DIY Van Window Covers: Step-by-step Guide

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Living in a van offers freedom, but keeping it cozy and private can be tricky. Van window covers are a simple, effective solution to block light, keep heat in, and ensure privacy. Making them yourself can also save money while letting you customize them to your liking. This guide will walk you through creating your own van window covers, step by step. Whether for stealth camping or better insulation, these covers are a game-changer. Gather your materials, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to transform your van into a snug, private space.

Getting Ready for Your Project

1. Measure Windows: Use a tape measure to get the exact dimensions of each window. Write down the measurements.

2. Gather Materials: Collect reflective insulation, fabric, adhesive spray, magnets, scissors, marker, and tape.

3. Safety Gear: Wear gloves to protect your hands and safety glasses to shield your eyes.

4. Workspace Setup: Find a clean, flat surface to work on. Lay down a drop cloth to keep the area tidy.

5. Cut Insulation: Mark the measurements on the reflective insulation. Use scissors to cut out the shapes.

6. Cut Fabric: Lay the fabric flat. Place the cut insulation on top and trace around it. Cut the fabric, leaving a small margin for folding.

7. Attach Fabric: Spray adhesive on one side of the insulation. Carefully place the fabric on top, smoothing out any wrinkles.

8. Add Magnets: Attach magnets to the edges of the covers using adhesive or by sewing them into the fabric.

9. Test Fit: Place the covers on the windows to ensure they fit snugly. Adjust if necessary.

10. Final Touches: Trim any excess fabric or insulation. Make sure all edges are secure and neat.

Gather Your Supplies

Materials:

1. Reflective Insulation: Acts as the main material to block sunlight and insulate the van.
2. Fabric: Covers the insulation, making it look nice and adding extra insulation.
3. Velcro Strips: Helps attach the covers to the windows securely.
4. Spray Adhesive: Sticks the fabric to the insulation.
5. Thread and Needle: Used for sewing the fabric and Velcro strips.

Tools:

1. Measuring Tape: Measures the windows to cut the insulation and fabric accurately.
2. Scissors: Cuts the insulation and fabric to the right size.
3. Marker: Marks the measurements on the insulation and fabric.
4. Sewing Machine: Speeds up the sewing process, but hand sewing works too.
5. Utility Knife: Cuts through thicker materials like insulation more easily than scissors.

Skills and Time Needed

Skill Level: Intermediate

Time Required: Approximately 3-4 hours

1. Measure Windows: 15-20 minutes
2. Cut Reflective Insulation: 30-45 minutes
3. Attach Fabric: 1-1.5 hours
4. Add Magnets or Velcro: 30-45 minutes
5. Final Adjustments: 15-20 minutes

Follow These Steps

1. Measure the Windows

   • Use a tape measure to get the height and width of each window.
   • Write down the measurements for accuracy.

2. Choose the Material

   • Select a material like reflective insulation (Reflectix) or blackout fabric.
   • Ensure it is thick enough to block light and provide insulation.

3. Cut the Material

   • Lay the material flat on a clean surface.
   • Use a marker to outline the window measurements on the material.
   • Cut along the lines with scissors or a utility knife.

4. Add Magnets or Velcro

   • Attach magnets or Velcro strips to the edges of the material.
   • If using magnets, glue them evenly around the edges.
   • For Velcro, sew or stick the strips to the material and the window frame.

5. Test Fit

   • Place the cover on the window to check the fit.
   • Make adjustments if necessary by trimming the edges or repositioning magnets/Velcro.

6. Finish Edges (Optional)

   • Use fabric tape or sew a hem around the edges for a cleaner look.
   • This step also helps prevent fraying.

7. Install the Covers

   • Attach the covers to the windows using the magnets or Velcro.
   • Ensure they are secure and cover the entire window.

8. Store When Not in Use

   • Roll or fold the covers for easy storage.
   • Keep them in a designated spot in the van for quick access.

Helpful Hints

Measure accurately. Use a tape measure to get the exact dimensions of your van windows. Cutting too small or too large will waste materials.

Choose the right materials. Reflectix, foam board, or even heavy-duty cardboard can work. Reflectix is great for insulation and keeping heat out.

Use strong adhesives. Velcro strips or magnets can help attach the covers to the windows. Make sure they are strong enough to hold the weight.

Add a fabric cover. Use fabric to cover the Reflectix or foam board for a cleaner look. Dark fabric can also help block light better.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping measurements. Always measure twice before cutting.
• Using weak adhesives. Weak adhesives can cause the covers to fall off.
• Ignoring ventilation. Make sure your van still has proper airflow.

Alternatives:

• Blackout curtains. These can be easier to install and remove.
• Sunshades. Pre-made sunshades can fit some van windows and are easy to use.
• Tinted windows. Tinting can reduce heat and provide privacy without needing covers.

Budgeting Your Project

Reflective Insulation: $20-$30 for a roll. This material helps keep the van cool in summer and warm in winter.

Fabric: $10-$20 per yard. Choose a durable fabric that matches your style.

Velcro Strips: $5-$10 for a pack. These will help attach the covers to the windows.

Scissors: $5-$10. Good scissors are essential for cutting fabric and insulation.

Measuring Tape: $3-$5. Accurate measurements ensure a snug fit.

Adhesive Spray: $5-$10. This helps stick the fabric to the insulation.

Sewing Kit: $10-$15. Basic needles and thread for any necessary stitching.

Marker: $1-$2. Useful for marking measurements on fabric and insulation.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:

• Use old blankets or curtains instead of buying new fabric.
• Binder clips or magnets can replace Velcro strips.
• Hot glue instead of adhesive spray.

Total estimated cost: $59-$112.

Personalize Your Covers

Materials: Instead of using reflective insulation, try foam board for better insulation or fabric for a softer look. Magnetic sheets can also be used for easy attachment and removal.

Colors: Choose dark fabrics for better privacy or light colors to keep the van cooler. Patterned fabrics can add a touch of personality.

Styles: For a sleek look, use blackout curtains with a magnetic strip. For a rustic feel, try burlap or canvas. Quilted covers can add a cozy, homey vibe.

Attachment Methods: Use Velcro strips for easy removal or suction cups for a temporary solution. Magnetic tape can provide a strong hold without permanent fixtures.

Additional Features: Add pockets to the covers for extra storage. Sew in reflective strips for added safety. Use double-sided fabric for a reversible option, offering two different looks.

Eco-Friendly Ideas

Materials Needed:

• Old blankets or towels
• Reflective sunshade (recycled if possible)
• Velcro strips
• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Needle and thread or fabric glue

Steps:

1. Measure your van windows. Use a measuring tape to get the height and width of each window you want to cover.

2. Cut the old blankets or towels to match the window measurements. These will act as the main body of your window covers.

3. Attach the reflective sunshade. Cut the sunshade to the same size as the blankets or towels. Sew or glue the sunshade to one side of the fabric. This will help with insulation and reflect sunlight.

4. Add Velcro strips. Cut small pieces of Velcro and sew or glue them around the edges of the window covers. Make sure to place the corresponding Velcro pieces on the window frames inside your van.

5. Install the covers. Press the window covers onto the Velcro strips on the window frames. Ensure they fit snugly and cover the entire window.

6. Test for light leaks. Check if any light seeps through the edges. If needed, adjust the Velcro or add more fabric to cover gaps.

7. Store the covers when not in use. Roll them up and store them in a small space inside your van.

Using old blankets or towels and recycled sunshades makes this project eco-friendly. Velcro strips allow easy removal and reattachment.

Your Van's New Best Friend

You've got all the tools and know-how to make your own van window covers. With some reflective insulation, fabric, and a bit of elbow grease, you can create covers that fit perfectly. Not only will they keep your van cool in the summer and warm in the winter, but they'll also give you some much-needed privacy. Plus, making them yourself saves a ton of money compared to buying pre-made ones.

Remember, the key steps are measuring your windows, cutting the insulation and fabric to size, and securing everything together. Don't worry if it takes a couple of tries to get it just right. Practice makes perfect. Now, go ahead and enjoy your cozy, private, and temperature-controlled van. Happy travels!