I know I have seen a picture of a 10.0 with a gizmos cover on it. Does anyone out there have one?
I just inquired about the gizmo for our 8.1, but we use our awning/screen room...so it doesn't look like it will work for us. :(
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I just got an email back from Gizmos $299+12.99 shipping for a 10.0. Have to think about that one.
Is there some insulation to these Gizmos? I'm guessing you would get some decent results by simply putting a heavy duty silver/reflective tarp on the top. I think you could get one large enough to cover both the camper and provide some outside covered shelter as well for $75 or less.
I'm assuming these Gizmos work on the idea of reflecting most of the sun and providing some shade.
I'd be interested to hear more about these things from those who have them, and if they think its something that can be replicated as a DIY project.
-Sean
We've discovered that two 5x7 space blankets (http://www.rei.com/product/407106/space-all-weather-blanket#specsTab) attached together (on the long side) with velcro, plus about 16 1" metal spring clamps (http://t.homedepot.com/p/HDX-1-in-Metal-Spring-Clamp-012386/203752762/) pretty much completely covers our QS 6 and works as a very inexpensive alternative to the official Gizmo. Of course this arrangement will likely not withstand significant wind, but it does keep the QS much cooler in direct sun and certainly helps to keep the tenting clean.
Bill
Bill,
Do you use the blankets with the fabric side up or the reflective side up. Might just have to try this on my 8.1,anything that will help here in the Fla. heat and sun would be welcomed.
Tim
Reflective side up. But I've also heard that if you use the reflective side down in cold weather that it helps to retain warmth inside.
Thanks Bill
Hey Bill,
Thanks for the advise on your gizmo. I've been very tempted to check it out. I have a lot of camping time in the heat of the summers and I'm very curious how well this works. I love my 10.0 but sometimes I'm looking for a cool spot to rest. Do you think a camper covered In this with the ac running and with the help of a box fan can keep a camper cool in daytime summer heat?
If you have a chance could you post a pick of your camper with your homemade gizmo.
Thanks again
Sorry, I don't have photos--and regrettably won't have the camper out again until October. Will try to remember to take pictures next time I have it set up. We don't have AC so not sure how much it would improve effectiveness, but seems like it would be of at least modest help. A couple of thoughts about trying this on an 8 or a 10: The space blankets we used, just by chance, happened to have the perfect dimensions for our 6. We already had them around for emergencies and thought "Why not try them." Bingo, they were just right so that they can be clipped, with the spring clamps, to the small flap at the edge of the tent roof. Because the 8 and 10 are wider, I suspect that the dimensions might not work. However, I had originally thought about using a silver tarp because they come in variety of sizes or could perhaps be trimmed to size, so that might be a good alternative. The "aha" moment for me was when I realized that I could use the small spring clamps for attachment, instead of more complicated and cumbersome tie downs--as long as I could come up with a correctly sized gizmo-like cover. As I said before, it's not going to be wind-proof, but for normal conditions, it's great as a sun shield and as a way to keep the tent top clean.
Bill
When my brother had a 01 Coleman Utah (relabeled Arizona) he used the popup gizmos and though camping above 6,000 feet it did make a difference. I sometimes deploy a white 10' x 20' tarp over our camper primarily to protect from tree squirrels using the camper top as a trampoline.
A squirrel trampoline! Who da thought?