Thermal windscreen cover
Am considering an external thermal windscreen cover for my Renault RIMOR Kataramo MH. we already have a thin internal reflective screen, but the vehicle front does get cold.
we do get a lot of condensation overnight on the inside of the windscreen - would an external screen cover help? ( I guess it may keep the inside warmer - but would the overnight condensation become a greater problem if it does not condense on the screen?)
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Definitely external are better. It eliminates condensation plus it is a bit warmer. I don't know where you are based but I have an external one from my previous MH, an Elddis Accordo as I now have an A Class. It's the extra depth model to fit a Fiat/Peugeot. Not sure how different it is to a Renault cab or where in the UK you're based. I'm between Portsmouth & Southampton. Email address is in my profile.
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I know the majority will say get a screen but we normally take our van out all year round and condensation only occurs when the inside and outside temperatures are at variance. We've weighed the pros and cons up, storage needed, wet screens, leaving them up, taking them down etc etc. So two vans and ten years plus of motorhome ownership we've been ok without, but we do have good concertina blinds in the front cab and that helps. Previously curtains in another van weren't as insulating and some van cabs do get chilly.
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A good external screen will solve the problem, C&D. The best are either Taylormade or Silverscreens. They both have websites and will tell you if their products will fit if you give them the details of your base vehicle. Neither are promp repliers though.
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If the van is cold and/or condensation is a problem, then an external thermal mat will solve the problem. Such thermal mats are also good for keeping out the heat in the summer.
For my current A-class, I had my set of thermal mats made to measure by Minster Products (Polar Screen). I believe they do standard fit screens covers.
http://www.minsterproducts.co.uk/Polar.htm
On previous vans I've had Taylor Made and Silver Screens. Both did the job for me.
Suggest you get a set that allows you to fold down the centre panel to let in light during the day; saves you removing the screens every day you stay on site.
Brue neatly captures the downsides of screen-life. I'd add another one, make sure you can reach the top of the windscreen. You will, on occasions, need to fiddle with the thermal mat to get it lying flat - especially if the mat or windscreen is wet. Small set of steps may be needed.
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We only switched to a MH in March 2019 and were advised by some MHing friends to get a silver screen. It totally stops condensation. The one time I took it off early because heavy rain was forecast for the morning, it took me ages to dry off the inside. We have a garage, so have no storage problem. I guess if not you could use the shower if it was wet. We find we use it as much in summer, to keep the van cool on pitches with little shade. Ours has a Velcro panel you can pull down to give you a view and increase light in the van. So far we haven’t used it as roof lights provide enough brightness and we can look out of other widows. It would be good though if you are facing a spectacular view.
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Great help and very speedy too. We’re up in the North (Hull) Cyber, but thanks for the consideration! I’ll check out the three companies above - if there are any others (we are very new and only managed to fit in three short breaks before being out into tier 4 per lockdown.
I think our vehicle is based on a Renault Master body from what I have read.0 -
Sadly we no longer have a motorhome 😢 but hopefully in the near future....
Our two best buys, plenty of bits that seemed useful but weren't!, external windscreen cover, with the pull down facility but wished we'd had the privacy screen too, and Duverlay mattress toppers. Never regretted either purchase.
Our external cover stayed on in storage and was used year round when away, kept out the heat on those hot days when you explored on foot or chilled by the van. Never found wet an issue, ours had a storage bag, it could be damp on removal but never WET, it could always be placed in the the shower if it is an issue.
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When we got our first motorhome eight years ago it was one of the first extras we purchased from Taylormade. We now use it all year, although now we have a smaller motorhome we sometimes don't use it in Summer and rely of the Remis Blinds. We find the screen cover stores easily in the shower whilst on the road. We also leave it on the van over winter although I don't think the manufacturers recommend this? After six years the Velcro became less efficient so we returned it to Taylormade for them to replace the Velcro, at a very reasonable cost. Where you may also find an external screen cover useful is if you go anywhere really hot like Spain of the South of France as they do help to keep the heat out. You will notice from the picture that we have the longer version which covers the bonnet vents not only does this give a bit more insulation but it also keeps out leaves from blocking the drain ways.
David
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That's the one I have from my previous MH.
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