Cab Window covers

[Deleted member 65093]

A general question. When sleeping overnight in a location such as a car park or layby do you put your internal window blinds up? There are pros and cons to either but I would be interested in your views.

 

[The laird]

We always use interns in th cold weather if we stop in places we would maybe need to exit quickly ,if wiling in winter externals alwaysas this reduced the condensation internally ,if we stop in a services/lay-by en route I just close curtains

 

[trevskoda]

Internal front and side curtains as i have a large w/sheild and big bus front side windows.

 

[Nesting Zombie]

Good morning
Yeah all ways a quandary this one,
I always & ONLY use internally mounted Self made Thermal Privacy screen covers, Cheap & Easy to make yourself, Easy to Put Up & Down, Can peel back a corner if you hear something that warrants a peek outside easy enough, Can Also Use Just One of them as a Day Time Sun Screen/Blocker if required, & am more happy leaving INTERNAL Ones in place if I want to go off for a wander for the day to stop prying eyes.

I must say though, I saw one particular members External Cab covers last year on a few occasions & REALLY liked them as it not only covers the Windows, But coverd the whole Bonnet & Grill as well, & Although for me & my style of Living aboard they would be rarely used, I’m thinking when using a Longer term Park up of a few nights or so on a Site, Or At one of the ‘Private’ places I have permission to be for say a week they would be GREAT,,, Especially in the Winter Months.

So my answer is,,,,Concider Having BOTH !

 

[jagmanx]

All 3

We have internal thermal blinds for the windscreen and cab door windows which we use when it is cold ie recently but not if weather is ok.
We have an external silver privacy screen again all 3 windows.
This provides some degree of insulation lets the light in but also acts as a sunscreen.
We can see out but difficult to see in.
This often remains in place all day and night
We use this a good deal.
In an emergency you could drive a short distance with it in place (never needed to do this)
We also use a picnic blanket hung over an expanding curtain rail for warmth and privacy when we go to bed. This is used every night.

 

[Deleted member 68397]

Internals for us in Hymer.

We do use the internal silver heavy duty screens on windscreen and side windows but condensation can be an issue in certain temperatures.
We added them to the overhead bed frame which on Hymer is substantial steel frame, fitted runner/ curtain rails and just tuck them up on overhead bed frame when not required. Have external for big windscreen but never have used it in anger, other than storage to protect furnishings.
We dont care for the feeling of isolation the screen creates, we do have a divider curtain similar to some caravans which maintains an element of privacy if necessary.
Regards, Growlie

 

[wildebus]

This is something I had pondered on and the consensus seemed pretty split between internal and external.
I was watching some custom covers on eBay from an Italian seller and when he had an offer on an Internal + External set, decision made

Been in the bag since I had them delivered around a month ago and decided to try them today as it happens as weather good

Sprinter External 3/4 View by David, on Flickr

Sprinter External Side View by David, on Flickr

I am expecting the creases to go, but I am impressed with the fit and construction of these. Something that I think I will be able to do which you cannot so easily do with the internal stick-on blinds is have the side windows cracked open

Got the internal ones in the set, and like others have said, use the internals if potential for a quick departure required, and external if setup for a couple of days in a ''secure' location.

On my last camper, I didn't have/use any cab blinds but had a cab divider curtain instead which actually worked very well for privacy - but did make the camper a few feet shorter!

 

[silverweed]

I use internal blinds on all windows. I have professionally made ones on front windows and I have made ones for all the side and back windows using blinds from another van I had previously. I always feel when overnighting in car parks or very public places it is too obvious to have external screens. It is also far more discreet to put the internal ones on then going outside and making a large show of it plus being only 5ft I have to get a stool to get externals on so it draws attention

 

[jann]

Always use internal blinds easy to pull down if need to move quickly, wouldn't use external ones no matter where parked because of having to store wet blinds inside van.

 

[Obanboy666]

Always use internal blinds easy to pull down if need to move quickly, wouldn't use external ones no matter where parked because of having to store wet blinds inside van.

Put them in the shower tray, that’s what I do. I use internals in the summer but the externals are far superior in the winter.