Campervan Security

[Gold Coaster]

Hi,

Have searched the forum but haven't been able to find anything to help me.

Is there anyone who has been able to successfully attach a security screen to the outside of the VW optional sliding window that goes behind the driver's seat on a T4? Due to the curve of the window, and the differing mounting levels around the outer edge, I am struggling to work out a possible solution.

[Gold Coaster]

Took a few photos today. Thought this might make it easier to visualise what I'm asking about.







Has anyone been able to put a security screen on this style of sliding window?

Thanks

[Sunny43.5]

Whilst I have not actually done anything like what you are asking I have seen some examples on the outside and without fail they look pretty awful , my only suggestion would be if there was away of making some screens for the inside but there would have to be a way of still opening the windows as well .

[Gold Coaster]

I've tried to work out a sliding screen (made from crimsafe/amplimesh material) to go on the inside, as the window only opens a maximum of halfway, but I haven't been able to come up with anything practical yet.

[Gold Coaster]

Took a few photos today. Thought this might make it easier to visualise what I'm asking about.







Has anyone been able to put a security screen on this style of sliding window?

Thanks

Thought I would update this thread from last year - took that long to find a solution! I couldn't work out a suitable method of attaching a security screen to the sliding window, firms who make security screens weren't any help nor were metal fabricators.

I had just about given up all hope when, looking for a roof vent online, I came across a local company that does Caravan and RV conversions.

Here are the 'after photos'.





I know it stands out a bit but it serves its purpose. Considering that they had to take the curve of the window into account, plus the window had to be able to slide without contacting the stainless steel mesh, I'm really pleased that could make it as unobtrusive as they did.

It's great to be able to leave the window wide open on a hot day when parked at the beach or shopping but it's main purpose is for when we are overnight camping.

[wai]

If you are worried about the outward appearance, then you can do something on the inside. Then you are not worried about the curvature at all. Just hinge it at the top so that you can get at the window to open/close it.

[Sunny43.5]

Maybe a simpler solution may have been a couple of pop up sunroofs in the back sections of the roof as that would allow all the hot air to escape and it would be unlikely anyone would try and gain entry through the roof when its left parked or when you are sleeping inside at night . But its good to see you have worked out a solution .

[Gold Coaster]

If you are worried about the outward appearance, then you can do something on the inside. Then you are not worried about the curvature at all. Just hinge it at the top so that you can get at the window to open/close it.

Hi wai, my preference was to have the screen on the inside but I just couldn't work out a way to do it, nor could any of the numerous people that I took it to.

Hinging at the top didn't work because the top edge of the built-in table wouldn't allow the screen to swing open far enough to get your hand in to work the the slider. Hinging at the bottom didn't work either for the same reason. I tried to work out a way of having a half-size screen that slid across along guides, top and bottom, but the actual surround that the window sits in is curved as well .... so ended up having to put it on the outside.

[Gold Coaster]

Maybe a simpler solution may have been a couple of pop up sunroofs in the back sections of the roof as that would allow all the hot air to escape and it would be unlikely anyone would try and gain entry through the roof when its left parked or when you are sleeping inside at night . But its good to see you have worked out a solution .

Thanks Sunny, now I can move on to the next project!

Just out of interest, do any sunroofs come with a flyscreen incorporated to keep the bugs out?

[Sunny43.5]

One model we have does have roller sunshade made from a mesh material it does cover the full opening when its used , but it is an electric external sliding model so it is a bit more costly .I will be on the coast Thursday if you want to see the one in my van PM me with your address if interested .

[Gold Coaster]

Thanks for the offer Sunny but I've already ordered this Fiamma vent Vent 28 - Turbo 28 - Fiamma
I ended choosing this one because only requires a cutout of 28cm x28cm, with a finished size of 35cm x 34.5cm. This fits in nicely between the narrower gap of 43cm that I have available between the cross braces where I want to place it.

Also it has an internal installation system so once the cutout has been made then no drilling is required. Hopefully, because of this, there will be less chance of it leaking.

Because it has a relatively small opening I chose to go with the model that has a reversible fan in it so that it could be utilized if necessary.

[ally]

Where'd you get those great screens?

Hi Gold Coaster,

I know this thread is old, but I'd be so grateful if you could share where you got your screens done & also the roof vents? How much did both cost you? Security's pretty important to me as a girl on her own, & I'm wondering how to cool the van effectively through Brisbane summers (will be living in it). The solutions you found look great!

Thought I would update this thread from last year - took that long to find a solution! I couldn't work out a suitable method of attaching a security screen to the sliding window, firms who make security screens weren't any help nor were metal fabricators.

I had just about given up all hope when, looking for a roof vent online, I came across a local company that does Caravan and RV conversions.

Here are the 'after photos'.

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[ATTACH=CONFIG]6327[/ATTACH]

I know it stands out a bit but it serves its purpose. Considering that they had to take the curve of the window into account, plus the window had to be able to slide without contacting the stainless steel mesh, I'm really pleased that could make it as unobtrusive as they did.

It's great to be able to leave the window wide open on a hot day when parked at the beach or shopping but it's main purpose is for when we are overnight camping.

[Gold Coaster]

Hi ally, I bought the security screen from Red Dog Campervans on the Gold Coast Custom Campervan Conversions Gold Coast Motorhome Conversions Gold Coast Caravan Repairs Gold Coast Brisbane Sunshine Coast QLD They custom made and fitted it for only $240 which I thought was very reasonable.

The Fiamma vent was purchased from Northcoach RV Equipment Northcoach RV Equipment who have recently relocated to Loganholme. It cost $188 which was just the price for the vent and I installed it myself. I'm sure though that Red Dog would do a supply and fit at a reasonable price if needed. I found the fan to be quite noisy and blow hard, but being reversible, it is handy for quickly extracting hot air from the vehicle.

For air flow inside the campervan I bought a 12v Caframo Sirocco fan, which simply plugs into a cigarette socket, from ASP ASP Products | Home It cost $135 and are a great fan giving excellent air flow. They are quiet and economical to run having 3 speeds and a 360 degree rotation. The feature I like the most is that it has a variable timer so you can set it to go off after you are asleep.