Step-by-Step DIY Van Conversion
Phase Five - Installing Windows
Well, we set out to first install the vent fan, then noticed that our flimsy van roof is going to need support. Ok, so the roof is not flimsy on its own, but cutting a hole and putting a heavy object could be too much stress for it. If we didn't install framing and vent reinforcement first, we could have some big problems. The roof could warp or cave in. So, we set about framing the van walls.
Then we thought, "Hmmm... Should we do the walls or the floor first?" We had seen many floor-first videos (insulation-joists- leveling -plywood) and figured that might be the way to go.
Then we thought, "Wait! Where is the plumbing going to go?! Under the floor, right?! We can't lay the floor without the plumbing!"
This was all too confusing. Every time we thought we had a plan, we thought better (or worse) and ended up confusing ourselves and delaying our build with more research. It started to feel like a vicious cycle.
We had to take a step back, gain our wits about us, and re-think. What's FIRST as far as the actual build? The first-first? Under it all, very basic.
At first, we thought the insulation. So, we made our choice: for walls and doors, we used Havelock Wool insulation (partly due to Primal Outdoor's video about Wool Insulation). And for the floor, we wanted to use polyiso with Reflectix tape. We decided against an additional vapor barrier since polyiso is considered to be both an insulation and a vapor barrier.
Then there was a problem: the insulation for the walls was on shipping delay by four weeks! Order placed and back to the drawing board.
Turns out, it was a good thing because (duh), we need to install the windows first:
1) so we don't have to cut through - and waste - insulation and
2) so we could be specific on the rest of the build as far as placement of all the things.
Whew!!
We decided to go with two smaller windows: one for the sleeping area and one for the kitchen area / sliding door. This seemed to be the best layout for proper circulation.
Our original larger sliding door window was too large, so instead of stalling progress to order and wait for a new window, we went with the other smaller window we had on hand.
We had also ordered a 6 inch vent for the bathroom, but when speaking with the auto body shop guy, learned that would be overkill. He said with the Maxxair fan we had, the two windows and an additional vent fan, it would be like a cyclone in our van. We agreed that would be a bit too much, so we returned the 6 incher.
He was very encouraging, though, regarding the Maxxair fan. He told a story of a time when he burned his food, turned on his Maxxair fan, and it was "almost instant" how quickly the smell disappeared.
We purchased sliding windows from Amazon (see picture below). Additional window installation materials are listed below.
We ultimately hired the auto body guy to do the cuts and installs because we did not want to be driving down the freeway and have a widow fly off. Or go through a rainstorm that floods our van. Again, we don't know what we don't know. And, the up-front cost to have it professionally installed is most definitely cheaper than fixing a mistake.
Associate disclaimer: KateandMel.com is a participant (affiliate) in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We earn a small percentage of each sale. This does not affect how much the item costs you.
Well, we set out to first install the vent fan, then noticed that our flimsy van roof is going to need support. Ok, so the roof is not flimsy on its own, but cutting a hole and putting a heavy object could be too much stress for it. If we didn't install framing and vent reinforcement first, we could have some big problems. The roof could warp or cave in. So, we set about framing the van walls.
Then we thought, "Hmmm... Should we do the walls or the floor first?" We had seen many floor-first videos (insulation-joists- leveling -plywood) and figured that might be the way to go.
Then we thought, "Wait! Where is the plumbing going to go?! Under the floor, right?! We can't lay the floor without the plumbing!"
This was all too confusing. Every time we thought we had a plan, we thought better (or worse) and ended up confusing ourselves and delaying our build with more research. It started to feel like a vicious cycle.
We had to take a step back, gain our wits about us, and re-think. What's FIRST as far as the actual build? The first-first? Under it all, very basic.
At first, we thought the insulation. So, we made our choice: for walls and doors, we used Havelock Wool insulation (partly due to Primal Outdoor's video about Wool Insulation). And for the floor, we wanted to use polyiso with Reflectix tape. We decided against an additional vapor barrier since polyiso is considered to be both an insulation and a vapor barrier.
Then there was a problem: the insulation for the walls was on shipping delay by four weeks! Order placed and back to the drawing board.
Turns out, it was a good thing because (duh), we need to install the windows first:
1) so we don't have to cut through - and waste - insulation and
2) so we could be specific on the rest of the build as far as placement of all the things.
Whew!!
We decided to go with two smaller windows: one for the sleeping area and one for the kitchen area / sliding door. This seemed to be the best layout for proper circulation.
Our original larger sliding door window was too large, so instead of stalling progress to order and wait for a new window, we went with the other smaller window we had on hand.
We had also ordered a 6 inch vent for the bathroom, but when speaking with the auto body shop guy, learned that would be overkill. He said with the Maxxair fan we had, the two windows and an additional vent fan, it would be like a cyclone in our van. We agreed that would be a bit too much, so we returned the 6 incher.
He was very encouraging, though, regarding the Maxxair fan. He told a story of a time when he burned his food, turned on his Maxxair fan, and it was "almost instant" how quickly the smell disappeared.
We purchased sliding windows from Amazon (see picture below). Additional window installation materials are listed below.
We ultimately hired the auto body guy to do the cuts and installs because we did not want to be driving down the freeway and have a widow fly off. Or go through a rainstorm that floods our van. Again, we don't know what we don't know. And, the up-front cost to have it professionally installed is most definitely cheaper than fixing a mistake.
Associate disclaimer: KateandMel.com is a participant (affiliate) in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We earn a small percentage of each sale. This does not affect how much the item costs you.
|
|
Our side window purchase!
|
Additional window installation supplies we purchased are identified below. You can find our full list of van conversion purchases, along with the costs here.
|
|
|
|
|
Tags:
Window installation van conversion
Window installation van build
Where should I put the windows in my van
Window installation van conversion
Window installation van build
Where should I put the windows in my van