Radiant Barrier in Truck Cab and Sleeper

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guest

Guest
Most of you are probably aware of Reflectix and other types of radiant barrier material used for blocking radiant heat. It's used in windshield shades, attics, etc. Well, I have started lining the inside of my cab and sleeper roof with this material. The idea is to make the air conditioner not have to work as hard to keep me cool because there is less radiant heat penetrating the cab and sleeper to begin with. In addition to giving the inside of my truck a NASA-ish feel, I am certain that it will make the truck cooler. It should also make the truck easier to heat in the winter because it will prevent heat loss from the truck as well. I am going to cut out pieces of the stuff fitted for my side windows, which should work well as a heat and light blocker.

Don't worry, the material doesn't have to be facing the source of heat. In radiant decking used in roofing, the reflective side is facing down (the shingles are on top) and the attic temperatures are something like 40 or 50 degrees cooler than without the barrier.

The material also muffles noise, which is an added benefit.

The rolls of the stuff cost about $20 to $40 at Home Depot depending upon size. This approach is a one-time project that should keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
 

davekc

Senior Moderator
Staff member
Fleet Owner
Is this the silver perforated stuff. The same stuff you see down south for windshield covers to block the heat? A must for leather car interiors.

Davekc
 
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guest

Guest
Yes, it is the silver peforated stuff, also seen on spacecraft and other high tech machinery like my truck.
 

Loose_Cannon47

Expert Expediter
FriscoMike, why don't you take some before and after temp readings...I'd be curious about the results...I understand the stuff works very well in houses...but I expect there are no shingles on your truck cab..;)

Loose
 
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guest

Guest
Actually, I don't have shingles on the cab, but I do have a grid of thermal tiles like the bottom of the space shuttle. This helps ease my re-entry into Texas in July.
 

Steady Eddie

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
I put this inside my Sprinter and works great. I also did the windows and windsheild, using small suction cups to hold them in place when stopped.



Steady

You're not dead, you're electroencephalographically challenged.
 
G

guest

Guest
I'm glad to hear that others have tried this with success. I couldn't see any reason it wouldn't work well, but it's nice to hear that someone else has tried it and it worked.

If you ever want a very low cost side window sun shield just get one of those suction cups with the metal clip on it that you see in truck stops and cut a piece of the reflectix material in a 12" x 12" square or so and use the clip to hold it in place. Works great to block the pesky evening and morning sun coming in the side windows. The reflectix material has enough body to it that only one clip is needed to hold it firmly. Is this the type of suction cup you are using for the windows in your Sprinter?
 

Steady Eddie

Veteran Expediter
Owner/Operator
Yes I use that type of suction cup. But I put a small hole in the reflectix material, remove the hook and work the suction cup through the hole and reinstall the clip, (helps hold it in place). One on each conner. Same for the windsheild. I taped two strips of the reflectix material with aluminum tape use the suction cups in the same manner, then use the tape to help hold it. When not using them I roll'em up and store them away.

Steady
 
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