Visit our Popular Forums

Darkspeed · 10-08-2011, 08:30 AM

I'm days away from 'game on' watching the ups boxes pile up.

Darkspeed · 10-08-2011, 08:36 AM

The 3M guy is sending me samples of a ceramic coated mirror window film that has some insulating properties. The idea of mirrored windows on a polished airstream seems interesting.

Gene · 10-08-2011, 09:47 AM

Mirrored windows means birds will be flying into them.

Gene

Darkspeed · 10-08-2011, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrawfordGene

Mirrored windows means birds will be flying into them.

Gene

How does a bird locate the mirrored window on a polished airstream?

Gene · 10-08-2011, 10:59 AM

The bird sees his reflection in the window and flies toward it and hits the window. On residential windows with a coating on the outside this happens frequently. The bird may think the reflection is an interloper or a friend in the same flock. Energy efficient windows usually have this coating. We have put images of hawks in the largest windows to scare the birds away from the windows. It helps, but is not foolproof. The birds may be stunned, may be killed, or may just fly away. Cats love these windows. The hawk images are available at some stores and stick on the windows. I think you just have to dampen them to stick.

Birds may see an image in a polished aluminum surface, but it will be distorted by the curves and is probably not the problem a mirror like surface of a window is. Because the Airstream windows are small, this may not be as much a problem as it is with residential windows.

Gene

slowmover · 10-08-2011, 12:02 PM

Around here it is the Inca Dove which hit our house windows. Sometimes we hear it, sometimes not. Rarely find a bird afterwards. But the distinctive markings show up "embossed" on the window.

Looking forward to what you learn about the film. What about night-time reversal, where interior light and exterior dark seem to occur with greater contrast than uncoated windows? Or, is this my imagination?

Darkspeed · 10-08-2011, 11:46 PM

Insulation plan and cost so far:
3 gallons of SuperTherm for the roof $300

10 gallons of HSC1000 ceramic for the inside surface of the exterior skin and rib faces $550

1200 board feet of E84 closed cell foam - 2" thick in walls $1400

24"x 50' 3m solar film mirror / grey $200

This is where I'm going to stop and do some testing before considering an additional thermal break between ribs and interior skin.

Lance M · 10-09-2011, 08:45 AM

We are all awaiting your test results with eager excitement!

marzboy · 10-09-2011, 09:36 AM

Damn and I am just gonna use Prodex....

Darkspeed · 10-09-2011, 09:57 AM

Well il be the guinea pig on this one. I have used these to insulate steel shipping containers with great results so besides the aluminum conduction issue it should work out. Il park mine beside another 31' in the sun and do the pepsi challenge.

Darkspeed · 10-09-2011, 10:06 AM

This is the contact info of where I buy from

-----------------------------------
The spread rate for Super Therm is 90sq/ft/ga
The spread rate for HSC1000 is 60 sq/ft/ga

Price Super Therm $75.00/ga., HSC1000 $42.00/ga

Thanks
Dennis Watters
Superior Coatings International
805-200-8814
-----------------------------

Darkspeed · 10-09-2011, 07:10 PM

Here is a good example video on supertherm. Stuff is pretty amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAYVU...e_gdata_player

Darkspeed · 10-14-2011, 10:49 AM

Just so i dont forget...

Buy Aluminum Filler Doors and Filler Necks at RJay's Speed Shop!

or

http://performanceparts.com/part/Ford-Racing/M-2301-E

Lance M · 10-23-2011, 02:13 PM

Dark,
Just wondering if you got the 3M window film in yet. I'm looking for the same thing for Abby. Thanks!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkspeed

The 3M guy is sending me samples of a ceramic coated mirror window film that has some insulating properties. The idea of mirrored windows on a polished airstream seems interesting.

Darkspeed · 10-23-2011, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Top

Dark,
Just wondering if you got the 3M window film in yet. I'm looking for the same thing for Abby. Thanks!

No not yet but I will report when it arrives..

Darkspeed · 10-28-2011, 03:20 PM

---want to thank Smokelessjoe for for documenting his system!

Well today was a crappy rainy day so i decided to work on the hot water / heating layout.

Primary heat : 20kbtu evacuated solar collector
Secondary heat : 17kbtu diesel hydronic heater
emergency heat : 120v resistive element

PLC will decide if there is enough solar heat to meet demand, if not then it will fire the diesel heater. If both fail it will activate the 120 resistive element.

PLC can also switch a cabin heat circuit between heat sources.

slowmover · 10-28-2011, 03:29 PM

Glad there is more interest in this. I'd be more than happy to sacrifice the propane furnace for an (admittedly more complex) diesel-fired hot water & furnace replacement. We already know that sealed ovens/stovetops exist as well, but I either can't remember, or have missed, diesel-powered RV-sized refrigeration. Much as I like some things about propane, I'd rather be rid of a second fuel (with a diesel-powered TV assuming I don't add propane injection to it).

Thanks for posting schematic!! (Both of you responsible).

.

Darkspeed · 10-28-2011, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REDNAX

Glad there is more interest in this. I'd be more than happy to sacrifice the propane furnace for an (admittedly more complex) diesel-fired hot water & furnace replacement. We already know that sealed ovens/stovetops exist as well, but I either can't remember, or have missed, diesel-powered RV-sized refrigeration. Much as I like some things about propane, I'd rather be rid of a second fuel (with a diesel-powered TV assuming I don't add propane injection to it).

Thanks for posting schematic!! (Both of you responsible).

.

No problem.. I dont like propane.

My plan is a
Wallas 87D combined oven & hob
and a
VITRIFRIGO DP2600iXAC 24vdc fridge (65watts)