On our different social media accounts, many of you have inquired about the custom wall panels I created for our tent ends. I had planned to do a ‘how-to’ video, however I am lacking on the time right now. Fortunately, during the process I did take some pictures and I figured I would group them together and create a quick ‘how-to’ post now that the winter is rapidly approaching. Below is the step by step process, but before you skip to the instructions let’s talk about what these panels are and why you would want to have them for your hybrid camper.
Modern hybrid campers have ‘tent ends’ that are made of a water proof synthetic canvas material. The canvas provides shelter from rain, privacy and the ability for your camper to fold up compactly. Typically the walls have zippered flaps that expose a screen to allow for better airflow. This is great when the weather is ideal for camping, however when the weather gets cold, the warm air from inside the camper quickly escapes making the efficiency of any heater very poor. Insulated wall inserts help to retain the heat inside the camper. In addition, the panels provide and homey feel when camping. The kids feel more secure and it eliminates the ‘shadow puppet’ effect that happens at night when lights are on in the camper. Everyone doesn’t need to see what is going on inside! Covering the panels with your favorite fabric allows a space to be personalized for the person sleeping in that tent or to coordinate with the rest of the camper. These wall panels are easy to install and remove. They store well under the mattress and can even couple as extra padding for the mattress when underneath. The panels are made from Reflectix, essentially a foiled covered bubble wrap. They are simple enough to make on your own and to customize however you would like!
How to Make Insulated/Decorative Wall Inserts for Tent Ends on Hybrid Campers
Items Needed**:
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1 1/4 Rolls of Reflectix Insulation ( 48in. x10ft. Rolls) A queen size needs 13ft. In length
1 can of spray adhesive
1 bottle of fabric or tacky glue
Fabric of choice
1 1/4 rolls of Duct tape per tent end.
Standard Stapler and staples (optional)
** Quantity needed will vary for different campers. These amounts were used with the Rockwood Roo 233s camper which has 3 Queen beds.
(Scroll to the bottom for step by step instructions)
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1: Measure the outside of the tent walls to get measurements for your inserts. It is easier to measure from the outside. Measure the bottom length and then the height for each side, as the panels are angled. Depending on your camper, all tent ends may not measure the same. On our Rockwood Roo 233s the front end is a slightly different shape then the other 2 making the side panels different measurements.
Step 2: Cut Panels to match your measurements from the roll of Reflectix. (When I did the first one, I made one large panel. However this proved to be cumbersome and I ended up cutting it into 3 panels. Having the smaller panels also made it easier for storage when not in use.)
Step 3: Place inserts in the tent ends to ensure a good fit. The large panel wedges between the support bar and the tent wall. The side panels slide between the support cable and the tent wall. If you do not want to make the the panels decorative and you are fine with this level of insulation, you can stop here.
Step 4: Working with one panel at a time…. Coat the panel with a layer of spray adhesive. If you are using a heavier fabric, like fleece, also apply some fabric glue. It is better to apply the fabric glue first as it has a longer dry time than the spray adhesive. Once the glue is on, lay the fabric on top. Smooth out any bubbles.
Step 5: Flip the the panel over and and staple the border staying close to the edge (about 1/4”). Trim excess fabric. (You could probably just use more fabric glue to secure if you do not want to put staples in it.)
Step 6: Apply a thin bead of fabric glue around the front border of the panel (inline with the staples). Then apply duct tape so that there is enough to fold over and on the other side directly to the Reflectix surface. The tape adheres well to the Reflectix directly.(This is where I messed up on our first set. I applied duct tape directly over the edges as you would binding on a blanket, however the duct tape did not stay secure on the fabric.) This step is also best to be done in smaller sections by applying glue to about a foot or two at a time.
Step 7: Allow glue to dry completely while laying flat before installing the tent.
Step 8: Install and enjoy!
Additional Insights:
Heavier fabrics need stronger adhesive, however they have a cleaner finished look as the glue does not seep through. Note in the picture above: The lavender panel is covered with a thin fabric and the spray glue sealed through leaving a stain.
We used top/flat sheets that coordinated with the bed linens for some of the tent ends, fleece on one, and outdoor fabric on another. All of them have worked fine, but again sturdier fabric has a better finished look.
Fleece fabric is cozier in the winter and more absorbent for any condensation that may occur.
Panels easily store flat under the mattresses when not in use. They do not obstruct the tents ability to fold up for travel.
To help with roof condensation you can install PUGS- Pop-Up Gizmos on the outside of the tent top. We have also used a flat sheet draped over the center support bar and clothespins to attach to the sides. This doesn’t prevent build up necessarily, but it does catch the condensation and prevent it from dripping on your face!
When panels are installed with the roof covers, outside sounds are more muffled as well as inside sounds heard from outside.
Covering the panels with fabric makes the tent space feel more homey.
When the walls are in place, there is no ‘shadow puppet’ effect at night, giving you more privacy.
Our current walls have been used almost everyday for 3 + months and have held up well despite frequently installing and removing for travel.
We hope you have fun creating your own customized look!
**Disclosure: Please note this post contains Affiliate links. This means – at no additional cost to you – we earn a small commission if you make a purchase using our links. The income helps us keep this blog and its free content up and running. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
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