🚐 Van Conversion Window Installation - Van Life DIY - Class B Living

[@Dadcam_Can]

You can tell this gentleman is a seasoned service technician. He makes the whole window installation process look so clean and easy.

[@seattleboatguy]

There are lots of DIY van window installation videos on KZbin, but this is the best one I have come across. Great job.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! Great to hear!

[@JaYoeNation]

Really appreciate the thorough explanation... very clean and understadable.

[@patodaful]

There is something soothing about this video. Love watching people who know what they are doing!

[@joanmcerlean7158]

You have such a great voice and natural, not exaggerated enunciation. You could work as a voice-over actor. So nice to listen to you. You could read IKEA assembly instructions and I’d listen.

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much, Joan! You just made my day. ☺️

[@joanmcerlean7158]

@@RVgeeks Good, I’m glad!

[@RVwithTito]

Excellent! That was very informative. Lots of great pro tips.

[@joethecomputerguy1]

Great how you always find folks that are the top of their field and pay attention to detail. Bravo!

[@woltra1]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! We feared cutting holes in the side of our beautiful Promaster, but now we are a little less afraid!

[@RVgeeks]

Awesome! Best of luck with your project!

[@bob_atwestmi_fl_us7812]

Nice , it looks like George is a real craftsmen.

[@sgit1]

I think the "structural ribs" are also there in case you want to attach racking - commercial use. Another great Tuesday auditorium presentation. 😉

[@johnnyfraley2270]

That is a very clear explanation. A very professional video.

[@12vLife]

3:32 Removing Ribs in a Ram Promaster 1500! was looking for this . Thank You!

[@EatSleepRVRepeat]

Great Info! This takes the "scary" aspect out of window installation. Lou💚

[@danterry6328]

Though I would never do this myself. I love guys that know what their doing, make look so easy. George would be my go to guy to have this done. Happy Trails.

[@raybbj]

Such a great video topic. The attention to detail in the video making process was top notch! I really enjoyed watching this, even though I know I will never need to do this.

[@raymondschneider5217]

Great seeing professionals at work; and, their "little secret" aides. Also, you provide such a clear and concise explanation. The combination makes it look so easy/simple. Y'all Be Safe!

[@yesItsjustjae]

Thank you, a really excellent, detailed video that answered a lot of questions that we had.

[@RVgeeks]

So great to hear! Thanks so much for letting us know.

[@CaliforniaTravelVideos]

Very thoughtful video - great tutorial and beautifully edited and narrated :)

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@AngelTorres-se9zf]

Wow, final product looks as if the van was made with those windows.👍 Safe travels😎

[@Steve_Wixom]

Getting ready to do this on my Promaster conversion in a couple weeks, Thanks for the great tips!

[@RVgeeks]

Fantastic! Let us know yow you make out. 😊

[@JimPreston]

I wish the video mentioned the materials names more like the clear plastic tape to protect the paint and the tape to hold the sheet metal while cutting. We tried every tape we had for holding the left and right sides of the cut metal but nothing worked. Also, the screws we got have square driver holes in the top. My Philips driver worked but I've never seen square before and I've been doing mechanical work both paid and at home since the 1960's. Other than that the video is very helpful. Thank you!

[@MrAndycm]

George is a pro!!!

[@daviddensmore2606]

A great video, and I’m not planning on installing new windows where none have gone before! Watch a video of Bubba “I installed a window in my van” and you’ll get an idea how to do it. Watch this video of a pro that’s done done it for decades, and you’ll KNOW how to do it! Particularly important for anyone that’s worked with metal and know how it’ll start flopping and vibrating was the tape on the ends and leaving a bit in th middle before finishing. Duh, why didn’t I think of that? ‘Cause I haven’t installed hundreds of windows. So yep, a great video. Something else I picked up from this video that is marginally related. Using the inner ring to check fit. I installed two replacement windows on my class A, the driver’s and passenger side front window. I used a different vendor, and the measurements were to be within 1/16”. Measured two places vertical and horizontal. All was well until I got the windows. The openings were out of square by about ⅛ - 3-16”, which is negligible, but enough that with the tight tolerance of the window fit, the windows wouldn’t go in. I spent time with a grinder “adjusting” the aluminum frame until the windows would fit. I still have a couple to replace, I’ll do my best to check for square, not easy with rounded corners, I’ll use a larger margin of ⅛”, use the trim piece to check fit, and of course, use Motion Windows! Thanks again, and hope to meet you all on the road one day!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much for the comment, David! 😊

[@Heatsauce70506]

Pro tips are always appreciated. I'm hoping to start my van soon, that is if I can find one I can afford. Thanx

[@FreedoomRock]

That was a dang good explanation thanks❤

[@randyvallis4973]

Nice job by a real pro

[@SeanMather]

Thank you, as always very informative and interesting!

[@TheJamesLamb]

This is a cool video! Thank you for sharing.

[@Badgeweefixstuff]

Wow awesome video well done 👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🛠🛠

[@tomherold9936]

Amazing

[@joeyhartemink900]

Great video rv geeks!👍👍

[@Maik1968]

That windows look so great! And I love that how to videos! Hope you‘re fine! Take care and always safe journeys 😘😘🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@samialbrahim9255]

Nicely done 👏👏👏

[@WheresGoldie]

This is fantastic, thank you! What about the ribs on a Nissan NV3500? They're a lot beefier than the Promaster or Sprinter.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Goldie! Sorry we've never seen it done on a Nissan (no surprise that the ribs are beefier on them)! But we'd suggest giving Peninsula Glass a call to ask if they can do them, and if so, what might be different. You can contact them at www.rvwindows.com

[@BiggeDink]

Great video. What is the tape under the window?

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks! If you're referring to the blue tape, that's to protect the paint.

[@adventure_ambassador]

Thank you for that helpful video. Love the detail. Will you be creating a video for installing CR Laurence windows in a Promaster? Thanks again! :)

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Rob. Sorry, we don’t have any other window install video currently planned.

[@frito_bandito_]

Great video. Maybe I missed it, but why did he cut the two short slits at the bottom of the window before cutting out the entire window?

[@johnpalmer3848]

Those start the cut for the jigsaw blade. The cutting wheel can self-start its own cut, but the saber action of the jigsaw blade cannot start its own cut. I think they were slightly inside the line so the cut was started inside the waste area.

[@RVgeeks]

Good question, Frank... and sorry if that wasn't more clear. He cut those slits so he had somewhere to start the jigsaw for cutting out the window opening. He created them above the line for the actual outline so that they didn't have to be as precise. When he started cutting with the jigsaw, he inserted the blade into those cuts and curved down to meet the line for the opening. That makes sure he can precisely control the cut.

[@toddramsay977]

What is the purpose of the angle grinder cuts?. He uses the jigsaw and cuts on his template line underneath them. So what are those cuts for?

[@RVgeeks]

Todd... those cuts are because you have to start with something... a jigsaw/reciprocating saw can't START a whole in the side of the van. The angle grinder cuts he made were so he could then insert the jigsaw. And he did them above the cut line so that he could then cut down to the line with the jigsaw, which is a finer blade with a better cut.

[@larrynmarks]

About the structural integrity that the rib provided for that wall? I asked that question because I have a 36 foot Fleetwood diesel pusher 1993 model and it has two windows next to each other with a 1 foot section in between it that still fiberglass for the motorhome and collectively together they are 12 1/2 feet long. I have been thinking about putting in one window that is 12 1/2 feet long. And taking out the 1 foot section in between the two windows. Is that possible do you make a window that big?

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Larry! Based on the flimsy nature of the rib, we're fairly confident that it provided no structural integrity for the van at all, but rather was probably only there to keep the thin steel wall from flexing/vibrating while driving. And now with the window in place, that wall is probably more solid that it was with the rib. We'd suggest that the wall section between the windows in your motorhome is much more likely to be structural, and not sure what the effect might be of cutting it. Even if the structure in there isn't essential for keeping the chassis rigid, there is the potential that the amount of flex that might occur without those members in place could conceivably permit enough wall flex to break a 12 1/2 foot window while driving. By the way, to find out if Peninsula Glass makes a window that big, or if they advise installing it in your situation, you can contact them through their website: www.rvwindows.com

[@carpenterfamily6198]

If it matters, do you prefer the saw teeth ( blade ) pointing inward or outward ? The blades come in both types.

[@carpenterfamily6198]

I would think teeth pointing outward so saw tends to pull against the surface being cut, rather than pushed away from it.

[@RVgeeks]

We never even knew there was a choice! LOL But we agree.... having the teeth pull the saw toward the surface must surely be the way to go.

[@SalsaChips11]

Hi, do you know if I can use Isopropyl alcohol to clean the edge of the windows before installation instead of lacquer thinner?

[@RVgeeks]

That should be fine, Iris! It’s to clean and remove any residue from the manufacturing process, and alcohol should do the job, too.

[@gpswildride]

My windows came labeled Right and Left, is that looking at the van from the front or sitting in the van? I wish they were labeled Passenger or Driver side. Hope someone can reply soon. Thanks!

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Shirley! We’re betting that whatever company you ordered them from can answer that question for you with a quick phone call. Hope they can help!

[@vibecat4899]

just wondering which window dimensions you installed in the Promaster ?

[@RVgeeks]

So sorry you were unable to say for sure. This wasn’t our van, and we don’t know the specs on it. We’re pretty sure if you were interested in one like it, and contacted the manufacturer , they could tell you what window it was that was installed in this video, since it was shot right there at their shop. Here’s their website: www.motionwindows.com

[@SalsaChips11]

Where can I get the clear film?

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Iris! I'm not 100% certain, but I think this inexpensive clear version of the blue stretch wrap will work for the job: amzn.to/2YEEYMP

[@SalsaChips11]

Thanks for the reply!

[@SalsaChips11]

Would be interested to see if Duck brand sells the wrap in smaller amounts (< 1000 ft.), but I'm sure I could discover that with a little research.

[@beckysmith1557]

Can a window be installed in the front of a travel trailer?

[@RVgeeks]

It might depend on the surface, Becky. If the surface of the trailer is flat, vs "corrugated" it's more likely. But we'd want to consider other factors too, such as exposure to things that could strike the window, like flying stones. There's probably a reason why most travel trailers don't have a window at the front.

[@johnpalmer3848]

Quite probably, although you'd want to ensure it was a heavier tempered glass to deal with the impact from road debris. And/or always have a sturdy protective cover or "shutters" over it for travel.

[@freejuggling5678]

What brand window?

[@RVgeeks]

They’re made right there at Peninsula Glass in Vancouver, WA. It’s their Motion Windows brand.

[@CaseyGpdx]

WHere is peninsula glass located?

[@RVgeeks]

They're in Vancouver, Washington, not far off I-5, just north of Portland, Oregon, but they ship windows all over the place.

[@CaseyGpdx]

@@RVgeeks Sweet I live in portland

[@georgefenrich4119]

I went to my local RV repair place and they said IT CAN"T BE DONE. They said it would cost Hundreds of dollars and it was not worth it. I guess they just didn't want my money. ???

[@RVgeeks]

Sounds like they just don’t know how to do it. Now that you do, you can save your $. 😉

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Don't tell me you're downsizing. You've been driving that behemoth of a motorhome for a while. Are you looking to finally downsize to a Class B? :)

[@RVgeeks]

Are we interested in a possibly getting into a smaller rig someday? Yup. As small as a Class B? Not so much! 😁

[@jasoncarpp7742]

@@RVgeeks I'd buy a small RV if I could find one in decent condition. I'm sure they're out there. :)

[@igotstoknow2]

Why so serious?

[@joshreed7908]

U guys switching to van life?? Lol

[@RVgeeks]

Not if we have to cut our own window holes! 😂