Van Life Essentials Making Bug Screens for Your Car, Van or RV

As I publish this video, much of the country is sweltering under an extreme heat wave that is making many of us miserable--but, if you live in a van, it can be extra miserable!! If you're going to make your van livable, the least you need to do is be able to open your windows and get some air flow. That really helps, but what if there are tons of mosquitoes or other flying insects? YOU NEED BUG SCREENS!
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Thanks for watching!

[@maggiealena]

I cut mine out and used hot glue to add a fabric edge with the magnet trapped in a pocket between the net and fabric. Magnet is not going anywhere, neither is the netting. Makes it much easier to install over the windows I open. I have a 2012 grand caravan. I only opened the back vent windows and side door windows. I have a wireless door bell on the door outside with a magnet on it. A little touch of a house 😆

[@thebestisyettocome4114]

For this lifestyle, Bob Wells, should be given the title role of Ambassador. I don't believe he knew how far his KZbin videos would go or even his popularity. The real McCoy!

[@Slushey51]

#BobWells2020

[@kathockman765]

"Professor Bob!"

[@mikeevans-nomadicaspiratio3672]

The Original Mr. E L M E R totally agree. I have a few that i have been a fan of, bob is the only one that i actually hope to meet along my journey....only because i know where to find him annually lol. Actually i would love to meet other youtubers. I could use some tips for that kind of fanbase. Ambassador Nomad Bob Wells! Votes in.

[@hernanenriquez1804]

A new life style for hobos!

[@susannichols4372]

Richard McCallum I like Bob too much to wish that nightmare on him! But I agree he is awesome!

[@shirleywatkins3620]

Walmart does have window screen sleeves for under $15 set of 4 !

[@susanmerritt8331]

Great Advice! For the last two nights I have had a critter running back and forth on the roof of my van! I was scared to get out to investigate so I hit the roof from the inside. The next thing a mouse had jumped on to my window screens, hanging on for dear life. I will never camp out again without screens and lots of magnets!

[@carolbrooks9161]

Eek!

[@AsTheWheelsTurn]

why did this remind me of the red green show lol he needed to end with "if the ladys dont find you handsome then at least be handy"

[@kihntagious]

One of the finest pieces of television art to date! Reno 911 is also woefully under appreciated.

[@glenchilada]

Fantastic! 🤣

[@TheSunGoethDown]

I just made these screens for my minivan according to Bob's instructions. I got 2 rolls of screen from Home Depot for $15, duct tape for $7 and the magnets on Bob's link to Amazon. So I spent just under $50. They came out really nice! I took my time to cut them straight and fit around the windows. I found that the duct tape didn't stick well in some places because the screen was in between. In those places, I put a bead of Gorilla glue and that seemed to do the trick. I'm in Florida and, even in the winter, opening a window while parked brings the mosquitoes like crazy. Thank you for this tutorial, Bob! You are awesome!

[@rsantrach]

For my window screens I purchased mosquito netting from REI (comes in green or white), cut the sizes I needed then sewed on-attached magnetic strips.

[@dellabertolotte2763]

Is this more flexible than the screen?

[@Priesttx57]

I just did this on my mini van while camping in Palo Duro Canyons where the bugs were awful! It worked perfectly! I got the fiberglass screen on a roll and the magnets at Lowe's and spent less than $15. Pretty good way to turn a van into a tent! Thanks Bob!!

[@coyoteheartdestinythesylph5902]

Hey Deb Priest I am about to take a road trip with pets and when its hot besides some ac I want fresh air. And I cant have pets jump out but also they will be in their halters and attached leashes so they won't be wandering much. I will go to leows ...I also posted here: if you used duck tape to finish edges, can you tuck magnets in the duck tape like a sandwich...you can still buy magnets and also use on outside of....I only have a Jetta be but I am a fresh air gal....ty

[@MrChipclip12345]

Really loving your videos. I just bought a Jeep Patriot and am planning to take to the road this summer. I live in Maine so I plan to leave on my birthday (June 1st) and well we'll see how long I'm gone for hahaha. I have been watching your videos planning my setup and have almost filled a notebook already with notes and lists. It has been on my bucket list since I got my license to take to the road. My health is declining so I've decided it's time to do it.

[@rickstonewall2557]

I bought two pieces of gutter guard that had the screen already on it, and cut them to fit my windows. Put channel side over the top of the glass and fit the other end up into the top of the window cavity to hold it in place.

[@freedomfred6518]

Great information as always Bob! How ironic that this video popped up today because I am on my way to buy some mosquito netting as we speak.

[@beach3girl459]

"The king of half-assed"...love it

[@adventurebythemile]

You make me smile. I'm always happy for new information. Thanks, Mr. BOB

[@gaemay8179]

It can be put on the inside of the van too.

[@MrThedirtyduo]

Quote " I can cover with duct tape, and make it look a lot better" love it

[@annafyfe8361]

Thank you Bob, for all your help full tips! I've learned a great deal from you!!! Although we only camp part time, alot of the stuff I've learned from you has been so incredibly helpful!!! Thanks again!

[@tybrady4598]

I like it! Nice and simple! Nothing to break, lol!

[@bessieoriotis5104]

You are the guy we call in during the really hard times. You will have practical or smart ideas for anyone. You are honest and decent so try to forget your weaknesses.

[@glenprovenzano6956]

I wasted most of my morning building a screen panel that would fit inside my mini van window......just saw this video so much simpler and easier! Got to love this guy!

[@karenovershiner5119]

Thank you Bob and film crew. I laughed out loud through the whole video. You are just so genuine, the real deal...very refreshing. Nice to know we don't need to be perfect, just make it work. I just bought my van yesterday, and I am so looking forward to hitting the road! God Bless, Gogo

[@fedecab7097]

Thanks, Bob! I love the simplicity of it, and the freedom that comes along. I am a free lance engineer working and traveling in EU. Due to Covid concerns I have chosen to travel and stay overnight in my tinny MPV car (i. e., Opel Zafira Life). The quantity of amazing and super useful information I have found on your channel is tremendous, and so very much appreciated! And besides, most importantly, I do feel a strong empathy with the profound message that your whole project coveys: minimalistic living in harmony with people and the nature. Something very close to the core teaching of the Gospel, I guess... Al the best, Federico from Italy

[@Wanna.Wander]

Yessss, this is what I need, screens! You are so dang clever with so many uses for the magnets... love it❤️ thank you always Bob

[@davidleigh443]

I always knew Bob had a magnetic personality. Actually a good tip. Thank you Bob.

[@manonarcand2146]

And here i was racking my brain to set up screen on the indoors of the van . Thx for sharing, soooo much simpler :)

[@beckyspindler2153]

That's what I was thinking how come he wasn't doing it on the inside.?

[@ciarasebecke2211]

Wow thank you so much! I recently got some of the screens that go over like a sock and they are okay but I would much rather have one layer and something that can go around the mirror. I actually had this same idea for my van in the back (cant do sock thing because of sliding door) but was going to glue magnets to the inside of the screen. didn't even think to just stick them on the outside - much easier!!

[@Japhill75]

For the plastic section you could perm glue or screw a small thin piece of metal. So a magnet will stick to that section of the door. Kinda like a magnetic door latches. Just a thought. I will be doing this for my rig. Thanks for an informative vid Bob and crew👍

[@desertcandle1]

Bob thank you for being a great teacher. I LOVE ALL of your videos. I can't wait til I can get on the road and meet the tribe. You are a wonderful man who does a great service for all of us who want this life.

[@lookingforthetrail]

Since watching you use magnets, I have discovered a zillion uses for them !

[@av8tor261]

We have to use chicken wire and a 9mm Glock here in Canada. The skitters are huge here....LOL. Great tip.

[@anio1349]

LOL Your skeeters are legendary!

[@kiera_kayaks7521]

I watched videos on how easy it is to decorate a cake. And I actually thought I could decorate all the mini cakes for my wedding. Haha they looked like s***, not even close. But I watch Bob's videos and I'm like, yep I can totally do that! such great info Bob, thank you!

[@mariavicinaiz4504]

Michael's carries the Noseeum netting. Only online but they will deliver to store. Cost is about $2/yrd.

[@Pack.Leader]

I would go for the no-see-um netting and not mess around. Thanks for that information. :)

[@MsDaBean]

I found noseeum netting at Home Depot

[@laurieclark2456]

@@MsDaBean thx. Cuz the AST time I camps at Sanibell. Those bugs were awfull. I was thinking of camping there in my van sometime. Yes. Get better screen

[@yusufbarey6458]

Bob, you are a blessing Sir. I am going to use this idea for making a screen mesh for my ez up. Thank you so much

[@awakeningsister]

Great job Bob, I put mine on in the inside, my motor home is older and the cab doors allow for the magnets to work.

[@grandmasmagic3858]

l was thinking the same thing..at least with putting them on on the inside you are less likely to find them nicked, or the magnets at least..having them on the outside screams that there's someone inside, whereas having them unseen on the inside you'll be less likely to draw attention..

[@valamonica]

Another great, informative, no drama video. Thank You, Bob

[@watergarden77]

My husband did this and glued magnetic tape all around the edge and made it a nice fitted look. But as long it keeps the bugs out and lets air in and out it's good.

[@jewelpotter6221]

Love you Bob...thank you so much for all your info.

[@sharonatseanicstudios9970]

You have the best suggestions Bob. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and ideas.

[@muskietime]

Why is it I sometimes start think of WGN Chicago’s Ray Rainer from the 1970’s when Bob does these projects? Of course Bob has greater skills but they both do their best to do the best. Thank you Bob. Oh, and I could not do better than Bob. Trust me.

[@justinevirtue1755]

Love it Bob! Easy to do. Have your magnets and love them but need more cause they are so handy. God bless!

[@jannwebb]

Hey, the finished product looks good! Thanks for the video.

[@saritaiswalking]

"The king of half ass" lol!! You're awesome.

[@northtexas4110]

Mosquito screen is awesome.. Thank you for the lesson... Happy Trails

[@labbott3933]

Your looking good Bob. Great idea and demo! ★

[@galememeeof6688]

Thanks for this very informative video. I'm going to get some magnets from your store and see what I can do. This is handy information for a lot of different circumstances.

[@dalejkemp]

I did mine on the inside with sticky backed Velcro tape. Soft side on the door, hook side on the screen. Works great and easy to put on or take off. Strong enough to leave on while driving with the windows down.

[@loa81]

I’ve been putting screen on my cars, van, trucks, &SUVs for years. Simple for me was to hang the fabric on the inside pull some excess over the top and sides and magnets on the outside. Simple plastic wedges cut from any recycled item work in the window. Leave the window up about one inch for the wedges to work well. If you have metal door frames you can stealth it by keeping the magnets inside. Thank you so much for your postings. They are great for ideas and stimulating problem solving.

[@karenhirschkorn2360]

Thank you Bob.... got my screen today, will give it a try! 👍🏼

[@elementgypsy]

FYI. The ad in the beginning for the crash safe phone charger/flash light/emergency window breaker and seat belt cutter was the best useful ad for travelers I have seen on youtube!

[@Mvn4Wrd]

I was looking forward to making time to watch this one. I find myself smiling at Innovative ideas.

[@michellecastaneda20]

I did this last week when I went out camping for a week. I was so thankful I did. I also purchased the windshield cover that you displayed. Both were life savers. The windshield cover is a most to help keep the sun out. It works great.

[@herblapp]

Michelle Castaneda There is it's found inside the plastic covering used to make refigerator door seals. I'd check with an appliance store who have to get rid of old units. Don't know where to buy it.

[@iritantNL]

Ehh I just rewired my ventilation system of the van so it works with the ignition off. And it has a pollen filter build in :D

[@mayinnlin1879]

Thank you for sharing Bob! 👍😍

[@tomr5613]

I've been using these all summer and boy it's nice simple and easy and I have pop out windows on side and back if you do make sure window is open because you will extra

[@Locd4life707]

Excellent job Bob. 👍

[@SSandtheRVCats]

More great info Bob. Thank you.

[@lindasue8719]

Slightly off topic, but I'm having trouble figuring this one out : if camping in a modern SUV, how to put the windows up and down overnight without having to access the dash? I sure do miss cranks!!

[@Gimo76]

I bought a queen size mosquito net for a bed canopy for about $12.00 and it was cheaper than the mosquito netting I bought and much more money.

[@rollingbnb2146]

There is a product (liquid) made to keep fabric from fraying. You can find it in a fabric store or prob Wlmart in the sewing section. You just squeeze it out along the edges. I'll bet plain white glue would do the same.

[@juelettefadness7344]

Great idea. Thanks Bob!

[@HoneyandMe]

Wow! What a great idea! I have a Toyota RV that I can do this with for the cab windows, allowing more air flow than just the camper windows. Thanks!!

[@morrisshepherd1637]

Looks good Bob thank you

[@victoriaheatherly2656]

What are you talking about ! That was a great job. I would hire you. Another great idea. Thanks for being there.

[@wendelljohnson1884]

Heck Bob YOU did better than I could my hands shake to much.I would have to put the magnets in the ducktape with the screen then sew them in place.That's me

[@suzyadvise9833]

Speed video awsome. Thank you for all your help.

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thanks Bob, it looks good.

[@VANESSASVANLIFEJOURNEY]

*we all need this in the summer*

[@tradmanmike3360]

THANK YOU BOB!!! I LIKE IT AND WILL BE USING THIS GREAT IDEA!

[@FeralCatSanctuary]

Bravo! Well done!

[@nature_photography_yukon]

Yes, this is great, thanks for sharing:)

[@TomMullin1017]

Works great. Thanks!!

[@emagard8076]

great idea,, very helpful thank you

[@debbierobinson6254]

Thank you Bob🤗

[@taradead]

Love the duct tape idea (sewing them eas out of the question). Neodymium magnets are the only way to go...much smaller and stronger. I scored no-see-um screening at lowes.

[@JosieEllaFaith]

I thought I had seen the noseeum screening at Lowes!

[@carlyswan7447]

Lol@ I'm not the guy you'd hire to do this job.I love ya,Bob!

[@rogerthornton4068]

Why not open the door, drape screen over both sides, safety pin it and then sew it together. This way you would not need magnets. Just open the door and place the screen over it and shut the door.

[@gailjohnson6670]

Great info..Thank you..

[@TammyTimeMovies]

Great job

[@kimcase9]

Hey..quick tid- bit..if you tear down a trashed old microwave oven.. you find super strong round magnets the size of a mans palm!

[@HobbsHorror]

Thank you you have been an inspiration to me I love the channel you have inspired me to start my own channel i hope to grow and be successful as this channel just wanted to thank you be well.

[@dogie1070]

mosquito repellent - eat garlic. you won't make any new friends, but... those mosquitos are crafty little devils. But screens are so practical ;o)

[@justinevirtue1755]

Patricia, I wish! For some of us nothing works. Trust me on that. Although once I was on a course of Amoxicillin and everyone else was getting bit but not me. Explain that one.

[@victoriabaker4400]

Screens imo are one of the very greatest human inventions of all time.

[@L-Anded]

I have a thought. What if one took florist wire and wove it in and out along the edge, then stuck it in the track where the window fits? That wire is tough and bendable to shapes. It would make it quicker in and out. You could even hand sew the edge, to aid in holding the wire in place.

[@susananderson9619]

Jewelry wiring they use fir like bracelet or something

[@L-Anded]

@@susananderson9619 Yes. Memory wire.

[@irmahayes9228]

Great Idea! Thank You

[@Radnally]

Cool ideas

[@richardeinstein2492]

Radnally I see what you did there.

[@opalacios666]

Thank you Bob.

[@twistedfireman]

I recently bought a van. I'm currently working on it's conversion as we plan to explore our surroundings and more with it. We had our first outing this last weekend and even though there are less bugs around here at this time of year, it was very humid and it would have been a lot more comfortable if we'd let the windows open. Unfortunately, we had not much put thoughts into this subject yet. I'm glad I did find this "old" video of yours. That's definitely the prettiest solution around but for my current needs, this is more than I was expecting. Will I "upgrade" to something fancier at some point ? I don't know... Maybe... Maybe not... Who cares ? If it ain't broken, don't fix it. And while I'm at it, I may even build a set for my truck. As a truck driver, I really like to go to sleep with both the engine and the apu off whenever I can. Air conditioning is really neat but fresh air from outside is even better. Thanks for sharing this idea with us !

[@popatop75]

harbor freight has magnetic tool bars real cheap, 18inch for under $5 sometime as a freebie or just discounted for 99 cents... great class

[@anio1349]

I've been wondering! THX!

[@walterhartland4472]

Cool never thought of doing it like that thank u

[@RhodaStone]

I was messing around with my car like this in the heat hahaha-now I will get screens😎

[@forreststinnett4123]

Thanks Bob you are the greatest

[@HowHingPau]

Have you considered folding a length of screen over and taping closed the 2 sides to form a "pouch" shape so you can drape it over the top of your (open) door? See this sun screen as an example: www.amazon.com/VaygWay-Windows-Sunshades-Protector-Privacy/dp/B071W35XL7/ref=sr_1_7_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1540013129&sr=8-7&keywords=side+window+screen

[@newtuber4freedom43]

Very helpful - tfs 💖🚐🎞👍🏻

[@natf7409]

Did I miss the link to the rain guards? (Looking to buy some). Great video, Bob - thanks! :)

[@cindychurch925]

Great ideas

[@Shoshanim222]

Good idea!

[@carlyswan7447]

What about if in the middle of the night someone took your magnets off? lol

[@kevinelton3466]

thats the way to do it nice job

[@greenhornfarmer3598]

Guys lets not forget that these mirrors are made to fold in! fold in the mirror and trim for the whole window.....much easier!

[@maribethspence9458]

Ok I thought i'd commented but guess maybe I forgot to hit the comment button haha. Anyway another great video and I think you did it just fine. It don't need to be perfect. it just needs to work. Here in Iowa I'd need the No See'em stuff but only during the harvest other wise those nasty little buggers are still out in the fields til then

[@FeralCatSanctuary]

I am not a precision person either, so I appreciate the lesson on non-precision.

[@w1dowgal]

Now it's Summer 2023. Amazon's magnets have gone up a lot in price. I discovered the same magnets are two for 99 cents at Harbor Freights. They're called craft magnets. Domino shaped. VERY strong. So, 16 for about $8.