I have a full set and all the bug screens. The rear doors never come off and the crew window I and slider I fold in half and keep them installed so I only have to store the front windows when not in use. My favorite thing is the rear bug screen. When the top flap is down, it’s just a black wall on the inside instead of looking at the rear doors. And when you open the rear doors pillows don’t fall out ( rear sideways bed with garage under). Best investment I made in my van.
I just today, received my Van Essential window covers for my transit crew and love them but the slider door window cover side seems under sized. It doesn’t fit like the other windows. I’d have to install the metal tabs that are 3M stickied to the door on the window if it want it to stay up (if that makes any sense). For the price I expect a better fit. I’ll call them in the morning and make sure I received the right window cover. Otherwise I’m happy with the other covers and bug screens for the most part. A quick note on the bug screens, they are good quality but they could have very easily added a magnetic strip to the bottoms. When the wind blows there is a gap that can allow bugs in. Will likely have to make a modification to seal it up better.
love your guys channel very chill keep up the good work love the rv/van life walk through videos you do helps me with decision making also your airstrean walk through videos are my go for showing people how awesome these vans have gotten
Hi Aaron & Chris, just a short message to wish you both a Merry Christmas, and a safe but joyful 2021, your channel is excellent! Side note, the macerator pump replacement videos were awesome, gave me the confidence to replace mine, really a pretty easy.
Great video! Wish it got more views. Did not know that the rear windows were so large and had covers! Whoa! I know what I'm looking at tomorrow in my van! My van came with similar window covers, but one side is light (for summer) and one side is dark (for winter). It's very noticeable. Also, a polarizer filter for your camera will cut way down on the sun glare. You look through the viewfinder and twist the filter until the glare is lowest. It won't go away completely but makes a huge difference.
We really love these covers. The brand is coming out with an updated design in April I think. Its amazing to see some of these 100k plus vans without covers or not very nice ones. Thanks for the tip on the polarizer! I also need to use the hood more often when in direct sunlight.
Excellent video. One thing I was concerned about is the back door where the original blind was removed to allow the shade to fit in. Just wish none of the van’s original parts has to be replaced with something better or requires mechanical skills to make improvements. You guys did a great job with this video and finding a better solution. I was not familiar with “Blackout” until now, but definitely good to know. Thanks for sharing this information.
I have a 2016 and it came with similar by airstream. What I didn’t like about it is that the side shades need to be clipped with the glass. I liked that brand cause it’s magnetic and very easy to install.👍👍👍
I heard about that style needing to be rolled up into the window... Doesn't sound like a fun option being having to do that and I think they changed it 2017 or 2018 into a magnetic version??
Nice review. I have always said that rv’s are not like living in a sticks and bricks do to lack of insulation and it’s windows but you have found a good fix to help.
Very true! It makes it a bit more difficult even in moderate temps like the 40's or 80's. These covers definitely help. Thanks Henry, Happy Holidays to you and your family!
Great addition to your life and looks very nice! Glad that the fabric didn't smell...I always hate when I receive an item, and it smells so bad, you have to leave it outside. Merry Christmas!
I LOVE your videos. You guys are so generous with your time, knowledge and skill in RV life. We have a 2017 Ext AS and took your advice on buying the Van Essential window shades. They are fantastic!! I would now like to make some of the “screen like” shades you made for your van. These seem ideal for blocking sun (esp on side front windows) yet still allowing vision. Can you tell me what fabrics and magnets you used and where you purchased it? I’m thinking I can just make a pattern from the Van Essential shades. Again, thanks so much for all you do JosieNurse 😊😊
Hello, and thanks for watching!! We're so glad you are enjoying your Airstream and the window coverings! We purchased the solar screen material and magnets from Amazon. That is a smart idea to use the shades as a cut out for the screens. Thanks Josie! Screen material amzn.to/31NvCzk Magnets amzn.to/3sUT5KV We used E6000 craft glue which worked well but a couple magnets fell off over the year and need to be re glued.
I like the blacked-out look from the outside. My new 2020 Sprinter-Tourer came with a simular system from a german company. The insulation of the van essential blinds is a lot better than the white or grey window plisees, who are mounted on the window frames, on new sprinter rv´s.
Agreed the blackout look is nice! The RV industry doesn't take into consideration the aesthetics of things sometimes as well as function! Appreciate you watching and commenting!
Morning! If you have the same sheet as we had, you'll love the new windshield cover for sure. Really recommend checking out the back as well, we really like having the bigger open windows in the back and I don't think the original plastic and shades did anything for heat and cold. Happy holidays to you and your family!
Hey, Great video! Thank you for the review in these things. Only thing I was wondering, and sorry if I missed it, but do your screens work under the shades? Like, can you have the screens on, the shade over it, the top of the shade flapped down, and have the window cracked?
Hello thanks! We never tried it with the side screens, but it did work over the front windshield screen. The side screens might work...but they both need metal for the magnets to work and it might not be enough room.....
Hi you two, This is Vince and Laura and we have a 2013 Airstream Interstate. We purchased it new back in Aug 2012. We have used different type of blinds, covering etc., but think the Van Essential covers are super nice. But that leaves me with a question about will it fit my unit. So thanks for doing the homework for us. I purchased the passenger and driver side window covers and also got the rear door set. What I didn't see in your video was any use on the sliding door. How does the van essential cover fit? Can you open the sliding door without removing it? Also do they fit ok on the rear side windows (adjacent to the lounge) that have the small windows that can open. They sick out and was wondering how the cover fits around this issue. Anyway, we love watching your videos. Please keep them coming. We are getting ready to head out May 1st on another cross country trip. We live in Sacramento and have gone cross country ever year since buying it. Laura's parents live in South Carolina so that's where we are heading, hopefully we'll be able to do many more. Two years ago we camped out in NYC with the Statue of Liberty in the background. Then we headed north and drove all the way to Nova Scotia. We only stayed two days, we ran into so many rude people up there we decided to cut our visit short. We had to leave our wine and firearms in a storage locker prior to heading over the border. I have done many upgrades that have really made things better, i.e., air suspension, upgraded entertainment center with subwoofer under the drivers side rear flip-up seat, new cameras installed for left/right blind spots, new rear backup camera and a dash cam. Upgraded brakes (ceramic pads, slotted rotors) , engine chipped, Dish TV, LED lights around the frame of the van, clear bra, ceramic wax. Plus a killer chrome grille. We usually take 20+ cases of wine with us to distribute to family. Seems we have the best deal on wine in the country (one of the few things that's still nice). We have the extended van and the wine rides great right behind our lounge (helps to have air shocks). We have many things to share with you if you have the time. We've seen and done a ton of stuff. We've experienced micro burst that did minor damage to our front bumper, not to mention giving us both a heart attack. To having a B service done in Tuscaloosa, Alabama where they overfilled our oil reservoir with a little over 3 quarts of oil. Always ask or check your dip stick after servicing. A lot of lames out there. They could have killed us. What happens is something called " Run Away Diesel". We didn't know our AI had red warning lights that come on the dash speedometer warning you of "Oil overfilled, Pull over immediately". In addition, we are old enough to be your parents. Actually maybe your grand parents. lol. Anyway would be delighted to hear back from you. Thank you.
Hello guys! Sounds like you have had a TON of great times and adventures in your AI. Its nice to be able to upgrade and improve it meet your own needs! 20 cases of wine!? Way to go! And that's nice of you to bring to family. We are still loving our Van Essentials and we do have on our sliding door that we keep up all the time. You can close your door and also fold i partially up while driving to be able to see out that window. We haven't tried it on the rear lounge windows and I think it would fit inside of the window valances, but it is not a perfect fit and would be a pain in the butt. We have curtain rods with thermal blackout curtains and they work great back there and are easy to open. Thanks for the note and reaching out! Safe travels to you two!! C & A
Not criticizing here but If you were trying to show people how those window covers work, trying to fit them over your home made screens isn't a very fair demonstration. Even so, they look great and I will be getting a set when we hit the road. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Love your channel!
Merry Christmas & happy holidays to you as well! Chris was also yelling at me to remove the screens first! 🤣 Its is hard to tell but if you go back and look at the passenger side install and the last windshield install those are both without screens.
Irene Iron Travels awe you made my day remembering who I was! It’s been a nightmare with the little guy and apparently something is wrong with the hitch so I have to deal with the manufacturer and I about killed myself with it so far... the rad is still in the box for my deceased parents old pug dog is actively dying of cancer so I’ve been 24/7 doggie hospice and she keeps me awake so it’s been weeks of hell on earth and I could go on and on but it’s not worth it for I would fill up the page... it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel and it’s one of the hardest Christmas seasons I’ve ever endured for I love this little Katie pug like she is my child and loosing her may break me... Well yous have a very Merry Christmas and thanks for remembering me and take good care~
Thanks! We found bulk material on Amazon ( amzn.to/2WDsRxH ) and it is called Phifer SuperSolar screen. Really love it for privacy and blocking the suns heat, while still getting the view and making the van feel more open!
Good video...it would be interesting to compare them to the ones that now comes with the airstream vans. Did you look at purchasing them from airstream? I like oem add ons.....in saying that the ones u purchased look very good.
Hello, thanks! We did look online on the Airstream supply store and did not see covers available, but we didn't go as far as checking with dealers to see if they can order them. We have been in the new Interstates a few times, but haven't looked at the window covers! That will be something to check out next time we are touring one. Thanks for the comment!
Thanks! They only make these for the Sprinter vans as of now. I haven't seen a similar product for trailers/5th wheels, but that would be pretty cool if someone did!
Great video! We have have similar challenges to your other windows. Ours have plastic trim/frames around them (like your former back window). We'd really like to have the additional insulation but are challenged by the lack of metal fo magnetic installation. Let us know if you find some alternative solutions.
Yes! All the windows in vans are a blessing and a curse. These are working out for us very well in heat and the cold. We'll keep an eye out for options!
Good Morning ☕️ Another great video. I remember when Chris Used to put up Aaron’s T-shirts in the window. 🤣 Then you made the curtain. 👍👍 Those coverings look nice and so easy to use. Do you use the side window covers? Do they help with Condensation? Take Care ~ Safe Travels...
😂😂😢 Ahhhhh the good o'l t-shirt days! We are still debating if we can make the middle side window coverings work. Our cabinet on the slider door is right up against the door when it's closed and we would have to modify the kitchen window as well. Plus, the kitchen window gets pretty greasy from cooking and we pretty much ruined the current blinds in there right now. We might try a roll down "Oceanair" style that can be wiped clean and is an easy roll up and down. Not as good thermals with that one, but is good blackout privacy. We did get a good chance while in Washington this fall to test out the condensation effect, and I do think it helped a little.. but not a lot. We even got the dehumidifier as well and still condensation on the windows. There's NO stopping it!!!😆😂
@@IreneIronTravels The big bulky frame that houses the shades seem to be a problem. You’d almost have to cover them atop that. Iffin your kitchen one is shot I’d be curious to see just exactly what’s underneath once you take it and the frame down. It would be a fun Design challenge. They’ve got great wipeable peel & stick backsplash tiles. That’s IF your going to tackle the job. _just thinking out loud_
I saw you encountered some snow up in Washington. How did the Airstream handle? I am curious. I have a 2018 Interstate and was wondering about how it would handle in the snow.
The snow in Washington was more of a slush..... but we actually got to drive in some "real" snow the first month we got in in Minnesota and it handles great. It's so heavy, that the tires grip the road well and as long as you drive slow you should be fine. I caveat this with we grew up with heavy snow and cold in the Midwest and have plenty of experience with FWD, RWD,AWD, and 4wd vehicles. Kinda fun!
You can but would have to modify a bit. The velcro strap is too short so you would need to extend that to reach. We just pull the rears down and store right behind the seat it works great.
Yes, you could definitely leave them up while driving without them falling. We do take them down to see out the back while driving, but the magnets are very strong and would hold.
If it is really cold overnight like the 30's there is still some condensation. Also if its raining and there is a lot of condensation in the air you will see it.
@@IreneIronTravels appreciate the reply. I went to their website to check the cost for my Promaster GL and noticed everything is out of stock until June. Crazy! Safe travels.
Would love if if u guys kissed at the end of each video. Not trying to be weird but just think it would be a nice touch! Thanks for the vid guys I will be ordering these but I'm getting van made gear they're the real deal all these other companies are copying off of them like how qdoba copied off Chipotle as a cheap and sleepy replacement lol
Nice review! Have you thought about adding a Vancilliary Shelf in the cab over the seats? Good place to store those covers. Check out the channel “From She to Me” for her Vancilliary information. She’s in a Pleasure Way Ascent and does a lot of mods in their van.
Thanks! We have seen a few videos from her and they are really good! She is super informative and helpful sharing her mods on the PW. Our van does already have a built in cabinet/shelf on the headliner and that would be a good place to store these. Thanks Joyce!
@@IreneIronTravels ok, I see your cabinet now. I had to go back to the video where you guys were standing in the van to see it. Nice that your van comes with that cabinet. That’s a downside to the Pleasure Way RVs that they lack a headliner shelf or cabinet.
It does blend in with the same color as our other cabinets. I think some people like the extra headroom without the headliner shelf, but with such small storage in a van, we really like having it. Although we still hit our heads once in a while! 😂
Just part of van life for us. Lot's of setup and teardown daily! I think Winnebago uses a built in front windshield screen, but it is not full blackout coverage and doesn't have as good of thermal effects. Some say it rattles while driving too. We do really like the blackout/thermal curtains we put in the back bedroom/living room.
@@IreneIronTravels if I lived in the van I'd agree. They look good and the quality is obvious. In my RV I'm making as many things self held as possible. I see so many spending too much time prepping on arrival and departure. One couple fills their bathroom with things that later get put up on walls and counters only to take down again in 2 weeks. Um no thanks. I just bought a fan from cloudline so I can mount it on the wall Super efficient Less bulky than residential Powerful So that's what I mean... anyway, time to install these vinyl planks... come on over if you not busy. Will have a floor installation party.
For sure, the more built-in stuff the better! Haven't heard of the Cloudline fan... will have to check it out. We'll be rooting you on in spirit on the floor installation! 😂
I keep looking at the space over the side entry door of my 2017 Airstream Interstate for some kind of additional shelving. Maybe a netting type stretched across? Like maybe that in a Airstream Base Camp? Any other ideas?
Do you mean above the sink in front of the screen door? I'm always envious of the openness of that space, because we have a giant cabinet in front of half the sider door. Great for storage, but would be nice for the fresh air and be able to see outside. Yes, I think some type of netting or very tiny shelf might be the only option........
