Blinds open or closed when parked up on your drive

[KPM]

I would just like to know what people think when you park up on your own drive for a few weeks/ days do you leave the blinds open or closed I have always in the past left them closed but realise that tends to block off the flashing led from the alarm. I would like to capitalise on this method of prevention from pricing eyes. But there is the counter argument that folles can look in when we leave our cars we don’t prevent people from looking in. I was just wondering if this is becoming a popular option.

 

[SpeedyDux]

I keep the windscreen Remis blinds closed in summer because my drive faces the morning sun. At this time of year all blinds stay open.

 

[rolosroller]

 

[Larrynwin]

Closed with the exception of partly closed drivers blind so alarm flashing, seats rotated and Disklok can be seen , plus parked close to fence so fuel filler cannot be reached.

 

[the1andonly]

For more opinions

Blinds open or closed when van not in use?

Apologies if this topic has already been covered, I couldn’t find any answers after a quick search…… What do you all do with your vans when parked up on your driveways etc? Should blinds all be closed to prevent heat build up or should I be allowing some daylight in?

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

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[Tiny]

Closed to stop upholstery fading due to the sunlight, ventilating the van every couple of weeks

 

[Squeak]

I would just like to know what people think when you park up on your own drive for a few weeks/ days do you leave the blinds open or closed I have always in the past left them closed but realise that tends to block off the flashing led from the alarm. I would like to capitalise on this method of prevention from pricing eyes. But there is the counter argument that folles can look in when we leave our cars we don’t prevent people from looking in. I was just wondering if this is becoming a popular option.

I've made thermal screen inserts to go in all windows & when it was on the drive just kept the flyscreens up because it prevents the blinds from being permanently stretch out & flattening. No one can see in but they can still see the alarm light because of where its positioned. Having the thermal screen inserts in also really helped to keep the van cooler in the summer. Now I'm in it permanently the inserts give me added insulation & I'm very cosy of a night

 

[Clive Mott]

We leave our blinds on the sun side closed when parked up to stop surfaces being bleached. The alarm as well as the dash has flashing blue LEDs at the front, the rear, by the side door and also the trailer door which is coupled by a trailer extension lead as its parked alongside.

 

[KPM]

Closed it helps protect the furniture etc from prolonged uv exposure and if it’s a van bitz alarm you can have the external LED’s we have one in the grill and one in a tail light.

That makes a lot of sense as well thank you for your time

I've made thermal screen inserts to go in all windows & when it was on the drive just kept the flyscreens up because it prevents the blinds from being permanently stretch out & flattening. No one can see in but they can still see the alarm light because of where its positioned. Having the thermal screen inserts in also really helped to keep the van cooler in the summer. Now I'm in it permanently the inserts give me added insulation & I'm very cosy of a night

they sound very interesting. Would you mind telling us what material you made these from please and if it was difficult / did you have to make a pattern first / hown you treat the edges ie if fabric or reflective insulation material. I would even ask do you have a photo of one

 

[KPM]

Keep all our blinds closed to stop the sunlight from bleaching the furnishings and cab seat material.
We have two blue external flashing LED's to show the alarm is armed

I particularly like the sound of this blue flashing LEDs as they are the perfect deterrent which is what we all want I would imagine. They must prevent so much damage. From potential thieves. Did Vanbitz fit these as part of your Growler I just can’t get the Motorhome to Vanbitz as the insurance company won’t give us any grace period it needs to have an alarm / tracker before we drive it on the road. So I am looking at installing some flashing LEDs that are visible from outside at night when the alarm is set. Thank you can’t suggestionscas to where ti locate them and do you need specific external grade flashing LEDs for example.

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[Tony50]

Keep all our blinds closed to stop the sunlight from bleaching the furnishings and cab seat material.
We have two blue external flashing LED's to show the alarm is armed

Same here cheaper to replace a blind than upholstery

 

[gwyntaxi]

I would just like to know what people think when you park up on your own drive for a few weeks/ days do you leave the blinds open or closed I have always in the past left them closed but realise that tends to block off the flashing led from the alarm. I would like to capitalise on this method of prevention from pricing eyes. But there is the counter argument that folles can look in when we leave our cars we don’t prevent people from looking in. I was just wondering if this is becoming a popular option.

I keep my van on the drive and have never closed the blinds on any of them for a number of reasons, e.g. it weakens the recoil springs, it allows the sun in which helps keep inside feeling warm- ish and aired, the upholstery etc is always covered to prevent sun damage fading etc, and also from a security point “they can see the security devices and hopefully look elsewhere. So no, never close them. Just my views.

 

[Notts Archer]

I worry about the sun bleaching the upholstery ---- So I always close mine,

My alarm LED is always visible even when the binds are close

Same as me.

 

[Dazed 21]

I particularly like the sound of this blue flashing LEDs as they are the perfect deterrent which is what we all want I would imagine. They must prevent so much damage. From potential thieves. Did Vanbitz fit these as part of your Growler I just can’t get the Motorhome to Vanbitz as the insurance company won’t give us any grace period it needs to have an alarm / tracker before we drive it on the road. So I am looking at installing some flashing LEDs that are visible from outside at night when the alarm is set. Thank you can’t suggestionscas to where ti locate them and do you need specific external grade flashing LEDs for example.

Our insurance company wouldn't insure unless alarm was fitted before driving off the forecourt so we changed insurance company because we really wanted a growler!

 

[Stealaway]

You can close the blinds and buy one of these

Pardon our interruption...

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[gwyntaxi]

Once parked up, I keep mine closed so that it will minimise sun damage. I also open up windows and habitation door on nice days to ventilate. My MH is stored in my garden, not on the drive though.

Cover upholstery with old throws or dust sheets when in storage stops any sun damage and warms van inside.Just sayin.......

 

[gwyntaxi]

I worry about the sun bleaching the upholstery ---- So I always close mine,

My alarm LED is always visible even when the binds are close

Over the upholstery with old throws & dust sheets when in storage...simples.

 

[Two on Tour]

Cover upholstery with old throws or dust sheets when in storage stops any sun damage and warms van inside.Just sayin.......

And when the sun is not shining, your van gets colder quicker because the blinds are not retaining the heat, just sayin.......

 

[Beacons]

Blinds open but cover upholstery and front of van dashboard table etc with blankets stop fading .

 

[Michael Rennison]

I had read how the sunlight can help to warm the interior ie passive solar gain in the winter Thanks again for taking time to reply

My van's internal temp is always a couple of degrees above the external temperature. I leave blinds open. It must be the sunlight effect. Strange but true.

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[KPM]

I keep my van on the drive and have never closed the blinds on any of them for a number of reasons, e.g. it weakens the recoil springs, it allows the sun in which helps keep inside feeling warm- ish and aired, the upholstery etc is always covered to prevent sun damage fading etc, and also from a security point “they can see the security devices and hopefully look elsewhere. So no, never close them. Just my views.

Thank you for your views and reasons I really appreciate it thank you

 

[KPM]

You can close the blinds and buy one of these

Pardon our interruption...

Thank you for your input I really appreciate this as well as your time

 

[Rozzer]

I would just like to know what people think when you park up on your own drive for a few weeks/ days do you leave the blinds open or closed I have always in the past left them closed but realise that tends to block off the flashing led from the alarm. I would like to capitalise on this method of prevention from pricing eyes. But there is the counter argument that folles can look in when we leave our cars we don’t prevent people from looking in. I was just wondering if this is becoming a popular option.

I wouldn’t rely on a flashing alarm light to deter thieves. Alarms can be got round. Live in a quiet village in Essex but lots of vehicle thefts in and around, MHs are prime target. Apart from Scorpion alarm and tracker I have driveway post behind it, Bulldog wheel clamp, cab deadlocks, Fiamma Hab and boot locks. Security camera, movement detecting floodlight, gravel drive and dog. Inside steering wheel lock. As for blinds, all closed to stop UV bleaching as others have said, screen cover in winter with de-humidifier running and usual vent covers etc.

I would just like to know what people think when you park up on your own drive for a few weeks/ days do you leave the blinds open or closed I have always in the past left them closed but realise that tends to block off the flashing led from the alarm. I would like to capitalise on this method of prevention from pricing eyes. But there is the counter argument that folles can look in when we leave our cars we don’t prevent people from looking in. I was just wondering if this is becoming a popular option.

 

[funflair]

Sure i have read in the past its best to leave them open, something to do with the tension and wear.

I think that is the spring loaded roller blinds that will always have the spring in tension when closed, in our caravanning days we would draw the curtains when we left it parked up just to save the upholstery and the blind springs, with the MH I will close the blinds especially the windscreen on if its hot and sunny just to keep the temperature down a bit inside, at the moment it's a bit up and a bit down as our central heating boiler is broken so we are using the MH for showers and a warm place to sit.

 

[KiwiKampers]

I seem to remember reading in our motorhome’s handbook that the blinds should be left pushed back when not in use to prevent the pleats from losing their foldaway memory, if that’s the right terminology.

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[Neil54]

We have a winter cover that completely covers the motorhome. I also run a dehumidifier to keep it nice.

In the summer I put the thermal cab covers up to keep out the sunlight.

 

[cyberyacht]

I wouldn’t rely on a flashing alarm light to deter thieves. Alarms can be got round. Live in a quiet village in Essex but lots of vehicle thefts in and around, MHs are prime target. Apart from Scorpion alarm and tracker I have driveway post behind it, Bulldog wheel clamp, cab deadlocks, Fiamma Hab and boot locks. Security camera, movement detecting floodlight, gravel drive and dog. Inside steering wheel lock.

Reminds me of the story of a little old lady living in some remote place which was commented on by a visitor. "I've got a baseball bat, a Smith & Wesson, a pump action 12 bore and an M1 assault rifle". "What are you afraid of?" was the enquiry. " I ain't afraid of nuthin' " was the reply.

 

[bigalw35]

always closed when at home, to keep out prying eyes

 

[Verteuil Man]

A question for you all. When you go off in your moho for a well earned escape. Do you close the curtains on your home?

 

[jezport]

I use cheap thermal screens on the cab windows.

Motorhome Universal External Thermal Blackout Screen Covers Ducato Boxer Relay | eBay

External thermal screen covers manufactured as a 'BLACKOUT BLIND'. Universal fit. Lightweight construction. With drop down zip up window feature to let in light yet maintain privacy.

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[MarionK]

Sure i have read in the past its best to leave them open, something to do with the tension and wear.

Good point, but I leave mine down to prevent fading, especially on the side that gets the most sun on it. Possibly not really required as the windows are tinted, but I'd rather be safe than sorry.