Bunk Window Install on DIY Sprinter Camper Van
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- čas přidán 31. 07. 2024
- This video details the general methods I used to install Hehr 10x36" half-slider windows in my 2016 144" wheelbase Sprinter van. Products used: go to ourkaravan.com and click on "store" in the upper right corner.
Keep in mind that other vehicles and even other wheelbase Sprinters may be different. These windows are screened and slide open offering additional ventilation and the ability to park your vehicle with the windows open without fear of reduced security (they're up too high and are too small for someone to get in).
I bought the Hehr brand but know that Motion Windows makes a similar product. CR Laurence also makes a slightly smaller (10x33") half-slider, but after a half-dozen unreturned phone calls and emails to this manufacturer for fitment problems with my other CRL window, I would rather give my money to a company with better customer service. Buy the Hehr or Motion Windows. I will tell you RB Components (where I bought the windows) offered excellent customer service. (I am not sponsored in any way, unfortunately.)
In case the store is not working, here are the direct product links:
Hehr 10x36" windows: (Pass.side) www.rbcomponents.com/sprinter-...
Driver's side: www.rbcomponents.com/sprinter-...
Butyl tape: amzn.to/2vAshnI
Tools used for cutting:
Bosch jigsaw (newer version of mine): amzn.to/2ks4006
Fine tooth jigsaw blades: amzn.to/2krNEV8
Additional supplies needed:
1/4" or 3/8" plywood to make the mounting base
cardboard or similar to use as a cutout template
paint to treat cut area
Website: ourkaravan.com
Instagram: our.karavan
MUSIC:
Markvard - Catch Our Moment: / markvard-catch-our-mom...
Note: This video contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. Please know we only promote products we actually use and believe in. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Great job well detailed and well planned out and make a look like professionals doing it glad you took the time to make a great video . You’re one of the best installers and videos that are out there.
I appreciate the quality of the work you are doing. I have not bought my van yet, but you are helping me tremendously learn about the proper way to DIY a van. You have thought through in such detail your build; very impressive indeed.
I always love how much detail you put into your videos. Thanks.
Thanks for all of your very detailed and well done videos! My wife and I are installing the same window on our passenger side and your video is such a huge help! We will surely mention you in our videos and blog posts too! Thank you!
Another very clean piece of work. I couldn't see the wood flange that you installed on the inside until I realized that of course you painted it to match. Very nice.
When cutting those upright braces out it works better to do the debonding first, then before cutting slide a thin piece of stainless steel behind the place your cutting to help prevent cutting the skin. This operation reminded me of my aircraft maintenance days.
Dude. I've watched a bunch of your videos now. I like these. Brilliant!
Excellent install! Your procedures are like an installation guide.
Excellent videos! will be doing this type of conversion on my 200 4x4 144. Your videos are excellent and inspiring, great work!
Great Job and Great Video. I'm starting a build on at 2013 Sprinter and got a ton of info from this video. THANKS
Wow, your window plan looks like ours. We did the CRL forward but went with some Euro-style double pane window in the back.
Excellent job Kenne!
a really professional job. well made video, clear and instructive.
Thank you, I appreciate the positive feedback!
Well thought out job, looks good.
Thanks for another great video!
Well done! Just like I would have done. It's great to have an extra pair of hands :)
Van Williams
great job
nice job!
Can the window be installed a bit more forward than where you put it? Aesthetically it won't look as good but I'm considering a MOAB bed from Adventurewagon and one of the support rails resides about 4" into the window area of the Hehr window.
Hi there, I've heard that this window can have some rattling going on even if fit properly.. Just wanted to see if you've encountered any of this in your driving. Thanks!
I saw those extra fingers! You had help once in a while. ;-)
Caught me! Yup, when it comes to glass it's always nice to have a second set!
Ken , Prepping to install my CRL 11X33 sliders, both sides rear. Question: Any reason why I can not use 1/2" ply for window frame fill/stiffener support? You paint with a waterproof paint? Thanks!
Ken, how did trim the butyl tape excess off
I realize that you have the RB Components window. I am going to install the CR Laurence half sliders and can't seem to find anyone who can answer this question. Did your windows have a rubber seal that you put the butyl tape on as well? It is really hard to tell at 6:28 of your video.
My CRL's do have rubber weather stripping/seal and I didn't use butyl on my CRL windows for the sliding door (or should I have done so?).
Now for a probably dumb question: Does trimming the support beams from the van body introduce any potential weakness in that area of the van?
I feel the additional stiffness of the aluminum window frames sandwiching the vans sidewall provides at least as much stiffness as what was removed.
big balls, that's your new name :P
Are you adding windows on both sides?
Ken, I didn't watch your front window replacement but it looked like you used CR Lawrence on the windows by the crew seat area. How does the MB to CR Lawrence to Hehr look tint-wise? Does everything match when looking at the side of the van? Thanks
I will be putting in the Hehr's (or at least marking the areas) and then spraying LizardSkin.
I so much appreciate that you answered my question. I ordered the Hehr for the driver's side :) and will add the CRL's later (I think I can go ahead with the insulation, etc without having to reverse engineer anything if I put them in later in the build). Thanks again for your reply.
I'm getting ready to put 3 of these in my van, 2 on the driver side and one on the passenger side. What frame of reference did you use for leveling the windows? Did you measure from the floor? The body seam above the window isn't level with the floor so I assume that's not a good reference to measure from. Thanks!
Makes sense...Thanks!!!
Another great video, but wear a face shield while using a grinder like that. It will protect your face and throat.
Really nice job on this window install. You used Butyl tape to seal frame to van skin. I have not seen on other window install videos. Why did you use this material instead of adhesive? Misting the contact area is also unusual. Great angle grinder action (by the way). Thanks
Hi, the butyl tape is what is recommended by Hehr (the window manufacturer) and RB Components, the van builder that installs and sell the windows. The misting provided lubricant to aid in seating the window and butyl tape to the van's sidewall. You could ask the manufacturer about using adhesive, however I have not seen it done with this style of window.
Hi, Great video, i want to install the same type of windowsill the rear of my sprinter, i can't find the link to product can you tell me brand of window and where i could get some. i have subscribed so looking forward to see further ideas.
Dave Hopkins CR Lawrence windows
Question: what did you secure the window frame to the inside of the body with? Or is it just tape until the window holds it in place?
If you are referring to the wooden window spacer, it was only taped in place temporarily. The clamp ring around the window clamps the window to the van sheetmetal and the wooden trim ring. The ring's only purpose is to make the wall artificially thicker because the window needs a thicker wall to mount to than just sheetmetal.
Hello. I am installing the same window. How flush was your ring and the window once screwing it down? Adding the 3/8 wooden mounting plate has created such a gap that I can’t get the screws to even meet with the window. I even took off the mounting plate and the window flange is not exactly flush with window. I’m worried they sent me the wrong flange. Did yours seem to fit nice and snug once screwed down? Thanks!
kenetube yes. It seems they sent out a batch of rings that were the wrong size. They sent me the correct size.
kenetube yes. The ring was too thick. New ring fixed issue.
Have you experienced any leaks? My husband and I installed 2 of the these windows last weekend and also put putty tape, but it rained the following day and both of them were leaking through a couple of screws. I contacted the company I bought the windows from (CampervanHQ) and they told me that they were supposed to be installed as they are, no putty tape or butyl or foam. We are going to remove them this weekend to take the putty tape out, but we are thinking of applying caulk around the exterior frame.
What are your thoughts about it? We can't continue with the conversion until we get all the leaks fixed.
They are the same windows. We think the same, they need something.
In other forums, however, we read that people install them as they are and they have no leaks at all.
We'll see when we remove them.
Actually they are CR Laurence windows but they are the same. Same size, shape, clamp ring, everything...
I´ll check the putty tape. Maybe it´s wrinkled or not uniformly applied. I´ll put new putty tape and seal with caulk, just in case.
You and your videos are great. Thank you for all the info you provide.
I's truly appreciate that, thanks!
I have one of these windows from CR Laurence as well. I planned to install it today before I saw that it doesn't come with a gasket like the larger OEM CR Laurence windows do, which we installed up front. I also bought mine from Campervan HQ, and they don't mention anything about adding a gasket or sealant. As kenetube points out, how are you supposed to seal these without, well, a seal? Do they also expect you to install it against the sheet metal? Kenetube's wood mount is really clever and I plan to copy it, but it seems odd that the manufacturer gives no recommendations on these issues. If you have any insight two months out, inquiring minds would appreciate it! :)
Celi Birke did you end up using a wooden mount to frame it in? Did you use any sealant?
what type of window is this half slider, is called bonded or something other?
. thanks
I'm not sure, I've always seen it referred to as a half-slider window. Mine is a 10x36" and made by Hehr.
Did you consider the wooden trim rings that HB components sells as well to help transition from the window to whatever paneling you do on the inside. Also, did you use any adhesive to attach the plywood spacer to the wall of the van before screwing it all together?Thanks again for a great video!
kenetube thanks!
Wait...what was the answer?!?
I screwed the wooden window trim ring to the wall panel itself, so the wall panel and the ring are one piece now.
Where can i get these windows Ken,and thanks for the great vid.
Thanks bud,im in Ireland myself have just fitted a high roof to my vw t5 campervan was looking for the same windows and just found a company in the uk that will make them for me,have you ever had any problems with them, moisture or wind noise or drafts. the windows im getting look the same as your own...
Great videos. For these windows, what was the size of the clamp ring? I have the same van (2017), and I'm ordering custom size windows from HEHR. They are asking me to pick a size for the clamp ring. Thanks in advance.
I can't find a large sliding window. My setup is with 2 facing bench seats that will convert into a bed so I want a window in the range of 51" x 23" with a slider for photography tours through YNP, sliders to stick a camera out... The clamp ring measurement has me a bit confused. The window guy is asking for the thickness of the van wall for the clamp size. The range they offer is between 1/8" (seems standard) to 3.5". You added a wooden mounting plate to the inside of 1/4" or 3/8" changing the thickness of the wall. Do you have the model number for that window and I can look up the clamp ring size. Thanks in advance.
Thanks for the tip on the Motion Windows.
I just finished watching your latest video, and I'm truly sorry for your loss. I have had a similar tragedy. This past summer our 18 year old son passed away a few weeks before he was to attend the University of Colorado. He and I talked about building out a van so I could make the trip to Boulder from Big Sky, MT on weekends to visit. Watching your videos inspired me to continue with the plan to build out a van to help keep my mind distracted. For that, I simply want to say thanks, and I hope you continue to "Live Life" and enjoy the future adventures with your daughter..
Thanks. I'd love to meet up this summer in YNP to check out your fan and say hi. Who knows what my build will look like by summer... If you remember send me a DM on Instagram when you are headed this way...kevinnoblephoto
I went ahead and spent the extra $ on a HEHR custom size single slider. I got tired of looking for a large slider. The one you suggested was about the right size, but the opening was much smaller...
Did you leave paper to one side of the butyl tape? Why is the excess tape a light colour?
Ah makes sense now. The Butyl tape I used on my roof vent was dark, so I was confused seeing white excess. Just rewatched that section of the video on my computer and not my phone and it's easier to see the the butyl is indeed just a lighter colour.
I do plan on adding windows. I might add flare space bump outs to the back and add a very similar window you did to the bump out.
Did you put the butyl tape overtop the existing foam?
My Hehr windows had no foam, just the bare aluminum. So butyl tape was definitely required. If yours has a gasket or some sort that’s probably a better setup.
Did you bond/glue the wooden spacer to the sheet metal of the van? Sorry if I missed the answer. Thanks for all your videos. Huge help on my build.
Hi Dominic, I did not. You could, but I just figured the window is clamping to the sheet metal with the spacer inbetween, so it has no where to go.
As always, I appreciate the support!
@@ourkaravan My thought process was that wood to metal could introduce squeaking noises. I am considering adding 1/8 minicell foam to the back of the wood spacer to minimize noise. We'll see...
I don’t think that could hurt, as long as it doesn’t add enough thickness that the screws can no longer clamp the clamp ring.
@@ourkaravan Good point. Cheers!
Its nice but this sliding window is useless when it’s raining. I building my own van and I used window you can swing out and up so when its rain I can have fully open window.
kenetube cool 😎
really nice job on the window. I read your comments on the ceramic insulation. Can you comment further on this as I have not heard about this type of insulation. Thank you. Barry8082
Thanks for your reply to query on ceramic spray on insulation. Can you post a link to where this may be purchased. I am in the United Kingdom, so Ebay or Amazon may be be best option. Thank you
thanks for the link. i have checked these items on amazon.com. not sure if they are available on amazon.co.uk.
Ken, where'd you get this bad habit of cutting up nice vehicles? :)
I don't understand how a window is $250? Like i tried finding them cheaper but that's the going rate... Da F!?
Yup, not cheap at all. You can get the CR Laurence brand for a little less, but they are smaller windows and IMHO, lower quality and way worse customer service than Hehr.