Silver Exterior Thermal Screens - 4 Brands To Consider

[Wombles]

The competition for good quality external (silver) thermal screens is hotting up with a couple of new(ish) ones that are worth a look - keep getting asked about best ones so thought we should post a thread so easy to refer to with the website links & maybe some handy feedback from Funsters. Historically it was just the first two here that most experienced motorhomers would recommend but now there are a couple of other options to consider depending on your requirements:
The original Silver Screens http://www.silverscreens.co.uk/ - expensive but good reputation, they have templates for 150 models & offer quick delivery but you do have to ring them to order.
Cheaper but popular Taylormade https://taylormade-covers.co.uk/ with a good range & easy to order from their website.
Lots of good feedback & competitive price for Minster Polar screens http://www.minsterproducts.co.uk/Polar.htm but don't know yet if their fabric is as durable long term as the two market leaders above. Range limited to the most popular models but they can make bespoke screens using a template kit or by arranging a visit to their premises.
Best known for their fun & bespoke designs Rainbow screens https://rainbowscreens.co.uk/ have a big following with campervan owners but as well as these they do a big range of plain colours not only silver & black but 21 in total including a smart Champagne as well as reds, blues, purple, pink, yellow, green....
The ones with designs may look like novelty items but without they look smart, well made & claim to be waterproof with a price point in line with original Silver Screens. They also offer a bespoke screen service as well as popular models.

All the above have or offer the option of the front screen section folding down & offer longer length screens either as standard or to order. Adding a front mesh privacy panel may be an option to consider too.

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Taylormade, Minster & Rainbow are at the Peterborough Warners Show this weekend so worth a look at them all to see which screens suit your needs best.

 

[Grianan]

Great post. Worth sticky-ing it ..

 

[Littlewheels]

I have the Minster Polar in Black Exterior,Silver Interior and it’s a great fit and very effective,however, after 4/5 months of winter sun in Spain the black is seriously loosing its pigment.

 

[bigtwin]

Not forgetting KANTOP and Hindermann available from VanComfort who are also at Peterborough this weekend.

Ian

 

[Wombles]

For anyone who likes the camouflage look - Grey Camo is now a new standard screen colour option from Rainbow. Would be wary about dark colours though, after reading Littlewheels post above, unless you are happy for them to fade a bit.

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[Gellyneck]

Wombles
Just wondering if you had heard anything further about Tina at Taylormade?
Had a couple of email exchanges with Carolyn but don't want to keep pestering her.

 

[Wombles]

Wombles
Just wondering if you had heard anything further about Tina at Taylormade?
Had a couple of email exchanges with Carolyn but don't want to keep pestering her.

Sorry no - I don't know them personally just follow their Facebook page where I saw the post about Tina. No updates for 5 days - let's hope no news is good news

 

[68c]

I would try and find a set of screens that do not absorb water. Mine came with the van so do not know make but are a pain to put away when wet, heavy and drip water.

 

[Wombles]

I would try and find a set of screens that do not absorb water. Mine came with the van so do not know make but are a pain to put away when wet, heavy and drip water.

Some screen covers are more water resistant than others but having talked to a couple of the manufacturers the difficulty is the stitching - even if specialist thread is used water still gets into the padding. The bubble wrap & plastic types are waterproof but don't offer the same level of insulation. Seems like most prefer the padded type & keep them on end in a trug or bucket or the shower when travelling then hang them up to dry out at home.

 

[DJT]

I can honestly say the paragon silver screen type that we have used since 2015 have never been prone to any water absorption.
The outside seam does get damp but doesn’t cause an issue re storage in the van.
DJT

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[68c]

Why can't they tape over the seam stitching like a tent, cost more I suppose.

 

[Scotch mist]

Watching this with interest as i need to order a set for a pilote G741 , A Class

 

[Wombles]

Watching this with interest as i need to order a set for a pilote G741 , A Class

Lots of A Class owners on here have opted for Minster Polar screens & have only seen & heard good reviews so far - hopefully some will post soon or maybe you could start a thread & ask for feedback on best option?

 

[Fulham Dave]

Watching this with interest as i need to order a set for a pilote G741 , A Class

I am booked in to Minster / Polar to have a screed measured and fitted to our Dethleffs A class. Can give you feedback after Weds if you wish?

 

[Scotch mist]

I am booked in to Minster / Polar to have a screed measured and fitted to our Dethleffs A class. Can give you feedback after Weds if you wish?

I’d like that , I would be very great full if you could ask if they have the template for a pilote G741
& a cost ? , I'm in Scotland so pre made would suit me better

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[Jake vE]

I’d like that , I would be very great full if you could ask if they have the template for a pilote G741
& a cost ? , I'm in Scotland so pre made would suit me better

I've not had mine from Polar for that long but no complaints so far.

If they don't have your template (they didn't have mine) they will post you a template with good instructions to do it yourself and then post it back to them. Fairly easy to do and only took about 30 mins to mark up

 

[TinaLes]

Very pleased this thread has been revived, as I am about to order some Silver Screens. I had sort of made my mind up to go with Polar Screens, as I only want the normal Silver ones, albeit extra long to cover the front scuttle, and with a pull down privacy screen for during the day.
The only reason I haven't ordered them before now, was because we normally tour and only stay put for couple of days, unless on a Fun Rally. We dont do campsites, unless there is no alternative.

One question that I would like answered, and will ask Polar Screens is, are they OK to leave on van over winter while storing?. I think I may have read that they dont last as long as they should by doing this
If it is possible, then that would save me some electric, as we keep the van temp stat set at 8/10 degrees over winter while at home.
Many Thanks.
LES

 

[Mikey RV]

Mine are on all year round, apart from when I am driving, They won’t last as long as someone just using them for a couple of trips a year but are ok for long term use.

 

[The Coops]

Very pleased this thread has been revived, as I am about to order some Silver Screens. I had sort of made my mind up to go with Polar Screens, as I only want the normal Silver ones, albeit extra long to cover the front scuttle, and with a pull down privacy screen for during the day.
The only reason I haven't ordered them before now, was because we normally tour and only stay put for couple of days, unless on a Fun Rally. We dont do campsites, unless there is no alternative.

One question that I would like answered, and will ask Polar Screens is, are they OK to leave on van over winter while storing?. I think I may have read that they dont last as long as they should by doing this
If it is possible, then that would save me some electric, as we keep the van temp stat set at 8/10 degrees over winter while at home.
Many Thanks.
LES

You saw ours Les, brilliant, we did have a slight problem with a stich coming undone, called in on way home and done on the spot. Fine to leave on as they breathe just check every couple of weeks for any trapped debris and as you say keeps the van temp up.

 

[TinaLes]

Hi All
Just been on The Minster Products website, and found this statement, which is a wee bit disappointing as the screens would be primarily used for winter storage, or that was my intention at least.
Your thoughts please.
LES
UPDATE:-11/11/2020
Polar thermal screen covers are for use while the motorhome is being used, to eliminate condensation and keep the cab area warmer during the winter months, and cooler in the summer. Polar thermal screen covers are not design for storage purposes, due to the material being waterproof. If the thermal screens are used for storage, water can sit underneath the screen cover and can cause issues with mould growth and staining if dirty water is trapped underneath.

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[Wombles]

Hi All
Just been on The Minster Products website, and found this statement, which is a wee bit disappointing as the screens would be primarily used for winter storage, or that was my intention at least.
Your thoughts please.
LES
UPDATE:-11/11/2020
Polar thermal screen covers are for use while the motorhome is being used, to eliminate condensation and keep the cab area warmer during the winter months, and cooler in the summer. Polar thermal screen covers are not design for storage purposes, due to the material being waterproof. If the thermal screens are used for storage, water can sit underneath the screen cover and can cause issues with mould growth and staining if dirty water is trapped underneath.

Think that's fair & would expect that for any screen cover - many buy a cheap well used screen cover for storage & keep the new one for camping but not so easy to find secondhand screen covers for A Class motorhomes.

 

[TheAleMan]

Mine are on all year round, apart from when I am driving, They won’t last as long as someone just using them for a couple of trips a year but are ok for long term use.

Me too. I’m on my second set of Taylormade covers in 13 years of constant spring, summer, autumn, and winter use. Testament enough me thinks.

 

[Otter Spotter]

Minster Polar screen in black for me. Good price and they are very well made

 

[rickwiggans]

I’d like that , I would be very great full if you could ask if they have the template for a pilote G741
& a cost ? , I'm in Scotland so pre made would suit me better

They can if you wish instruct you how to make a suitable template. I've used them for custom screen, including a screen to floor wrap-around lower cover. Excellent service.

 

[Gellyneck]

Think that's fair & would expect that for any screen cover - many buy a cheap well used screen cover for storage & keep the new one for camping but not so easy to find secondhand screen covers for A Class motorhomes.

That's why I'm buying a second set. Old with Velcro getting so so for storage ("tied on") and new when travelling.

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[bigwood]

We had a silverscreen cover for our other Transit. When we pulled it out of the bag there were inside screens for the side and rear doors. They said they had been in stock for a while and were welcome to them.
So far we havnt bothered with a screen cover for the current motorhome but I would buy another one from Sliverscreens.

 

[Fulham Dave]

I’d like that , I would be very great full if you could ask if they have the template for a pilote G741
& a cost ? , I'm in Scotland so pre made would suit me better

Morning, I am at Minster / Polar n9w and just posed the question ref your van. To check if they have the template already, they need the year of manufacture of your van, can you advise please?

 

[Scotch mist]

Hi Dave & for anybody who might have a set
it is a 2020 model

 

[Wombles]

Wombles
Just wondering if you had heard anything further about Tina at Taylormade?
Had a couple of email exchanges with Carolyn but don't want to keep pestering her.

Good news - latest update from their Facebook page:
"I can finally give you some positive news over Tina, she is out of ICU and now on Coronary Care hopefully waiting for a pacemaker fitting. I’d also just like to thank every body for all your lovely comments on both FB, emails and phone calls."

 

[Gellyneck]

Good news - latest update from their Facebook page:
"I can finally give you some positive news over Tina, she is out of ICU and now on Coronary Care hopefully waiting for a pacemaker fitting. I’d also just like to thank every body for all your lovely comments on both FB, emails and phone calls."

Great news. Thanks for taking the time to let me know.

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