VAN LIFE BUILD: how to frame windows in a van conversion

Wondering how we frame our windows in our van builds? Check out this step-by-step tutorial where we walk you through how to frame windows in a van conversion.

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We are Sara & Alex (aka "40 Hours of Freedom"), and definitely don't forget about our dogs - Bambi & Nugget - or else they might be a little upset. We converted our own Sprinter van and have hit the road for full time adventure and fun. Subscribe for new van life and travel videos every week.

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[jonsiewers]

Just added our window trim to the van!! Thanks!!!!

[creativeskills]

Creative and cheap no need to waste you money on expensive looks👍

[TerrydeAlaska]

Did you cut your tapered cut on the table saw using double stick tape on a straight board in the rip fence ?

[CrisGaming]

I love your van builds, the van builds are amazing, i wonder have you made a van build but for a gamer/youtuber?

[jimnealephoto]

This was incredibly helpful. Thank you. My apologies if you covered this in your video but I didn't catch it...
a) Are you fitting the frame to the inside or outside of the window trim ring?
b) Do-you/how-to-you fasten the outer edge of the frame to the the window or inside of the van? I'm curious
how you prevent the frame from knocking about against the window or side?

[jmk]

Really interesting to watch. Explains how you always have such a professional finish to your vans.

Just wondering if you had ever thought of using PVC shiplap to save having to prime and paint all of it. Also wouldn't it be a lot lighter than wooden ship lap?

Have seen a van video of a UK van where they did this and it looked awesome.

[matthewmills]

Thank you for the video. It is a super clean look. Why not use strips wide enough for the widest point, cross cut them to length, then scribe and rip to the scribe line? No need to take all those measurements. Generally speaking, anytime you can cut to a marked line rather than take a measurement, write it down, transfer it to the material, etc, there is less room for error. The best finish carpenters overcut casings and then mark the actual length on the frame. Track builders cut them all one length and Bob's your uncle.

[toritorres]

What did you use to cut the ship lap? My walls are 1/4 in cedar I’m scared they’ll crack if I don’t pre cut each plant individually

[chadhill]

Nice frame, I'm building something similar now! Quick question, how did you attach the frame to the actual wall at the end, brad nails into the outer frame? If so, did you just touch up the paint after or how did you hide those marks?

[kevinm]

You got some big balls shooting nails in-between your fingers like that.

[matthamlin]

Do you guys still stand behind and update your Creator club?

[FearlessQuery]

Arg! Guys, I am trying to make a list of all the items I need for my van in following your guide but none of the builds list ordering info for the fans.

[exploringoptions]

Enjoy your videos! I'm going to try & build one out by myself next year. I have a TON to learn, so thank you. I have an odd question. Besides aesthetics, is there a reason why everybody uses shiplap for walls??

[meowstermeow]

The annoyingly beautiful family, even the workshop is perfectly annoying clean and tidy lol Grrr Jelly :P

[christinedoyle]

Do you ever use the Nature Head Composting toilet? We want a shower like yours but want Natures Head Toilet but we’re not sure if they can be left in shower room? Thx 😊

[rosaelenaj]

Do you think a skylight could be an option for a sprinter 144?

[jenniferraffeld]

Framing the windows on a ford transit with curves and differing depths is not as straightforward as for Sprinters it seems. Thank you for actually showing the detailed install process. A lot of videos just show the final result and leaves the viewer trying to dissect the in-between steps.

[loomer]

I like the framed windows look you guys do and will be doing something similar with my sprinter passenger van conversion. Question: if the window breaks and needs replacement can you install a new window only from the outside? Or do you need access from the inside as well. I also want to wall off one of the windows.

[mtg_hermit]

Def appreciate video something def to consider on my new van

[dr.suezettealoysiaandcarla]

good content, keep posting and lets connect?