Jet Shades

[whodja]

Buy some clear vinyl and use a sharpie to trace the outline.

[AviatorJ]

Originally Posted by N42AH

Last year I had installed an Airflow air-conditioning and the system works great with lots of cold air and volume. What I want to do is help the A/C not to have to work so hard.

Which evaporator version did you use? I installed the larger unit with cabin flood vents. Those do most the cooling, the little overhead vents help out a lot because they're 5" from your head.

[lr172]

Originally Posted by togaflyer

I installed “static cling” window tinting. They have various shading but the 20 percent works for me. Before my -10 I did it on my Saratoga and looked good and lasted for years. Since the -10 windows have a radius they are much more difficult to pattern cut, fit and install the tinting, especially the door plexiglass. But it is very doable. If your -10 has the outside glassing over the windows you can use the lip to make a pattern on the outside. I did not glass in the outside of the windows so I was unable to do it. You can pay to have it done, but make sure only static cling tinting, nothing sharp around the plexiglass ie cutting directly on the plexiglass, and what not to step on. Oh and it both makes it cool on the inside and looks cooler on the outside. Doing it yourself is about 30 dollars and you will need two rolls 24 inch wide.

I plan to put the Gila 20% on the rear windows and considering it on the door windows. Did you notice any optical clarity issues with the 20% on the door windows?

I understand the 35% version is thinner with less distortion, however, it seems to be no longer available anywhere.

Larry

[cojaken]

My buddy installed Jet Shades on his Bonanza. He loves them and thinks they make a real difference.

[togaflyer]

With the tinting it is darker, but about the same view as a car window being tinted. I found the 20 percent nice. Keeps the sun from baking you but still sufficient for night ops. Search U Tube videos for tint installation and go to the Gila WEB page which has install video. There is a U Tube video of someone having the rear windows in their RV -10 done by a company. The doors are a major pain because of the radius. Would be much easier with the door on the workbench but I was too lazy to remove it. Plan a hour or so per window and maybe a few explicit words but if you do your homework first it’s well worth it. Very positive response from my co pilot on the difference it makes. You may even want to ditch that AC afterwards. But probably not!

[Electrogunner]

I installed the Gila 5% on the back windows. It looks great but there is some distortion when looking out. I installed the 20% on the right side door window, which is a royal pain but very doable with good results. I found the 20% on the door window to be unacceptable to me as far as the clarity through it and I think too dark for night ops so I pulled it off. Still looking for alternatives for the door windows though.

[lr172]

Thanks for the input. Very frustrating that gila discontinued the 35% version. I understand that clarity was much better.

Larry

[N42AH]

Originally Posted by AviatorJ

Which evaporator version did you use? I installed the larger unit with cabin flood vents. Those do most the cooling, the little overhead vents help out a lot because they're 5" from your head.

Justin
I got the Aussie evaporator...bigger is always better. Also got the extra/high speed blower for the overhead vents. Have two cabin flood vents in the rear bulkhead and 6 overhead vents of which I only use 2. From my waist up things are comfortable...not cold but comfortable.

[cderk]

Originally Posted by N42AH

Justin
I got the Aussie evaporator...bigger is always better. Also got the extra/high speed blower for the overhead vents. Have two cabin flood vents in the rear bulkhead and 6 overhead vents of which I only use 2. From my waist up things are comfortable...not cold but comfortable.

Steve - how difficult was it to install the AC?

[N42AH]

Originally Posted by cderk

Steve - how difficult was it to install the AC?

I worked with Bill at AirFlow to use one of his proven installers. All I want to do is turn it off and on...not to do the install in my existing RV-10.
The gentleman that did the install is Arnold Holmes @ AV Mech 352-617-2029 in Florida. Excellent work and very clean install.