Hi Hargs,
It's not bulky to carry at all as simply folds in 1/2 along the join, then folds over twice and sits on the bed, I fold it in the same spot each time which hasn't had any negative impact on the material, if it does I will probably just use the special reinforced silver tap to fix it.
Am thinking of leaving it on the CT roof when folding it all away and will try over Xmas. Only worry is the shiny side being aluminium may leave a black mark on the canvas although I think the shiny side will all fold up onto its self so shouldnt be a problem.
I got the air-cell insulation off a roofer for nothing as was left over from a job, you could also try builders or shed erectors if you know any, as there are many similar products? Even air cell has a couple of different products with one looking very similar to the woven blue tarp material on both sides.
Try
http://www.kingspaninsulation.com.au/Products/Kingspan-Air-Cell/AIR-CELL-Insulbreak/Overview.aspx You should also be able to shop around and the local hardware or Bunnings, however a full 30 mtr roll will allow you to do about 3 CT's.
The only money I spent was $80.00 to get a canvas guy to run a PVC edge strip with eyelets around the perimeter of the blanket.
Hi Gadgetman,
I find the performance of the solar blanket to be fantastic as is significally cooler in summer and warmer in winter. My test shows an outside temp of 35 degrees, inside CT temp of 32 degrees and a temp directly under the awning of 50 degrees with a temp directly under the CT roof that is insulated of only 30 degrees. So inside of the CT was cooler than the ambient temp outside due to the reduction of heat transfer through the the canvas from radiation, convection and conduction.
I have walked into the various CT's at camping shows with and without a solar blanket and you can easily feel the difference which was also noted by many others.
It did rain heavily one night on a recent camping trip and found it to be a little noisy (was raining very heavy) however everyone still slept well. Next day (which was pack up day) the roof of the CT was still dry except for around the very edges (blanket is impervious) so all I did was take the blanket off the CT, pack up the kitchen, beds, chairs etc which by this time the roof was dry and fold the lot away.
Interestingly the roof of the CT would have been wet with or without the blanket and the blanket does keep the dew off and condensation away.
Hope this info helps
Regards
Wartim
