6 Tips for Improving Your RV Window Insulation

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RV window insulation is far from great. In fact, the vast majority of RVs come with single paned windows that do almost nothing to keep the cold at bay during the winter, nor do they block out the heat during the hot months. 

This is a problem for those who want to stay in their RV year-round, as it means dealing with extreme cold and extreme heat inside their tiny home-on-wheels. The good news? There are ways to improve upon RV window insulation! That’s what we’re going to talk about today. 

Temporary RV Window Insulation Solutions

Let’s start with some temporary RV window insulation quick fixes that will get the job done with little to no fuss. These solutions are enough for the vast majority of RVers out there, especially when a couple of methods are combined to create extra good RV window insulation. 

Reflectix

Perhaps the most effective (and most popular) way to insulate RV windows is to cover them with Reflectix. This stuff is excellent at trapping heat in the winter and blocking out heat and sunlight in the summer. It comes in rolls or sheets so you can cut it to whatever size you need for a given window, and it can be cut so it fits snug and doesn’t move—or, you can use tape or Command Strips to hold it in place. 

The one downside to using Reflectix as RV window insulation? It blocks out all light, making your RV feel a lot more like a cave than a home.

Shrink Film Window Insulation Kits

If you’re one who needs sunlight to function properly, you might wonder what RV window insulation options are out there that allow some light to enter your home without letting all the heat escape. This is where shrink film window insulation kits come into play. These kits are pretty easy to use but can be time-consuming. The film is applied using double-sided tape and a hairdryer, and it stays in place very nicely.

Shrink film does a decent job of insulating windows, and we love that we can still see outside and that sunlight still comes in through the covered windows. 

Bubble Wrap

We’ve also heard of RVers using bubble wrap to as RV window insulation. This is done by cutting the bubble wrap to size, lightly spritzing the window with water, and sticking the bubble wrap in place on the water. Surprisingly, the bubble wrap seems to stay in place just fine, and applying it is much easier than putting up the shrink film mentioned above. The bubble wrap does also offer some level of insulation. 

All that said, while light will still make its way into your RV with bubble wrap over the windows, you will not be able to see outside very well. 

DIY Vinyl Window Covers

Another idea? DIY vinyl window covers. These can be made using a clear plastic shower curtain or vinyl from a roll found at the fabric store. To make the covers, simply cut your vinyl to size, add hook-and-loop Command Strips to both the covers and the wall, and hang.

These covers are great because they let light in, are relatively see-through, and can be removed if you want to open the window. They do not look as polished as some of the other options—especially if you use shower curtains, which tend to hold onto creases—but they get the job done just fine. 

Motorhome Windshield Cover

If you have a motorhome, you will also want to cover your windshield. In the vast majority of cases, people don’t want their windshield cover to be transparent, so we recommend an insulated motorhome windshield cover for the job. 

These are relatively inexpensive and super easy to put up and take down when moving day rolls around. Additionally, these covers do an excellent job of insulating your RV and blocking out any unwanted sunlight that could wake the kids up extra early in the mornings. 

Note: There are covers for both class C RVs and class A RVs. Be sure you buy the right kind!

Upgrading to Double Pane RV Windows

Want a more permanent RV window insulation option? You could upgrade to double pane RV windows. This solution isn’t for everyone, but it can be a very helpful option for those who wish to stay in especially hot or cold climates on a regular basis. 

What are Double Pane Windows?

As the name suggests, double pane windows are windows made with two panes of glass. The space between the two panes is filled with gas, which offers extra insulation. 

Most RVs come equipped with single pane windows, but you can double check whether you already have dual panes by holding a match up to a window. If you see one reflection, you have single pane windows; if you see two reflections, there are two panes of glass. 

The Pros and Cons of Double Pane RV Windows

Double pane windows have both pros and cons that you will want to consider before putting them in your RV. 

The pros of RV double pane windows are:

• Better temperature control
• Outside noise reduction
• Windows with more structural integrity
• Condensation control

The cons of RV double pane windows are:

• Expensive
• Extra weight
• Potential for broken seals in the windows, which could lead to irreparable damage, making replacement necessary. 

Many people find that even after taking the cons into consideration, double pane windows are a great choice for their travel style. If that’s the case for you, go for it! You can even replace the windows yourself using the video below as a guide.

Using these tips, you should be able to vastly improve your RV window insulation. Still cold or hot? This article offers some other ideas for improving motorhome and trailer insulation. 

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