Framing a Van Window: Lessons Learned and DIY Tips for Camper Van Builds
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We’re back to working on our van conversion after some much-needed downtime. Before we went on our vacation to celebrate our anniversary, we finished a few tasks on the van, such as filling in gaps between the boards with wood filler, sanding everything down, and painting. That way, everything had plenty of time to dry while we were away.
Now, we’re diving into the next phase: framing the side window. I’ll be honest—this part isn’t as straightforward as I expected. Unlike our bunk windows, the area we’re working on has a slant and a bow, making the measurements tricky. But after some trial and error, I’ve got a plan in place, so let’s dive in!
List of Materials Used to Frame The Van Window
Step 1: Cutting the Top and Bottom Pieces
The first step was cutting the top and bottom pieces of wood. These were the easiest to measure, as they lined up well with the furring strips we had installed earlier. To make sure the plywood would lay flat, I lined everything up and sanded it down for a snug fit.
Step 2: Dealing With the Bowed Sides
The sides of the window frame were more complicated because of the bow. My initial idea was to measure from the top to the bottom outside corners and then work from there. It took some time to figure out the right angles, but once I had a game plan, I was confident I could handle it.
I almost asked for help, but then I thought, “I can do this myself!” It’s empowering to take on a project solo, even when it feels challenging.
Step 3: Cutting and Assembling the Frame
After measuring the sides, I started cutting the pieces. My approach was to overestimate slightly, as you can always trim wood down but can’t add more back. Once everything was cut, I assembled the frame using wood glue and nails, making sure everything fit snugly. The plan was to use a jigsaw to trim off any extra edges once the frame was fully assembled.
Step 4: Attaching the Frame and Trimming
With the frame put together, the next challenge was figuring out how to attach it to the window opening. I decided to attach the top and bottom pieces first, then move on to the sides. For the attachment, I used Kreg pocket holes to secure everything in place.
I realized that I could have planned the framing better from the start, but part of the learning process is rolling with the punches and adapting as you go.
Step 5: Sanding, Priming, and Painting
Once the frame was attached, I took it down to sand and prime it. Sanding was especially important to make sure everything fit perfectly before priming and painting. It's easier to do all of this off the van, to avoid getting paint on the window or surrounding areas.
Final Thoughts: Take It Slow and Enjoy the Process
One thing I’ve learned from working on this van is the importance of taking things slow and enjoying the process. It’s easy to get caught up in rushing to the next task, but sometimes it’s worth it to take a step back and appreciate the work you're doing. Every little step, even the ones where you make mistakes, is part of the journey.
If you’re tackling a similar project, my advice is to go slow, be patient, and remember that figuring things out is part of the fun. Whether you’re framing a window, working on insulation, or planning your van layout, enjoy every bit of the process.
In the end, the window frame turned out great! Next, I’ll be moving on to mounting and finishing the frame, so stay tuned for more updates.
We're not professionals, but we're learning as we go and are excited to share our journey with you. If you found this post helpful, please subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram @adventurvan for more updates.
Also, be sure to check out our van build budget spreadsheet for a detailed list of all the materials we've used so far throughout the conversion process.
We’d love to hear from you—drop a comment with any questions or suggestions for what you'd like to see next. Your support means everything to us, and we're excited to have you on this journey with us!
