Question...

[Bussin']

Would tinting the windows be as efficient as blocking the off with paneling...

[USMCRockinRV]

Where do you live? In Houston tinting isn't enough - I used Bubble Foil, 3/4" Foam Board and paneling to eliminate heat transfer.

But a direct answer to your question is no~

[JA Savage]

It depends on what you mean by "efficient". It is cheaper to tint your windows and it is not too hard to do. On the other hand people can see into your bus at night if you have lights on and if you have no curtains. Tinting keeps out some solar radiated heat but has no insulating value. It all depends on what you want to do with your bus.

[Tango]

If you are referring to thermal blocking efficiency...negative. Not even close. As noted above. that requires actual insulation

[nat_ster]

And bubble wrap is crap.

Real 1.5 inch rigid Styrofoam should be the minimum.

Nat

[USMCRockinRV]

Use Bubble Foil... Not Bubble Wrap.

USMC

[USMCRockinRV]

I use Solar Screen and Bubble Foil on my front windshield when I park and it's the most amazing most wonderful most efficient most incredible most out performing and simple application to block 100% of the heat transfer...
In the rear I use Foam Board - I've shoved it up my emergency exit hole and it still transfers heat... I'll add bubble foil soon and eliminate the heat transfer completely~

USMC

[nat_ster]

Bubble foil is fine for windows that are still used, but is in no way a substitute for real rigid foam insulation.

All this talk of radiant this, and radiant that is snake oil. Just like the paint on insulation's.

There is simply no radiant anything that replaces the real Styrofoam insulation.

I only post this to keep the newbies from thinking they can just line the inside of their bus with reflex, VS real insulation.

Nat

[claydbal]

reflective foil cracked my windshield!

[Tango]

I've heard of truckers having that problem with the Reflectix in their windshields if it is tight fitting. It reflects back so much sunlight that the trapped heat buildup between it and the glass can create outrageous temperatures. Enough to shatter the glass.

Might make a handy Solar Oven though. Just toss some wienies and taters in there and use that heat.

[USMCRockinRV]

Haha... I've used the dash stove in Midland / Odessa plenty.