Van Windows: Installation Made Easy (FULL TUTORIAL)

[@aleraslostlankford6076]

Awesome video ! Your instructions take my “fear of making a mistake” level way down. Thank you both!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey Aleraslost Lankford, No problem! Glad it helped! :)

[@kevnrob1]

We love our Arctic Tern windows. The gang at Tern Overland was great to work with when I had any questions. We stopped by their facility in Prescott. Installed them almost four years ago and they are still like new. One thing we did was reverse the inside screen. Now the sun shade goes up rather than down. We can have the bottom partially covered for privacy while still having the top open for light and viewing. Also, be ready for rain. If the window is open when it rains water will come in around the top corners. The corners are round so a small part is open. No big deal, we just put some towels in the bottom corners to catch anything that runs in and down. One shade/frame has a pretty loud rattle. I haven't been able to resolve it yet. I'll get it figured out. But, that is the only negative. We love the openness when they are all the way open and they just look cool!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad they've been working well for you. Thanks for watching!

[@ternoverland]

Reach out to our support team regarding the rattle, we will help you solve that issue! Glad you are enjoying your windows! Our email is [e-mail], or you can call us at 928-642-3459 option 3.

[@scottdmartin]

How do they do against wind blown dirt scratches and other abrasions over time?

[@terriyarbrough2393]

Awesome job. I love the upgrades they've done to the shades. I'm envying those. Shows the manufacturers listen to their customers. Can't wait to meet up with y'all when the build is complete. It's been too long. Love my kids.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Yeah! They're pretty great!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Want to see the windows all finished complete with the blinds & window jambs? Check this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZeVc52HrbJ-eqs *Resources mentioned in the video:* ➤Order your windows here: www.ternoverland.com/exploristlife ➤Use this code for 10% off your order: Exploristlife10 *These are the sizes of windows we used in this video:* ➤Driver Front: 450mm x 900 mm ➤Driver Rear Bunk: 1100mm x 300mm ➤Passenger Rear Bunk: 1100mm x 300mm ➤Wall Thickness: 35-44mm / 1.38" - 1 3/4" Special thanks to Tern Overland for sponsoring this video. Want to support companies who support the free-to-you tutorials we make here at EXPLORIST.life and get some high quality windows at the same time? Consider using Tern Overland windows in your next build. These are the Satsang Vanworks Trim Rings we used in this video. Use code 'EXPLORIST.life' for 5% off your purchase. ➤450mm x 900mm x 2.8": satsangvanworks.com/products/custom-window-jamb-for-arctic-tern-windows?ref=EXPLORIST&variant=40579808100543 ➤1100mm x 300mm x 2.8": satsangvanworks.com/products/custom-window-jamb-for-arctic-tern-windows?variant=40579808559295 Stay tuned to this series as the Satsang Outer Trim ring installation will be featured in our 'How to Install Walls' video of this build. Additional EXPLORIST.life resources: ➤Shop the EXPLORIST.life Store: shop.explorist.life ➤Shop Battle Born Batteries: battlebornbatteries.com?afmc=explorist_bb67 ➤Binge the Transit Van Build: kzbin.info/aero/PLmvhcyi4n0TVfA4XCYJBkzfUXunSON1zX

[@luismachado742]

Link comes up page not found.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

@@luismachado742 Thanks for the heads up. Fixed the link. Apparently capitalization matters. 😂🤣

[@vivlore1734]

Mount the blinds upside down, it means the blackout can be partially up ensuring privacy wile the top mesh gives airflow

[@luismachado742]

Great detail on installing the Artic Tern window. The detail about the spacer and compressing the seal was well done. I am looking at these for my sprinter along with the CL bunk window. It may come down to cost but I do like the insulating property of the double pain and light weight. Keep up the great work!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I'm glad that part came across well. We had to shoot that part, like, 3 different times to get it to make sense. Yeah, the double pane was definitely one of the biggest plusses for me. It makes SUCH a big difference in cold weather.

[@ternoverland]

Great video! We are happy to partner with you, you have been amazing to work with!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thanks for the support and thanks for making awesome windows!

[@daveminnich632]

Great series folks! You were very clear in the video that you were using the level as a straight edge and not as an actual level, but it’s probably still worth making the point for those who don’t realize that you can’t use a level to find “level” when finishing a van like you would when building a house.

[@albertoc5882]

Awesome video! Scored 10% off my purchase by using your link! Thank you so much!!!!!

[@danielrodriguez5349]

A thousand times “Thank you”!!! Now I can install my windows because of your fabulous video. I greatly appreciate your generosity of your time to create and share such thorough instructions.

[@janetalcott-rt2ie]

Like the awning type windows for keeping rain out👍

[@EstlinHaiss]

Thank you guys so much for sharing this detailed install video. I have three of these windows for my van and have been nervous about installing them. Before today, there wasn't a video out there that shows the process as thoroughly as you just did. I will have much more confidence going into my install after watching this!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad it was helpful. Cheers!

[@christosmaninos1570]

I like the windows, I willing to bet that the lizard skin made cutting the wall panel much easier.

[@karppadiem7014]

Super helpful. These are the windows we want and the placement so thanks for sharing. 💖 I did see someone else that puts a few magnets on the outside of the van when drilling holes to help catch the metal shavings. -Troy & Aimee

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Nice! Glad it helped. Thanks for watching! I've seen the magnet trick too. Pretty cool! Need to get a big magnet and give it a shot.

[@KJackson-zf1fv]

I have enjoyed many of your videos. I am trying to decide between the 300 X 1100 and the 300 X 700 windows for my new van. Now that you have used your van for a year have you observed any downsides to the larger windows?

[@mikefranks4528]

Nate/Steph, another great exhaustive tutorial! Thank you!

[@EXPLORISTlife]

No problem! Thanks for watching!

[@ThriveTools_Eden]

Thanks for the detailed tutorial. I'm so grateful to have found your guys channel. Is it the same tools and process for an aluminum and fiberglass body?

[@yvonneoliver8090]

Although I grew up camping in everything from tents and pop-up campers to motorhomes, I'm new to this whole DIY camper van adventure thing along with all that entails. I am also rather technically challenged when trying to navigate various information outlets to locate answers. So please forgive my ignorance about things that quite possibly have been covered extensively elsewhere. My question is where do your van conversion builds go? Not travel wise but who do you build them for? I'm looking for QUALITY resources that custom build for others. Specifically those of us who have been DIY our whole lives but are now entering a time of life where we are inspired by the options and excited to design exactly what we want, but understand our physical and time limitations. Simply put, we want to be able to enjoy the use of the van, not spend what (realistically for us) would be a couple years at least to design, source materials, acquire everything and build an awesome van for someone else to enjoy because we are either too infirm to travel that extensively any more or dead. Of all the van build tutorial options we've found yours is right at the top of quality design, materials and meticulously thought out installation so we value your advice and direction.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I appreciate that! So, we are a little different. We make our vans nd projects for this channel. Once they are done, we use them for ourself for leisure or for attending events and such. Once we no longer need them, we just sell them. We aren't and upfitter that's churning out 30 vans a year. We've spent a year on this one, will be working on viewers campers this year, and will probably build an Expedition rig or something in 2024. Our gig is teaching people how to do this stuff themselves, not providing a finished product, if that makes sense.

[@yvonneoliver8090]

@@EXPLORISTlife Thank you for getting right back to me! I really appreciate it! Would you have any advice or recommendations on how we could find someone skilled, ethical and honest who does build to suit vans?

[@bofz1984]

Nice video, how do you build the round window jamb

[@malcolmtaite]

Great video! For the Satsang outer ring, did you go with the suggested 2.8" outer ring thickness?

[@jackmason7518]

Good Morning. Great Job. PS Great HAIR CUT. Jack

[@motohqchannel255]

I have just stumbled on to your channel and have subscribed. Great job with everything! I recently purchased a 32' class A rv and love it. I also purchased a new Dodge Promaster 2500 van to pull behind as a drivable inclosed trailer. Yes I know, kinda awkward set up and have taken several trips with this set up. No it does not work very well and causes me a lot of stress. I will be retiring in two years and the wife and I have decided to live in the motorhome and and convert the van for quicker, easier travel. All of this to say, I understand that you sell mocked up solar set ups with a bit of tech support? I will be do my Ram conversion myself and would love to purchase these things from you if that is what you do as well.

[@abit2556]

This is so good, your videos are amazing! thank you so much

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey Abit, No problem! Glad it helped! :)

[@lonmar44]

Nice project beautiful windows

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey lonmar44, Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@oh2hqe]

THis was good. Really like one. Detailled and explained installation of window is great. I wonder if that wooden frame collect condensate water and get wet during time. Just thinking is there oppoturnity have some “steinless” wood frame.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Glad you liked it! You can also use stainless or aluminum square tubing instead of the wood framing if that's something you're worried about. With the LizardSkin thermal insulation we already installed and the 3m thinsulate insulation we will also install combined with adequate ventilation, I don't anticipate much condensation in that location.

[@kenwang9682]

Nice video. Is the window curved? Asking because the van wall is curved. Wondering if the window has the curve to fit the wall.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The window isn't curved, but since the wall is only 'barely' curved and is a bit flexible, it doesn't matter.

[@CraigMullins1]

Whats the impact resistance? Like say someone tries to break in. How hard do you have to hit it with a hammer before it breaks or pulls out of the frame? Or if you stuck a screwdriver under the window, break off the latches?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I haven't hit them with a hammer yet to determine how tough they are. 🤣 In all seriousness, though, I would bet an off happy hour round of beers that the tempered glass windows on the front doors would be significantly easier to break into than these acrylic windows. Acrylic is incredibly impact resistant and tempered glass shatters pretty easily.

[@CraigMullins1]

@@EXPLORISTlife yea want to replace all my windows with acrylic not sure if it’s legal tho? The thieves have got me so many times.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

I don't know about legality. A hole saw on a cordless drill will get through an acrylic window in about 9 seconds, though. Glass or acrylic... if somebody wants in... they will get in.

[@KentFleshman]

How do you determine the "thickness" for ordering the windows ? Is that info on the Ford website, or did you use calipers or something? Does the thickness include the Satsang spacer or is it just the gauge of the sheet metal?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The thickness does indeed include the spacer. If you go with the satsang spacer, on a sheet metal body panel, you'll want to order the 35-44mm window (noted on the product page of the spacer rings at the bottom of the product description: satsangvanworks.com/products/custom-window-jamb-for-arctic-tern-windows?ref=EXPLORIST&variant=40579808100543

[@MaeKelm]

Awesome job.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey Mae Kelm, Thanks so much! Cheers!

[@599miata]

Very interesting process.👍👍

[@theresadellorusso5996]

Hi! What size bunk window did you install and are you concerned that the sliding door will hit it if it in the opened position?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Window sizes are in the video description and pinned comment. The door would indeed hit the window if the window was open while trying to open the door. We just will be aware of that; similar to how we can't open our doors all the way if we are parked too close to the next car over. Just a matter of paying attention there.

[@2010AZM]

Excellent video! One question = Did you have to make any adjustments for the curvature of the van exterior wall? and what tool did you use to cut the extra bit of the support beam after you cut the hole in the side of the van?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The frame for the window pulls the van wall side flat, so no other adjustments are needed. The tool I used there was a Oscillating Multitool. One of my favorite tools for 'precise descruction' for sure: amzn.to/3LfccI0 (Also works great as a scraper and for cutting door jambs 🤣 )

[@cbarnes94]

Is the floor in the cargo area steel or aluminum?

[@JeffTScott]

Hey Nate and Steph was there a thought behind the driver rear window and not going bigger? I see they offer a larger size.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The bigger size was 'close to not fitting' in our transit. I think it would fit; but it was right on the cusp of not having enough room before it hit support ribs.

[@donaldhoshaw2066]

Nate, your list of window sizes on the tern sight doesn’t appear to match the windows you actually installed. I assume you installed (1) 450 x 900mm and (2) 300 x 1,100 mm windows. Correct?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

These are the sizes of windows we used in this video: ➤Driver Front: 450mm x 900 mm ➤Driver Rear Bunk: 1100mm x 300mm ➤Passenger Rear Bunk: 1100mm x 300mm ➤Wall Thickness: 35-44mm / 1.38" - 1 3/4"

[@wng1111]

Because the windows on the side-rear open to the outside, does the passenger side door roll back and stop before it is able to engage with the window?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

If the window was open all the way, the door would indeed contact the window.

[@mausie1967]

I get more inspired with every video. Greetings from the Netherlands. Do you think they ship to the Netherlands as well?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Awesome! Glad it helped. I know they will ship to Canada, but I would recommend filling out the form for what you are interested in and then make a note that you are from the Netherlands and see if they will do that.

[@Josmareg]

Hey guys, I loved how the windows look. I want to buy them, but I live in Europe (Finland), do you know if there is a reseller within the European Union?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Just go through the form I put in the video description and they will make shipping happen.

[@Josmareg]

@@EXPLORISTlife thank you for the reply.

[@michaelcarman4875]

what actually holds the window in? mine must be different. how is screwing it to the spacer holding it in?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Spacer is glued to the wall and the window and inner trim ring sandwich around that holding it in place.

[@gattaca5911]

noticed the edge of the plywood spacer ring is unfinished.....are you going to paint/lizard skin it?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

The inner trim ring we installed will never be seen, so we will not be painting that. It's in there for good at this point. The outer trim ring that will be the 'window jamb' will be finished. You'll have to stick around for the 'installing walls' video to see how we do that (because we aren't really sure yet either. 🤣😂)

[@sPGgwUxYrSd7Cf5H]

Why not use the "trim ring" as your template?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

We wanted to make this video as a 'standalone' vided that followed Arctic Terns directions to a T, which meant making a cardboard template since not everybody will have/opt for the pre made trim ring.

[@rafaelvaldes1091]

Perfect,by the book😂

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Hey, Rafael Valdes! I appreciate that. Thanks for watching! 🙂😀

[@rickmaudlin2160]

Nice !

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jaralei]

I don’t understand why the trim ring needs to be bought separately, from a separate company, and at a cost nearly as much as the window itself. 1) Why doesn’t Arctic Tern sell everything needed as a kit? 2) Why not buy windows from a company making windows specifically for these vans with all parts included?

[@EXPLORISTlife]

These windows are originally made to be installed on expedition campers that have thicker walls like the structurally insulated panels on expedition rigs. I'm sure that they could "Include" a spacer ring... but they'd have to charge for it; so why include something that would raise the cost of the product that some people may not need? Remember... you CAN make your own spacer ring out of whatever material you may have on hand. The ones we showed are simply ones that will make most peoples lives easier and not waste a big sheet of plywood just to cut out rings and be left with a bunch of weird off-cuts

[@EXPLORISTlife]

^^^ that was about the spacer (the thin one). The thick one is the window jamb. Every window needs an additional jamb. I don't know of a van window on the market that comes with a full on window jamb to span the gap from the window to the wall. Also... I'm incredibly proud of myself to be able to use the phrase 'from the window to the wall' in an actual reply.

[@MaryLaRue-k8e]

Thank you for your response. The link you gave me didn't work. I did look up carpenters pencil and mechanical pencil on youtube. I stand by my statement. KZbin bears out what I've known for over 60 years.

[@EXPLORISTlife]

60 years and you still don't understand jokes and sarcasm... what a shame...

[@gattaca5911]

tools needed in the beginning the drill was missing.....

[@MaryLaRue-k8e]

By the way, that is a carpenters pencil. A plain pencil. Mechanical imply it has working parts as in an ever-sharp pin. Otherwise you did an awesome job showing us how to install the window.

[@pwarelis]

You didn't glue the spacer to the metal, you glued it to the lizard skin. Window installation should probs be done before the sound deadening step

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Instructions didn't state to remove paint to bare metal (which you would need to do if you were trying to glue it to the metal (paint isn't metal either, remember)) before gluing the spacer. I have full confidence that what we did will be just fine and our video got the go-ahead from Arctic Tern before we posted it. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@davidpatrick1813]

just a personal comment.. the hair cut detracts and I miss things...

[@stuckcamping]

Sure is pointy

[@omantoodle2437]

Was your dad a firefighter

[@EXPLORISTlife]

Indeed! So was I before KZbin.

[@omantoodle2437]

@@EXPLORISTlife thank you…I just retired after 30 years