[Williemakeit]

My van doesn't have any windows with screens, so I've been looking for a way to get ventilation when running my roof fan. I saw a thread where someone found a good place to put a hole in the floor, but it looked like a fair amount of work so I was holding out for something else. I've tried just leaving the front windows down a couple inches, but then bug get in. So I figured there should be a way to use the front window with a bug screen.

What I came up with is a clear polycarbonate sheet that has a screen in it and can insert in the top of the window. It's the same thickness as the glass so it will insert into the side and top window guides. At the bottom it essentially has a "U" shape to go around the top of the window. So I roll down the window, insert the screen holder piece, then push it into to top by rolling up the window.

It's yet to be ventilation
tested, but based on doing this without the screen a couple nights, I think it's going to do the trick.

 

[MsNomer]

That's the best I’ve seen yet.

 

[Jrl941]

Transit Van Cab Window Air Vent Inserts - pair - Van Upgrades

The Transit cab window air vent inserts install in the window channels of your driver and passenger side doors and...

vanupgrades.com

I bought these, pricey but a good deal and look really slick.

 

[Williemakeit]

Those look nice, I haven’t seen them before.

 

[phil]

Those look nice, I haven’t seen them before.

window vent with louvers plus a wind deflector is the IMO the best all around setup

 

[stevez32]

I have been using the $2 rain gutter vent screens, but I think I will be switching to just using a magnet bug screen. Transit windows have metal for the magnets to hold from the inside so can keep screen up while driving and just wind down window when getting to camp.

 

[Boondox]

Nice job, looks good!

We have a screened window for night/rainy ventilation. For bug protection when we want lots of air in the van we made some outside screens that cover the entire driver and passenger windows. They aren't as polished looking as some of the commercial offerings but they were really cheap and work great.

 

[gregoryx]

Beautiful work, @Williemakeit. We have the vents @Jrl941 links as well. Comparing to yours, I wonder if bolting two strips of poly to either side might work better than the bent metal bits.

 

[Vanaroo]

I bought these, pricey but a good deal and look really slick.

These look like they might be the same as the ones Eurocampers has been selling for some time. If so, then there are now two potential sources for them.

Also, nice job Williemakeit. Good to see another option

 

[ntransit]

We use these bug screens . I refer to them as window socks since
they're just a double layer of mesh that fits over the top of the window.
Non-rigid so easily wodges up and fits in the door pocket,
no magnets/velcro/adhesive/etc ..

 

[Williemakeit]

Beautiful work, @Williemakeit. We have the vents @Jrl941 links as well. Comparing to yours, I wonder if bolting two strips of poly to either side might work better than the bent metal bits.

I considered that but would have had to do a little more work to get it done that way. The polycarbonate thickness (to match the window thickness 0.15) is not very stiff so getting it all to align required some lead-in and flexibility. These little projects are like doing the first prototype, I’m sure there is room for improvement.

 

[Williemakeit]

We use these bug screens . I refer to them as window socks since
they're just a double layer of mesh that fits over the top of the window.
Non-rigid so easily wodges up and fits in the door pocket,
no magnets/velcro/adhesive/etc ..

Nice, if I would have seen these before I started I would have just bought one for 16 bucks.
😂

 

[Surfmobile]

We have these from Van Made Gear and they were a little pricey but really nice quality. Could make them yourself but sometimes it is nice to not have to. 🙃

 

[gregoryx]

I considered that but would have had to do a little more work to get it done that way. The polycarbonate thickness (to match the window thickness 0.15) is not very stiff so getting it all to align required some lead-in and flexibility. These little projects are like doing the first prototype, I’m sure there is room for improvement.

Totally. I'd guess it would require an extra layer to make the gap wider. Then it would look pretty similar to the metal setup that Van Upgrades sells. But I wouldn't "fix" it if it's working.

 

[Sams stock van]

Ok. Are we all that impressed by a guy who's name suggests the outcome? Yes we are! Nicely done.

 

[Van Gogh]

I have a pair of Euro sliders I bought and never use because nowadays I pretty much always run the a/c, or occasionally the ducted/screened AC Infinity vent system.

I've been meaning to ebay the sliders. Anyone in the market? Only problem is it might be a month before I get back home where the sliders are.

Having the metal eaves to prevent water intrusion is why I bought them. If my screen doors and windows at home weren't under the house eave, rain water would constantly get in.

Cheers.

 

[Bilbo Baggins]

We use these on our sprinter while waiting for our Transit. Skeeter Beater

 

[Williemakeit]

I have a pair of Euro sliders I bought and never use because nowadays I pretty much always run the a/c, or occasionally the ducted/screened AC Infinity vent system.

I've been meaning to ebay the sliders. Anyone in the market? Only problem is it might be a month before I get back home where the sliders are.

Having the metal eaves to prevent water intrusion is why I bought them. If my screen doors and windows at home weren't under the house eave, rain water would constantly get in.

Cheers.

Yeah, I figured I might have to fabricate a rain gutter or shield but currently don’t have access to a bending device. Also trying to decide if it should be metal or polycarbonate. A couple dryer vent covers would probably work but might look a bit goofy…not sure how important looks are anyway.

 

[Sams stock van]

@Williemakeit , I may copy your approach with less "open" height to pair with the Auto Vent Shades I installed. Thanks for sharing your design.

 

[GoforChuck]

Window Vents - GOT'EM...FINALLY

I finally got my window vents in the mail. They were out of stock for a long time. Very well made! A little tricky to put in, but once you get the hang of it, it's fine. A little pricey at $99, but I'm happy with them :)

www.fordtransitusaforum.com