Finding the Ideal Windows

[Timmbuck]

I have been looking for hours for the ideal windows for my skoollie conversion. I know I'm supposed to chase the good weather, but I'm definitely going to want to spend some time in the snow and... My entire family lives in AZ so I know I'll be spending time in extreme heat occasionally as well. That being said, I'm installing a mini-split AC unit and a wood burning stove. Temperature control really won't be the issue, power consumption will be.

I would really like to find insulated windows with glass fit for a skoolie. I'm having a really hard time finding anything affordable. I'm starting to let go of this dream and just lean towards getting RV windows and making nice insulated curtains for them. That being said, before I give up, I wanted to know what the community thinks.

I would like to replace 9 windows on my bus and delete the rest. My openings are 26.5" H x 25" W. I will have a cat onboard and I would like them to open, so screens are ideal, however, I'd be happier with insulated windows that open and I can have some sort of magnetic screen or something on the inside. I don't want tint and in my dream scenario, they slide up to open. I'm open to completely changing my plans, I just wanted to know what you all think.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Seanym]

Go to Motion Windows. They do custom windows to virtually any size and shape and are made in USA. And for me they were cheaper than pre made windows from Lippert. I would not go anywhere else. The bomb proof crate they come in is just nuts.

 

[WRS_Mark]

I went with 24"x 24" dual pane, insulated windows from Home Depot. Applied 8mil security film to the panes so no glass will go flying in the event of calamity. They were cheap, comparatively speaking, easy to frame in and when it was -46c here, they effectively kept the warmth in.

 

[Seanym]

Hello Mark? Those look great and I'm sure were more economical than my route. I really like the mitered corners, I made this choice as well. I feel like it's a nice contrast to the curves. Nice build.

 

[LifeHappens]

This is something I've been wondering about. So you've had no issues with them rattling loose or leakage using conventional household windows? I'm in the same boat as the original poster, I really would like insulating double panel windows that I can open with screens. I can solve the screen issue in my original bus windows but there's a couple issues with that..one being that they aren't double panel. The other being the way they open...not only are they not comfy for my kitties but conventional windows will allow for more airflow. I've found very nice AFFORDABLE conventional windows but the RV windows I've found at comparable prices (used/budget friendly) are cheap, trashy, many lack screens etc. Conventional windows DO WORK without issue???? Thanks!

 

[WRS_Mark]

This is something I've been wondering about. So you've had no issues with them rattling loose or leakage using conventional household windows? I'm in the same boat as the original poster, I really would like insulating double panel windows that I can open with screens. I can solve the screen issue in my original bus windows but there's a couple issues with that..one being that they aren't double panel. The other being the way they open...not only are they not comfy for my kitties but conventional windows will allow for more airflow. I've found very nice AFFORDABLE conventional windows but the RV windows I've found at comparable prices (used/budget friendly) are cheap, trashy, many lack screens etc. Conventional windows DO WORK without issue???? Thanks!

Zero issues. I simply followed the manufacturer's guidelines for a conventional installation using wood screws, but also added a liberal amount of butyl tape to ensure that water wasn't going to have a chance to penetrate. Of course, the walls and ceiling are spray foam insulated, so that lends enormous rigidity to the structure as well. And I can speak on behalf of my fleabags that the windows provide an excellent viewing experience for them as they observe and judge the world around them. Cheers!

 

[Rob_386]

I think you're making a mistake immediately, wood stoves are a terrible idea. They look super instagrammy, but they have a lot of cons. First off, they take up a ton of space if you install them properly, and secondly the fire box is so small the burn time is rarely over 2 hours. This means you will have to constantly feed it to stay warm.

Chinese Diesel Heaters are cheaper than small woodstoves, take up way less space, and can run for days/weeks if you give them a large enough fuel tank. I use about $20 a week to stay warm in mine.

No help on the windows, sorry.