Window tint suggestions

[lizARdman15]

I would like to try my hand at tinting the windows.

After some research (that I admit I am not knowledgeable on), it appears that there are two types I am considering.

1-20% tint only
2-20% mirror tint

My understanding is that the tint only works well day or night, but the mirror works best in daylight while night time provides little privacy

Suggestions?
Other options?

I am not against taking it to a pro, but I don't really know what to tell them I want done and I like the challenge of DYI.

If I take it to a pro, I need to figure out how to remove the sliding glass window screens. They have defeated my redneck engineering degree thus far.

[Tex94]

My opinion, non mirror, ceramic. Take it to a tint shop. 110% worth it

[lizARdman15]

Ok, now why??

As stated, I am not against taking it to a tint shop, but what does ceramic do to make it an obvious choice.

Not being snarky, I just don't know. Explain it

[Tex94]

So the shops are fast and warranty it…that’s the “why” for that side.

The ceramic, if a quality one, blocks a significant amount of heat. Just plain ole film does almost nothing to prevent heat.

My wife drives a similar small SUV to my work car. Both have 20% front windows and all others 5% over factory privacy glass. Hers is black mines silver. If we park them side by side in the sun with a windshield visor up— and remote start them on a Texas summer day if 100°. In 5 min hers is cool and comfortable mine takes 10-15 min of full blast AC to cool off. Truck(CC f150) is the same way. Mere moments to be cold inside vs the old days of full blast AC to keep up.

[NMWildcat]

I am with the 'take it to a pro' group. Doing it yourself usually results in a sub par job, lots of cussing, and then the pros removing it before they can reapply (at a cost). And they should be able to take off the screens.

When you are there ask them their expert advice for the proper tint type for your application.

[lizARdman15]

On your suggestion, I got a quote from a local tint place with great reviews.

It's 7 windows of sizes varying from small non opening to decently large sliding windows.
That includes removing the screens from the windows that I can not find any source that has helped me be able to do that task myself.

$1,400

Does that sound in line for pricing?

That does sting a little on a camper that I only paid about $24k for, but not outside my capabilities of paying.

Opinions?

[Tex94]

Originally Posted by lizARdman15

On your suggestion, I got a quote from a local tint place with great reviews.

It's 7 windows of sizes varying from small non opening to decently large sliding windows.
That includes removing the screens from the windows that I can not find any source that has helped me be able to do that task myself.

$1,400

Does that sound in line for pricing?

That does sting a little on a camper that I only paid about $24k for, but not outside my capabilities of paying.

Opinions?

I definitely think it’s fair. I paid $600 for my wife’s car. A small SUV and it only had 5 little windows to do.

[lizARdman15]

I guess the big thing is that I know nothing about tint or its cost, so that took me back a bit.

I have never had anything tinted.

My truck cost a good bit more than the camper and I have no intention of tinting it. Of course, I don't live in it while camping in 90+ degree weather.

Approaching 10% of the cost of the camper on tint seems unwarranted and perhaps a little foolish for an investment. On an $80k 5er, maybe I wouldn't blink an eye.

Is ceramic "that" good?

[Tex94]

Originally Posted by lizARdman15

I guess the big thing is that I know nothing about tint or its cost, so that took me back a bit.

I have never had anything tinted.

My truck cost a good bit more than the camper and I have no intention of tinting it. Of course, I don't live in it while camping in 90+ degree weather.

Approaching 10% of the cost of the camper on tint seems unwarranted and perhaps a little foolish for an investment. On an $80k 5er, maybe I wouldn't blink an eye.

Is ceramic "that" good?

I think your concerns are fair, I will tell
You I was a major naysayer to ceramic and I’ll never have anything else….

[NMWildcat]

How much of that cost is material vs labor?
In my area, that is an exorbitant amount for flat RV windows.
I would get another estimate from a competitor.

[GolfingDave]

Originally Posted by lizARdman15

Is ceramic "that" good?

Yes. I had the lowest darkening amount of tint installed on my truck windows and there was a big difference between my work van and truck parked side by side, more windows on the truck.

I went with minimal darkening since full windshield tinting is against the law. All my windows still look like factory tinting so a police officer may not notice if stopped. Different laws for different states on window tinting.

As for OP, are you looking for privacy, cooling or both. Let the shop know.

As for me, straight windows in my camper I would DIY. Curved useless windshield on it I would not attempt. Plenty of room to work in the camper and my windows are easily accessible.

I would not do a vehicle either as to the working conditions. My truck was $450 about four years ago.

[1000 sportsman]

Originally Posted by lizARdman15

I would like to try my hand at tinting the windows.

After some research (that I admit I am not knowledgeable on), it appears that there are two types I am considering.

1-20% tint only
2-20% mirror tint

My understanding is that the tint only works well day or night, but the mirror works best in daylight while night time provides little privacy

Suggestions?
Other options?

I am not against taking it to a pro, but I don't really know what to tell them I want done and I like the challenge of DYI.

If I take it to a pro, I need to figure out how to remove the sliding glass window screens. They have defeated my redneck engineering degree thus far.

We bought this at Lowe’s and the wife did all the camper windows in a couple hours. We were looking more for privacy and a little to help keep the UV rays off the blinds and interior but it seemed to help with the cooling also. Pretty cheap compared to the prices show for professional installation although certainly not as high quality. But it is just cling and can be removed easily. Works for us just a suggestion if you want to DYI. I think it took two rolls for the windows in our 3011DS with some of the second roll left over


GILA Black 36-in x 78-in Static Cling Privacy-control Window Film
Item #234077 |
Model #PB78

[Nick Danger]

A couple of years back, I tinted several of the "bottom half" of windows (specifically in the bathrooms) and my slider to the deck in my house with mirror tint. I wanted privacy from the casual onlooker during the day with any sun reduction as a bonus but still letting in the daylight so I didn't have to turn on the lights. It has zero effect at night when the interior lights are on so I just lower the shades.

The mirrored tinting material was quite expensive at about $75 per roll from what I recall. I also got the spray on application kit and an Exacto razor knife to trim the excess that made it a lot easier. Read all of the instructions and take your time and it will last for years. An additional set of hands won't hurt either. The plastic squeegee takes out the air bubbles.

At $1400 I would give it a try. What's the worst that happens? Bubbles?

[lizARdman15]

I will reiterate my biggest problem with trying to do it myself...

I can't get the screens off to have access to the windows to put the tint on.

I've looked at more youtube videos than I can count. I've all but taken the entire window out of the camper and can not get the screen out of the window channel. It doesn't even make sense that it won't!

Maybe I am stupid(I am from SC and a USC grad)
Maybe I am an idiot(just ask my teenage daughters)
Maybe I'm afraid I'll damage the windows and/or screens in the process
Maybe the juice just ain't worth the squeeze
Maybe all of these apply

[kenandterry]

There’s so many different styles of windows in the RV world.
I’ve had two different Forest River motorhomes, with very different style windows, however the removal of the screens were very similar.

Most, at least that I’ve found, are in tracks around the perimeter of the window frame, and they are held in position with small metal arms that are spring fit into position. By using your fingers, press upwards on the top frame of the window screen to try and press even further into the track. This should create slack for the bottom of the screen to start its release at the bottom and then you continue to the sides.

Install is the opposite, by pressing the screen upwards into the track and slowly working around the perimeter.

Good luck.

[Tex94]

Originally Posted by lizARdman15

I will reiterate my biggest problem with trying to do it myself...

I can't get the screens off to have access to the windows to put the tint on.

I've looked at more youtube videos than I can count. I've all but taken the entire window out of the camper and can not get the screen out of the window channel. It doesn't even make sense that it won't!

Maybe I am stupid(I am from SC and a USC grad)
Maybe I am an idiot(just ask my teenage daughters)
Maybe I'm afraid I'll damage the windows and/or screens in the process
Maybe the juice just ain't worth the squeeze
Maybe all of these apply

Nothing wrong, because I am one, with being a DIYer but BUT if you find $1400 worth it then go for it. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Folks here are just kind and want you to get the best bang for the buck and no one (I would hope) thinks you’re an idiot for struggling with your screens, these campers were made to go together and fall apart not be taken apart XD

I can do oil changes and tire rotations but it’s not worth it for me and I can afford to pay for the service.

Get another quote to be sure—and get er done. You’ve already done much more than average Joe would.

[lizARdman15]

I’ve posted the question of how to remove the screen in the Cherokee section with no replies.

Here is a pic of the interior of the window
Four of the 7 windows are sliders that appear very similar

[lizARdman15]

kenandterry,

That kinda window is what a lot of RVs seem to have, but no, not this camper.

The screens actually have the screws that are around the interior of the window frame going thru the edge of the screen.

When you take the crews out, the screen still doesn't come loose.

If you(or anyone else that may chime in) needs a closer pic, I will provide when I get back to my shop building

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by lizARdman15

I’ve posted the question of how to remove the screen in the Cherokee section with no replies.

Here is a pic of the interior of the window
Four of the 7 windows are sliders that appear very similar

Well, you have stated that you have tried everything and watched all the videos, so not sure anybody can help that isn't physical there.
Some RV screens have springs on side and some don't. Some have tabs to pull, some don't. The one thing they all seem to have in common is that none of them seem easy to remove, until you get one removed, then you discover the secret and the rest are easy.

I always start with a screwdriver or similar prying tool and see if the screen moves up/down or more to one side or the other. Then I just get western with it until I see a way to remove it. I have bent at least one, but it was salvageable.

Even if someone has the exact same model as your RV doesn't mean the windows/screens are the same. Depends on who the supplier was at the time.

Good luck and I hope you figure it out.

[RangeMaggotBob]

[QUOTE=lizARdman15;2971312]

My understanding is that the tint only works well day or night, but the mirror works best in daylight while night time provides little privacy.

That's exactly how ours is. The mirror works best in daylight, but if you want any privacy, you better have the blinds closed by evening.