Land Cruiser Build Rear Solar Screens

Why We Needed Solar Screens?

In the next part of the Land Cruiser build we wanted to install rear solar screens for a few reasons. Firstly, we wanted to reduce the heat build up that we get in the rear of the Land Cruiser while out exploring. Secondly, we wanted the added security in that people can’t see in to the rear of the 4WD and see all of our gear. Hopefully acting as a deterrent to any low life smashing a window to steal any of our gear.

We first saw the screens in a 76 Series in the Drifta 4WD Simpson Desert Mates Trip videos. Luke from Drifta was going over Shad Donaghue’s 76 (@shad_donaghue on Instagram) and Shad had them fitted to his Cruiser. These screens are the ones made by Solarscreen Australia, a small business based in Brisbane. In our previous 4WD the Wrangler, we always got frustrated with the heat build up in the rear. This meant our fridge was running in overdrive and our gear got very hot in the Queensland summer heat. In our first few trips that we did in the Cruiser, this was a frustration with our fridge drawing too much power from our second battery.

So we looked into making our own screens and it was going to cost us about $50 – $100 in materials. We would also then have the hassle of trying to make something for the first time that fitted and looked good. We then contacted Solarscreen Australia to get a quote and they are really reasonably priced at less than $50 per screen plus freight. We need four to cover the four rear windows with the barn doors, you can do the maths. Order placed and as they are made to order we had to wait three weeks for delivery but that was not an issue for us.

First Look

Screens arrived and they are so well made (see the pictures). They have a shiny silver re-enforced mylar coating on the outside which reflects the suns UV. Internally they are insulated with mylar and polyethylene which helps to keep the heat out.

On the inside of the screen they are covered in a nice grey material that looks really good matching the interior of the Cruiser. Suction cups are attached to the shiny side of the screens to stick to your windows. They are all rolled up in a small black zip up bag in the event you do not use the screens all the time and want to pack them away in your 4WD.

Fitting

Installing the screens is as simple as anything. It is a good idea to clean the inside of your windows before hand. Then line each screen up and push firmly where each suction cup is, easy as that.

They fit perfectly. With the 76 Series Land Cruiser, they have notches for the rear side window latches so that the screens fit nice and snug. No light can get in and they will work a treat at reflecting the suns heat. The rear of the Cruiser is super dark now and no one can see in which is great as all our electrical gear and inverter could be easily seen from the side rear window.

Overall Verdict

What do we think of the rear solar screens in this part of the Land Cruiser build? Overall we are really happy with these screens and would highly recommend them. They are really well made and fit perfectly.

After a good test out at Fraser Island for a week, we have only positive things to say. The rear of the Cruiser did not get anywhere near as hot as it had done on previous trips to Fraser and Double Island Point. Our fridge worked far better and did not run really hot. The second battery experienced far less voltage drop due to less draw from the compressor not having to work as hard with the heat. We also felt more secure when parking somewhere and leaving the Cruiser for a few hours as the rear of the car is completely blocked out.

Let us know if you have any questions about the rear solar screens in this part of the Land Cruiser build. Either send us a message on Instagram or comment below. There are a couple of links below about these screens and our Land Cruiser build so check them out.

For more information on Solarscreen Australia check out their website here.

If you would like to read more about our Land Cruiser build then click here.

The thoughts of Peter.

This is not a sponsored post, we bought this gear and it’s an honest review of what we think about it!