tips on keeping the SUV cooler/sun reflection

[Canoe]

So. Does that mean that my pool cover painted with silver , (plastic bonding), paint is good or bad? It's just heavy duty bubble wrap.

If it comes with that silver already on it, then you're at the mercy of what the paint is. You can layer it for more insulation value.

If it's not silver already, then see what paint will reflect the most, both for sun (visible) and heat. If you can get a very shinny aluminum paint, then it may actually have aluminum particles as pigment instead of colourized mica pigments. The aluminum particles would likely be the best bet for reflecting the most heat away possible.

I'm having no luck finding the rattle-cans I found before, nor any specs for the ones I do find. (I should have saved that info, but was assuming I'd get updated info when I needed it...)

The problem with an aluminum or silver paint is, what pigments did they use and how reflective is it, both for sunlight and for heat (infra-red). Without knowing, you'd be taking a gamble with how well it will perform.

But, you could use White Krylon Paint:

• Will not reflect away as much heat as a paint designed to, or using pigments that, reflect heat away.
• Will reflect away more visible light and heat than a "looks like" aluminum paint, which is using darker-than-white pigments to fake the look of aluminum/silver.
• Gloss White reflects slightly more.
• Will certainly perform much better than not coating the blue bubble wrap, just not as well as foil-sided bubble-wrap or the aluminized mylar space/emergency blankets.

Good luck!
and let us know after how well what you end up with worked on-playa.

[VCO]

Did a bunch of research online, and it seemed that Rustoleum 7718 "Chrome" was pretty good for this kind of thing. I painted the metal roof of my truck camper with three coats, so I'll find out whether or not it was a complete waste of time.

Even just driving around town for a couple of weeks already has it covered in a haze of dust and grime, and it's not even on the playa yet. Not sure how effective it will be once it starts getting coated in playa dust.

[gyre]

Rustoleum HD Aluminum is 50% aluminum.

You can burnish it to a fairly reflective sheen, even after it is dirty.
I use a paper towel for that.

I brush it on, but it can be sprayed.

They have a stainless in a spray can, and a good white enamel.

[Ratty]

Well, here's how it went with the painted pool covering. Packing it to 'take with' my hands looked silver. It was very thick as far as bubble wrap is concerned so the blue tape was a bitch to get it on the car. 8 windows, 5 stuck and the rest failed. Surprisingly, the ones on the windy side stayed on and blocked the sun. So...yeah I guess it worked but it went out with the trash this morning. It did make a world of difference. I slept in till 9:30 on several mornings. NEXT YEAR...I'm spending the $20 for a roll of good reflective bubble wrap at HD and putting it inside the van. Every year is the best one yet.

[gyre]

I've seen someone post about this before, but don't know where.
I want a spacer to hold a tarp over the truck.
Realized it doesn't have to be bolted on.
Space may be an issue, and I think someone made one out of pvc or ???

I'll probably wrap reflectix over the top, then a spacer, then stretch the tarp over.

Any ideas?

[Ratty]

Hard styrofoam or foam rubber with holes in it for a rope to go through. (So it won't blow away.) Like the pieces you would use to carry a canoe on the top of your car.

[gyre]

I was trying to do something that would use less space.
Would work though,
Never moved a canoe that way.

[Canoe]

I've done that with my canoe. There are purpose made ones for canoes too.
Also used pool noodles, but for short distances as they wear down.

For playa use, I'd be worried the wind would have the foam start to wear away the paint.

Anything bolted to the truck shouldn't be able to scratch or wear the paint.

[gyre]

I'm not worried about the paint on the topper.
i'll try to keep it off the cab, though it would be nice to shade it.

If I bolt on, it has to assemble or it will be high enough to add wind drag.
I bought a light weight topper for the trip, but no insulation so far.