How good are thermo mats?

[zencamper]

Hiya,

I'm going to be on the road in my van (1984 Devon Moonraker) pretty much all this year - mostly at camp sites - and wondered whether it would be worth investing in some window insulation screens? By how many degrees would you say they help keep in the warmth? (Oooh, I can't word that sentence correctly, but you get my point!)
I've got my electric fan heater which brings the temp up to a good level but wondered whether when I switch the heater off, I'm going be losing all the heat - and wasting money - unless I invest in some insulation like this.

What d'ya think? It's a shame, just saw some of these sold on the 'For Sale' section - damn it!

Thanks for any advice as always,

PA

[batmangb]

I had some trouble keeping mine suckered to the windows initially, but JK sent me new suckers and they have been good ever since. They keep the van very warm, we use a small fan heater and once the van is up to temperature it stays very cosy.
Ben

[monsho]

They're also good at keeping the excess heat out in the summer - not that we're thinking about that much at the mo...

[Doctor Foster]

work well for me. I keep a cheapo pack of wet wipes in the van to wipe the suckers. Give them a wipe, push them against the glass and give them a wiggle from left to right. Then they stick a poop to a blanket.

[Gandalf]

work well for me. I keep a cheapo pack of wet wipes in the van to wipe the suckers. Give them a wipe, push them against the glass and give them a wiggle from left to right. Then they stick a poop to a blanket.

Ditto - really struggled to get the bloody things off last time I used em. The mats themselves are well worth it tho' - made all the difference at stonehenge on 21/12

[zencamper]

Excellent guys, thanks - 4 thumbs up then

Are the JK ones, the ones to go for? Bit pricey, aren't they?

[andisnewsyncro]

Are the JK ones, the ones to go for? Bit pricey, aren't they?

JK ones are OK for general use, but if you want real heavy wrap around front screen insulation then expect to pay £100+ for that one alone

We have a JK set and they do the job, but take plenty of duvets. As mentioned before, they are a great bonus when (if ) it's hot and sunny & keep the inside of a parked van nice and cool.

[zencamper]

Thanks andi(s new syncro) . Yeah, I'd prefer the cheaper option with plenty of duvets if I'm honest.

Thanks for all the info guys! Think I'm gunna get myself some JK ones then...

Rather than start another thread with my little questions, what would you guys do for personal belongings insurance for stuff in my van? As I'm going to be in the van for a year or so I have to take important stuff with me - how would you insure this stuff? Just stuff with a total value of about £1,250. AdrianFlux don't do it. Anyone had any experience with long-term travel and insurance for contents of van?

Cheers, and sorry for increase in questions of late - just getting myself ready to go

PA

[andisnewsyncro]

I moved to these when we wanted an extended European trip. http://www.safeguarduk.co.uk/motorhome/

Their motorhome policy has a good level of "personal stuff" cover and you get unlimited European cover. They say you only have to come back once a year to MOT your van, and are quite happy to cover several "full timers" that we have met on our travels

[zencamper]

Cheers - just tried and within their motorhome insurance they have good personal effects cover, but I'm already insured with Flux.
Oh, well. Might try Insure and Go for a long holiday insurance, or something...

[Gandalf]

Excellent guys, thanks - 4 thumbs up then

Are the JK ones, the ones to go for? Bit pricey, aren't they?

Keep an eye on the for sale forum. They come up regularly.

[zencamper]

Cheers Gandalf, I'll keep checking!
PA

[The BCE]

I use the JK ones, along with curtains - no problems for me. I also have a thermal screen to go around the pop top - this is THE best bit of kit I have. Canvas never gets wet, black out conditions mean lie ins with the kids and a lot warmer!

[Madwitch]

If you really want to keep the warmth in/cold out, get some Silver Screens http://www.silverscreens.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - bit more expensive but much better and keep all the condensation away too.

[zencamper]

Oh, yeah, I'd forgotten about the pop-top! Ooh, it's endless, isn't it! Might start with the window set and see what happens - probably won't put up the pop-top when it's so cold I can see my breath though.
Anyone ready to give up their JK ones, feel free to PM me ...only kidding, if none appear in the for sale, I may just go straight to JK and get me some in a week or two.
Thanks all for your help,

PA