Thermal Blinds

I am looking for a set of thermal blinds to fit my T4 AS, I have looked at the usual places and can find plenty, but just wondered if anyone can recommend a good supplier and type?

Cheers

Definitely external.

Beyond that I can't offer much help as I know nothing about T4s.

Only really two brands - Silver Screens and Taylor-made.

I had a T4-based A-S for 14 years, and bought an internal SiverScreens for it. The advantage of internal is that you can put it up and take it down when it's wet outside without getting wet. But that said, we freuqently found that because of the slope of the windscreen inside the van, the screens - which were held to the glass by some suckers - tended to drape away from the glass apart from near the suckers. And so heavy condensation would often build up by morning - nullifying the advantage of internals insofar as it and you still get wet, and you have to wipe dry the windscreen.
I'd go External unless you do a lot of iffy wild camping and might need to make a quick departure on security grounds.
As to makes, try TaylorMade or SilverScreens.

thanks all much appreciated, I had only considered internal until your posts so now to have a look at external as they do sounds like a good idea for our style of camping.

I bought my external thermal screen (for a T5) from Just Kampers - I'm happy enough with it. It may not be quite up to the quality of the two brands named above, but it was less than a third of the price. They make one for the T4 at (just) under £50.

I don't go out in winter but find internals ok for me.  I can feel a huge temperature difference in the cab immediately after fitting them - but they are not as effective as external - just a lot easier to store.

At the risk of prolonging this thread (which has been covered in earlier threads) may I just add one small point which I don't think has been mentioned directly?
The external screen cover comes as one piece; it covers the windscreen and both doors, and is usually in a thicker material than the inside cover. The internal screen normally comes in three separate sections.
It follows that - particularly if you are attempting to fit an external screen without assistance - it is more awkward to fit an external screen. The availability of assistance may be a factor to be taken into account when choosing.

Assuming you can get some help, or that you don't mind a bit of a struggle, then because externals will insulate better, I'd go for them.

Cymro wrote: The external screen cover comes as one piece;

With the greatest respect for the gentleman from Welsh Wales , most of them come in three pieces, joined by industrial Velcro which effectively means you can treat them as being in one piece.

I'm tall enough wrestle with it in one piece, but a somewhat vertically challenged friend "tears" his apart and fits the side pieces onto the doors first, then attaches the centre piece over the windscreen using the Velcro.

Frankly I think it's easier keeping it in one piece, but I've not been his height since I was 10 , so I take his word that his method is easier. Try it and see for yourself, is the answer I guess.

Another point worth reinforcing - internal screens are virtually useless at preventing condensation. To do this the screen has to be kept warm, and they obviously can't do that from the inside.

You're correct, Gromit - and thank you for reminding me that my external screen cover does in fact comprise three sections. Always having treated the external as if it were one-piece, I'd overlooked that it could be dismantled and fitted piece by piece. I agree that it's probably less bother to fit it as one piece, and luckily I'm able to do so, albeit that it's easier if my lovely assistant can help!

Just to add my bit, the external Silver Screen comes apart in 4 pieces..., there's a very handy mesh panel under the main screen cover so you can roll down the outer to let daylight in, but folk outside still can't see in. But this would make it a pain to put up in pieces, I've never yet taken it apart. I agree internal screens just seem to add to condensation, trapping it even when the sun is on the screen. So I've stopped carrying mine, when on aires etc it's easier to draw the screen curtains, being a few inches from the screen they don't trap moisture.
Al.

bikeralw wrote:Just to add my bit, the external Silver Screen comes apart in 4 pieces..., there's a very handy mesh panel under the main screen cover so you can roll down the outer to let daylight in, but folk outside still can't see in.
Al.

You've obviously got a posh one Al.

We're on show to the world and his wife, as ours doesn't have the mesh screen. Can't really see the point of it, since someone would have to be eight feet tall to see very much over the half-lowered front screen!

I think the message for the OP is to look around, as there are several options to choose from.

I have a VW T4 also I have exterior Silver Screens, I have no problem with fitting or removing them, ON MY OWN and I am a 5`2" female. I have had mine for approx. 5 years and they are as good as new, fit like a glove, easy to store even when wet in its own waterproof bag.    Highly recommended.

I had them on a Topaz and now a Clubman both VW T4`s Hope this is of some help.

Keeps the van cosy in the cab area with no condensation plus keeps the windscreen clean.

Very true, Margaret! We had them on our Clubman and now on our Majestic 120.

Andy