Windscreen external cover

[Max-Felix]

Which make do you have then? The Comfort one Shaun and Lizzie had sounded horrendous in the breeze and, as a bad sleeper, it would be a complete no no for me!

Verity - try these below - seriously, as a light sleeper all my life I started using them a few years ago and they have worked wonders. That and an eye shade. Plus on holiday the *odd* glass of wine, beer, Calvados etc helps too of course.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000J6BK04/?tag=vwcalifornia-21

 

[Jason wallace]

Which make do you have then? The Comfort one Shaun and Lizzie had sounded horrendous in the breeze and, as a bad sleeper, it would be a complete no no for me!

My original comment (and this thread) was regarding the Comforts screen cover. However i do also have the Cali Topper and providing its put on properly and the bungees all attached I've never had any issue with noise or it flapping.

 

[Verity]

Verity - try these below - seriously, as a light sleeper all my life I started using them a few years ago and they have worked wonders. That and an eye shade. Plus on holiday the *odd* glass of wine, beer, Calvados etc helps too of course.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000J6BK04/?tag=vwcalifornia-21

I've got teeny ear canals and can't get ear plugs in, but I do use these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B012WDARDW/?tag=vwcalifornia-21

which are absolutely brilliant - they drown out the constant thoughts which I appear to be unable to switch off at night. They wouldn't drown out flapping cali topper noise though.

 

[LisaKent]

I've got teeny ear canals and can't get ear plugs in, but I do use these:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B012WDARDW/?tag=vwcalifornia-21

which are absolutely brilliant - they drown out the constant thoughts which I appear to be unable to switch off at night. They wouldn't drown out flapping cali topper noise though.

I was looking at these as I have same problem as you plus ear plugs make my ears sore, with the Cozy phones I was worried I might end up strangling myself in the night with the cord as I am quite a restless sleeper

 

[Verity]

I was looking at these as I have same problem as you plus ear plugs make my ears sore, with the Cozy phones I was worried I might end up strangling myself in the night with the cord as I am quite a restless sleeper

They are absolutely brilliant, and have changed my life! I just can't switch my brain off at night, so I have an old Samsung phone which I have the Audible app loaded on, and I listen to audiobooks all night. I usually listen to one with a fairly non exciting narrator and always one I've listened to before so I don't have to stay awake to find out what happens next. When I wake up in the night (many times) I just tune back into the voice and I drift off without my mind going round and round like it usually does or the ever present earworm song (flipping beach boys at the moment due to LBC advert breaks!). I was worried about the cable, but actually I always turn via my back, if you see what I mean, so I don't go round and round. It's quite a forgiving cable anyway, and I don't think you'd be in any danger of strangulation! A complete lifesaver for me, as I used to wake up after an hour or so's sleep and then not be able to get back to sleep. It was making me very poorly, so cannot recommend this highly enough!

 

[Max-Felix]

The 3M type you twiddle with your fingers so they go really thin, pop them in and then they expand to fit any size normally. I cut about 5mm off the blunt end too so they don't stick out so far (wow, this is *really* getting off topic now ) but all ears are different of course.

 

[Verity]

The 3M type you twiddle with your fingers so they go really thin, pop them in and then they expand to fit any size normally. I cut about 5mm off the blunt end too so they don't stick out so far (wow, this is *really* getting off topic now ) but all ears are different of course.

Mine are ridiculous. Can't wear any headphones except sleep ones and big over ear ones as my ears are so weird. My dad's and granny's were the same. A right pain as they need to be syringed often as the teeniest bit of wax clogs them, plus prone to infections. I should take out shares in olive oil, which does keep them nice and healthy!

 

[Verity]

Mine are ridiculous. Can't wear any headphones except sleep ones and big over ear ones as my ears are so weird. My dad's and granny's were the same. A right pain as they need to be syringed often as the teeniest bit of wax clogs them, plus prone to infections. I should take out shares in olive oil, which does keep them nice and healthy!

And now we really ARE off topic, big time!

 

[westfalia]

The price of olive oil is going to rocket

 

[Stewart1150]

My original comment (and this thread) was regarding the Comforts screen cover. However i do also have the Cali Topper and providing its put on properly and the bungees all attached I've never had any issue with noise or it flapping.

Which make do you have then? The Comfort one Shaun and Lizzie had sounded horrendous in the breeze and, as a bad sleeper, it would be a complete no no for me!

Verity, yes the topper is the one from the Cali shop - comfortz

 

[Padraic]

Cheers everyone for the tips and advice so far. I’ve come to the conclusion that the Silverscreens external cover is worth getting and some good points have been raised.
1. With the external cover, the windscreen does not get a build up of condensation. However as pointed out, the same amount of vapour is present and has probably condensed somewhere else. So I tend to use large bags of silica gel to help absorbe moisture. Also as mentioned, better ventilation would help.
2. Earplugs, we use them a lot when there is a chance that there is noise that will prevent us getting to sleep or waking us up.
They do work, we slept through the police trying to wake us to move us from our parking spot!!! However my wife finds that they do sometimes irritate her ears, so we are going to get the proper moulded ones.
Regarding fitting the form ones, method is, squeeze/roll the until they are thin, moisten with saliva, open the ear canal by lifting the top of the ear with your opposite hand, re-squeeze/roll earplug again, under the earplug to the ear. It should then expand inside the ear canal and keep out any noise.
The corded ones I prefer as they can be removed easily with the cord.
I work in a noisy environment and this seems to be the best method to ensure they work.

 

[Dottie]

Currently holed up in my van surrounded by snow and ice. Just thought I’d add to the thumbs up for Silverscreens.
I have wind deflectors so am able to crack the front windows all day/night.
Today I took advantage of some sun and folded my silver screen down...it was an option to have the half opening variety...take it! I use my screen in hot weather too so I keep the screen closed when I’m out and open the half in the evenings for more light.

Silver screens are worth every penny: smart, fit like a glove and work beautifully.

We’re snug as a bug in a rug tonight. I have the roof up with no cover, but will take it down overnight. I might open the side windows a little cos we had some side condensation this morning. All’s well so far....just hoping the road’s clear enough to drive over tomorrow, otherwise it’ll be a long drive round the mountain as opposed to crossing it!

 

[Padraic]

I have just taken delivery of a Brandrup Isotherm extreme insulation for the canvas. Going to fit it on Monday and hopefully try it out with the upcoming cold weather.
I tend to find a nice bit of condensation, close to where we sleep, obviously from exhaling.
Do people recommend leaving some of the windows open a tad? It would help with reducing the condensation, but would reduce the temperature in very cold temps.

 

[Padraic]

Thanks to everyone for the tips and advice on this. I went with the Silverscreens cover. I did a trial fitting and it fits very well. I like the idea of being able to open it in the front during the day time. I haven't been away camping yet to try it properly, but I'm sure it will be very good.
Together with the Brandrup Isotherm Extreme insulation for the canvas, I'm sure we will be kept very warm.
Regarding the comment about condensation, I suppose its a fact of life and ventilation will help reduce it. The silverscreen will keep it off the windscreen and prevent the water marks that are left after the condensation dries up.
For the winter I source large bags of silica gel and place them in the camper, they help to dry up any moisture and dampness during the winter. During the night I place a few on the dash, they help prevent the windscreen fogging up.

 

[Trail Planner]

+1 Silver Screen - no more condensation, easy to fit, very effective sunshield and more internal space. Just remember to not leave it packed wet otherwise mold will grow. The Silver Screen is expensive, but the insulation material makes all the difference.

 

[thetallguy]

+1 Silver Screen - no more condensation, easy to fit, very effective sunshield and more internal space. Just remember to not leave it packed wet otherwise mold will grow. The Silver Screen is expensive, but the insulation material makes all the difference.

Martyn,

Is opening the front doors an absolute no-no with the Silverscreens?


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[Trail Planner]

Martyn,

Is opening the front doors an absolute no-no with the Silverscreens?


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Yes. You can open the door say 3" any further and it is in danger of ripping the screen

 

[jts46]

Yes. You can open the door say 3" any further and it is in danger of ripping the screen

Open 3" then slide cover off door

 

[Scaliwag]

+1 for the Silverscreen. Had one for 8 years now. As good as the day we bought it, fits like a glove and comes with a waterproof bag for when you have to put it away wet. Don’t even consider any of the alternatives.


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Very good recommendation thank you. Do they not soak up a lot of rain /due as they are external. Would they not be "dripping" following a rainy night?

 

[WelshGas]

Currently holed up in my van surrounded by snow and ice. Just thought I’d add to the thumbs up for Silverscreens.
I have wind deflectors so am able to crack the front windows all day/night.
Today I took advantage of some sun and folded my silver screen down...it was an option to have the half opening variety...take it! I use my screen in hot weather too so I keep the screen closed when I’m out and open the half in the evenings for more light.

Silver screens are worth every penny: smart, fit like a glove and work beautifully.

We’re snug as a bug in a rug tonight. I have the roof up with no cover, but will take it down overnight. I might open the side windows a little cos we had some side condensation this morning. All’s well so far....just hoping the road’s clear enough to drive over tomorrow, otherwise it’ll be a long drive round the mountain as opposed to crossing it!

I have just taken delivery of a Brandrup Isotherm extreme insulation for the canvas. Going to fit it on Monday and hopefully try it out with the upcoming cold weather.
I tend to find a nice bit of condensation, close to where we sleep, obviously from exhaling.
Do people recommend leaving some of the windows open a tad? It would help with reducing the condensation, but would reduce the temperature in very cold temps.

Remember you WILL get condensation, even if the Windscreen cover stops it appearing on the windscreen, it will be present within the vehicle, on Side windows, on the Tailgate window or on the uninsulated body panels in the wardrobe/kitchen or behind the door and body trims or in the Roof Space.
The ONLY way to reduce this effect is adequate ventilation. 2 people sleeping produce a lot of water vapour and if it is not ventilated it WILL condense on the coldest areas. If not the windscreen then elsewhere.

 

[mrcheesbrough]

Very good recommendation thank you. Do they not soak up a lot of rain /due as they are external. Would they not be "dripping" following a rainy night?

They don’t tend to soak rain in like perhaps a sponge would. The side in contact with the screen is generally dry. A bit like a good waterproof jacket, most of the water will shake off. They also come with a waterproof bag to store them in til you get chance to air it out.


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[Scaliwag]

They don’t tend to soak rain in like perhaps a sponge would. The side in contact with the screen is generally dry. A bit like a good waterproof jacket, most of the water will shake off. They also come with a waterproof bag to store them in til you get chance to air it out.


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Ok, sounds good thank you for the advice!