Popup Gizmos/ Bunk Cover questions???

[Gracy]

Are the bunkend covers (Gizmos) used for keeping heat in or out?  Are they used in the summer or winter?

Where do you purchase them or the material?  Can you make them yourself?

I'd like to find something I can use to keep the bunk ends warmer in the winter and something to keep them cooler in the summer.

[miss kathy]

Are the bunkend covers (Gizmos) used for keeping heat in or out?  Are they used in the summer or winter?

Where do you purchase them or the material?  Can you make them yourself?

I'd like to find something I can use to keep the bunk ends warmer in the winter and something to keep them cooler in the summer.

I have seen where people make them.  I am too lazy and bought mine from Gizmo and I am very happy with them- I got the ones that are for high wind and they work.  I bought mine on the area of his website that was "Garage Sale"  They fit fine.  I do use mine both ways- I have used them in the summer and it does make a difference in the trailer- I do not have a air conditioner. In the winter it helps with moisture in the trailer and helps keep it warmer. It also helps keep the end bunk canvas clean.  I am glad that I made the purchase.  

[dkutz]

I have seen where people make them.  I am too lazy and bought mine from Gizmo and I am very happy with them- I got the ones that are for high wind and they work.  I bought mine on the area of his website that was "Garage Sale"  They fit fine.  I do use mine both ways- I have used them in the summer and it does make a difference in the trailer- I do not have a air conditioner. In the winter it helps with moisture in the trailer and helps keep it warmer. It also helps keep the end bunk canvas clean.  I am glad that I made the purchase.  

you can use them for both.  Shiny side out reflects heat off the trailer, silver side down keeps heat in trailer.  

You can also do reflextix isn the windows, which I haven't done yet but want to

[Gracy]

Where do you purchase them or the material?

[dkutz]

PUG's you can order from the store here I believe, and the window inserts with Reflectix, you have to make yourself.

[Gracy]

PUG's you can order from the store here I believe, and the window inserts with Reflectix, you have to make yourself.

Is that the same stuff they use for regular car window covers?

[Recumbentman]

Here you go Popup Gizmos  also helps to keep the bunkends top clean from tree sap or bird droppings

[Gracy]

Here you go Popup Gizmos  also helps to keep the bunkends top clean from tree sap or bird droppings

Thanks... those are $$$....... I wonder if there are any cheaper options?  I really mainly want them for the winter season........ but summer would be nice too.

[dkutz]

Thanks... those are $$$....... I wonder if there are any cheaper options?  I really mainly want them for the winter season........ but summer would be nice too.

do a SEARCH.  http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?t=64367&referrerid=5343

I believe you can use "survival" type blankets sold at outdoor stores.  I believe that is what we have on our PUP from the PO

[coach]

Space Brand All Weather Blanket

Same material at gizmos, 5' x 7' with a grommet in each corner
Easy to sew and cut, I sewed on a couple of pieces of Velcro to keep in place until the shepard pole goes in, the 'blanket' stay put between the tent and roof, I tie off the other 2 corners.
If you don't have shade, they are must in the summer.
Some help in the winter.

[ronerjones]

I use a tarp that I bought at Home Depot Brown on one side Silver on the other. I have 2 clamps on the ends and if you tuck the tarp between the roof and canvas it gets a snug fit. Then I use small a clamps to attach it to the canvas.

I found this by accident, had a spot in the sun middle of the summer and the bunks were very hot. Temps dropped about 20 degrees almost instantly. I have always planned on getting the gizmos as the look nicer but the tarp works.

[austinado16]

I'm part of the "I made my own" crowd.  Found a seller on ebay selling the olive drab/silver ones that the military buys.  

Sewed 2 together to cover the big front bunk (queen size bed), and 1 plus a section from another did the rear bunk (full size bed).

I use those large black "binder" clamps that you buy at an office supply store, and clamp the covers to the seam at the top of the bunk.  

They work great.

Re: your question about the "Reflectix" product.  Orchard Supply Hardware sells it, and so does Home Deep Hole.  It's 2 layers of bubble wrap, with silver mylar on both outside faces.  It's Class A fire rated and something like R-9 for only being 1/4" thick.  You cut it with scissors to fit into the bunk windows, and then zip up the canvas window cover with the Reflectix inside.

[Gracy]

do a SEARCH.  http://www.arveeclub.com/showthread.php?t=64367&referrerid=5343

I believe you can use "survival" type blankets sold at outdoor stores.  I believe that is what we have on our PUP from the PO

So I can just buy a few of those survival blankets and clamp them around the bunks???  Those can be used like that over and over again.... right?

[coach]

So I can just buy a few of those survival blankets and clamp them around the bunks???  Those can be used like that over and over again.... right?

Yes, that simple. not nesecarry to cover the entire bunk end roof, the more the better. Try a couple, you'll like the help in the sun. If the 5'x7' are not big enough, sew add material from another!

install tips!

one blanket fits perfectly on you double bed roof!
I just use the grommets and tie off the loose end to under the bunks, others clamp.

[CajunCamper]

So I can just buy a few of those survival blankets and clamp them around the bunks???  Those can be used like that over and over again.... right?

Gracy, I bought the survival blankets from Wal-mart for about $3.00 each. I have a kingsize bed on one end and a double on the other so I think I bought 3 for the king and 2 for the double. I also took some reflective duct tape also purchased at Wal-mart for about $4.00 a roll and I then cut my blankets to fit my bunkends and taped them together with the tape. I then secure the blankets to the top of my bunkends with heavy duty cloths pens.

I only use them in the summer to keep the sun from heating up the inside of the pup. They work great. I will warn you though, some of the reflective material can come off of the blanket and get on the vinyl of your bunkend. But that hasn't caused me any problems. I also find that I need to replace the blankets once a year, but for $15 or so it's worth it.

The other advantage is that the blankets can be folded up, placed in a ziplock bag and stored in a cabinet. They don't take up much room at all and I'm all about that.

CajunCamper