I installed an awning. But it stays closed and covered 99% of the time. I have a floor vent the provides adequate airflow and is better protected from elements clearly, like during ski trip blizzards. Per my own preferences if I was doing it again I may skip the cost and hassle all together.

 

What floor vent did you use?

 

I have the sliders on the back of my van. I had the option of awning or slider. The slider mechanism seems more robust and provides better ventilation. I do not hesitate to open them while traveling. Only downside is that there can be a little bit of rain penetration. I still don't hesitate to open the windows in a light downpour, however I will put a rag at the base of the window just to make sure no water issues.

In addition the slider has a sliding screen, which would allow you to completely open the window. Haven't needed to do this yet for any reason. Pretty sure my windows are CR Lawrence.

To me the pros vs. cons had more pros for the slider. YMMV.

 

I did one slider and one awning... seems to address both issues.

 

I chose awning style. They came with a screen and no rain issues.

 

We've decided to skip doing side bunk windows, since we have flares and tend to go up narrow FS roads quite often, we're pretty sure the acrylic would end up badly scratched or worse. Currently have no windows in the back, but we purchased solid glass cargo door windows and will likely be installing them in the spring.

 

Sliders, Motion windows. I like the idea of awnings but knew I would drive off with awnings up at some point...not recommended. Sliders seem more durable, can drive with them open no problem.

 

Had awnings on the last rig. Often left them open while driving and in rain. Mostly dry. I'd do them again.

 

Decided awnings on fronts, sliders in back bunks.
One reason was: closing slider if necessary while half asleep might be easier -- still being built out.

 

We have the Motion Windows sliders too. So far no rain has come in, but I think it might with a good side wind. Therefore we always close them up when we’re away from the van in case a thunderstorm pops up while we’re gone. We've also driven with them open with no problems. We really like them and I’d do them again. I agree that they are super easy to adjust from the bed in the middle of the night.


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We -- like many -- went with Motion sliders. We love them -- but never drive with them open as it's quieter with them closed.
I'm sure awnings would work too -- and likely better in rain as it sheds -- but it hasn't been a problem as we can reverse our fan in those cases. We went bunk mostly to not have a crank mechanism or any other hinge.
Can't go wrong with either in our general opinion.

 

I put in motion sliders.

I wasn’t sure about the clearance with the sliding door hitting the awning window so that made my mind up and I’m too ocd to not have a matching pair, lol.

 

Another for Motion Windows. ^^^ Same. I REALLY like the ventilation in the summer.. Not sure If I could handle sleeping without that ventilation, when it's warmer

 

Motion windows here too one for slide door and driver side bunk window, this makes a good cross
draft ventilation ….

 

I'm leaning more and more towards less windows. Decided not to have rear windows from factory. I like the rear look better from the outside and I can put insulation/panel all over.

Will put in side windows behind driver and front passenger. But maybe that will be it. I built a teardrop trailer while waiting for the van, and the windows are nice but usually we only get in after dark and then they do nothing. More of a vanlife gimmick?

For ventilations I will have vents (floor vent is great suggestion) and for views I probably open the rear doors all the way.

Anyone think that bunk windows are must-haves?

 

Also - how many people sleep with their doors open? I always felt safe in a tent (mostly) so I wonder if I’ll be ok with doors open and screens?

 

i do slider bunk windows vs awning because i have awning big windows in slider and behind driver (CRL brand). the awning windows are better for rain when parked but you WILL break them if you drive with them open. Sliders will let rain in when parked but you can drive with them open, so with this combo i cover ever situation.

 

We have one of each type. Passenger side - slider; driver side - awning. Both are CRL. As has been said, awning windows keep rain out. Sliders provide moe ventilation. Our roof vent is forward and pulls air through the windows over our bed (E-W) to provide us with a nice breeze at night. Glad we had them installed.