Shade for Mouse.

[Mouse]

Going to the Lake San Antonio rally I was worried about being in Mouse during 90 degree weather. So I hacked together a shade for her that did not rely on nearby trees.



There are two curtain rods holding up a cross ways curtain rod with curtains stretched between them. This is the only picture I have...

It did a really good job in lowering the temperature inside to the ambient outside temp. A big improvement over baking in the sun! It got to be 99!

And it keeps bird dropping off the fiberglass!



This is version two.



Still with the curtain rods.



I attached the base to the vertical seam.



I will pull this side out like a tent. Difficult to do now with all the cars driving by!

Currently a curtain rod is attaching the curtains to my awning pole. When I have my awning up I will attach it to that so that more of Mouse's roof is covered.

[Thomas G.]

Neat concept - like a fly on a tent.

[Byron Kinnaman]

Originally Posted by Thomas G.

Neat concept - like a fly on a tent.

Which is better than a mosquito on a tent.

[Mouse]

Exactly except for the water proof part.

[Mouse]

Is anyone else putting an awning over their trailer instead of installing an air conditioner?

[Noreen Bradshaw]

Brooke, I have not tried your idea but it looks like it would help to keep the camper shaded.

When I was in Florida I found another way to help keep the sun from heating the inside of the camper.

I cut an insolated window cover (such as you use to cover the windowshield of your car) the right size to clamp on the top window of the jalousie windows on my Trillium. I cut it bigger than the window and clamped to top window it would shade the entire window opening. I found it made quite a difference and I could still see out the windows and the air could still move through them.

So while I do not have an AC, I found that with the help of a small fan and by keeping the sun out of the windows, I was able to keep the inside of the camper reasonably comfortable for myself and my cat.

[Rick G]

Originally Posted by Noreen Bradshaw

Brooke, I have not tried your idea but it looks like it would help to keep the camper shaded.

When I was in Florida I found another way to help keep the sun from heating the inside of the camper.

I cut an insolated window cover (such as you use to cover the windowshield of your car) the right size to clamp on the top window of the jalousie windows on my Trillium. I cut it bigger than the window and clamped to top window it would shade the entire window opening. I found it made quite a difference and I could still see out the windows and the air could still move through them.

So while I do not have an AC, I found that with the help of a small fan and by keeping the sun out of the windows, I was able to keep the inside of the camper reasonably comfortable for myself and my cat.

Great idea. I have been seriously thinking about something similar to shade the fridge exterior vents so that the fridge does not get too hot on hot sunny days. That would be easier than maneuvering the trailer so that the fridge is always on the shady side!

Rick G

[Mouse]

The window shade is a great idea!

Maybe I could attach a couple to the top of my cover to add sun reflection to my sun shading.

[jen b]

That's a neat idea!

[melissab]

How did you attatch the curtain rods to each other at the top (the cross bar to the support bars going down) and how did you attatch the framework to the center seam? Couldnt tell in the pix.

[Mouse]

I used curtain rod holders that came with the rods.



I screwed them into the top of the rods.
I tighten this ring to hold the rods in place.



Drilled holes and bolted them on to the seam.



I'm going to try towing Mouse with them in this position. I'll see if I need to support the bottom of the rods better.

[melissab]

Very Clever!!! Thanks for the add'l pix/explanation. I've been pondering a way to provide shade as not all Campgrounds in FL have shade trees at every site. Those little palm trees dont do a whole lot.

[Mouse]

Be sure to post your version!

BTW: The cost was about $40 at Ikea!

[RRIZZO]

I liked your set up @ Aqua Caliente too. Brooke you are the smartest. Who needs men???? Nothing like a very accomplished woman. I think all us handy gals should plan our own NOG. Are you coming to Lake Casitas?

[Mouse]

I'm not good at planning that far in advance!

But I had a great time at Agua. So maybe.

Guys are useful! Mine just texted me that he has a Patxi's pizza and is coming home!

[RRIZZO]

Could you come to train mine.....bringing home dinner! You can always get into Lake Casitas at a closer date.
Would love to see ya again

[Bonnie n Claude]

Originally Posted by Noreen Bradshaw

...I cut an insolated window cover (such as you use to cover the windowshield of your car) the right size to clamp on the top window of the jalousie windows on my Trillium. I cut it bigger than the window and clamped to top window it would shade the entire window opening. ...

What did you use to clamp the car windshield cover on?

[Noreen Bradshaw]

Originally Posted by Bonnie and Claude

What did you use to clamp the car windshield cover on?

I started out using dollar store clamps, which worked fine. I had to remember to remove them bf closing the window if the evening got cool enough to want the windows closed. Since then I have used wide elastic bands, which also work and the window can close almost completely shut without removing them.

[Bonnie n Claude]

Thanks, Noreen. Looking forward to trying this when in Florida next month. Great suggestion!