Thermo mats v Curtains

[kit]

Just taken down the curtains and they were rotten (ish) so do I get some more or go for Thermo mats, they both seem to be the same sort of money and I only really need them once or twice a year, opinions/ experiences would be appreciated.

[Nicola&Tony]

We have both in our van. Thermo mats keep the van cooler in hot weather and warmer in cold weather. Also they keep out the daylight allowing you to sleep for longer.

Curtains however are useful for shutting quickly if you need to make a pitstop in a hurry. If I had to choose one or the other, I would go for the thermo mats.

Nicola

[Nicola&Tony]

There are some thermo mats in the For Sale - General section for 40 quid. Can't do linky thing, sorry.

Nicola

[kit]

Thanks I have PM'd him, I think mats it is as I only sleep in the van at Glastonbury and the odd couple of days in the summer.

[slobbo]

I have had both and prefer the curtains because they don't need a home when not in use. A good set of curtains will keep out the light just as well as the mats.

[dietcokenator]

I have had both and prefer the curtains because they don't need a home when not in use. A good set of curtains will keep out the light just as well as the mats.

but they wont keep the hat in when its cold and keep the heat out when its warm

[slobbo]

When it's hot I open a window and roof vent and when it's cold switch on the heater. You loose a lot of heat through the exposed metal work. Also double layer the curtains and that helps with the insulation.

[Mr Bean]

Yes thermos are better but what a pain to store and fit on!
Cheers
Wolfie

[TEMPO]

hi
I have both, but my curtains were old and dull.
Get yourself 2 packets of dye, 2LB (or a kilo if your not into old money) of salt, and stick the lot in the washing machine.
Sound results.

[perro]

I bought a set of mats from JK . Used them a couple of times . I wouldnt use them again . I am going to go back to curtains . We have a pop top and its the storage of them when not in use that is the problem as they take up so much space . I also worry that they will drop off overnight anyway if anybody wants a set make me an offer as I say used twice .

Perro

[BigTam]

Mats every time for me, store them in the pop top no problem, full set of westy curtains if anyone wants to me an offer,

[lhd]

Thermo mats are a pain in the a***. They are better but the space they take up is a pain.
I only use them when its really sunny as I have an Eber, and am lazy.
Rob.....

[kit]

How much space\do they need I thought they came in a small role?

[gsmoke]

My jk mats came in a bag but I couldn't see it would last very long.
I wouldnt be without mine but over the last few years I've got more p******d off going through the rigmarole of putting up and taking down.
They work very well though. Sorage is not a problem for me as they live on the front top shelf sandwiched below my devon pop top.
Its funny that when I first got the van I was chuffed to arrive camping and set up in a couple of minutes. I had previously been a keen 'tenter'.
With the onset of more mature years I pack an awning, comfy chairs, tables etc. etc. Feels like a pain sometimes but when all set up enjoying first brew/smoke the world seems a better place.

[dsa]

I have had both and prefer cutains due to storage and they are a real pain to put on and off and i find they come off during the night due to the crap JK suckers and i did not find the van any warmer at night