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loggenrock's avatar
loggenrock
Explorer
Jul 30, 2013

"Bag" screens for Van Front Door Windows

A while back someone had asked about screens for 'B' windows. I'd mentioned the "Bag" screens I had made that you pull over the door frames, then close the van doors. I FINALLY got some pics of what I did - so here goes...
This shows the screening "bag" being pulled over the door - it is sewn on 3 sides, open on the bottom.

Here's the screen in place on the door. The brown horizontal stripe is a length of magnetic tape from a crafts store that holds the bottom of the screen tight against the door.

And finally here's a view of the screen over the open door - it doesn't interfere with closing the door at all - you just open or close the window as usual.

I got the screening from a camping store that sells outdoor fabrics - bet you can find it on-line. Hope this helps - sorry it took a while to post the pictures. ST
Class B
  • CSG's avatar
    CSG
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2013
    I just use no-see-um netting approximately cut to fit the outside of the window and a few disc magnets to hold it in place. I like the custom screens but never got around to ordering them considering their price.
  • GaryKH's avatar
    GaryKH
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2013
    loggenrock wrote:
    Hi GaryKH - I used no-see-um screening when we made ours. It does cut down on air flow more than just screen-door screening, if you will, especially since there is 2 layers of the stuff. That said, it still allows for heat to escape from inside the van. I have debated cutting away some of the interior layer screening to improve air flow, but that just involves more time and effort than I'm interested in giving right now ;) Hope this helps! ST


    Thanks, that is what i thought. I think we're going to try & sew some up, so we can just as easily sew 2 sets for each window. One with regular mosquito netting, & the other with no-se-um netting. We'll just try & limit our stay when the no-see-ums are out & it's very hot also..LOL!!
  • PSW's avatar
    PSW
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2013
    We have the Skreenz and have used them for about five years. They can be a lifesaver when camped in the summer. The cab area of our RT gets incredibly hot when parked in the sun and they are marvelous to vent that area of the B.

    Skreenz as I recall are custom made for each vehicle model and the ones we have fit perfectly. They can be put on and taken off in less than two minutes a window and are very well made.
  • Gene_in_NE's avatar
    Gene_in_NE
    Explorer II
    Jul 31, 2013
    The "Screenz" works just fine without the use of magnets. Not sure, but do believe the material is just the regular fiberglass screening sold at Menards, Lowes, or Home Depot. They work so good that you can leave them over the doors even while driving down the highway. The screening does decrease visibility but only slightly. You can drive with the window open and experience quieter wind noise. Also provides a slight improvement in shading against a bright sun.
  • loggenrock's avatar
    loggenrock
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2013
    Hi GaryKH - I used no-see-um screening when we made ours. It does cut down on air flow more than just screen-door screening, if you will, especially since there is 2 layers of the stuff. That said, it still allows for heat to escape from inside the van. I have debated cutting away some of the interior layer screening to improve air flow, but that just involves more time and effort than I'm interested in giving right now ;) Hope this helps! ST
  • scarpi's avatar
    scarpi
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2013
    My wife made something similar. She bought the screen material, sewed an edge all the way around with magnets I bought at Lowes or Home Depot sewn into the edge corners. Each screen is made in the shape of the window but a little larger and the magnets stick to the outside of the vehicle door. Been using them awhile and we get good air flow (single layer of screen material) and no bugs.
  • NCWriter's avatar
    NCWriter
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2013
    Great post and a great idea!

    I bought a set of "Skeeter Beaters" online from the company by the same name when we got the van, have used them a lot, and can recommend for the sewing-challenged.

    (They are made with a single layer of netting with magnets all around, to be attached on the outside of the door, and sized for your specific year and model. Various choices of net color, including camo. The company also sells the net and magnets.)

    Helps a lot when it's hot. With screening on the sliding entrance door, six little tilt windows, hatch open and fan running, it gives decent ventilation. I can honestly say we rarely use the air conditioning.

    One of these years I'll make a screen for the back double doors like Davyyd has.
  • GaryKH's avatar
    GaryKH
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2013
    Thanks for posting this! We are currently discussing making something similar, so good timing!
    Questions..........with a double layer of screen, does that affect air flow through the window? Do you know if there is a difference in air flow between regular mosquito screen & no-see-um screen?
    Thanks, Gary
  • retraite's avatar
    retraite
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2013
    There is a fellow - Chuck Blethen - who makes something similar, and has for a number of years. His products can be seen at www.skreenz.com.

    I tried his website this morning, and it was down - don't know why.

    We do have his "skreenz" for our PW Lexor, and they fit like a glove and work great.

    Cheers.

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