I also love portholes! Two more steps to prevent rust when cutting up holes into metal: - file with the door opened, or tape a plastic or paper bag under the cut to catch any of 'them pesky little metal shavings. - after filing and sanding, paint the exposed metal ridges with rustproof primer and/or paint, and let it dry before sealing. :)
I've been wracking my brains for months over getting some opening windows for ventilation and to make the bed area less claustrophobic. These score on both fronts. Great video!
Yeah they really are a great middle ground! If you decide they're not enough, you can always cut out a larger chunk in the future and fit a larger window. That was our logic :)
@@CazzyandBradley The thing about the taylored van windows (at least the back ones) don't open. I looked and looked and looked. None of the cool looking dark glass windows are opening and my wife and I like a stream of fresh air to sleep. I even went to the step of designing my own opening window to 3D print but the printing process for large items can be time consuming. I've designed and 3D printed many items for my van. It always takes a long time from start to finish due to fitting and trial and error etc. The port hole idea is a happy medium to shorten the process.
I'm glad I found your channel and your video. We've been retrofitting our scuba diving cargo trailer to add off-grid camping capability. After installing a MaxxFan we realized it can't pull enough air through the two vents to make a difference in Texas heat. So, I came across those same 10" portals (we're going w/the white versions to work better without gray & white interior). Your video is helping us make sure we install these correctly!
@@CazzyandBradley It was, both sides. The only issue I ran into was that--to my surprise--the thickness between the inside wall (plywood) and the outside skin was actually bigger than the depth of the portholes. After cranking down on the screws, I fixed most of the issues. Now, I just need to put a bead of all-weather caulking between the inner edge of the exterior ring and the lip of the portal 'shaft'. Boy, turning on the Maxxfan and opening those two portholes moves some serious air.
@@CazzyandBradley I kind of rushed the conversion of my t4 last summer so this summer I'm redoing it properly and currently going thru all the possibilities and this is right up there with the first things I'm gonna do to the barn doors. Absolutely mint
@@jackhinchliffe687 oh sweet! similar to us then. we had to rush some final bits of our build last summer too, and have just spent the last couple months slowly making those tiny changes. It's like have van 2.0! haha :D
Hey Rion, I can't remember exactly where we got them, but I believe these were very similar, might just want to triple check the size before ordering www.fastenright.com/products/security-fasteners/m3-5-electrical-security-screws
Hi Cazzy and Bradley, thanks so much for the helpful video :) Have you experienced any problems with leaking with a porthole that opens like that? I am going to put one in my van but not sure whether to go for a fixed shut one or opening one. Cheers :)
Heya, I can't remember exactly where we got them, but I believe these were very similar, might just want to triple check the size before ordering www.fastenright.com/products/security-fasteners/m3-5-electrical-security-screws
Hi just a question on this with the sikaflex why do you think you need security screws as how would someone get in with it glued down?@@CazzyandBradley
Did u have any issues (leaking etc.) since you installied them inside out (ilke you did) so that they can be opened from the inside and locked out? Thx
Really?? So, they are locked/latched from the inside with no leaks ? Hmm. Maybe I’ll buy some for my cargo trailer conversion then. Just wondering if they’ll look too awkward since they’d be facing backwards. Thanks for ur help! AE
Great video; seems like you're both quite comfortable in front of the camera! I've just received these exact windows - but in white. Looking them over I'm concerned that the fascia on the outside will collect/hold rainwater and then, upon opening the window, let that puddle into the van. So debating whether or not I should return for other windows. Have you experienced this in rainy weather at all?
Thanks Phil! But no that's not a problem at all with our ones. The water runner doesn't't come into the van so it's not possible to be a problem. But maybe yours are ever so slightly different ... If you wanted you can send a photo to us on Instagram or Facebook and I can tell you :)
@@CazzyandBradley How Is it going with this? I have the same concern, and the rubber that closes the window will be exposed (sun and rain).. how are you guys getting on with that?? thank you so much fro sharing!
@@BM-yr9eiSo I've had my windows installed for about 2 years now; three in total. There isn't an issue with them pooling water and then leaking into the van, the rubber seal on the window itself ensures it runs off into the little drain channel - providing where you mount them on your van, the panel is vertical. The only issue I've run into with these is that two of them have had to be removed and reinstalled due to water ingress. Both of them due to overtigtening of the twist clamps which hold the window to the frame - just do them gently hand-tight. The other window is fine, so not impossible to have a successfully installed port hole window!
Hi, thanks for the upload, very helpful. This may be a stupid question, but, do the windows stay open easily when you fit them with the hinge at the top? The right hand one looked like it did when fully open, but not when open half way? Is the hinge stiff if you know what I mean, therefore allowing for part opening? Hope the above makes sense! Thanks.
No they don't, but it's actually something we thought about! I think we may fit some sort of catch, allowing to hook them open if wanted. To be honest, so far we have only been in cold countries so haven't really thought or experimented with that feature though :)
I also love portholes!
Two more steps to prevent rust when cutting up holes into metal:
- file with the door opened, or tape a plastic or paper bag under the cut to catch any of 'them pesky little metal shavings.
- after filing and sanding, paint the exposed metal ridges with rustproof primer and/or paint, and let it dry before sealing.
:)
You are right! We did this when we fitted all the other holes in the van, silly of us to miss this step here, so thank you for pointing out :)
I've been wracking my brains for months over getting some opening windows for ventilation and to make the bed area less claustrophobic. These score on both fronts. Great video!
Yeah they really are a great middle ground! If you decide they're not enough, you can always cut out a larger chunk in the future and fit a larger window. That was our logic :)
@@CazzyandBradley The thing about the taylored van windows (at least the back ones) don't open. I looked and looked and looked. None of the cool looking dark glass windows are opening and my wife and I like a stream of fresh air to sleep. I even went to the step of designing my own opening window to 3D print but the printing process for large items can be time consuming. I've designed and 3D printed many items for my van. It always takes a long time from start to finish due to fitting and trial and error etc. The port hole idea is a happy medium to shorten the process.
Well done!!! I’ve been thinking about installing these for quite some time now. Thank you for the video. Cheers from California
Clone that man we need more like him.
Done!
I'm glad I found your channel and your video. We've been retrofitting our scuba diving cargo trailer to add off-grid camping capability. After installing a MaxxFan we realized it can't pull enough air through the two vents to make a difference in Texas heat. So, I came across those same 10" portals (we're going w/the white versions to work better without gray & white interior). Your video is helping us make sure we install these correctly!
I'm so glad you found it useful!! Hopefully you can an easy breezy installation! :)
@@CazzyandBradley It was, both sides. The only issue I ran into was that--to my surprise--the thickness between the inside wall (plywood) and the outside skin was actually bigger than the depth of the portholes. After cranking down on the screws, I fixed most of the issues. Now, I just need to put a bead of all-weather caulking between the inner edge of the exterior ring and the lip of the portal 'shaft'. Boy, turning on the Maxxfan and opening those two portholes moves some serious air.
We are just about to fit these exact portholes! Thanks for the video! 👍
You're welcome!! I hope they turn out awesome :)
Deffo getting this done in the summer
Best of luck! Super happy with them :)
@@CazzyandBradley I kind of rushed the conversion of my t4 last summer so this summer I'm redoing it properly and currently going thru all the possibilities and this is right up there with the first things I'm gonna do to the barn doors. Absolutely mint
@@jackhinchliffe687 oh sweet! similar to us then. we had to rush some final bits of our build last summer too, and have just spent the last couple months slowly making those tiny changes. It's like have van 2.0! haha :D
This was really helpful, thanks both!
Glad you found it helpful! You're very welcome 😊
Sorry to bug you - what on earth did you cut that hole with?
Fantastic idea and full of useful tips, thanks guys! I can't wait to get started on my van. 😁
Thank you so much for this!! 🙏
Do you have a link for the safety bolts you used?
Hey Rion, I can't remember exactly where we got them, but I believe these were very similar, might just want to triple check the size before ordering www.fastenright.com/products/security-fasteners/m3-5-electrical-security-screws
Hi Cazzy and Bradley, thanks so much for the helpful video :) Have you experienced any problems with leaking with a porthole that opens like that? I am going to put one in my van but not sure whether to go for a fixed shut one or opening one. Cheers :)
Love it! You think i could do this thru existing finished van?
Can you put a link for the screws you used please?
Heya, I can't remember exactly where we got them, but I believe these were very similar, might just want to triple check the size before ordering www.fastenright.com/products/security-fasteners/m3-5-electrical-security-screws
Hi just a question on this with the sikaflex why do you think you need security screws as how would someone get in with it glued down?@@CazzyandBradley
Brilliant vlog thank you for making this :) I bought mine and need to fit soon. If ok which company you bought the screws from? :)
Do you think one of these would be suitable to use in the van roof?
Hi, thanks for the video!! One question, I'm going to insulate my walls, but how thick can the walls be with these portholes? Thanks :):)
Can you fit them sideways or upside down so when you open they stay open
Thank you 😊
Use two Nuts on each bolt and lock them tight, that should secure them against anyone trying to open the porthole from the outside
Great video and very helpful, what will you be doing to the inside of the doors leaving as they are or tongue and groove ? x
Thank you! glad you found it helpful :) We did tongue & groove, you can check out what it looks like here ua-cam.com/video/k4JUftWiQOU/v-deo.html :)
Where do you get the bolts from please ? And what size ? Thanks
Did u have any issues (leaking etc.) since you installied them inside out (ilke you did) so that they can be opened from the inside and locked out? Thx
Hey! :) We haven't had any issues at all with leaking, and we've had the van in some pretty rainy/stormy conditions :)
Really?? So, they are locked/latched from the inside with no leaks ? Hmm. Maybe I’ll buy some for my cargo trailer conversion then. Just wondering if they’ll look too awkward since they’d be facing backwards. Thanks for ur help! AE
Buen vídeo, enhorabuena gracias.
Muchas Gracias! :)
Where did you find the m3.5 not having much luck online
Do you portholes leak at all?
Nope not at all :) and we've been in some pretty rainy weather!
I followed the amazon link for the windows. It says diameter 21 cm. What diameter does the whole need to be?
Great video; seems like you're both quite comfortable in front of the camera!
I've just received these exact windows - but in white. Looking them over I'm concerned that the fascia on the outside will collect/hold rainwater and then, upon opening the window, let that puddle into the van. So debating whether or not I should return for other windows.
Have you experienced this in rainy weather at all?
Thanks Phil! But no that's not a problem at all with our ones. The water runner doesn't't come into the van so it's not possible to be a problem. But maybe yours are ever so slightly different ... If you wanted you can send a photo to us on Instagram or Facebook and I can tell you :)
@@CazzyandBradley Thanks! I may take you up on that 😁 I do think they're the same - perhaps I'm just being pessimistic 😅
@@CazzyandBradley How Is it going with this? I have the same concern, and the rubber that closes the window will be exposed (sun and rain).. how are you guys getting on with that?? thank you so much fro sharing!
@@PhilMGCollins Same here! Can you let me know how was for you guys?
@@BM-yr9eiSo I've had my windows installed for about 2 years now; three in total. There isn't an issue with them pooling water and then leaking into the van, the rubber seal on the window itself ensures it runs off into the little drain channel - providing where you mount them on your van, the panel is vertical. The only issue I've run into with these is that two of them have had to be removed and reinstalled due to water ingress. Both of them due to overtigtening of the twist clamps which hold the window to the frame - just do them gently hand-tight. The other window is fine, so not impossible to have a successfully installed port hole window!
if i install it upside down would it be better because i woudnt need to hold the porthole open? idk let me know if it make sense xD
The way we fitted them the portholes stay open themselves :)
@@CazzyandBradley thank you for the reply xx
Can I ask how you did that as about to install mine@@CazzyandBradley
Hi, thanks for the upload, very helpful. This may be a stupid question, but, do the windows stay open easily when you fit them with the hinge at the top? The right hand one looked like it did when fully open, but not when open half way? Is the hinge stiff if you know what I mean, therefore allowing for part opening? Hope the above makes sense! Thanks.
No they don't, but it's actually something we thought about! I think we may fit some sort of catch, allowing to hook them open if wanted. To be honest, so far we have only been in cold countries so haven't really thought or experimented with that feature though :)
You have realised the lip on the out side is supposed to be cut off yeah
no that's not the case