Windshield Sunscreens

[Lindsay Richards]

What is the cost of the Magna shades? I looked all over their website and couldn't find it. An approximate cost would be great. I would also worry about theft.

[SarahW]

Originally Posted by Lindsay Richards

What is the cost of the Magna shades? I looked all over their website and couldn't find it. An approximate cost would be great. I would also worry about theft.

Quote for our Bounder (windshield, driver & passenger windows) was $899. We decided not to order the MagnaShades because our front cabinets are mounted too low for easy installation. We went with the SunGuard screens which were $300 for the same coverage but use snaps or velcro to install.

[Finhawk]

Originally Posted by Lindsay Richards

What is the cost of the Magna shades? I looked all over their website and couldn't find it. An approximate cost would be great. I would also worry about theft.

Call Rodger and ask for a quote. A lot depends on how fancy you want to get. Mine were expensive but I got what I wanted as far as the graphics

[Lindsay Richards]

I am wondering if these sun shades could be made by an RV'er. Joanne's Fabrics has the cloth and magnets could easily be found. It looks like they could be done fairly easily with a sewing machine. Has anybody ever attempted this?

[Wayne M]

I'm sorry Lindsay, but I think it is just out of place to suggest making a product that someone has carefully thought of, gone through the process of copyrighting and patenting their work. It is their livelihood and we are not talking about pennies, nickles and dimes.

Yes, it most likely can be done, but you may never get the same quality product.

[Lindsay Richards]

I think RV'ers make existing products all the time. I am not planning on selling them, I just can't afford to buy them. It is a matter of making them or not having them.

[az bound]

Originally Posted by Lindsay Richards

I am wondering if these sun shades could be made by an RV'er. Joanne's Fabrics has the cloth and magnets could easily be found. It looks like they could be done fairly easily with a sewing machine. Has anybody ever attempted this?

DW and I did just that. I made the patterns and she is the seamstress. We were able to make them for the windshield and 6 windows for less than $300.
Purchased the magnets at www.kjmagnetics.com Use high strength magnets, Grade N42 or N52.

[Lindsay Richards]

WOW, that is cheap. It is not illegal to duplicate a patented item, only to sell it.

[Wayne M]

I know all of that, but it is the principle of the thing, and then everyone starts posting where to buy, etc. Then the manufacturing moves to China. We all loose.

You do what you have to do.

Good luck.

[Lindsay Richards]

I think the choice is to make it or not have it for many of us. The internet search to find the materials is fairly easy. It took me less than 10 minutes to find the sun resistant fabric. It is common and local. Not sure how me making one helps China.The fabric and magnets are both US made.

[SweetieZ]

I think I would ask myself how long you are going to be in an area with a lot of sun/heat. If it is a few months in the desert or Florida and you are going back to Oregon at the end of the trip, I would go with one of the less expensive ideas.

[Finhawk]

It all depends on if you want a quality product or if you want something that other RVer's will point at and snicker!

[Lindsay Richards]

I have made many items for my RV and had many compliments and copies. I have never had any snickers as you must obviously have had to be aware of them. I suggest you should go with strictly factory made. I will continue to put my creative talents to good use. If another RV'er was to snicker at something we made, I wouldn't give them any credibility anyway. We have had posters here make their own sunshade. Have any of you had other RV'er snicker and would you give a whit if they did?

[Finhawk]

Originally Posted by Lindsay Richards

I have made many items for my RV and had many compliments and copies. I have never had any snickers as you must obviously have had to be aware of them. I suggest you should go with strictly factory made. I will continue to put my creative talents to good use. If another RV'er was to snicker at something we made, I wouldn't give them any credibility anyway. We have had posters here make their own sunshade. Have any of you had other RV'er snicker and would you give a whit if they did?

Look at mine and see if it gets a snicker from you!

[Lindsay Richards]

Look at mine and see if it gets a snicker from you!

I never snicker at anybody's RV. I do admire somebody's craftsmanship though. I also admire the guy who came up with a great idea and turned it into a business. That is the American dream and I have done it myself.

[adventurous2]

I too made my own sunshades.
There is a place in Center Hill, Florida that sells remnands of these solar screen fabrics for "a song". They have rolls and rolls and you buy this by the foot. I got a light beige blend that is perfect with the MH colors.

I made my own pattern with newspapers and duct tape on the actual windshield and side windows. The screen material can be sewn with a regular sewing machine. I did not even use special threat. I have used them for over 8 years and they still look great with a very snug, good looking fit.
I also made the tire covers with a heavier (90%) screen fabric.
I did use the stainless steel twisters to attach all of them. They were available at lowes.

I feel a great deal of accomplishment making something for the MH that looks great and adds to our comfort.
It is kind of fun being able to see outside but those on the outside cannot see in (during daylight hours)

We have made many changes and additions to our MH, just practical things that make our life in the MH easier or better.

Have fun being creative!!!!
Ellen

[Lindsay Richards]

I am sure you are very proud of your work as you should be. What is the name of the place in Center Hill?

[Finhawk]

Originally Posted by adventurous2

I too made my own sunshades.
There is a place in Center Hill, Florida that sells remnands of these solar screen fabrics for "a song". They have rolls and rolls and you buy this by the foot. I got a light beige blend that is perfect with the MH colors.

I made my own pattern with newspapers and duct tape on the actual windshield and side windows. The screen material can be sewn with a regular sewing machine. I did not even use special threat. I have used them for over 8 years and they still look great with a very snug, good looking fit.
I also made the tire covers with a heavier (90%) screen fabric.
I did use the stainless steel twisters to attach all of them. They were available at lowes.

I feel a great deal of accomplishment making something for the MH that looks great and adds to our comfort.
It is kind of fun being able to see outside but those on the outside cannot see in (during daylight hours)

We have made many changes and additions to our MH, just practical things that make our life in the MH easier or better.

Have fun being creative!!!!
Ellen

How about some pictures?

[W8RLM]

Question for those of you with the Magna Shades. How do they stand up to severe thunderstorms and especially the winds that go with them? When we snowbird in Florida, the winds with the storms run 40-60 mph.

Any Comments?

Thanks

W8RLM - Bob

[Finhawk]

We Winter in Las Vegas. The wind speeds are just about the same as you described. The screen on the windshield has never moved. However I have had the side screens blow off. So when the wind speed picks up, I put them in the basement just to be on the safe side.