Aluminet sun shade

[Reed Cundiff]

We have noted that many folks who spend several months on beach in Yucatan use often weave sunshade cloth. Noted on line that there is an aluminized open weave cloth called Aluminet. This permits wind to blow through and prevents heat build up as an alumiized tarp would cause. We purchased an 8' x 7 section and placed it (kludged) over the rear of our 34' 5th wheel since we were oriented so that the rear was to the south. It worked extremely in cutting down solar loading. We plan to get one or two 7' x 12' sections to cover the kitchen and living room slides

[CountryFit]

thanks for sharing, reed!
can you cover up the spare tire as well? . it would dry up quickly without a protection.

[Reed Cundiff]

Countryfit - have put one of those white tire covers over the second spare. We do have a spare in the normal place under the 5th wheel. Both spares are unused top of the line Michelin. We have the same with our dualie diesel. Two unused top of the line Michelins. Just replaced all six tires on the pickup. The tires had 60,000 miles on them.
Reed and Elaine

[Reed Cundiff]

Thought I might put in photo of the open weave of this material to demonstrate that :
It will not be adversely affected by wind

Will not cause heat buildup beneath.

Reed and Elaine

[CountryFit]

sounds like an excellent shade for manythings sensitive to heat. awesome airflow.

[computerguy]

What's the cost? Weight? Where can it be found?

[Reed Cundiff]

computerguy -

Posted this subject on Grey Nomads (Australian caravaner site) and information was requested. Googled "Aluminet in Australia" and their vendors advertise the use of Aluminet for caravans. Aussie caravaners are ahead of us in a lot of things: solar, lithium batteries, semi-split air conditioners, and now Aluminet.

There are a number of vendors. Primary use in US seems to be for gardens/greenhouses and dog runs. We purchased it from

Greenhouse Megastore | Greenhouses, Greenhouse Supplies, Garden Supplies

The 7' x 8' section was about $50 and the 7' x 12' is $58 (we plan to buy two of these for the slides of our 34' fifth wheel). The 7' x 8' section weighs a few pounds and folds into a 2' x 2' x 4" package. We need to get a canvas bag to keep them in

Below is the site description
70% shade allows 30% light transmission. The 70% shading factor and maximum cooling ability of Aluminet makes this the perfect solution for shading both greenhouses and all types of pet or animal enclosures. Aluminet is a special knitted screen made from metalized HDPE giving the fiber durability and longevity. These properties allow Aluminet to function like a mirror during summer months as its unique aluminized fibers reflect unwanted sunlight and heat from your greenhouse. These same properties also serve to retain valuable heat during the winter months.

Fabricated pieces include black reinforcing tape on all four sides. Reinforcing tape is a seat belt like material that provides extra durability along the edge of the piece and allows installation of grommets.
Fabricated sizes include a brass grommet in each corner of the piece and approximately every 2' apart around the entire perimeter. Grommets allow easy installation using rope or zip ties.
5 year warranty against UV degradation

Reed and Elaine