Sprinter/Crafter Van Window Installation - Van Conversion Series

We cut a giant hole in our van to fit a van window. Having no experience with van conversions, we cut a hole in the side of our van to fit a bonded van window. We show you the process of us installing a bonded window from cutting the hole, rust-proofing the edges and sticking on the window itself.
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-- UK Links --
➤ Side Window: bit.ly/2WpC9O6
➤ Primer: ebay.us/fofz1B
➤ Window Sealant: ebay.us/fofz1B
➤ Drill: amzn.to/3dS5c51
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-- USA Links --
➤ Side Window: bit.ly/2WpC9O6
➤ Primer: www.vanpimps.c...
➤ Window Sealant: amzn.to/3tkuIWU
➤ Drill: amzn.to/322Qkez
➤ Jigsaw: amzn.to/3a1GY7b
➤ Angle Grinder: amzn.to/3mybJ8Y
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Freedom Strider assumes no liability for damage, loss or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. This video is for educational purposes only. Use this information at your own risk. Freedom Strider recommends safe practices as implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Freedom Strider, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result.
#vanconversion #vanwindow #vanwindowinstallation

[@Tracor3k99]

I like that you guys didn't do it perfectly... I have yet to cut holes in a van and its scary because "oh no I'll mess up" but I see that it doesn't have to be perfect. Thank you very much

[@FreedomStrider]

With any hole that you cut in the van, it's always best to cut it smaller as you can always cut more off after. Especially for your first cut, cut in increments if you're not sure about your lines. Once we got to the point of actually cutting the van, we felt quite calm, it was all the suspense before which was a bit nerve-racking., Once your first drill bit goes through the van, it's like "well, there's no turning back now...let's just do it!" 😎😂

[@Tracor3k99]

@@FreedomStrider yeah lol I can definitely understand the "there's no going back so maybe as well" lol thanks for your words of wisdom! :)

[@steveallen8987]

Keep the piece you cut out, you can use it to make protective panels for anything you mount underneath. Or covering holes inside, a splash back for the cooker, etc

[@FreedomStrider]

Good tip, it's in the garage for possible future use :)

[@marks-0-0]

I got my windows from the same company. Some tips for others, .. in cold temperatures warm the tubes in a bucket of warm water. .. when applying the sealant the nozzle should sit at right angles to the body to leave a triangle of sealant (and unless you're applying the sealant right on the cut edge the guide on the nozzle should be cut off). .. i also used a short piece of straight wood to check that the allignment of the glass to the van body was the same all round the window.

[@FreedomStrider]

Good tips, thanks! 🙂👍

[@kevinjames7367]

Great work and very inspirational

[@FreedomStrider]

Thanks! Going through the van conversion is a constant reminder to never underestimate our capabilities 😉

[@vanlifeembracingdiversity5431]

Yes for more light and to see any strangers in the dark

[@FreedomStrider]

👀🙂

[@CarlJones14]

I think a second window on the opposite side if layout allows it. This type of window looks really nice. I went for the double glazed (plastic) caravan style by Polyvision®, harder to fit, but they do open fully and they come with fitted blind and bug screen. As I say, I still have mixed feeling about my choice, but it is what it is. 👍

[@FreedomStrider]

We also wanted windows that opened and had a built in big screen and blind but we really do like the flush look and the tint of these windows. Most of the caravan style ones pop out which gets caught on the wind - we wished we had goten the sliding opening window for this one but oh well, we should be able to get another window in with our design ;)

[@TezTez-i5g]

Good job👍👍👍 usually for a fitter to fit these today would cost £350 max,,, for both sides in plain tinted etc,, by time you buy the windows and all that’s needed you only save around £100so for someone to fit them supply and fit, Labour is say £100 and maybe a bit made on windows for there time and skill is ok,,,, I have fitted one time before and last 2 times it’s just less hassle,, but great job though 👍👍👍👍👍

[@FreedomStrider]

We enjoyed the process of learning how to install windows and now we don't blink an eye at the process. I'm glad that installations are in the affordable range for some people, it's good to have options 🙂

[@flightofthefox-aussietrave1430]

Hey guys 👋 just found your channel and subscribed! My partner and I are dying to do proper van life. We are travelling Australia at the moment in a car and swag, but hopefully getting ourselves a van to travel Europe! Loving your videos! Can’t wait to see more! 👍🏼👏🏼😊

[@FreedomStrider]

Great to have you around. :D Honestly, having a portable home is the best way to sustain full-time travel, so definitely, I hope you get your van, would love to see what you do with it. Keep in touch ☺- Polly

[@paolabauer1928]

Can you please list the equipment used with the sizes of the cutting wheel please? New subscriber! Thank you❤

[@FreedomStrider]

For the hole saws we used the 50mm, thought really anything between 30mm + will do the job to help you with the curve.

[@realitycheck623]

Thanks for sharing your videos. Did DVLA clarify in the end if you need 2 windows on the same side or 2 windows overall in the side of the van?

[@FreedomStrider]

Well, they say something different each time we ask.. so they haven't clarified... but last time we called they said 2 windows overall in the side of the van and even that a skylight on roof counts... apparently. But I wouldn't trust that judgement to hold ;D

[@ChrisBrookes86]

@@FreedomStrider Hi Guys, great video. Can you clarify a bit on this. Are there DVLA restrictions on windows?

[@edwardcroft5179]

Have you got a list written down? I’m about to do this! Like a list of things I need to order 😃

[@FreedomStrider]

Yes we do, the video description has links to everything we used along with our blog post on it here www.freedom-strider.com/van-build-cutting-a-window-hole-in-our-van 👍

[@Antonia.Bradley]

Hey guy's....how long did it take for Van pimps to deliver your window may I ask?

[@FreedomStrider]

2 days after the order went through, so I think it was... We ordered it Monday evening and it came Wednesday. Are you having problems with them?

[@Antonia.Bradley]

@@FreedomStrider No not a problem...it's just that we have to judge delivery times on our orders so that we can be at our daughters to collect them. She lives 100 miles away. So, like this week we have spent 4 days up at hers ordering 1,000 pounds worth of kit, before we go back to our van to instal it all. :)

[@FreedomStrider]

Good thing you have a van to carry it all! We've done a few of those days, and the parcels are never ending it seems!!

[@Antonia.Bradley]

Nice one guys, I was thinking I would try that to.......as for another, I'm just going for the one. Where did you think to put another?

[@FreedomStrider]

We're thinking about putting one on the opposite wall at the very back, over where our kitchen is going to go 😊 Once you have the hang of the tools it's not that difficult a job

[@Scolopente]

Will you have a window that opens?

[@FreedomStrider]

We looked and looked but we couldn't find an opening window that can go on the back pannels, only on the front and we've already put one there :( We're going to have an opening skylight that can open all the way though :D

[@nickdrover1435]

Have confidence and cut it in the right place and dont use an angle grinder and use a better jigsaw blade oe smaller in depth or finer toothed blade and go slow on corners

[@FreedomStrider]

For those thick beams a jigsaw can't cut through it so it had to be an angle grinder, going slow is the way to go !

[@ivecamperbuild_thomas4084]

Yes but when you install the other windows just use the jig saw cut a peace of cardboard the shape of the hole you need and place it on the Other side and mark around it and cut it from the our side . And if you are putting a diesel heater in you can use it to make a box to put the heater in and fit if under your van or if you are putting water tanks under your van you can use it to protect the tanks from anything flying up and going through the tank

[@FreedomStrider]

Good tip! As for the metal piece, we're not throwing anything away yet, knows knows where it might come in handy 😊

[@ivecamperbuild_thomas4084]

Freedom Strider 👍👌👏

[@johngrant1337]

no

[@FreedomStrider]

Yes?