Automotive vs Residential Window Tinting

[FloridaCanuk]

I’ve been researching what type of tinting I want to put on the bedroom & living areas of my RV. The windows, as you know, are automotive with a DOT stamp, but flat rather than curved like standard automotive glass. During my research I stumbled on a article that stated that automotive tinting should never be applied to flat glass due to the risk of breakage (I’m assuming from the tinting heating up the glass); no mention was made of whether or not they were only referring to residential glass.

The same article also stated that, when parked, automotive tinting, unlike residential tinting, could actually increase the inside temperature of your vehicle when it’s parked. The cooling of the vehicle only took place when the vehicle was moving. As many people park their RV for days or weeks at a campsite, automobile tinting doesn’t seem like the best choice. Would love to get some other opinions about this before I purchase any tinting. Thanks.

[neub]

I dont know if you have dual pane windows but if so read the industry cautions on tinting dual pane windows https://tintindustry.com/home-window...e-windows.html. The article does mention not to use auto film on residential windows.
IMHO i dont see the difference between tinting rsidential and rv windowa and if my windows weren't already tinted i would be using residential tint on my dual pane.

[FloridaCanuk]

Originally Posted by neub

I dont know if you have dual pane windows but if so read the industry cautions on tinting dual pane windows https://tintindustry.com/home-window...e-windows.html. The article does mention not to use auto film on residential windows.
IMHO i dont see the difference between tinting rsidential and rv windowa and if my windows weren't already tinted i would be using residential tint on my dual pane.

The ones I want to tint are all single pane. I know that dual pane windows can only tolerate certain types of tinting because of the heat generated between the two panes of glass, if I’m understanding correctly.

[Waiter21]

I tinted the windows in my ole Mirada several years ago. It helped with the heat a lot..


Window tint and window covers – 2001 Coachmen Mirada 300QB


..

[neub]

I tinted the sides and rear window (single pane) in our 1995 infinty 30' mh with tint i bought at home deport proably in 2000 or 2001 and everything was still fine when we sold it in 2015. Did help quite a bit with the heat.

[Sweetbriar]

I had automotive tint installed on the passenger and driver's side windows several years ago with no cracks or other problems. Did notice an improvement with heat loading when parked AND moving.

The only time the coach has been under shelter since I've drove it home in 2011.

[flamebuster]

I had 5% limo tint applied to my windows this summer and it made a big difference in keeping the heat out.. Even in 106 deg. heat. no damage of any sort and no regrets..

[leadman]

Very unusual to see a vehicle in Phoenix without window tint.
Never heard of tint causing an automotive window to break. Tint definitely keeps the inside of the vehicle cooler. We tested it with meters when I worked for Phoenix.
Only thing in the residential versus automotive tint is if it is reflective or not. Some states do not allow reflective tint on automotive windows.

[geordi]

Dumb question... Anyone thought about putting the tint on the OUTSIDE rather than the inside? That should be most effective in keeping the heat out of the glass AND out of the coach, wouldn't it? Yes, the tradeoff is that the tint will probably not last as long, but side windows on a coach aren't exactly suffering from high-speed bug impacts or other highway detritus...

[marjoa]

Originally Posted by geordi

Dumb question... Anyone thought about putting the tint on the OUTSIDE rather than the inside?

Nop and, yes it is. Sorry.

Tint window material always goes inside and is also NEVER cleaned with an ammonia based cleaner. We had both sides of of our front cabin windows tinted with automotive 3M Ceramic material, along with a 12" brow on the windshield and not only does it greatly reduce heat coming in but makes driving a whole lot easier on the eyes.

Once parked for more than a couple of days, we additional put on sun shades on all 3 sides of the cabin that we had made.

Also totally insulated behind the overhead cabinets with R-19 and there is no more heat now.

[tlkhorses]

Side windows is the first thing. Windshield will have impact and bug juice eating at it. Bad idea. Side windows not so much in that department but exposed to the elements. Not a good idea I think.

Originally Posted by geordi

Dumb question... Anyone thought about putting the tint on the OUTSIDE rather than the inside? That should be most effective in keeping the heat out of the glass AND out of the coach, wouldn't it? Yes, the tradeoff is that the tint will probably not last as long, but side windows on a coach aren't exactly suffering from high-speed bug impacts or other highway detritus...

[leadman]

One of the guys that worked for me did this on his car many years ago. Tint scratches pretty easy and that is what happened to his. Can't recall the exact length of time before he took it off but it wasn't more than a couple of months.

[HJLowell]

It does make a heck of a big difference

[HJLowell]

Originally Posted by leadman

One of the guys that worked for me did this on his car many years ago. Tint scratches pretty easy and that is what happened to his. Can't recall the exact length of time before he took it off but it wasn't more than a couple of months.

Yes
There are many grades and quality.

The best is quite expensive.
But well worth the cost for long term.