I am working on a velcro rear hatch screen. I think having the rear hatch open while sleeping/lounging in the summer would provide tons oaf fresh air. I am building a screen that would attach to the back hatch top opening (bottom closed) via small specks of velcro!

Thanks to my 77 vw camper bus for this idea!

I will post a pic when i get it done.

I agree this is an excellent idea!

If you don't need the additional tailgate-down space, forget the big cabana kit that doesn't fit tightly and can scratch the paint

$5.97 for the fiberglass bug screen material
$3.97 for the all weather industrial velcro

when my wife gets home, i will see if she can sew fabic edges and velcro to the screen, and then its just positioning the screen on the back hatch opening and sticking the velcro down.:)

I finished the screen for the back in a half hour but the moon roof screen didn't work out. I either have to make it bigger with stiff edges or ?? You mentioned a draw string. Did this tie on the outside with the moon roof out?

Sleeping in the E is great,but for some air, you gotta open a window, and you might wanna keep the bugs out.

I figure somebody else already did something along these lines.. but here's what I did. :)

I bought mosquito netting (white, ugh) in a 10 foot square pack. I cut a square out of it 6 inches wider than the widest part of the bottom of the open glass portion of the hatch. (46 inches?), and a lot longer than past the open glass.

To hold it in place.

I sewed a "sheath" of the top of the netting, to pass a curtain rod through.. one of those cheap metal ones with rubber tips and a spring inside. So that i can put the rod above the top rubber molding of the open glass hatch..

On the two sides of the netting, I sewed a "sheath" each, to pass a chain through (white coated decorative chain), so the sides of the netting are held down, in the grooves on the outside of the side rubber moldings.

On the bottom, I bought a 42 inch piece of galvanized chain at the hardware store (where I bought the 20-something inch white chains for the sides).

This galvanized chain goes on the ledge (top) of the hatch door, where the door release is. The chain "snakes"/conforms to the non-straight ledge. This holds the bottom of the netting down nicely.


**

It was easier to make the netting cover only the top half of the hatch (glass portion) than the entire thing.

Looking back, i should/would/coulda bought army netting (olive green) for @2.99 a yard by 60 inches, on a site I forget now. :confused:
It would have been more manly than the bridal veil white :D

And Lowe's has a "cloth screen" material that would make a good alternative to the white netting too.

No. I don't have pictures.
Gimme some time and I'll get some. :)

If anyone has done something similar, post those pics here for all to enjoy and admire.

I know how some attach a tent to the rear of the E, or an awning, or a screen house gazebo.. but that's not so unique. KnowwhatImean?

If I got your description right, you open the upper tailgate, and then cover the opening with your netting, holding it in place with the rod and chain placed in the water drainage channels.

I've thought about ways of attaching a tenting sleeve using those water channels, but haven't been successful. Your idea of using chain is interesting.

I just bought 3 yards of green mesh from my local REI - it's the fine stuff used for tents. $3.50 a yard. I have a couple of side window screens that are held in place with button magnets. I also have a modified 'midsize camper top tent' that encloses the fully open tailgate - but it wraps around the top of the tailgate and down the sides. It failed my last bug test, though I may have figured out ways of closing the gaps.

It might also be possible to rig a bug proof enclosure using the LATCH bars and rear shoulder seatbelt anchors as attachment points. At least I've been able to run string from these points to the corners of the raised tailgate in a way that wraps snuggly around the liner. But I haven't tried anything in cloth yet.

paulj

Memorial Weekend I camped and slept in the E and became a big fan of www.skreenz.com (http://www.skreenz.com) for the front windows. $55 for the pair and they fit like a glove. Absolutely perfect! I think they could get twice as much as those things are so excellent and useful. And the $12 or so I paid for a 72" square piece of mosquitoe netting from www.campmor.com (http://www.campmor.com) was the deal of the year for me. As you can see in these pics I simply used flag magnets that I carry (9/11 collection that I keep in the E) and to secure the top of the netting in the hatch opening, simply laying a hiking pole above the weather stripping did the trick. Kept that hatch open all day which kept the E cool even in direct sun and helped the x-treme cooler keep ice for 5 days. I now carry the skreenz and the netting in the E at all times, along with the hiking pole.

Actually, the 72" mosquito no-see-um netting from campmor was $5.


http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=12358

If I got your description right, you open the upper tailgate, and then cover the opening with your netting, holding it in place with the rod and chain placed in the water drainage channels.
paulj

That sounds right to me.
The netting is around the outside of the rubber molding.

When I get the time this weekend, I'll take some 35 mm pics of it.. and transform them into jpg for posting. (I'm a 20th century kinda guy.)

------

hiker chick, your setup is similar to how i was originally gonna do it.. but I decided to trim down all that excess netting, so it's a tight, and neater, fit.

Tidy it isn't, for sure, but it did keep the bees out...

I also learned not to close the hatch on the screening. A slice in the middle, now clipped.

Here's a view of a tropical mosquito 'bar' (from REI) tucked around the tailgate, and held in place with magnets and spring clamps. Search on 'mombasa' for more threads on the topic. I haven't tried this net in a buggy environment yet.

paulj

p.s. the net is secured with a mix of spring clamps and 'grip clips'.

I found that I can secure a length of 57" wide netting against the tailgate gasket using a bunch of magnets and small spring clamps. Across the top and half way down the sides, magnets (3/4" buttons and similar size bars) hold it to the metal drainage channel. It can either over lap the closed lower tailgate, or reach to the floor with the tailgate open. A bit of chain or other weights can hold the bottom edge in place.

paulj

I just used the tailgate bug neting at a campsite. Temperatures at sunset were around 75, dropping down to 67 in the early morning. Initially the inside of the car felt stuffy, in part because the mesh was too fine to let the light breeze through. After a bit it was comfortable enough. I also placed a piece of netting over a front window, held in place with button magnets.

It wasn't a tough test for bug proofness. Some were flying around at supper, but few were to be seen or heard at bed time.

Since I'd spent several hours that afternoon on dusty backroads, the tailgate and the rain channels around the opening had a thick layer of dust. So I spent some time wiping these areas clean before mounting the netting. I didn't want to get any more dust inside the car than necessary.

paulj

MY FIRST DIY MOD... WITH PIX!
And as Ricky Ricardo said, "this is gonna take some ‘splainin’"… I think you guys are barking up the wrong tree on keeping the E cool for camping and bug free. That back hatch mesh gives no in and out easement and if you’re somewhere that you’d want to lock the E, you have to dismantle the whole net thing. Here’s what I did. I went and had a home screen door screen made to fit in the moon roof… 21 7/8ths by 31 5/8ths from outside of frame to outside of frame. My local hardware store did it for $20. I then bent a slight bow in the frame so it would lay flat against the rubber that the moon roof glass seals against. Then, to make an even firmer seal, I wedged a rubber ball (a ball from that paddle ball game played on the beach fits perfectly) between the glass of the moon roof and the air dam. On the other side I have a 12 inch bamboo stick (you could use a dowel rod) to prop up the window to give maximum circulation and yet still mostly block the rain that will inevitable come when camping. No need to remove the window completely. The catch here is that the moon roof rubber seal has a gap where the moon roof handle is located. I just bought a $1 spongy feeling sponge and trimmed it to fit and wedged it in the hole under the screen frame. Finally, after laying the screen on top the sponge to seal… I place the stick holding the window up on the frame of the screen to seal that side opposite the ball. And here is the cooling coup de grace… I picked up a low amperage oscillating fan from an RV store to plug into the back acc. hole. It has a big alligator clip and I attach it above the screen on the handle of the window and it pours cool air down through the bug free moon roof screen. Ceiling fan for the E and you can lock yourself in! Also, I’d recommend a screen on one or both front windows for cross ventilation. I ordered two of those Campmor screens for $5. Just close the door on them to seal bugs out.

I sewed in channels on the edges of the netting and threaded chain through the chanels. The chain sits perfectly around the opening with the bottom hand up. Chains weight it down. Big wind might be a problem..

Then, I have DIY skreens for the front doors so there is air going through. I also had a fan to help with circulation.

Pics here:http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15871&page=3&pp=10

A possible downside to this hardware store frame is storage. Depending on other gear it may be hard to find a good place to store this large fixed frame when its not in use. On the other hand, the home style fiberglass mesh proably allows better ventillation than the finer tent mesh.

paulj

That's a thought, but all the items needed for cool bug free sleeping fit neatly in the moon roof storage bag... including the mesh for the front windows. Of course they are not carried around at all times, just when camping. And after the tent and 1,000,000 candle power spot light and cooler and bear repellent and stove and canoe and hammock and swim fins... well you get the idea... the thin little screen in its protective pouch isn't any more bulky than other camping stuff. Dang bears.

Has anyone thought about using a mosquito net bed canopy inside the E instead?
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=7902&memberId=12500226&storeId=226&catalogId=40000000226&langId=-1

Dundee: I like this idea (and price)! I think it may give alittle more protection, because I also wondered about having the screenz on the window--when you open the door bugs would fly in. (And I know I'll be peeing in the night:shock: ). This way I could be on the OUTSIDE of the net before I open the door. And it would cover all windows INCLUDING the skylight! I couldn't make anything myself for $14!

I LIKE IT. Going to Canfield's sporting goods today to see if they have it, before I order it on line.

The Campmor net that Dundee mentions has a similar geometry to the Mombasa mosquito bar that I mentioned in post 10, though the material may be different. (I should replace the missing images)

I have tried hanging my bar inside, with mixed results. It's hard to find good hanging points.

paulj

The Campmor net that Dundee mentions has a similar geometry to the Mombasa mosquito bar that I mentioned in post 10, though the material may be different. (I should replace the missing images)

I have tried hanging my bar inside, with mixed results. It's hard to find good hanging points.

paulj
Does your E have tieoff points in the roof of the hatch opening (covered by sliders). I would think those and maybe tying it off on the visor hing would be ok. Or does it sag to much? Mine are 24" apart and it is 91" from them to the visors. The single net (http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=7901&memberId=12500226) for $10 is probably a better fit since its 36" wide. Maybe a piece of 36" heavy gauge wire hung snug to the rear tieoffs would eliminate any sag. Or maybe some velcro stickon patches for tieoffs. The net only weighs 4oz and you could easily put 4 to 6 velcro patches anywhere on the inside roof.

I can think of 7 points near the ceiling where a net could be hung - the 2 LATCH points by the tailgate, 2 rear seatbelt anchors, and 3 hand holds. Plus 3 points by the windshield (mirror and visors).

If you are sleeping on the floor there might be enough headroom even if the net sags. If sleeping on a platform or the seats, headroom could be a problem.

paulj

Found the exact netting at Scheels today. Went ahead and got it. I got the double one so it would cover most of the inside. I'm pretty sure it will work--I messed around with it for a couple minutes tonight in the garage, but need more room (and light). It's been one of those days where I have been flitting from one project to another.:twisted:

Here's my solution for screening the hatch. I used the 48" wide fiberglass screening. Covered the edges with double fold quilt binding which also holds magnets on the top half & gives a more finished edge. Cut slits for the tailgate supports & velcro to secure around the wire. Can be used with the tailgate up or down.

Pics soon, but I usually use my suv tent but sometimes I use my netting and that is, from VT Army and Navy, (online), a bed canopy that is suppose to hang down over the bed from a ring. I simply put the ring on the top of the car, Drape it over the side the pop out windows snap it in place and have the upper tailgate open. During the day both upper and lower tailgate is open, there is easy access for goods (camping stuff) as it comes w/ a doorway. At night I pullup and close the bottom tailgate - tuck it in and walla! I do put a beach towel under the netting ontop of the upper open tailgate, just so the fine netting doesn't snag on corners.

Cost on sale was about $25. but I like the fact there is a door way to get in and out during day use.

Thus with my skreens on the doors, and the with the nettting, it's great for sleeping.
Nice when you need protection and not setting up a tent.
Folds up and fits right back in the pouch they give you. I travel with it in the E at all times.

sorta looks like PaulJ's....

Soon I'll grab some pics.
jurn

Here is another resource for fiberglass mesh (http://www.seattlefabrics.com/mesh.html#Fiberglass%20Screening) and mosquito netting (http://www.seattlefabrics.com/mesh.html#No-See-UM%20Mosquito%20Netting). I haven't comparison shopped everywhere, but since this place is local I was able to get some of each from the remnant bin. They also have cargo netting (http://www.seattlefabrics.com/mesh.html#Cargo%20Netting), if you want to try and rig an "attic" in your E. I think that's what they call the things in the tent ...

I've spent considerable time on this forum getting great ideas on how to modify my element. I am planning on going camping and sleeping in my Element. I am wondering if any of you have ideas on how to keep the bugs out if I leave the windows open for ventilation. Also any ideas on how to keep the rain out as well.

Thanks


Walmart carries this thing called Who-Rae. It's a mesh sleeve that one puts over the rear door so you can leave the window ajar. It's main purpose is for shade and ventilation. They have one compatible for the Ele. I think it's the "Small/ Rectangular Shaped" size. $9.99 (or was it 19.99?). Additionally, the manufacturer says the product is only for the rear windows but seeing that you'll use it for camping (and not whilst driving as it hinders visibility) perhaps one of the larger sizes will fit the front door, too, so that you can also leave the front windows slightly open.

I just added a post to that other thread, about the screens that Walmart sells (in some stores).

I have bought several lengths of mosquito netting from REI (check at the bulk climbing rope counter). A small piece was sewn with some waterproof fabric, and button magnets, to make a sleeve that fits over a rear side window. The waterproof fabric covers the top of the window opening, allowing me to leave it in place in rain. I use this screen even in cold, rainy, weather to give a bit of ventillation.

Larger pieces can be fit over the front side windows, with some sewing, or a generous use of button magnets. I have also used that mesh on the tailgate opening, using magnets in the channel around the door.

What I like better is a 'mosquito bar', a 2 person tropical style mosquito netting. REI sells this as a 'Mombasa net' (from Thailand). The mesh is a coarser, knitted one (compared to the fine backing tent mesh). The large net can be draped over the skylight and (half) open tailgate, again, held in place with magnets.

Another nice warm weather item is fan. I like the hanging Coleman one that takes 4 D cells.

paulj

What I like better is a 'mosquito bar', a 2 person tropical style mosquito netting. REI sells this as a 'Mombasa net' (from Thailand). The mesh is a coarser, knitted one (compared to the fine backing tent mesh). The large net can be draped over the skylight and (half) open tailgate, again, held in place with magnets. It can also be used to cover open AND lower tailgate, if that is what you might want to do.

Since I have sleeping platform, our heads are right at the height of the lower tailgate. So there is little advantage to sleeping with this lowered, unless I wanted to use the area for storage.

Instead I just tuck the netting into the space between the lower tailgate and the platform. In addition, I stretch a bungee between the two upper tailgate support pistons, and drape a blanket of it. This creates a 6" high barrier that keeps pillows from pressing onto the netting and falling out. And as the night cools down it moderates the cool drafts.

Obviously the amount of ventilation we need depends on night time temperatures. If it is 70deg at bed time, then we need ventilation, and air circulation with the fan, to keep the interior getting stuffy. This is especially true if the car still retains heat from the day time. But if outside drops down to less than 60, then I start closing things up. As a rule, I find that the interior of the car with 2 people and with most of the windows closed, is 10 deg warmer than outside.

paulj

Another thing with bugs - be careful when setting up the interior for sleeping. Bugs can get in through the open doors. In warm buggy weather, it is not as easy to set up the car for sleeping as it is to setup a tent.

As much as I like my sleeping platform, I still take a 2 man tent, for use in the buggiest situations, or when the best camp sites are a short walk away from the parking area.

paulj

thanks guys..

looks likeI have to make a trip to REI. to get some screen..
any ideas where i can get those button magnets?

Hardware stores and office supply shops sell magnets. I have a collection ranging from the 1" diameter disks to larger 1x2" bars.

Where on Lake Roosevelt were you camped? I've been by there a couple of times on the way to and from SE BC. Once was in mid June at Hawk Creek, the first busy weekend after school was out. Bugs were bad the previous night in BC, but not in Washington. Later that summer in mid September I spent a pleasant night near the Inchelium ferry.

paulj

http://www.pbase.com/paulj3/image/47182506/medium.jpghttp://www.pbase.com/paulj3/image/50184467/medium.jpg

Just an FYI it's kinda off topic but still deals with bugs. I found that spraying OFF or some other bug repellent around the dome lights helps keep bugs from flying at them. I also sprayed the ceiling of the E just inside the doors to create a DEETerrent for the bugs. I'm not saying this will keep all bugs out but it'll slow them down when getting in and out in buggy areas.

I wouldn't spray any DEET containing repellent around plastics in the car. It softens some types of plastic (especially rayon and acrylic). It may not harm most of the car interior, but I'd rather not take the risk.

paulj

I strongly second Paul's advice. I have done LOTS of damage to plastics in the past with DEET based insect repellants. I would recommend that you wash your hands after putting the stuff on if you are going to touch the inside of your car.

O.K... so, has anyone attempted to "tent" the open clam shell rear of the Element..? I mean, rig something up so as to go camping, and leave the rear open but be protected from critters. I'm thinking velcro and misquitoe netting.

I'm a brand new Element owner and I just ordered a pair of window screens from Skreenz. I'm a dog owner and a camper and would love to get the fresh air from having the hatch open but want to keep the bugs out! I contacted them to ask why they don't make a rear hatch screen for the Element. They said they'd be willing to make one if we have a minimum of 5 people. Anyone out there interested?

yes, but how much?

The price, through Skreenz, will be $195 for the rear hatch screen.

Skreenz is a company who makes window screens for many vehicles including the Element. Their products are very high quality and durable and I've seen that many E owners have purchased their window screens. I contacted the owner in hopes that they would make a version for the rear hatch. This would be a wonderful accessory for campers and dog owners. They need at least 5 people who are interested in buying them before they are willing to make the pattern and get them made. They will be $195 and it will fit from the top of the rear opening to the floor and allow the lower part of the door to be closed if you want so just the top half of the clam shell door is open.... so half open or full open rear doors covered with Skreenz. If you have any interest, please let me know. I'm going to purchase one which means I only need 4 other E owners to jump on board!

ugh. while i like the idea... and i'm not generally cheap, and i'm totally willing to pay for a quality product... $195 seems a bit steep to commit to without seeing a prototype.

tam

Hey Tam. I just zipped the owner and email to ask if he could guarantee a 100% satisfaction guarantee. I'll let you know what I hear. He already got the measurements and will make the pattern once I have enough interest people. I've got my fingers crossed!

Tam. They've been in business for 24 years and always stand by their products. Chuck says that they pride themselves in good customer service. They don't use the term 100% satisfaction guarantee anymore because they've had some idiots say they were only 75% satisfied and asked to keep the product but still get 25% of their money back. Should you be unsatisfied with the product after you receive it and set it up, you may return it for a refund. I hope this helps!

If they can cut a deal for a whole set (rear hatch+2 front doors), i might be interested. I would need to know also what the shipping would be to Canada.

Thanks

If they can cut a deal for a whole set (rear hatch+2 front doors), i might be interested. I would need to know also what the shipping would be to Canada.

Thanks

Thanks for the comments everyone. I'm feeling a little more comfortable. I still think the price is a smidgen high. I might consider $200 for the front windows/back hatch combo... but maybe I am cheaper than I thought?

thanks again everyone.

Tam

I've contacted the Skreenz owner to see if there is any way that he could do some sort of deal. Just for background information, I had to beg him and convince him that getting the measurements, making the pattern, and manufacturing it just for a handful of people was a good idea! He's not going to be making much money off of selling rear hatch screens to 5 people for a vehicle that is being discontinued after this year. I just wanted a very high quality rear screen that would last the life of the Element and didn't feel committed to multiple (most likely failed) DIY attempts. It's also nice that we'd be supporting a small local US business instead of some big Chinese company. I'll let you know what I find out from Chuck. I hope you would consider purchasing them even if they can't give us a discount. Thanks!

Here's Chuck's reply to the "deal" question...

Sarah,
"Deals" come in orders of 5 or more of the same item at one time.
Any customer who orders several different products at one time will receive a refund for the difference in actual combined packing/shipping and quoted packing/shipping costs.

Cheers!

Chuck Blethen - Owner
Skreenz by Blethen
PO Box 4
Marshall NC 28753 USA USA
Phone: 828-606-3130

Thanks for your work orange... It almost worked. ;)

http://www.skreenz.com/ElementRearDoorSkreenz.htm

sorry i know this is a little off topic but did screenz also make a sunroof screen? i was looking on their site but i didnt' see one

They did make one. It fit over the skylight and attached to the roof with magnets. You had to remove it to drive at speed. Dunno if it's available now.

The link to the pictures doesnt work.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35588

So has anyone actually gone for the skreenz for the hatch? If so,any pica...the skrenz site only has the pic of the sprinter version

the military mosquito bar netting is a much better deal for the rear.