Community Forums

KenZ71 · 01-24-2021, 02:49 PM

Any suggestions on how to block some of the cold / heat transfer through the windshield while driving?

Obviously it is a huge windshield so on cold or hot days a lot of thermal transfer happens the wrong way leading to a less than comfortable driver. I can't be the only one to encounter this dilemma. Any suggestions?

The dash heat / AC is not working well which is undoubtedly part of my problem. I've wondered about adding a mini split Heat Pump / AC - obviously would need more electrical power. Maybe combine with a battery / solar & residential fridge.

2005 Tiffin Phaeton - 40 feet of fun!

ByeTheWay · 01-24-2021, 04:03 PM

Run your house AC/s with your generator while driving.

alank · 01-24-2021, 04:07 PM

Just my opinion but you can't do much about what the windshield provides. You can do something about the dash HVAC unit if it isn't working properly. There has been a post about adding a mini split up where the TV is and the owner was very happy. You won't be running it with batteries or some solar, but you can run it with he generator. But, there may be a heat pump A/C unit already mounted on your roof you can run with the generator to help alleviate your problem.

KenZ71 · 01-24-2021, 04:25 PM

I've already spent about $1,200 trying to get the dash AC to work with no improvement.

Running generator for the house AC helps but still quite warm when driving into the sun in summer.

Also quite cold when driving in Temps below 40.

So considering options.

Outbound · 01-24-2021, 04:55 PM

I don't think there is much you can do other than get dash/heat working as previously said.

bneiva · 01-24-2021, 09:16 PM

No, there is nothing you can do about the windshield. HOWEVER! Check the insulation on the firewall and re-inforce it, if you can. Also, take the inside panel off your entry door and add insulation there. You would be surprised how much this would help
.

Bill

RV Driver · 01-24-2021, 11:50 PM

Run the furnaces in cold weather, along with an electric heater powered by the generator. This works to keep our diesel pusher at 72 degrees in the winter. AC doesn’t do quite that well in the summer, however.

US1 · 01-25-2021, 07:53 AM

The WS would have to be a double pane with an air gap in between.

TonyMac · 01-25-2021, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by US1

The WS would have to be a double pane with an air gap in between.

In the windshield?

TonyMac · 01-25-2021, 08:04 AM

"Any suggestions on how to block some of the cold / heat transfer through the windshield while driving?"

Simple, glue in about 4 inches of foam. TADAA!! No heat or light transfer! You're welcome.

Or you can circulate air to the windshield to eliminate hot or cold spots. DP's have a lot of trouble keeping the cockpit temperate, since the heat of the engine and the cool of the compressor has to travel 40 feet to get to you. I use 2 small 12vdc clip fans to circulate the air and keep the windshield clear. Also, run your dash heat/air on recirc, not bringing in fresh untemperate air from outside.

RichnSue · 01-25-2021, 08:06 AM

Our solution was to hang a curtain just behind us. Used little velcro dots to keep the halves together, also made for quick access to the back. Expandable curtain rod and nice matching drapes, $50

Much improved space with what we had to work with, dash heat and dash a/c

US1 · 01-25-2021, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TonyMac

In the windshield?

Yes. Was just pointing out that in order to eliminate the temp transfer from outside to inside, an air gap would be needed, thus a dual pane. But since we are talking about windshields, gotta live with what we have.

Cincy Steve · 01-25-2021, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bneiva

No, there is nothing you can do about the windshield. HOWEVER! Check the insulation on the firewall and re-inforce it, if you can. Also, take the inside panel off your entry door and add insulation there. You would be surprised how much this would help
Bill

This idea has great potential! We notice how much more effective dash heat & A/C become as soon as we stop moving.

Brief inspection shows firewall insulation scant, stepwell insulation nonexistent.

KenZ71 · 01-26-2021, 05:08 AM

OP here, appreciate the comments.

Firewall & Door seem ok. Problem is the windshield while moving - at the risk of stating the obvious it is huge and transfers outside temperature quickly.

I'm looking for ideas to block the top quarter to third. Perhaps a strip of Reflectix*2 feet tall along top of windshield. But how to deal with condensation? If I use the same velcro strips that hold the EZ Pass up melting glue should not be a concern.