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If you’re like most RV owners, you may spend a lot of time inside your vehicle.
Whether on a cross-country road trip or just staying local for the weekend, you want your RV as comfortable as possible. One way to do this is by applying RV window tint.
We have five key benefits to tinting your RV windows, ranging from comfort to security. What are these benefits? And what are the legalities of tinting your windows? Read on to find out!
What Is Window Tinting?
Window tinting is a process whereby a thin film is applied to the glass of a window to reduce the amount of light that can pass through.
The film can be clear, colored, or mirrored and is typically made from polyester or other durable materials.
Tinting your windows can have many benefits, including reducing glare, protecting your furniture from fading, and blocking harmful UV rays. Sometimes, it can also help keep your car cooler in the summer.
Can RV Windows Be Tinted?
Many RVs now come off the lot with the windows already darkened to improve insulation and privacy. But if yours did not, don’t worry. You can apply RV window tint yourself or have a professional do it after the fact.
Read on to learn how to tint your windows, how much it costs, and how dark they can be.
Do All RVs Come With Tinted Windows?
As we mentioned, RV window tint comes already applied to many, if not most, recreational vehicles when you drive them away from the dealer.
However, that doesn’t hold true for all makes and models of motorhomes or trailers. Some rigs don’t come with tinted windows at purchase, especially if you buy a used or an older one.
5 Benefits of Tinting Your RV Windows
Tinting your RV windows offer several benefits that can improve your comfort and safety on the road.
Here are five of the most important reasons to consider window tinting for your motorhome or camper.
Enhanced Privacy
One of the most important benefits of window tinting is enhanced privacy.
By tinting your windows, you can reduce the visibility into your camper, making it more difficult for would-be thieves to see what you have inside. And so next-door neighbors can’t peek in.
Reduction of Interior Temperature
Another key benefit of tinting your RV windows is the reduction of the interior temperature. This is especially important in hot weather, as it can help keep your RV cooler and more comfortable.
By blocking out some of the sun’s rays, window tint can help keep your RV from getting too warm. This can make it a more pleasant place to spend time.
Protection From Sun Damage
In addition to making your RV more comfortable in hot weather, tint can also help protect the interior of your RV from sun damage. The sun’s rays can cause fading and other damage to your RV’s upholstery, floors, and walls.
Tinting your windows can help reduce the amount of sun exposure your RV’s interior receives, helping to keep it looking new for longer.
Reduction of Glare While Driving
Another benefit of tinting your RV windows is improved glare reduction. This can be helpful when driving, making it easier to see the road ahead.
Additionally, reducing the glare in your RV can help ease eye strain and fatigue.
Increased Security
Tinted windows can also help increase the security of your RV. Many types of tint include an adhesive film that makes it more difficult to break the glass.
Some types of tint can also help hold the glass in place if it shatters, making it less likely to cause serious injuries.
Keep in Mind: Looking for the best RV Security System? Click the link to see the best options on the market!
How Dark Is Too Dark for RV Window Tint?
How dark your RV window tint can be depends on which windows you want to shade. It also varies from state to state.
However, according to the Department of Transportation, federal law requires “70% light transmittance in the windshield and windows to the immediate right and left of the driver and the rearmost windows if used for driving visibility.” This law applies to any passenger vehicle, motorhome, or truck.
If the window tint blocks more than 30% of light through the windshield or side windows, it is too dark for your vehicle. The remaining windows can be as dark as you want.
The darkness of your window tint is its VLT or Visible Light Transmission rating.
The larger the number, the more light it allows through. For instance, a 70% VLT means that 70% of sunlight passes through the window. A lower number means less light and, thus, a darker tint.
How Much Does RV Window Tint Cost?
RV window tint has a wide range of prices depending on the vehicle’s size and the number of windows. In general, it will cost you somewhere between about $10 and upward of $100 per window, depending upon a few factors.
You’ll save money if you do it yourself. Professionals typically charge between $25 and $50 per window but may give you a discount when tinting multiple ones.
You can also get several types of tint that have different prices. If you buy one simply for darkening the windows and reducing glare, it’ll cost less than a tint that also helps reduce glass breakage.
You can also purchase window tint in cost-saving rolls that you can cut to size, as opposed to single sheets.
Can I Install RV Window Tint Myself?
You can save money by installing window tint yourself. However, it is a tedious process that requires patience due to issues with bubbling, adhesion, and clarity.
If you don’t feel patient or skilled in this area, you may want to leave it to the professionals. But if you’re a skilled do-it-yourselfer with an eye for detail, your wallet will thank you.
Keep in Mind: Make your life on the road easier with these 5 simple upgrades!
Is RV Window Tinting Worth It?
Putting window tint on your RV comes with clear benefits. And now you know about the legalities and cost considerations involved in the process.
We believe that RV window tinting is worth it. If you decide to do it yourself, just have the patience to get the best results. You won’t be sorry when you reap the benefits of a more comfortable and secure rig.
