All things mosquito: screens for minivan camper windows, doors, and more

[@lynpinto]

I just found your channel I just have to say that I love the way you get right to the point. I really dislike the youtubers that have to do these intro.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Me too, me too! I'm glad you like the channel

[@mimansisethi3101]

You are absolutely amazing. Your bed idea and the way you explain is incredible. I'm so happy to have found your channel.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks! I am glad you have found the channel useful. Best of luck with your camping plans

[@fenixblaze13]

Great video!! Thank you for sharing your ideas with us! I am in the process of converting a van and I have been looking for something like this to help me get started with my own big screens. Thanks again!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad it was helpful!

[@serenakoleno9338]

Thank you so, so much! These videos will be invaluable to my build. Lady, you have some serious skills and design sense! I am in awe! The frills are pretty on some videos, but this is emminately practical! What good is a gorgeous van if you can't open the doors or windows without getting eaten alive? I hope I am able to find the materials and get busy. Your easy to follow instructions and videos are top-notch. I don't know what your day job is, but you could easily make a living doing this. I only hope my build turns out half as good. I hope to help others someday the way you are helping me.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Helping others in return for all the good videos that helped me is the reason I made these videos - pass it on ;-)

[@danie2300]

Yes, i do not want them to show either. I had another idea this morning and after a quick check I think it is going to work even better. J’étais sur la cote nord la semaine derniere. J’aurais pu vous les montrer. Ce matin j’ai utilisé un morceau de crazy carpet et puisqu’il est plus rigide que la sangle, mais quand meme souple il fonctionnera peut etre mieux. It goes at the bottom horizobtally, inserts in along the window. Je fais mon test et vous tiens au courant. J’ai rencontré des gens a Port Cartier qui nous ont accueillis sur leur terrain pour la nuit. Elles viennent de s’acheter ine Sierra et installeront RoadLoft. Elles pensent a installer des moustiquaire aussi. J’ai envoyé votre video. Puis je vous envoyé des photos en privé?. Ps. Let me know if you do not speak french.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Non, c'est beau! tu peux m'écrire en français. Les autres comprendront pas ;-) Je garde tous ça en tête, je n'suis pas prête à refaire mes moustiquaires! As-tu entendu parler de Terego? tu deviens membre puis tu peux réserver et camper sur des fermes et des vignobles, etc. On a fait ça beaucoup ce voyage, très tranquille, très beau! j'ai une adresse courriel gmail si tu veux envoyer des photos, averysmallcampervan à....

[@danie2300]

a very small camper van oui je comprends. Bcp de temps passé sur cet equipement. Je viens encore de penser a une facon differente de faire les rideaux de la porte coulissante. J’ai entendu parlé de Terego dernierrement. J’en ai pris note et contente d’avoir du feedback. C’a peut etre plaisant. Mon conjoint fait bcp de velo de route. Ce serait une bonne combinaison. Je vous envoie des photos bientôt. La conception sera plus claire. Merci!

[@tybrady4598]

Smart designs! I’m going to make some bug screens, but do it more simply. Just use an oversize screen and use magnets to hang it over the window opening from the outside. I might sew in the magnets.

[@Itsmelavonde]

I would definitely pay you to customize screens for my windows. Nit sure if you have a website or anything soooo 🤷🏾

[@CampingTherapy]

New subscriber here. I'm considering getting a minivan for camping, so I'll be watching lots of videos.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks for subscribing - minivan are great for shorter camping trips, I really like mine. Good luck with yours

[@ThePlanet_L.I.]

corrugated plastic sheet cut to the shape of the front door windows the cut a square or circle hole then add the bug netting, that will give a firm seal around both door windows for ventilation and no bugs 👍🏾

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks for the idea, I'd better start thinking about this, summer will come sooner than ya think!

[@ThePlanet_L.I.]

@@averysmallcampervan 🙂👍🏾 you're welcome

[@Nivasi]

I'd make a pillow case over the window & draw in the netting

[@mercibeaucoup2486]

My screens work great with Velcro :)

[@averysmallcampervan]

Good to know!

[@flowrob6861]

Sweet ! U did good . I could have used that info 13 yrs ago when i started working 10p - 7a in Southern Swamps for Security . Used Off on ALL open window frames as we explored how to screen in various vehicles .

[@averysmallcampervan]

Oh wow! I can just imagine the skeeters!

[@bangbangcfp]

Where do you guys live? Camp? Great videos. Great videos thanks

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you like the videos. We mostly have two camping modes: weekend trips to provincial parks near us and one or two longer road trips in the summer. The summer ones are usually a mix of provincial parks, occasional private campgrounds, wild camping if the terrain permits and stealth camping if we stop in a town. Another option which we tried out last summer and will try again this year is Terego, which is a membership that lets you park for one night at a agricultural business (vineyard, orchard, farm...) Jury is still out on it, mostly cause you need to book at least the night before and sometimes you don't know how far you will get that day.

[@greenbentlady]

We ordered some of the rare earth magnets but are finding them so incredibly strong that we had trouble separating them. We are not sure we could remove them from the vehicle without damaging it. Has anyone else found the magnets difficult to work with? We ordered these: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078KTLWQ9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@averysmallcampervan]

I had a look at the link you sent and those are pretty big magnets. The ones I use are either 1/2 or 1/4 in dia. and about 1/8 think.

[@derykmacleod4979]

Creative as Always! I really need to order the sidewalls for my awning, because they really need to be stitched together and add a yard or so of some exterior fabric to shape it to a different smaller van form(was meant for a VW bus, I have a 2010 ford transit connect!) Always a Project!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Oh yeah side walls! as you say, always another project to do!

[@aribosch9064]

Nice job

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks!

[@richardmccombs617]

Congrats on 1k subscribers, your on your way. Also thanks for the great tips.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks! It is good to finally get to 1K.

[@jjanson50]

You are a genius

[@averysmallcampervan]

Gosh golly! Thanks for the compliment! I am glad you liked the build

[@debbiedusterhoft2870]

You do amazing job in every vlog I have watched. You must be the most patient person. Fellow Canadian here.

[@shr400]

Great ideas. Think I’m going to use some of them on my van. Thanks

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks! That's what I am here for ;-)

[@bidybo]

So cool! Very impressive. I just installed bug nets in the back windows of my toyota sienna. I was inspired by your other videos, but I didn't do nearly as good a job as you

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks! Glad you like the other videos. As for doing a good job, remember that often what ends up in the video is the second or even third version of things. The first one ain't so pretty!

[@bidybo]

@@averysmallcampervan Keep em coming! You got the best minivan conversion I've seen

[@quailypoes]

Your videos are the absolute best!

[@DianeCorriette]

Thanks for those brilliant tips.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you like them! Gotta keep those mosquitoes away :-)

[@gracecallowayable]

Awesome!!!👠🚌👠

[@marthasalter405]

great videos, subscriber now!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ExploringCanadaInfo]

Three minutes in and I’m already a new subscriber, which is great content, thank you! 👋🏼🇨🇦

[@averysmallcampervan]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for subscribing

[@irisqueen4376]

Wow! You are super creative and talented! I have one question, would you be willing to make another set and sell them? I’ve been working on covering my windows with some form of privacy curtains for 2 months now and I’ve still not got them right! I’m sure I wouldn’t manage these if my life depended on it. Thanks for the video! Hope to hear from you soon.

[@averysmallcampervan]

So far I don't have plans to make them for sale, not enough time for everything between work and my own projects. Just want to share the ideas... and just so you know, almost everything you see is the 2nd or 3rd try. So feel free to make mistakes and soon you will get better at making things

[@rainlei9324]

most helpful one i’ve seen - easy yet more technically creative

[@ouimontessori]

Very cool! thank you very much

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you liked it!

[@robinsweeten5413]

Outstanding video. I SO appreciate the fact that you don't waste time with nonsense chitchat like most other videos have. You instructions are clear and concise. I have "subscribed"! Keep up the great work!!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks Robin, appreciate the sub! I think I am starting a club for those who want to skip the chitchat :-)

[@afn1231]

I just discovered your channel today ( looking for advice on mosquito screen for my mini van) and I am in awe !!!! You are so full of ingenuity, patience and skills... Your videos are very descriptive , thank you for sharing them. If you ever decided to make more of those window covering and mosquito screen( is your van a dodge caravan?) for sale, please let me know. I am struggling a bit with mine !!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Hi, I'm glad you find the videos useful. So far I have no plans (or time) to make more window coverings - just wanted to put the how to out there! But if that ever changes, I'll let you know. And yes, mine is a grand caravan

[@hrhosmer]

You’ve invested so much in being out of doors without bugs. Have you explored Tail Vail? I think it’s awesome. I can’t wait to take my galah for an adventure keeping him secure in the out of doors. (Galah is a rose breasted cockatoo that is learning to free fly)

[@averysmallcampervan]

I looked at things like that, but I 1. wanted to make them myself and 2, wanted something that could be used without being too obvious.

[@carlnygren3448]

I have a Dacia Dokker Transporter and thinking how I will make a bugnet at the backdoors and sidedoor. Your ideas make me thinking! ;)

[@averysmallcampervan]

Great! good luck with it.

[@vjhurstcreations5473]

I found some "sock like" screens for the front windows of my Grand Caravan...they cover the open door so that when you close the door the window is in between the mosquito netting.

[@averysmallcampervan]

I tried those too, I found they didn't fit well because my side mirrors are part of the door and that they left too big a gap at the bottom if the window is open a lot the mosquitoes can find their way in. Still working on the perfect screens!

[@ashokpatel9902]

will u show yr back side Kitchen & Storage set up with details...pl.

[@averysmallcampervan]

I will, but don't have time to film and edit the video. You get a pretty good look at the kitchen in the New Van update video

[@GreenlifeFin]

Greatest thing is your attitude and hard work - ”I will design and redo until they work perfectly”! Thanks for the tips.

[@averysmallcampervan]

"You bet!" she says, as she goes off to finish redoing some other part of the van!

[@danie2300]

Hi, Mine are just like yours but I have sewed a piece a strap (Like you find on backpacks) at the bottom to insert for the front door window. Helps a lot. Did not have to put as mant magnets all around but a bit longer material and the door shuts on it. Do not see the material from the outside. Works quite well. Still trying to find the better idea but in the mean time. I am trying to seenthe model that recon camper made but no pictures or video about those.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks Danie, Did you put the strap lengthwise? that's what I picture. I'll try the strap on the next version and also making them big enough to shut the door on them. The important thing for me is having them not show on the outside. I saw a car being used as a camper this summer which just had squares of mosquito net taped to the outside of the car with green painters tape! Worked, but not my esthetic.

[@tdcrom]

Good video, gives me lots of ideas. As far as the front door windows, I once had screens for a Grand Caravan that were two ply and slid over the entire door. (too bad they didn't fit my 2010) When the doors were closed you had 2x the protection from bugs. The part against the door was weighted to keep it down.

[@averysmallcampervan]

I tried some similar ones but they didn't fit with the way the side mirrors attach. But maybe I'll look for others (or sew something similar). Something to work on over the winter

[@ridgehilljillie9429]

I bought the window covers online for the front windows. It goes on like a hair net over both sides of the open door sealing it, when the door shuts. There is elastic on the bottom to keep the screen snug against the door. Also, I bought one of those sliding glass door screens, As Seen on TV type to use in between the front and rear seats. ( I love your design for the black out curtain using the metal strip.)

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad those work for you - on my van they left too big a gap at the bottoms

[@ramonabennett1973]

Very cool ideas! Thanks for sharing with the videos.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad you like them!

[@martindixon6264]

Great ideas, well done 😊

[@02djohnson]

You have done a wonderful job! I just wish I lived near you to hire you to do mine!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Ah, if I only had the time! but maybe one day I'll get into building other vans.

[@PatriciaDavidsonPhotography]

Thanks again for sharing these great tips! I don't have my van yet but hopefully soon! 😀👍

[@averysmallcampervan]

Enjoy the planning! Hope you are able to get a van and get out there before the summer is over!

[@PatriciaDavidsonPhotography]

@@averysmallcampervan Thanks! The fall is always nice in the PNW so I'm hoping to have it for the fall at least!

[@michelle7352]

You know you can BUY double screens for front windows. Fits OVER the whole door.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Yes, I know :-) I actually started with some of those but they didn't fit well and let lots of bugs in (or at least the ones I tried). I also want something that doesn't show from the outside, in case i am camping somewhere I am not supposed to be.

[@billl65]

@@averysmallcampervan I made my own over the door screens, sort of like a pillow case but out of two layers of fine mesh. Like what you can buy but custom fits our Outback. They are almost invisible when in place. I will use a couple magnets inside to hold the bottom in place. I haven't had a chance to try them in the wild, but think they will work well. I wanted something that was quick to put on and off and not very visible. Nice video, appreciated the variety of screen options you showed.

[@terristenacious2279]

Try velcro I saw some successful ones on a video

[@averysmallcampervan]

I have seen velcro used a lot but I don't like it much

[@saigonmom2322]

Best minivan conversion I’ve seen!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks!

[@dd-ow6pe]

excellent ideas and presentation

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thanks

[@MariafromthePhilippineIslands]

This is helpful. Thanks!!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Glad to be of help!

[@ledout7733]

I HATE MOSQUITOES !

[@averysmallcampervan]

Who doesn't! We have had to flee campsites because of them - and don't forget blackflies

[@ledout7733]

@@averysmallcampervan Right after watching your video I went to Amazon and order 2 screen mesh sacks for the 2 front windows of my vehicle.

[@averysmallcampervan]

Let me know how they work for you. I found those ones that fit over both sides of the door left too big a gap at the bottom.

[@ledout7733]

@@averysmallcampervan the ones I got they fit just right ... size wise but because of the shape of the bottom window there's a gap , so I gotta buy some velcro and glue I think that should fix the Gap .

[@carolbrooks9161]

Brilliant ideas!

[@averysmallcampervan]

Thank you! 😊

[@Captain_MonsterFart]

Finally a screen window idea. Thanks. I had an absolutely awful night camping next to a swamp once. The van had filled with skeeters from opening the door for two seconds. We spent 45 minutes killing them before we realized they were still coming. Hundreds of them. All the windows were closed. I have no idea how they were getting in, the air vents, maybe? We couldn't see any evidence of that. We were faaar down a logging road and we didn't want to drive out of there in the dark. We had to hide in our bags with only our lips exposed for air. They bit those too. It was damn hot. Didn't sleep a wink! So my poor Caravan has a major flaw that I haven't found the solution to yet. The ceiling fabric still has all the blood stains from where we squished 'em.

[@averysmallcampervan]

I know what you mean about the ceiling stains! once they are in, you don't care what it takes! I am slowly learning not to camp up north in early June, but we have had some epic battles with the bugs there - whipping towels around your head to clear them away long enough to jump in the van and slam the door!