| Author | Message | ||
| Peter River (Whitebus)
Registered Member Username: Whitebus Post Number: 40 Registered: 4-2009 Posted From: 204.62.111.51  Rating: N/A |
I was wondering if anyone has covered their windows with covers that can be tilted up to serve also as a small awning. I like having panoramic views when I am parked through all the windows, but would like some privacy too. by having a panel OUTSIDE the bus that can be tied down using hatch fasteners, and raised by a set of pneumatic cylinders, you can have the best of both worlds. also, since there is a air space between it and the window, it will also serve as a insulation / sun barrier. is there any laws that I am breaking if I went this route? | ||
| Tim Brandt (Timb)
Registered Member Username: Timb Post Number: 310 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 74.244.14.221  Rating: N/A |
"is there any laws that I am breaking if I went this route?" Aerodynamic ones  Seriously I think you would be hard pressed to put ones on that fold over the window while moving. All the ones I have seen over windows have been miniature versions of the rollout type. Look under window awning on this site for a picture http://www.rvtoystore.com/awnings.html | ||
| Gus Causbie (Gusc)
Registered Member Username: Gusc Post Number: 888 Registered: 11-2005 Posted From: 208.54.200.93  Rating: N/A |
I think you can cover all your side windows and be legal if you want. I say this after seeing how so many motorhomes have few side windows. The idea of a window cover is a very good one and one I had never thought of. The insulation factor makes it even better. The idea of also using them as awnings is even better. If you use air struts you could adjust the angle with a small chain or cord. The trouble with standard fabric awnings in they are always getting blown away. However, the covers would almost have to be metal or plastic to avoid moving wind damage and what I think you are planning. | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 683 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 70.212.130.64 Rating: N/A |
FWIW... I made "sunscreens" out of black sunscreen material...mounted inside, on the aluminum with Velcro. Each window screen is cut to size and shape of the parallelogram windows... from the outside looks like blackened windows. We can easily see out from the inside and/or remove the screen . These stay affixed 24/7 (now that I have finally figured out the adhesive to use ) Easily removed, BTW. Then we use roll-up opaque fabric shades, also home made, at night. The combination is "non see thru" form the outside. Daylight hours, the black sunscreen is also "non see thru"... RCB | ||
| Sean Welsh (Sean)
Registered Member Username: Sean Post Number: 842 Registered: 1-2003 Posted From: 67.142.130.42  Rating: N/A |
Depends on (1) how wide your coach is to begin with and (2) whether or not the coverings add anything to that width. If your coach is already 102" wide (96" in some jurisdictions, such as most of New Jersey), then nothing can protrude beyond that width other than "required safety equipment." This would include, for example, your side mirrors and your marker lights and turn signals. It does not include things such as awnings. And, yes, I do know that many folks have, for example, awnings affixed to the side of their RVs in contravention of this stipulation. However, it is technically illegal in most states, and, if stopped, you can not only be cited, but, in fact, prohibited from moving any further without either removing the offending article, or displaying "Oversize Load" and obtaining whatever pilot vehicles and permits are required for movement of overdimensional loads in the state in which stopped. FWIW and YMMV. -Sean http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com | ||
| Peter River (Whitebus)
Registered Member Username: Whitebus Post Number: 41 Registered: 4-2009 Posted From: 208.54.14.93 Rating: N/A |
my bus is kind of weird, the window area is slightly tilted in, so it's almost 3" thinner on top as the widest point. I will of course get someone to build a metal frame that will be secured over the roof, and use the same aluminum skin that the bus has. painted white on the outside, black on the inside. I was even considering double skinning with insulation in the middle, but that can come later. | ||
| Jim Gibson (River_rat)
Registered Member Username: River_rat Post Number: 31 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 75.95.96.192 Rating: N/A |
I was thinking of doing a heavy dark shade screen on the outside, and attaching them with with either snaps or possibly nice SS screws and finishing washers. On my boat, and many larger boats, they are standard affair to keep the heat out and add privacy. During the day, they keep the heat way down, you can see out fine, and if you want to open the windows, they keep the bugs out. It is also nearly impossible to see inside, except at night when the lights are on. I was going to do curtains or mini-blinds on the inside. These shade screens are not like normal overhead shade material, but instead a very, very heavy size/consistency of plastic window screen, not multiple strands and weave of small fibers like most shade material. These things last forever and look great, in fact on a "schoolie" with lots of windows you could actually run one piece the length of the bus and you couldn't really tell if the windows are there or not. I think it would look great, as all you guys with the big black windows kind of set the standard on looks - but lots cheaper. I'm going to try it because the PO did a real crappy job of filling in the unused windows and I don't have time to re-do it now so it will be cover-up! I'm going to paint all the area of the bus behind the screen a flat black so it will look like one long blacked out window. Worth a try for me anyway. It will be a while before I get to it, but I will take some photos when it's done. As for legal, I beleive the only windows you can't mess with are the front and sides by the driver - they have to stay clear. Jim | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 890 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 74.162.65.88  Rating: N/A |
Peter - Re: "by having a panel OUTSIDE the bus that can be tied down using hatch fasteners" Tim hit it on the noggin when he said that it would be the: "Aerodynamic ones" that would be a problem. It's amazing what the force of a 65mph hurricane wind can do to a house down here in Florida. Try to imagine those flaps lifting and beating on the side of your bus at highway speeds; Not too pleasant! I had a standard roll-up awning on our motorhome catch a wind as I was traversing the 192 causeway at Melbourne, Fl. The thing bubbled out like a sail and damned near tore the side off the RV. I had two hours of hell, trying to roll it back up. If they were "flaps", I would have watched them sail to New Jersey. I wouldn't do "flaps" if I were you. Jim: Re: "heavy dark shade screen on the outside, and attaching them with with either snaps or possibly nice SS screws " We had that affair on our 33' Winnebago. It was the nicest thing in the sun, deflecting the heat, and providing privacy. It was the absolute biggest pain in the ass, to put on and take off; but especially to put on. Uhh... and especially to put on or take off, when it's raining. They make a clear sun blocking metallic film, that can be applied on any window. I'm not too sure if it's "legal", but it sure seemed clear enough for a windshield. The process to have it "approved" takes longer than most companies are willing to wait, and the price is cheap enough to test it for yourself. In the "for what it's worth" department...... I rented a Kia for a week... that lousy piece of carp had a windshield that had some sort of heater or antenna wire embedded in it. Going down the road, all the eyes would see, were wavy lines between thee and wherever. Very, very, absofrikkinlutely distracting. And yet.... it was OK'd by the gubberment agencies. Take a look at that clear sun blocker film.. It might be what you're looking for! | ||
| Jim Gibson (River_rat)
Registered Member Username: River_rat Post Number: 33 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 75.95.96.192 Rating: N/A |
John, I agree about "flaps" - they cold be a real nightmare to keep on in a hight wind. The shade panels I have on my boat use snaps and it takes only a minute to take them off, and its usually just to wash the windows. I don't think snaps would be strong enough on a bus so I would probably use screws, or maybe a combination of both with screws on the perimeter and snaps in the center between the windows. The other option is a type of twist lock - these are about 1/2" x 1/4" obround rotating locks - the screen has a SS obround grommet that goes over the lock, and it is turned and locks the screen in place. Really common on boat canvas, very strong, and look nice. Using these, it would only take a couple minutes to take the screens off. They would only come off to clean the windows, otherwise they just stay put. Not sure why they would need to come off, especially if it's raining! Here is a pic of my boat with the screens in the current Yachtman mag - they cauught me working hard... Look at Page 30 http://www.yachtsmanmagazine.com/ Jim | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 761 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 208.100.193.198 Rating: N/A |
WE use "po boy" window screens , old similar coach windows with the sliders removed and the housing cut apart . This makes 2 exact fit rings that get screen material glued to the side between the window and ring. There flimsy so are attached at 4 places , and only removed to replace damaged (gets close in the woods!) screening. You might try the same trick with a non cut frame , and simply hinge it.A winter "storm cover" could be added if you play below freezing much. FF | ||
| Jim Gibson (River_rat)
Registered Member Username: River_rat Post Number: 35 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 75.95.96.192 Rating: N/A |
FF - what a freat idea! Instant matching frames. Storm covers are an interesting option - on the boat, I have canvas covers that snap onto the screens on the outside for total privacy and they make a hugh difference in the winter in heeping warmth in. Any idea where I can find frames... Jim | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 764 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 208.100.193.198 Rating: N/A |
"Any idea where I can find frames..." MIDNIGHT , any bus rally, OR just post here , lots of folks like me have a "stash" of extra parts , they might be convinced of sharing. When we finally sell the Sportscar of Coaches , the new owner will need a truck for the spare skin and other goodies. FF | ||
| Tim Brandt (Timb)
Registered Member Username: Timb Post Number: 311 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 74.244.14.221 Rating: |
Jim you are a brave man remaining in the boating and bus world at the same time ;) I get the shakes just thinking about the amount of maintenance both would entail | ||
| Jim Gibson (River_rat)
Registered Member Username: River_rat Post Number: 36 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 75.95.96.192 Rating: N/A |
Tim, I'm not sure if I am crazy or not! I retired last year and seem to have the time, although it is a lot of work. I put hundreds of hours into restoring the boat - it's an '81 - and it's looking pretty good so I decided to dive into bussing. They really have a lot in common and much of what we do in boating it very applicable to bussing, like the window screens. Right not the bus is just plain work - I'm doing all the deferred maintanance the PO missed but thinking once I do all the really hard and dirty stuff, it shouldn't be too bad (right!). Keeps me young, and really SORE! I have really become attached to my bus - she sat so long some might have sent her to the glue factory, but I want to giver her a new life, and I am hoping she appreciates it and treats me as well. Jim | ||
| Tim Brandt (Timb)
Registered Member Username: Timb Post Number: 313 Registered: 10-2003 Posted From: 66.165.176.62 Rating: N/A |
You are right Jim there is a lot of crossover and that is one of the reasons busing hasn't spooked me too much. I do think busses have one advantage though....if something unexpected happens or a component breaks you just pull over to the side of the road rather than sink | ||
| Edward J. Sommers (Sommersed)
Registered Member Username: Sommersed Post Number: 43 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 148.78.155.174 Rating: N/A |
I have my side windows covered with off the shelf 80 percent shade material, made to size in Quatzsite, NV, and held in place with button snaps. These side covers are left on at all times to allow me to see out and blocking sightseers on the outside. The covers preform additional duties of bug screens, and (maybe the best part) allow me to insert a piece of foil covered bubble wrap material under the screens (between screen and window) on hot sunny days which reduces interior heat dramatically. I do the same at the front, door, and drivers windows but of course do not travel with these in place. Although I've been using this system for years, I HAVE been thinking of using tilting solar panels as "window awnings" on the port (I always put port side to the sun). If done right I would have no worries about wind, whether parked or traveling. My 800 watts of solar on the roof have never been a problem in wind so I doubt side mountes panels would be! Oh, by the way, as some of you know, I'm a full time guy and boondock 99.9% of the time. Ed | ||
| Jim Gibson (River_rat)
Registered Member Username: River_rat Post Number: 40 Registered: 1-2009 Posted From: 75.95.96.192 Rating: N/A |
Ed Good to hear the snaps will keep them in place - I was worried they might not be tough enough. I don't suppose you have any pic's? Would love to see them. Thanks, Jim | ||
| David Evans (Dmd)
Registered Member Username: Dmd Post Number: 317 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 173.77.212.104  Rating: N/A |
Bill and Brenda (i think mostly Brenda! lol) do shades for a living. I have seen them do several at Jacks Arcadia rally, but they work as they travel. You can see thru it from the inside but not in from the outside. Pretty sharp as they are exact fits from paterns they take off your coach. | ||
| Edward J. Sommers (Sommersed)
Registered Member Username: Sommersed Post Number: 44 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 148.78.155.174 Rating: N/A |
Jim - - Sent picture by e-mail, couldn't get it to work here. Ed | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 1056 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 71.3.157.139  Rating: N/A |
"Good to hear the snaps will keep them in place - I was worried they might not be tough enough." Years ago, they used some snaps on our boat top that were called "Lift The Dot" snaps. There was 1 particular spot you had to lift to unsnap the cover. This spot was oriented in such a way that normal tension would not allow the snap to be unsnapped accidentally. I do not know if these are still available. Jack | ||
| Edward J. Sommers (Sommersed)
Registered Member Username: Sommersed Post Number: 45 Registered: 10-2004 Posted From: 148.78.155.174 Rating: N/A |
I have a friend that I mentioned that by applying foil covered bubble wrap on the outside of his rig's glass, rather than on the inside like he (and most everyone else) did, would be of great benefit in reducing inside heat. After a trial he agreed and applied the same to his windows semi-permanent using carpet tape (sticky on both sides). It's been two years now and the stuff is still there even thou he has a lead foot. He's never lost any! In other words, IMHO, thin objects tend not to fly off under wind, bulky objects do! Ed | ||
| K.J. Franklin (Slow_rider)
Registered Member Username: Slow_rider Post Number: 33 Registered: 8-2006 Posted From: 76.114.242.225 Rating: N/A |
Lift the Dot Snaps http://www.sailmakerssupply.com/prod_detail_list/46 Frank | ||
| L James Jones Jr (Jamo)
Registered Member Username: Jamo Post Number: 66 Registered: 11-2007 Posted From: 24.59.114.248  Rating: N/A |
My '68 MGB has "lift the dot" snaps to hold the rag top to the rear deck. Never had one go bad, & they do take a lot of tension with the top nice & tight... | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 414 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 70.60.107.113  Rating: N/A |
Same with my '62 MGA. Also, the "turnbuckle" studs work well, especially in corners you want to secure. And sometimes it's good to put multiple layers at the attachment points; glue works but I like to rivet them down with press rivets, too. | ||
| Don Evans (Doninwa)
Registered Member Username: Doninwa Post Number: 201 Registered: 1-2007 Posted From: 208.81.157.90  Rating: N/A |
On our old bus we almost did a FF. The PO gave us the window frames he had removed. I found some aluminum material used to make replacement removable screens for storm doors that fit with a little coaxing in the slides were the glass/moulding was. It is a GMC so it has the parallelogram window which required a bit of cutting and fitting. A little aluminum welding and we have sliding screens that fit the opening perfectly. Good silicone would be a lot easier and probably work fine. Mounted them on the inside so not exposed to the wind and elements. They slide just like the original windows using the same latch so opening the screen then the window is a snap. Work well and look like they belong there. Don 4107 | ||
| Bill 340 (Bill_340)
Registered Member Username: Bill_340 Post Number: 82 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.203.220.144 Rating: N/A |
RVwindshieldcovers.com |
