Ram ProMaster Window Installation

November 15, 2018 by Ben Leave a Comment

The first major installation in our Family Friendly Promaster Conversion Van is the addition of new CR Laurence van windows. Tackling a project like this is very intimidating. So if you haven’t done this before and have any cardiac issues, I would recommend leaving it to a professional. During this Ram ProMaster Window Installation, my heart was pounding the whole time. There is something very stressful about cutting a huge hole in a brand new van to install these ProMaster van windows

Once all was said and done the new CR Laurence van windows look amazing. The “all glass look” is clean and stylish and the T-Vent operation is smooth. So without further ado, let’s take a closer look at this…….

Ram ProMaster Window Installation

Van Conversion Windows

First up, if you are still deciding on the style and brand of Van Conversion Windows to use in your own van conversion build. Take a look at this post for some of the best Van Conversion Windows to choose from. See how We ultimately decided on CR Laurence Van Windows for our Ram ProMaster Window Installation.

CR Laurence Van Windows – Where to Get Them

By far the easiest way to source these windows is through Amazon. This, however, may not be the cheapest way depending on your location. I ended up sourcing them hundreds of dollars cheaper by using the Dealer Request form on the CR Laurence Van Windows website. Message CR Laurence with your location and a Sales Rep will contact you with a list of dealers in your area. You then email each dealer and request a quote for the window you want. Choose the cheapest one. It is a little time consuming (it took six weeks for our Promaster van windows to arrive) but the possible savings are huge!

Van Windows Installation – How We Did It

Tools and Materials Used

Most people use a Jigsaw when completing their van windows installation. Fortunately for me, for this Ram ProMaster window installation, I have a whole box full of sheet metal tools along with technical skills from one of my previous occupations. Unfortunately, this does not relieve any of the stresses involved in cutting a huge hole in the side of my brand new van!

Unboxing and Inspecting The New CR Laurence Van Windows

I was very impressed with the quality of the packaging the CR Laurence van windows come shipped in. The cardboard box is solid and the foam bracing holds the windows firmly in place.

A thorough inspection found no issues or imperfections. The CR Laurence van windows came with the window, the clamp ring and a bag of screws.

NO INSTRUCTIONS, just this warning sticker. (but I have heard this is normal)

Making A Template Out Of Cardboard Box

Traced the outline of the window onto a piece of the cardboard box. Measured many times and then marked the cutout. Used the backing clamp to draw the corners.

Cut out the new template and tested to see if it fits.

Using The Template To Mark The Cutout

Securing the template to the van panel using masking tape.

Using the template to trace out the cut line.

Cutting Out Van Windows

Now for the fun part😈. Cutting out van windows has to be one of the most stressful things I have done in a long while.

Removing the panel bracing from the inside.

The metal shears cut through the van panels like a hot knife through butter.

Treating the bare metal edges with primer and rust enamel before installation

Ram ProMaster Window Installation – The Finished Product

The Clamp Ring sits flush against the window frame.

The window has a foam gasket that compresses against the van panel creating a watertight seal.

The Finished Product.

Verdict

In the end, I am extremely happy with the completed installation. The CR Laurence van windows really compliment the look of the van and all the moving parts work as they should. Overall this Ram ProMaster window installation went as smooth as it could have.

Finally, if you are interested, check out some more #Vanlife related content Here.
Thanks for reading, and remember to always take the road less traveled!