Q Can I specify better-opening side windows?
I have owned a 2009 Auto-Sleeper Warwick on a Peugeot 2.2-litre Boxer window van from new.
As I’m currently baking in 32-degree heat in central France, I only have one real criticism of my ’van, that the rear side windows do not open.
I have researched the problem and found that Dodge sells the same Sevel-bodied van in the USA and that has opening rear windows. Therefore, can you tell me if those windows are available in the UK and, as I’m currently looking to change my ’van, is it possible to specify those windows as an option.
Stuart Hancock A Auto-Sleepers’ van conversions are, as Mr Hancock states, built by using a factory-supplied window van as the base vehicle.
Window vans are predominantly used as a base vehicle for minibuses, and the windows are made from single-glazed toughened glass with small opening areas for safety and regulatory purposes.
The use of panel vans, with doubleglazed plastic opening windows fitted by the converter, is the preferred approach by the vast majority of motorhome manufacturers.
There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods of converting a steel panel van into a campervan, and Mr Hancock has discovered one of the disadvantages of the ‘window van’ method of conversion.
In hot, sunny places, keeping cool whilst living in any motorhome can be difficult but, without the availability of large windows to leave open, and thus not being able to take advantage of any available breeze, things can only get worse. At night, when most people are more reluctant to leave any doors open, large window openings provide far more effective ventilation, and help keep the interior cool. Or, at least, keep the air moving.
As the Hancocks have been happily travelling around in their camper for 13 years, and not experienced this issue, it has to be presumed that they hadn’t previously ventured into southern Europe in high summer.
However, if hot-weather travel is to become the norm in future, there are effective ways of lessening the discomfort with the use of mains electric fans, and shedding both bedding and clothes.
Solar panels, an inverter and a big leisure battery will keep the fan running if mains electricity is not available. Rooftop mains airconditioning is another effective option, but don’t rush in without extensive research.
Mr Hancock says his research has found that Dodge sells a Sevel-bodied van in the USA with opening windows, and wonders if the windows are available in the UK.
Having also researched this, I can find no factory-produced Dodge Ram Promaster window van available in the USA with significantly different rear windows than those available here.
There are a huge variety of aftermarket windows available for fitting out campervans, in both the UK and the US, and they are mainly the same. The internet is seemingly infinite (obviously it isn’t as the pedants will no doubt point out) and there may very well be a UK-based company importing the windows from America, but I couldn’t find it.
They can be bought in the US and imported personally, but why do it? Looking at the prices, which vary with the exchange rate, the actual windows cost roughly the same amount as they are here, but ‘shipping’ from the USA adds an average £80 per window.
Then there is the possibility of them going missing in transit, returning faulty items, or sorting out any other admin or warranty issues which may arise. All whilst having no legally binding consumer rights.
As I wasn’t quite sure what Mr Hancock’s intentions were in his search for American windows, I asked him for clarification as to what he intended to do with them.
He stated in his original email that he is thinking of changing the ’van, and the reason he is looking at windows is because one of the options under consideration is having a camper custom built. He prefers the look of the big integrated bonded glass windows on the window vans, but wants bigger and more numerous openings.
I don’t think it’s possible. All the large half-panel bonded windows (I could find) have relatively small openings, and I don’t think that full-sized bonded rear quarter side windows with large openings exist as aftermarket products.
I suspect compromises will have to be made, and it appears that none of the glass windows can match the opening sizes of the plastic-hinged variety. Mainly because they are smaller, and have sliding openings, rather than hinged. For a fairly good view of what is available (without having to spend the rest of your life on the internet), have a look at Shield Autocare shieldautocare.co.uk and Vanpimps vanpimps.co.uk