If you need any close ups of particular areas, let me know.Very nice workmanship
How about some close-up's ?
Last edited:
My 2008 conversion
- Thread starter cajundjb
- Start date
Re: Window installation pics
Sorry about the delayed response. I've been evaluating this potential problem. It appears that the windows close properly and don't rattle except when closing the sliding door. That's the only time I've noticed any rattle related to the windows and its only on the rear slider window on the sliding door. This could develop into a bigger rattle later on though. IMO I don't hear any wind leaks during travel; at least not yet.
Do you guys still want some pics of curtain set up?
Update on question # 1 - I brought the Sprinter in to 2 different dealerships for warranty work and neither voided my warranty due to MEPS generator installation. The only problem with warranty was with Kenwood dash radio install. It was not done by an installer on Dodge's 'approved installer' list so a patch was needed through WITEC (?) that cost me ~ $30.00. I believe this was a one time charge.Hi Mabel:
I have not taken possession of the Sprinter yet. This should happen Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm heading up to Cincinnati tomorrow. I'll answer your questions to the best of my ability.
1) I don't believe it will void the warranty because it doesn't alter the engine's performance like electronic chips, etc does.
2) The wiring doesn't go through an inverter initially. It goes from the engine component to the 'cab' component under the sofa in back of the driver's seat. Then we have the wiring going to the control panel. There is a Xantrex inverter in back of the shower connected to 2 batteries that was purchased separately. It recharges the 2 batteries also.
3) There is a switch on the control panel to turn the generator on for A/C, microwave oven, etc use. It can be turned off when not needed. It is my understanding that generator must be on for central A/C and microwave oven use.
4) I'm not sure about MPG yet but bear in mind that the idle control is required to run this generator on a Sprinter. This means that the engine needs to be running at a 'fast' idle which should increase fuel consumption. IMO
5) The generator will also charge the batteries through the inverter. I believe the engine alternator will pick up the slack when the generator is off and I'm heading down the road but I'm not 100% positive of that yet. I do only have a 100 amp alternator right now so this charging if any won't be as effective as the higher amp alternator. Also, the batteries should be charged through the inverter when connected through the 110 volt shore power cable
6) The kit costs about $4800 with installation, the idle control another $1300 so about $6100 total. One of the main reasons that I went this route was the smooth power besides saving space and limiting more holes in the sides and floor of the Sprinter for mounting. I've had some experience with a few diesel generators that would really bog down every time the A/C, etc would kick on and this is very bad for laptops, etc. There are methods of smoothing that rough power out somewhat but over time, it can still take its toll.
Hope this helps.
While I do like the upper cubby holes in this conversion, I thought we'd do some doors on them too. That's okay though; I'll install some netting on the lower section of those cubby holes as needed.
Hi Clark. Instead of blinds, we went with some curtains with tracks and clips at the top and bottom in the rear as well as the side windows. Its dark here in Arkansas now. I'll take some pics in the morning and post them.
Because inquiring minds want to know... (LOL)
This picture was taken 90 degrees out to try to capture more of the whole set up.
Its hard to see those clips as attached to snaps and track but its the best I could do. Sorry.
These pics are of the back window curtains. The side windows don't have a bottom track.
Curtain pics as requested.Hi Clark. Instead of blinds, we went with some curtains with tracks and clips at the top and bottom in the rear as well as the side windows. Its dark here in Arkansas now. I'll take some pics in the morning and post them.
This picture was taken 90 degrees out to try to capture more of the whole set up.
Its hard to see those clips as attached to snaps and track but its the best I could do. Sorry.
These pics are of the back window curtains. The side windows don't have a bottom track.
coachconverter
New member
Hello all, I've kept my nose out of the convo so far, but thought I could lend a hand here. I did the conversion for Cajun and wanted to let you know that the curtain hardware was all bought from West Marine (westmarine.com). Very economical and easy to install.
The curtains themselves were all custom made and sewn from upholstery tweed material. Pricey stuff, but nice and heavy and should really block the light out.
On the window openings, we used a body-saw to cut out the openings and just followed the curves of the ribbing already in place. This of course goes for the vans without windows already. I will tell you though, these vans are made of very tough steel, I think between the three of us we went through about 20 blades, cutting out the openings.
Hope this helps.
Todd
MWCW
The curtains themselves were all custom made and sewn from upholstery tweed material. Pricey stuff, but nice and heavy and should really block the light out.
On the window openings, we used a body-saw to cut out the openings and just followed the curves of the ribbing already in place. This of course goes for the vans without windows already. I will tell you though, these vans are made of very tough steel, I think between the three of us we went through about 20 blades, cutting out the openings.
Hope this helps.
Todd
MWCW
clark
New member
Thanks guys. Do you think you would be able/ or did you use the same hardware for the curtains on the sides that are longer? Do they block the light out good enough that it would be hard to see you have lights on inside (from the outside) during the night?
On the back window install. Was there a rubber gasket that goes around and covers the metal after the window hole was cut. I don't think the CRL windows have this but the OEM does. It looks from the picture that you may have something like this? Any tips on doing the side windows? I saw one at a dealership today with CRL all around and the install looked horrible. They were not a consistent distance from the body and were skewed. I'm hoping this was installer laziness.
Thanks, I'll check out WM
Clark
On the back window install. Was there a rubber gasket that goes around and covers the metal after the window hole was cut. I don't think the CRL windows have this but the OEM does. It looks from the picture that you may have something like this? Any tips on doing the side windows? I saw one at a dealership today with CRL all around and the install looked horrible. They were not a consistent distance from the body and were skewed. I'm hoping this was installer laziness.
Thanks, I'll check out WM
Clark
coachconverter
New member
Clark,
I looked at the CRL windows and actually started to buy them for this conversion (before it was destined to be Cajun's), but when I saw the install pics I quickly changed gears. To me, even when installed well, they just dont look natural.
The windows on Cajun's are the Creation (now Atwood owned) windows, I picked them up in Elkhart. You really would have to work hard at it to install these wrong. If you look at the inside of a Sprinter without windows you'll see the template for cutting out the window holes, in fact you use that template to guide your blade around the opening. After that, you'll just need a couple friends to help you align the three side windows evenly while tightening the crimp rings.
On the curtain tracks for longer windows, you just butt two tracks together. The "stops" are screwed in at the ends, wherever you need them. On this van, we left the curtains wider than the windows to overlap and help block light. This material is dark and very heavy.
Hope this helps some.
Todd
I looked at the CRL windows and actually started to buy them for this conversion (before it was destined to be Cajun's), but when I saw the install pics I quickly changed gears. To me, even when installed well, they just dont look natural.
The windows on Cajun's are the Creation (now Atwood owned) windows, I picked them up in Elkhart. You really would have to work hard at it to install these wrong. If you look at the inside of a Sprinter without windows you'll see the template for cutting out the window holes, in fact you use that template to guide your blade around the opening. After that, you'll just need a couple friends to help you align the three side windows evenly while tightening the crimp rings.
On the curtain tracks for longer windows, you just butt two tracks together. The "stops" are screwed in at the ends, wherever you need them. On this van, we left the curtains wider than the windows to overlap and help block light. This material is dark and very heavy.
Hope this helps some.
Todd
Last edited:
Diamondsea
New member
Re curtains blocking light: Most large fabric stores sell a thin, light weigh, off white/creamy/or light tan colored, low cost, totally light proof material that is intended as a drapery liner or it can be used alone.