How To Install "Tern Overland" Windows On A Van (My NEW Favorite)

[@ternoverland]

Love the video! Thanks for sharing! Checking the inside fitment is definitely important. For anyone else looking to install our windows be sure to read our Considerations for Fitment PDF on our website. Great job on securing the spacer frame onto your sheet metal! Thank you for mentioning to not overtighten the screws, this is very important to make sure the riv nuts aren't pulled up. (This is a slight cause for leaking in your install as well as using the incorrect screws - there is a chart in the installation guide on which ones to use - glad you figured that out!) Great tips throughout! Measure from the inside, careful with the corners (Measure them!). You did a great job installing! For other commenters... do not use adhesive!! The rubber seal on the outside is 100% water tight when installed properly . Adhesive / silicone will ruin this gasket and cause leaking. As always, if anyone has any questions, be sure to reach out to us!

[@susannal.9147]

I'm just wondering why you guys don't include a full-size paper template with the orders? It would make life a whole lot easier for those of us doing our own installs and would take the anxious guess-work out of 'is this the correct line, or is that the correct line' to use when making our own.

[@jacquesgoulet699]

Thank you for thé tip on thé adhesive

[@MannyWC]

@@susannal.9147 truthat! and a inner spacer frame:) !

[@greenerbitbybit]

Please ship windows with a template! This is a very expensive product and a template would cost you pennies to make and would save people a lot of hassle and potentially costly errors.

[@JasonConroy]

What size bunk windows did you use including the depth? Did you center them on the rear panel or put them as far back as possible?

[@blackmarketbarber]

I really do appreciate all of the videos you’ve made, man. The time and skill shows.

[@floriskyland2568]

I am glad you went with the 1" 8020 frame like I did. The best thing about that solution is that you can then use drop in nuts on your your rails to tie your interior paneling together with the window frame. That makes for a super clean install and will also prevent the window from vibrating when you drive down the road. Will send you a picture of the my final result on Instagram.

[@seven_o_savage]

Heck yes flori, thanks for the idea for this!

[@tommy1a1a]

Your videos are gratefully appreciated. I also expect that everyone, like me, is happy when you solve the issues you have run into...with patience and perseverance!

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Tommy!

[@ngaireosborne2054]

Bless you for making this video and being completely transparent - I've had the same issue trying to find quality window installation videos so sincerely thank you. It's nerve wracking enough just cutting big ol' holes in my van let alone wanging it without someone else's mistakes to learn from so keep em coming !

[@theresedignard4267]

These windows look way better than the other ones. Great recoveries. Thanks for sharing. I never heard of these…and roof hatches too. I am totally in.

[@bc2198]

Great Windows! I'm interested in seeing what your going to do for roof venation. I've been thinking of not using a Maxxfan type of thing and instead put in 1 or 2 skylights. One of the skylights being large enough to fit through which eliminates the need for a ladder and makes your roof more secure. I think I can easily add a fan to a skylight. Some people are using boat hatches instead of skylights.

[@george1984]

Good idea for go on roof with boot hatches . But I think most van camper wants solar panels on limited space roof.

[@christoffer1973]

First! I love your videos. Love that you show your errors also. One tip is also to jack up van in level. When the van/van floor is in level in all directions you can use level to mark the hight of the windows. So they are in same hight.

[@susannal.9147]

Thank you so much for making this! I'm installing one of these windows this week and I can't tell you how helpful it is to see step by step how to do it - particularly the order in which the frame fixes to the outside, the inside and supporting frame that needs to be made.

[@seven_o_savage]

Right on, glad it helped 🤙

[@nmartin5551]

Oh my friend! I keep teaching myself some of the lessons you have shared, especially checking inside/outside placement of holes through van surfaces. I feel your pain.

[@Ponte_Xux]

What holes? Haha! I like the way you say bolt holes. @ 3:00 min. You're welcome everyone. All jokes aside, I love how thorough you are. You even catch the metal shavings!

[@petereriksson4405]

Aluminum is a great conductor. Change the window frame to wood or plastic, otherwise you will have condensation all around your window in the winter

[@utahjohn5480]

Peter Eriksson do you have a recommendation on a plastic to build frame spacer?

[@georgeflora1178]

Thanks Seven! Really cool. I like the windows and I'm excited about the aluminum....can't wait for the next episode!

[@HighIntentionsYoga]

Thanks so much for this video! Ordering our windows now, and definitely would not have grabbed these without your video. Very much appreciate you leaving your mistakes in for us all to learn from!

[@exechobo]

First, I appreciate your positive outlook. And your thoroughness. A good tutorial I have saved, since I am going with the same windows.

[@johnwilson8273]

Great job. Really appreciate all your videos. Super helpful. Thanks for being humble and honest. Mistakes suck but are where some of the best learning comes from. We all make them. By you sharing them we are all benefiting. Thanks. The van is looking great.

[@johnwilson8273]

And I should say 99% amazing skill and craftmanship with a few very interesting mistakes to learn from......

[@raphaelsanchez4797]

You are very talented and very photogenic. This video will help a lot of people. The double pane and two shades is also a nice touch, especially in an all-weather van. Isn’t it romantic to be in a warm van with tea when you have cold weather outside?

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Ralph. Yes, it is a surreal experience 🤙

[@daveacosta9803]

Van is looking good, have you thought about flares for the back? (Sleep sideways) and maybe BONG HITS after work is all done!!...lol

[@paulbonfiglio4853]

Have you rubbed up against any tree limbs or bush with these yet? I keep leaning towards these but am worried about them scratching. Thanks for all the videos! Invaluable!

[@SheaDesign]

Thanks for your transparency, it is very helpful for the community. Hey how did the magnet ceiling in Vanjolina work out? WIll you do it again? Tnx. -S

[@APHATMOUSE]

Ha, transparency. I see what you did there!

[@bryantdawg1]

Nice job on the windows and video. Question about the 80/20, how many sticks do you think you're going to use? What's your whole budget for the 80/20?

[@nmartin5551]

Jay- I’ve wondered the same. The cabinet build looked like 10 plus from passing comment in the video. I love how it looks and appears to function, but I’m probably going to be stuck in the budget of 🪵 wood, like Vanjolina. Of course, with the current cost and diminished quality of building materials, the 80/20 no longer exceeds lumber by as much.

[@wkwong80]

Looks like a perfect application for Hein to make an adapter for. Thanks for sharing this! I was on the fence about a CRL type window but the Tern looks perfect for me.

[@michaelscarfi3196]

I used the CRL and I’m sorry I did. Your lucky you saw this to help you decide.

[@justpassingthrough...6128]

Satsang Van Co. has a CNC'd trim ring and space available on their website, but they cost $$$.

[@TheJaredsalinsky]

Awesome video man. Question -did you consider using butyl tape when installing the windows? Or any other adhesive? Or are you confident the gasket is enough?

[@seven_o_savage]

Very confident in just the gasket

[@bjbhehir]

I would still put a small bead of silicone caulk, it can't hurt.

[@cdeboer11]

For the price of the tern windows you’d think they would come with a printed template 🤔

[@bjbhehir]

I know!! How bout just print the template on the shipping box and you can cut it out!!

[@klebberbezerra1610]

Hi. Thanx for the videos. Amazing. What is the color of the outside part of the blind? Also, at night, if your van lights are on and your blinds are up (closed) can you see the lights are on? In other words, can you have lights on inside your van and people not know (100% stealthy) ? Thank you.

[@daveachuk]

FYI I think the reason you couldn't find any other videos is that the window you got is likely just a rebranded Dometic S4. If you search for that you can find lots of installs

[@charlevoix418]

Oh, BTW, you can get the "all glass look" by using glossy black vinyl car wrapping, like I did on my own project.

[@paulm7578]

Great set of videos Seven, thanks for all the info. Can you confirm what wall thickness windows you used for the Arctic Tern Windows in your Sprinter with the 80/20 1" framing. Was it 24-34mm? Thanks

[@verticalfracture]

Your videos have been an absolute godsave!!!! Thank you so much!!!

[@DavetheUberSlave]

I'm shocked that window doesn't come with a template other than that they seem like the best Windows out there

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

Are those the 24-34mm wall thickness windows? I can't wait to see how you finish the wall panels to meet the inside screen/blind assembly.

[@elizabethnaylor831]

Hey Savage, I also am wondering which thickness you used? And how did you decide? Having a difficult time understanding which thickness to order.

[@vantasticplanet]

Dude thank you so much for posting this! I have two artic terns showing up for my van next week!

[@seven_o_savage]

Niceee, perfect timing!

[@thechumpsbeendumped.7797]

It would make a lot more sense for the supplier to provide the purchaser with a hole template rather than expecting them to do it and potentially screw up. Making the window surround out of 80/20 is allowing a thermal bridge to the outside. Wood would offer better insulation and be a lot cheaper, lighter and easier to fix into.

[@mikefranks4528]

Dude your videos are so savage! (see what I did there?) 😏 Nah, seriously I love the detail you put into the video teaching us step-by-step along the way. I just bought a 2019 Ford Transit 350 HD Eco-boost and will definitely be installing these windows. Thanks for sharing with us the comparison between this window and the CR Lawrence window.

[@zerotwoone-sportsphotograp2948]

This van is gonna be sick!!!!!

[@michaelscarfi3196]

This was definitely the right move!

[@OldExodus]

Great tutorial video!!! How did these windows perform in the winter and summer?

[@seven_o_savage]

Great so far :) no issues whatsoever

[@palsuna485]

Thanks for very detail explanation with lessons and learns.

[@H2Dwoat]

Hi, given your attention to detail I’m sure you’ve already thought of this but are you concerned about diminished security on the acrylic compared to the glass window, scratching and uv damage? I get the decision, temperature regulation in the van is difficult and can greatly affect the user experience. I would love to hear your thoughts on the possible cons of moving to acrylic and whether you have discovered methods to mitigate them.

[@seven_o_savage]

good questions, I am not concerned but time will tell. If they do wear quickly I'll make sure to mention it in a future video

[@H2Dwoat]

@@seven_o_savage Cheers.

[@nmartin5551]

Unless I’m mistaken, that window or surely the window from which the design was taken was being used on Dutchman-Thor TAB campers back in the 2004-2010. I bought a 2010 with it. Little Guy bought the rights to those when Thor stopped making them. That would be the forum to ask re: longevity. They are still wildly popular and expensive (relative scale). The bigger question I would think is (with the van life remote area parking) is how shatter proof are they for folks interested in breaking into your van while you are out adventuring? Love the windows, but I guess time will tell re: security. Obviously any window only keeps honest people out. Likewise locks, etc.

[@H2Dwoat]

@@nmartin5551 So true, any security is about increasing the difficulty for intruders hopefully past the point it is worth the trouble for them to break in. My questions were mainly to be able to assess the pros and cons.

[@carlosgraft7386]

Security system a must! Even without the window. Any suggestions??

[@evypr0ductions]

Great Video and great Windows! Thanks for doing this. So did you notice any difference with heat and cold vs the dual pane?? If I understand that is the reason why you went with this model in this build. Thanks!

[@justpassingthrough...6128]

Awesome videos there sir. I'm looking to order/install a couple 300x700 Arctic Terns in the bed area of my 2020 Transit HR-EL, and was having trouble finding good install videos. The big question apparently most of us are wondering about is the depth of the trim ring we need to order. Please expound on this for us. Can you give us your (estimated) measurements?

[@peterdods425]

When I inquired with them, they want you to get specific about your wall depth. Did you go with 24-34 mm? Looks like you went with 24-34mm based on the 1 in 80/20...

[@269sjb]

This video is gold. Will help my install greatly!

[@stuartkorte1642]

Is the window company to cheap to include templates or instructions on using the short screws? Tip on template. Mark each side out and in. Take template inside and fit. Drill hole through template and metal. Remove template and align to hole outside. The nibbler is an option but it creates a tremendous amount of tiny slivers and is pneumatic which some may not have an air compressor. It looked like some screws might have gone into the t-slot. Did you use a filler or longer screws?

[@skull465]

How did you screw those wood screws into the 8020? Did you have to pre-drill a hole before screwing in the wood screws?

[@Christian6AT]

Its coming along nicely!

[@seven_o_savage]

Thanks Christian!

[@Christian6AT]

@@seven_o_savage nw my dream is too build a sprinter with a very similar design, so really enjoying the series :)

[@lovematters7122]

Wow! Thanks for sharing. You did an awesome job explaining everything. One question. Why did you need to create the inner frame? I missed that. Also do acrylic windows discolor overtime? Do they scratch easily? Thanks again!

[@starrystarrynight2844]

Great tutorial on installing windows onto the van.... 👍😊

[@LadyTSurvival]

Really like that window

[@paul1der]

Nice bro..that sprinter is starting to look like a military savage. Youre gonna need that with all the stuff going down in Cali

[@rudivandoornegat2371]

There's also a super expensive tinted, transparent window film that you could put on all the windows to help reduce the heat transfer significantly.

[@rudivandoornegat2371]

It blocks infrared and ultra violet rays from the sun.

[@brwilkinson1977]

Great info 😊👍... I have a tern on my Flarespace. I was wondering is there much room between the Window Trim and the side of the van, once installed? With the door open.

[@johngrant1337]

The windows look great! Are you having a problem with the 80/20 being straight and the sheet metal van skin being curved on the sides and door? I found if I did not curve the inter mounting ring (frame) it would distort the van sheet metal skin. Are you having a problem with van sheet metal skin distorting ( the distorting would show up 2 or 3 week after installing the windows and flatten the van skin(sheet metal))

[@seven_o_savage]

Yes, that is one downside ... they flatten the sheet metal

[@dustindavid6591]

What thickness did you order from Tern. I'm about to order mine and will use the 8020 frame as well.

[@FBall-im8ui]

WOW WHAT A SQUARE 21" X 35". I went to the wrong school obviously, i just smoked a big one and my mind is going bonkers, I am still surprised I missed the square class at school, 21x35" eh, nice square!

[@Frankiez220]

Ok I’ve just listened to you and how the small window fell out to the ground. You need to switch on a little bit more and slow down just a little. But we’ve all been there and shit happens. It must be a lot of work filming this as well as learning to do these van renovation skills too. I do love your honesty and the way you show your errors however and you’re videos are very much appreciated. That’s why I’ve subscribed.

[@christosmaninos1570]

Thank you for showing the error drilling the hole, that may save people a massive headache

[@jeffreyb3238]

Such patience!! 😀

[@AZRockRunner]

How far can you pop out the window when the car is in motion? Does it make a lot of wind noise?

[@katieh3236]

Hey do you notice an acrylic like paint off gassing that stinks compared to glass?

[@MannyWC]

Danga, Im about to install an artic tern on my slider... my frame is wood (Satsung's) about 1 1/4"... should I go with the shorter screws also?

[@YesItsReallyKeith]

i dont get it - @07:54 ....you FBomb "we messed it up again" to ecstatic perfect fit y'all ? so what happened exactly???

[@jaydavis226]

7, in an old video you have hexagon panels. Where did you source the materials.

[@AlanVanEtten]

How do you feel about the Tern windows three years later? I am planning to purchase two of these for the rear sides on my cargo van. Still on the edge, can't decide on the window size....would you like to have wider windows in the back?

[@seven_o_savage]

Still love them! I haven’t felt the need for wider ones… in fact I like the small ones sometimes for security … can leave them open without someone getting in haha

[@jonbedison]

So no sealant required just compression on gasket?

[@starrystarrynight2844]

Compression on gasket is never good enough to keep out water seepage. Always add silicon sealant or epoxy to waterproof windows, vents & skylights.... Just my opinion....after replacing the inlet & outlet of my toilet flush.... Water under pressure will seep through the tiniest crack....

[@cynthiaorcyashipman4237]

@@starrystarrynight2844 manufacturer said that silicone or adhesive ruins gasket and not to use in prior comment.

[@christiankamal7549]

If the only issue with the CRL windows is heat transfer, why not simply put ceramic film on the window. You add insulation, privacy, which the CRL window anyways provides, and keep a nicer original look. I do not understand all the trouble to go through, adding 80/20, a inside bulky frame for the shades, have windows that do not match the look of the CRL windows..... In any case, great tutorial and, as said, and we should be grateful for this, learn from others mistakes. Glad it ended perfectly done.

[@ZillaYT]

Which exact Tern Overland model did you use for the rear side panels?

[@johndagan8007]

Thanks for all the tips and tricks really helpful.

[@smpaquette]

We have an ambulance and I’d like to just replace the side and back stationary windows with something that opens (your screen/blockout ones look amazing). Do you think I could find windows that fit and if so where would I look?

[@SFSFIRE]

would the 550x1100 fit in the sliding door?

[@tammietimmion6994]

Awesome. Thank you! Another great video.

[@williamchanning9055]

I just love yourvtoral honesty, great job so far 😊

[@iSeaUnplugged]

Not only have they jumped big in price im not fan of the push button before you can unlatch; one side feels more natural but the there opposite you feel like you need flip your hand. Yes they also scratch real easily. Glass doesnt and glass is also flat doesnt bulge outward asking to get scratched. Now is glass have better thermal properties probably not but are you going to really notice in small space with heater going anyways and glass window off eBay say 200$ same size from TERN 750$ Also i dont know it the arm attachment is screw to frame or riveted, i have found rivets get sloppy over time

[@alf637]

Hello friend, thanks for your video, but let me have a little suggestion: We don't have to be constantly looking at your face, we like your 4x4 Van better (which is fantastic and is very cool).

[@bogged9820]

Good job! It's never easy!

[@MrRiffraff7]

thanks for the video, What side window did you get?

[@willvilla9517]

Now that you’ve had some time with these windows, what are your thoughts on how well they insulate?

[@j51bzsefbsg]

How's the road noise from these windows?

[@manccescapades4671]

Aluminium has a real poor R value so wood would be much better as a thermal barrier. Great windows though.

[@MrOlimar]

The double sided tape provides a thermal barrier so the aluminum frame doesn't touch the metal. Wood wouldn't be any different in this case.

[@thisgrant]

oh man, I cringed when I saw the first window held in place by masking tape! That's not strong enough to hold it, I thought... sure enough! Ugh, I feel for you bro!

[@alextran8585]

What thickness Arctic tern windows did you go with?

[@Ten_Reasons99]

Can these windows be tinted?

[@commercialelectrician133]

Great video looking for a new van now

[@johnnyhoover2373]

Tricky , risky business... no risk no gain Soon you will be fearless

[@charlevoix418]

Well, maybe I missed a point, but how did you seal them? Caulking, foam tape, ?

[@seven_o_savage]

They’re sealed from the outside with the rubber gasket built into the window

[@charlevoix418]

@@seven_o_savage That's great! I think it deserves to be mentioned: no messy caulking to deal with...

[@delsar1523]

How much did you pay all up for you 80/20

[@beckyelliott2871]

Please give contact information on how to order the ARTIC WINDOWS. I am very interested in checking these out for a van I am working to get soon. .

[@Banshee88TK]

It's in the description, Becky

[@TimbersFanAddict]

Thanks. ✌🏼

[@billyjohnson9166]

How about this tip can you install the window for me?

[@derrick1964]

It’s looking good

[@Wino33]

Hey Savage, how do I get in contact with you regarding my build? I live in Napa and am a member of the 707 fam;) I’m building a Transit and want to do an 80/20 build out of the interior. You interested in a side gig?

[@cackleberryfarm4598]

Do they no longer make (or sell) these windows? The links go to 404 pages and when I went to look at their online window choices I didn't see them. 😞

[@seven_o_savage]

Turns out they don’t allow them to be sold online … which is pretty lame if you ask me!

[@cackleberryfarm4598]

@@seven_o_savage BUMMER!! Those are REALLY nice windows! They have a lot of cool features.

[@cathietonkin5577]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Totally awesome!!!!

[@Brandon-ik6ty]

What's the purpose of the 80 20 frame?

[@seven_o_savage]

You need a 1” surface to mount the windows to (they can’t be mounted directly to sheet metal)

[@Brandon-ik6ty]

@@seven_o_savage thanks! Curious if you're considering adding steel somehow to window frames, so magnetic covers can attach?

[@MultiPJoys]

@@Brandon-ik6ty why would you want to do that when it already has black out curtains build in the frame 14:22

[@tsarvlad]

@@MultiPJoys Presumably for additional heat insulation

[@michaelscarfi3196]

With the double pane acrylic and the shades you won’t need anything else. Not to mention the diesel heaters are so overkill I realized the whole insulation thing seems to be a big waste.

[@kennyrogersrocks]

I am surprised there was no Silicone involved in installing the window(s).

[@nwlady1844]

thank you sooo much!!

[@thakatathaka1876]

Nice may brother good job

[@benjones8977]

Even though you’ve shown us how to do the windows, I don’t have enough confidence in myself to do it right, so I would probably hire somebody. 🥴

[@seven_o_savage]

Now u can ask your installer all of the hard questions 😂

[@benjones8977]

@@seven_o_savage 👌 don’t get me wrong, I love your videos. Wish you well.

[@mikefranks4528]

JFYI...the links for Tern Window provided are not working ....404 Page Not Found

[@seven_o_savage]

Yea they’re one of those old school companies who doesn’t sell online.

[@_marcus_does_]

I want one.