On my VW T5 campervan, I’ve been testing Hindermann VW External Thermal Screens. Up until now, I had used internal window screens. The screens attach using suckers, which I’ve lost a lot of. It was interesting to me how external screens worked.
These screens have a thermal coating and are designed to cover the side and front windows on a motorhome or campervan. You can choose from different sizes.
The screens are effective in keeping out heat and reducing interior temperatures in summer.
In Britain, condensation is the main issue with campervans. This is especially true if there are more than two people inside. Thermal screens can be used inside or out to help reduce condensation. They provide a layer of protection and insulation.
These screens have been made from a “weatherproof thermo film”, which is “double-sided aluminum-vaporised polymer film that has UV stabilised”. They are durable, thermally efficient and shouldn’t wear due to UV degradation.
Hindermann VW external thermal screens in test
The installation of the screen is fairly straightforward. You can simply lay the screen over both the side and front windows.
Then, open both the passenger and driver doors. Slot the screen corners over the door corners. The screens will stay in place. This is easy to do because the corner pockets are built-into the screen.
After the screen is tucked around the mirrors you can attach bungees of different lengths to the lower edge. These are attached to the wheel arches and lower rims of your car.
The bungees are still attached after the first time I used the screen. It is very easy and quick to attach the screen. This is so much faster and easier than attaching my internal screens.
The screen looks large, and it may seem cumbersome. However, it’s actually quite simple.
You can open your side door while the screens are in place if you remove the bungees. When I used them, it was windy and I wanted to ensure they fit tightly.
You can use this feature if you’re staying at the campsite for some time and don’t wish to take the screen down during the day. It’s a very useful feature.
They are effective in reducing condensation, and keeping the van warm at night during the winter. This form is a great cover for the windows.
There are some negatives. It can be an issue if you have trouble sleeping when the wind blows. G, who wears earplugs and doesn’t listen to anything but me, said that he could hear them flap.
You need to store wet screens somewhere after it rains overnight. It is possible to shake some of the water off, but not completely. This hasn’t been a big problem for me because I store the screens in the van where it is fine to have a little bit of moisture.
Before removing the screens and storing them, you could use a damp towel to wipe off any dust.
The exterior screens are a great alternative to interior versions. External screens make it easier to operate and also less clutter inside the van. Now that I’ve removed my internal screens, I only use the external ones.