
On one side is a layer of mylar. This reflects heat and light on hot days:
On the other side is a quilted material that adds insulating value:
The whole thing is suspended by "Commander" hooks, onto which small key rings (which my mom sewed into the coverings) are suspended.
When you want outside air to come in (like in the summer), there are four velcro patches at strategic places so that you can fold up and fasten the lower section of the covering. That way, most of the window stays covered, while the lower portion--the portion where fresh air can come in--is left open, and free to draw in cool, freesh air from the outside via the Fantastic Fan. It acts like a whole house fan, and it works perfectly! And given that the whole covering is tucked behind the door handle when in use, it has no impact on opening or closing the door. Meanwhile, when not in use, we simply store them flat under the mattress on each side. Saweeeet!
At night, however...
We've thought for a bit about how to sort of create a curtain of some kind that would give us nighttime privacy, some thermal protection in the winter, and a way to keep outside light from interfering with our sleep.
My mom, Jane Patterson, who is an RV veteran and sewing wizard, suggested some hanging coverings that would do all three. She's one of those people who goes from concept to production in the blink of an eye, and uses a sewing machine like it's a third arm.
So here's what she made, custom fit for the size of our side doors and windows.
On one side is a layer of mylar. This reflects heat and light on hot days:
On the other side is a quilted material that adds insulating value:
The whole thing is suspended by "Commander" hooks, onto which small key rings (which my mom sewed into the coverings) are suspended.
When you want outside air to come in (like in the summer), there are four velcro patches at strategic places so that you can fold up and fasten the lower section of the covering. That way, most of the window stays covered, while the lower portion--the portion where fresh air can come in--is left open, and free to draw in cool, freesh air from the outside via the Fantastic Fan. It acts like a whole house fan, and it works perfectly! And given that the whole covering is tucked behind the door handle when in use, it has no impact on opening or closing the door. Meanwhile, when not in use, we simply store them flat under the mattress on each side. Saweeeet!
Comments
Post a Comment