Front Window Screens for Van Life

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Front Window Screens for Van Life | TheGalavan

Рет қаралды 45,472

Күн бұрын

Whether you're boondocking or stealth camping in a city staying cool living the off-grid nomad life can be tricky. When it's warm, you need to crack a window, but how to keep the bugs out without spending $150 for the EuroCamper Air Vents?
In this video, I show you how to make your own front window screens for less than $4 with plastic gutter guards I purchased at Home Depot. Granted, these aren't as secure as the $150 Air Vents, but you could make yours shorter so someone can't get in.
Link to the gutter guards: www.homedepot.... (Not an affiliate link)
Or for double the cost, you could get metal gutter guards, but they don't come with screening attached and wouldn't be as easy to work with.
Here at TheGalavan I feature vans, primarily designed and built by women, to give you inspiration for your own van build. I’m always on the lookout for other van life enthusiasts who want to collaborate and share their love of this lifestyle. I also love to cook from scratch in my van and share accessories, tips, and tricks to make van life easier and more successful for you.
Gear & Accessories:
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This video is NOT sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something I'll receive a small commission.
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Пікірлер: 188

@PricklyPickle777 19 күн бұрын

Thank you for showing how to make a template. Some other videos for making things for the windows say just make a template with paper, then skip that part.

@kevingeiger1140 10 ай бұрын

Just want to add the tip that if any of you have tin snips for cutting sheet metal that will work great as well

@jeanroeder5534 29 күн бұрын

Thankful to find you channel and this terrific hack. Deserves a subscribe

@tybrady4598 2 ай бұрын

On my 2024 Toyota Sienna, I only had to cut off about a quarter inch off of each end. The window edge is almost straight, but good enough to fit in that groove. Works great. My local Lowes had these.

@thevanstopshere 4 жыл бұрын

We did this same exact thing for our van build. We found that if you just push the screen a little bit forward the window will slide in front of it and you won’t have any gaps or bulges and won’t need the tape either. Hope you like the tip. We love your channel.

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

Oh! That's great! Thanks for the tip!

@VivecaV2020 2 жыл бұрын

I bought the gutter guards. I didn’t have to cut any. I didn’t realize they would be a shorter length. But all I had to do was to make a border at each end with Duck tape. It worked great!! Thanks for the demonstration-it was easy!! Great solution for second row windows in my Sienna.

@kathleenkline4622 3 жыл бұрын

I used commercially made ones that were very similar for my tractor trailer cab windows. Nice to have a plan for the van! Suggestion...fit the bottom groove onto the window before you roll it up. That way the screen doesn't bend as it fits into the frame channel.

@TheGalavan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip!

@susananderson9619 Жыл бұрын

I made two,placed down onto the glass then tried to electricly roll up the window. Had to keep doing it so it wouldn't buckle.oh and after I finally had them perfectly installed, didn't I ,later that day, push the one button accidentally.arghh

@susananderson9619 Жыл бұрын

I wish car manufacturers would install them so the window can be rolled up or down for any number of reasons.

@paigelovespumpkinses 3 ай бұрын

Thank you. This worked. I just did it after watching your video a couple times - once to see what materials to get, and next to see how to do it. Thank you, thank you.

@lindabarker7142 4 жыл бұрын

Using the gutter guards was a great idea. I made screens for my van that velcro on the inside and have magnets outside, but yours seem more sturdy. good video

@ritamurphy9426 4 жыл бұрын

I used this same product for my back windows of my car when we go car camping. It makes all the difference in the summertime to get the cool night air for sleeping. I put them in while the door is open to help place the channel on the window edge easier. I also cut a small piece from the flat- non channel- area to place in the window instead of using tape. It just slips right in.

@GreatGrannyFreeBird 4 жыл бұрын

brilliant way to keep the bugs out and still have the airflow (with a stiff enough screen not to blow around).

@r.c.7762 4 жыл бұрын

That is a good idea. I don't like bugs, but love fresh air.

@kudzub 4 жыл бұрын

Great idea! Thanks. ETA: A little coroplast would work for the gap.

@mcouragee 3 жыл бұрын

That's cool that lemon oil works

@4yellowwolf 3 жыл бұрын

That’s a great tip 👍🏼. I’m building out my van and will making these for my windows tomorrow.

@Augiebracerofam 4 жыл бұрын

Clever, simple and inexpensive idea! Thank you for sharing!

@nancyskean6425 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joanie! This is something that I can actually tackle myself! Great idea that is practical and relatively easy to do. Love it!

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

Yes! You can! Although be sure to watch the blooper at the very end! 😄

@karinhart489 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Joni, I will try this for my front window on my RAM ProMasterCity. Have the tinted wind guard over the windows for ventilation at night, but have been struggling to find a way to keep bugs out.

@kevnrob1 4 жыл бұрын

What a clever idea! Thanks, Joni, I picked up two guards at HD yesterday. Hope to have them installed soon. This is incredible because I had actually considered plopping down some serious money, $100 or more, for commercially made ones. I spent $4 on the gutter guards. I'll let you know how they work out.

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent! And a more recent comment mentioned that they just leave them in place all the time, that their window just rolls up in front of it if they push it a little out of the way, and then, no need for the tape because there's no gap!

@uber2tuber Жыл бұрын

Awesome idea! thank you!

@sandrabeck8788 3 жыл бұрын

Nice video! Thank you!

@jerseygirl1871 3 жыл бұрын

I'm going to the store tomorrow. Great idea, thanks

@jillom6648 4 жыл бұрын

Oooo...glad I checked in. Been urban camping and will appreciate more ventilation ☺️

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

Glad I could help! It's a great, cheap solution for sure!

@dianahollenbeck9986 4 жыл бұрын

Great idea! Thank you for sharing this.

@manondesrochers5729 3 жыл бұрын

Very very helpful. Thank you for sharing, I’ll do that for my camper van build. It’s easy, cheap and doesn’t require any special skills or tools. I love it.

@TheGalavan 3 жыл бұрын

Yes - super simple. My girlfriend used black Plastidip on hers and it looks even better!

@kcKaren1 3 жыл бұрын

Great idea

@elainekethler2309 3 жыл бұрын

Pretty, easy, economical and functional! Excellent idea. I can see that I will simply have to make a set for my van!

@MrWhyareyouhere 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tip Joanie great idea.

@omalo3645 4 жыл бұрын

what a great idea! Quick, easy, inexpensive...seems to kinda match the protective material you put over your windows about a year ago! Thanks Joni!

@DecrepitChef 7 ай бұрын

That is really awesome. I am going to try that

@thudang3039 Жыл бұрын

Love this! Always cool to see ideas on how other van folks are solving problems we're all facing.

@Hydrosrv 4 жыл бұрын

Well done. Thank you for posting!

@MySonsMother 4 жыл бұрын

Ford windows are shaped much differently, with a long piece running downward. When I made mine with these last year I had to use 2 for each window.

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

Good to know. Thanks!

@mhayes6864 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! The best one I’ve seen! Will definitely go get some today! Thank you so much for sharing, Jonie!

@lindawoody8501 2 жыл бұрын

Very helpful. We are going to camp in our recently purchased older Econoline window passenger van and like the idea of window screen inserts for the cab windows that look secure. May spray paint the finished product black and super glue a cut section of the gutter cover I use to just be that needed bottom tail if our window requires it. Want to look secure like metal is used so nobody thinks they can just push their way in easily.

@rosamnaranjo1 4 жыл бұрын

Excelente idea was looking for something like that thanks so much for caring 🌹❤️

@davidjohn9006 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent idea/solution. That’s a keeper 👍🏼👍🏽👍🏻

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks 👍

@ScottyToaster 2 ай бұрын

Very clever! Thanks for the idea and the easy to follow instructions.

@windopelli9486 4 жыл бұрын

Nice Joanie, very creative.

@cotter9751 3 жыл бұрын

Great idea!

@karenr67 4 жыл бұрын

Clever. I'll remember for future use.

@collyhughes5144 4 жыл бұрын

The one I saw like this used screen attached to the gutter in order to keep the tiny bugs out. They used duct tape to attach the screen to the gutter. Using the plastic looks far better than using the metal as they did. Thanks for posting.

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

This product already has screen attached! And for only $4!

@mycharmedunicorn8715 Жыл бұрын

@@TheGalavan does this only come in white? Black would be nice

@TheGalavan Жыл бұрын

@@mycharmedunicorn8715 I believe it also comes in brown. I have a friend who spray painted hers black.

@debcecotti8273 3 жыл бұрын

Nice job!

@bettybrigance6784 9 ай бұрын

I'm gonna try this, been wanting to for awhile now...thanks for sharing...stay safe and happy

@MsRegina333 4 жыл бұрын

Joanie, you are so creative! Thanks for the video!

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

I should have mentioned that I learned about this from a vanlife couple I met last fall!

@VivecaV2020 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for posting that! I did not realize that gutter guards came in a plastic material. I thought I would be having to cut metal and I’ve been planning on doing that for my middle row van windows because I already have screen socks for the front windows. but they don’t have screen socks that fit for the sliding doors..

@catchnote2 3 жыл бұрын

excellent video 📹👏👍👌

@beamusedrev 4 жыл бұрын

Great idea! I could even do that in my car. Thanks!

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

Go for it!

@grazynakaledek6228 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant Idea Joni! a DIY inexpensive Idea. I have a 2009 Savana & can't get screens for it, so was thinking of making my own with 1/8" Plywood which is rather laborious. This is definitely the way to go. Fast & inexpensive. Thanks for sharing! Cheers from Toronto, Canada.

@leahjohnson5682 5 ай бұрын

wow - nice looking, and kind of classical. Your example showing how it was done was just right. Not to chatty just enough.

@johnburge3990 9 ай бұрын

I cut mine 1/4" larger on each side so they stay in the window channel better & cut the channel of the gutter guard the width of the window. I also painted the outside the same color as my van so prying eyes don't

@RVADrummer 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid... thanks for posting!!!

@TheGalavan 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@DonnaBMacK 4 жыл бұрын

What a great idea! Thanks for sharing this!

@TWSUF-JI 3 жыл бұрын

Did mine today. Turned out great! Thanks for the video.

@TheGalavan 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it helped!

@emastanton9199 Жыл бұрын

Wow, that was a little piece of genius there. Thank you so much!

@manondesrochers8989 3 жыл бұрын

Very helpful, easy to do and cheap. Thank you for sharing.

@sharonunruh826 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome idea!

@TheGalavan 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@jerseydevil7895 Жыл бұрын

Great video. I just watched another using gutter guards where they recommended facing the screen side Out, to keep insects from getting trapped between mesh / screen".

@robin5382 4 жыл бұрын

Great and inexpensive problem solver. Thank you.

@flowersafeheart Жыл бұрын

Thank you! You went into detail in important ways and I appreciate that.🙂 For some vehicles, black materials will be better.

@francinecormier7628 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you like it a lot!❤

@katherinecain7821 Жыл бұрын

Thank you

@janossweetheart8192 3 жыл бұрын

Luv!

@catsmeow8504 4 жыл бұрын

Fabulous idea!

@richardbartlett8451 4 жыл бұрын

Well done

@leonschatz01 Жыл бұрын

Hi. My name is Leon. I convert cargo vans. Building vans is not my full-time job but I love it. The company is called Far To Go Vans. We are based in Fargo, ND USA. I like how you repurpose things to make van accessories. Proof that buildouts that don’t have to be expensive to be functional, aesthetically pleasing. I can do a low-end (full) buildout for 120 K. Scary to even think about.

@sydnieleehoughton3935 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant.

@dewayneavery5097 2 жыл бұрын

That is by far,the easyist window bug card I’ve seen.

@tomkitchen2764 3 жыл бұрын

Clever.

@greade Жыл бұрын

like your dazzling smile

@allegrosotto2126 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@djsoffgridlife834 4 жыл бұрын

Good idea!

@robertcooke8320 2 ай бұрын

Excellant thank you soo much

@luzvelazquez3373 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks 😊

@marshabrown8337 4 жыл бұрын

Wonderful. Thank you.

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@amcheck1446 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome idea Joni, thanks for sharing. Would love to join your group but not not a fan of Facebook. Stay safe.🙂

@lorirugato6463 4 жыл бұрын

Love your idea!

@laurajphillips5981 4 жыл бұрын

Great idea!

@ipaddlemyowncanoe.7441 Жыл бұрын

Back in the '70s I had a set of those that were custom made for the style of my van and what they had in the corners was a little piece of foam and it worked really good. I'll get out to check that out. Maybe make a set for my Chevy van? Thank you very much

@charlesdecload4980 2 жыл бұрын

Chip and great ideas 💡 I love it.really appreciate...smart lady love.

@mair815 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant!

@yang4youtubing 2 жыл бұрын

brilliant

@reecespbcups 4 ай бұрын

LOVE IT

@sandranalls6689 3 жыл бұрын

Really clever!

@TheGalavan 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Just passing on what I've seen on the road and giving the step-by-step to achieve it! 😉

@lifewithpugwinkle 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video on DIY screens!

@mimitravels710 4 жыл бұрын

This was great. Thanks

@shamsshams20261 4 жыл бұрын

Great idea! But I tried to buy it here in Spain, and it's a pitty, I didn't know that here we don't use any gutter wards... sniff....Anyway, thank you Joanie for sharing.

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

Bummer!

@shamsshams20261 4 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@cmgdurr8379 4 жыл бұрын

Like it a lot!

@SarahTree 4 жыл бұрын

Great idea! I'm sure that that's going to work great!

@theglampercamper 10 ай бұрын

This is awesome! I am definitely going to try this!!! Thank you for this tutorial!!! =D

@Fit4Expedition 11 ай бұрын

I ❤️ this idea!

@prophetesspinki1 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing, you made it look so easy

@TheGalavan 2 жыл бұрын

It's as easy as it looks! One of the easiest vanlife upgrades you can do!

@patriciaburr4826 4 жыл бұрын

Really interesting ...thanks for sharing.

@TheGalavan 4 жыл бұрын

My pleasure

@chrisgraham2904 Жыл бұрын

Certainly the simplest product, if you can find it. The bug screening already attached to the plastic lath eliminates the need for gluing. They could be "lightly dusted" with a few coats of any color of spray paint, as long as you don't go too heavy and clog the screening.