satchmoshaz
50+ posts.... 3 wheels on my wagon!
Posts: 52
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Post by satchmoshaz on Apr 20, 2008 11:30:41 GMT
On our first trip in our little acty we were freezing but the heater fused which didnt help and we dont have a back cab window. Any ideas where I could get one from, poss sliding one or removeable so we can get access to cab/van
Or are those silver screen things any good?
any other ideasplease
cheers shaz x
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Post by lunnie on Apr 20, 2008 17:06:42 GMT
Sliver Screens do work, to keep the heat in, and keep the van cool when the SUN is shing and hot.
No idea about the window though - sorry
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Post by jayjay on Apr 21, 2008 8:35:44 GMT
I bought some cheap car windscreen ones from wilkinsons for my van side windows as they are very thin and let the cold in (not draught, just cold). I think these could be adapted for van windows as well, and at £2.99 a piece not bad. You could also buy the insulating material from B&Q or Focus and make your own. www.focusdiy.co.uk/invt/195364&bklist=Lunnie suggested curtain wires at the bottom of the window curtains, so I fixed some up so there's no little gap at the bottom where the curtains hung away from the windows on a slope. I deliberately took out my cab window, so I could communicate with my dog. I'm still looking for a sliding one, you just have to keep looking until you drop on one. However, what I did was shove one of my back cushions in the romahome side window, amazingly, it fit just right! If you're setting up the double bed though, you'll need all those you've got. If you have the small back cushions though, they won't fit - mine were custom made (so as not to fit properly) by the last idiot owner. But just the right width/depth to fit the cab window space. You could always get a piece of foam cut to fit - just measure size x width x depth and don't worry about the rounded 'corners' it will just squash in! Then draw your interior back curtains over it. It worked well in my van. |
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Post by Chrissy and Martin on Apr 21, 2008 8:49:05 GMT
I cant recommend the silver screen option highly enough. We've used one throughout the winter ( including some very cold nights) and its been superb. I did buy a small electric fan heater but have barely needed to use it. The screen costs about £100 but it was money very well spent.
Martin
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greynomad
15+ posts.... a Uni wheeler!
Posts: 25
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Post by greynomad on Apr 21, 2008 8:56:28 GMT
Yes, thumbs up to the silver screen! We made our internal screens from the thermawrap from B&Q, a tip gleaned from this very web site! Snug and warm in spite of frosty mornings last week!
Grey Nomad
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Post by marc4242 on Apr 21, 2008 17:40:23 GMT
There are curtain wires at the bottom of my side window curtains. I had been wondering if they were manufacturers or add-ons. Talking of add-ons, do you have small brackety things on the outeside rear? Lunnie suggested curtain wires at the bottom of the window curtains, so I fixed some up so there's no little gap at the bottom where the curtains hung away from the windows on a slope. |
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Post by lunnie on Apr 21, 2008 20:09:36 GMT
are you speaking of brackets under the back of the vehicle? If so these could be your corner steadies. which you should wind up when on site, it supports the overhang of the vehicle and keep the vehicle steady.
If you have the wires on, they were probably fitted by Romahome
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Post by marc4242 on Apr 21, 2008 22:21:03 GMT
No, *on* the back, there's one to the left of the rear door for example. Thanks very much for the mention of the corner steadies I had no idea I should do that!!  are you speaking of brackets under the back of the vehicle? If so these could be your corner steadies. which you should wind up when on site, it supports the overhang of the vehicle and keep the vehicle steady. If you have the wires on, they were probably fitted by Romahome |
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Post by lunnie on Apr 22, 2008 7:11:25 GMT
if they are white and look plastic, they are your door holders, so that it does not swing, you should have two, one on the bottom panel and the 2nd about 3ft higher, to hold the top half of the door.
When you have lowered the steadies, I find that it is best to place the winding handle over your clutch in the driver's cab, this is to ensure that you dont try to drive off with the steadies down, as friends of mine did the first time out, and they then devised above.
Have fun.
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satchmoshaz
50+ posts.... 3 wheels on my wagon!
Posts: 52
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Post by satchmoshaz on Apr 22, 2008 10:12:45 GMT
thank you for all the tips!, this really is a great site! ;D
I have just bought some radiator silver therma wrap and some velcro!
Shaz x
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Post by viv on Apr 22, 2008 22:28:52 GMT
Where on earth are you all getting this therma wrap from, I went to B & Q, Homebase and Wickes today and none available except huge rolls for about £50.
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Post by lunnie on Apr 23, 2008 7:28:08 GMT
usually about £10 per roll for garage doors I think and for insulating your loft so they are narrow. but the are obtainable from the companies you visited
try their online sites
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Post by lunnie on Apr 23, 2008 7:31:11 GMT
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satchmoshaz
50+ posts.... 3 wheels on my wagon!
Posts: 52
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Post by satchmoshaz on Apr 23, 2008 15:09:27 GMT
Where on earth are you all getting this therma wrap from, I went to B & Q, Homebase and Wickes today and none available except huge rolls for about £50. focus 8.99!! |
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Post by lunnie on Apr 23, 2008 15:49:55 GMT
Plus if you use your over 60 card you get a further 10% off. If Terry has not already applied for this card, it would be worth it also B&Q 10% off.
Some stores the card may only be used Tuesday for Forcus and Wednesday for B&Q but certain stores it is everyday, so you need to check.
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sunshine
30+ posts.... a 2 wheeler!
Posts: 36
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Post by sunshine on Apr 28, 2008 21:09:35 GMT
Keeping warm. I take one of those small electric, oil filled radiators. They have a thermostat and keep me really snug and warm
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Post by viv on Apr 28, 2008 21:57:29 GMT
Thanks Joan
I did not know about these cards and will look into it for Terry.
I have still had no luck with the foil insulation stuff and have tried all of the shops and even asked staff. The only thing they have is huge rolls and really expensive. Can't even see it on line, is it just hiding from us?!
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Post by jayjay on Apr 29, 2008 8:31:04 GMT
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Post by viv on Apr 29, 2008 22:45:59 GMT
Hi jayjay,
Thanks for the Focus link, that is just the ticket, unfortunately we do not have a Focus near us. I can live without it but will keep an eye out in case I see it in the future.
B& Q have only huge rolls and so do Wickes.
PS just checked it out on internet and it is available in Tesco direct at £25 plus postage. Only £16.99 at Focus using your link - how on earth do these companies decide on a price!!!!!
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Post by jayjay on Apr 30, 2008 8:42:56 GMT
I think they charge how much they *think* they can get away with, Viv! Here's the link to the proper stuff, but even a kit to make will cost £50 - mind you, that is the proper thermal stuff! www.amazingoutdoors.com/product_info.php/products_id/702These are what I bought - from Wilkinsons - and they have an on-line shop! They are made of the same stuff as the insulation is at Focus - sort of aluminium faced bubble wrap. They only have two suckers on them, so you'll need to attach more if you can. However, I haven't gone for this option yet - they seem to work ok on their own. I'm using them on my side windows though, and I draw the curtains over them and that keep them in place. I think to use them for van windows, you'd need to sew two together for the windscreen. They are pretty good at that price - not too much to risk if it all goes wrong! ;D www.wilkinsonplus.com/invt/0217536 |
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