Chevy Access (Savana Pro) Swing-Out Style Windows

[vjsingh]

Hey all,

Anyone have experience with the chevy access / savana pro swing-out style windows?

I'm not going to be living in the van full time, going to be in it for a 6 week road trip and then probably 4-8 weeks out of the year or something like that. I suppose the main reasons against so many windows in a van is privacy/stealth and insulation? How well could I insulate something like that? I figure for privacy we could tint the windows and put up some curtains.

I was planning on a standard cargo van with just the one side window on the door and the 2 back windows, but I found a nice chevy access with the swing-out windows, so I'm considering it.

Here are some images of the van I'm looking at:

 

[MrNoodly]

I saw a couple of these back when I was van shopping. Interesting, but pricey. And I saw it as something that might stop working properly. Great ventilation, though.

 

[vjsingh]

Any other opinions on the windows? Going to check it out tomorrow. Curious if the insulating properties are any better than normal windows, since they have the metal on the outside.

 

[Minivanmotoman]

Great ventilation option.
Things to consider, bugs and netting necessary in your area?
Personally, nice feature if you're getting it in the deal for no extra cost. Many would consider it's weight in gold for the ventilation. If you're in the sun allot, could be faster cool down at night.
No benefit for stealth camping though.
Depends upon your situation and use.
Reminds me of a convertible top for a car.
Many love it, but it never was that widely popular.
My father had one and it was nice but mostly occasionally. If you live in a dry, mild weather area, that's where you would enjoy it the most.

 

[vjsingh]

Netting is a good point for buggy nights. I'm thinking if the van looks good I'm going to go with it. The windows limit the buildout options a bit, since we will likely want to leave the window areas free, but I think it's worth it for the ventilation. If we are going to be using the van in cold weather I can put up some insulation and keep the windows closed. We are also planning on putting in a heater.

 

[leslymill]

Hey all,

Anyone have experience with the chevy access / savana pro swing-out style windows?

I'm not going to be living in the van full time, going to be in it for a 6 week road trip and then probably 4-8 weeks out of the year or something like that. I suppose the main reasons against so many windows in a van is privacy/stealth and insulation? How well could I insulate something like that? I figure for privacy we could tint the windows and put up some curtains.

I was planning on a standard cargo van with just the one side window on the door and the 2 back windows, but I found a nice chevy access with the swing-out windows, so I'm considering it.

Here are some images of the van I'm looking at:

I just bought a van like this with 11 windows. I will first tint all the cabin side windows 5% limo dark and insulated. The windshield will be insulated and clear but plan on getting the outside window blanket later. The side cab and rear windows will be tinted either 50% to 36% because I am concerned about night vision. I will have insulation panels made from sound deadening moving blankets, reflectix, black rip stop against the window (if the black moving blankets are not dark enough) with a decorative upholstery interior held by a snug fit and magnets.. Plus light curtains secured top and bottom.......eventually. This is my plan for stealth and comfort. Does anyone think of a wood stove as a heating option outside of the Rockies,UK and Canada. ?

 

[jonyjoe303]

It depends if you can handle the heat. I don't like any heat coming into my van. I had some of those windows in the back of my van but they let too much heat in. 

I covered them over with rtech foam insulation, then I cut some hardboard to fit over the foam insulation /windows. Even after I did all that, using an IR thermometer, the window areas were still hotter then other areas, I added another layer of foam insulation over that, some windows I had to add multiple layers until the heat was gone. 

Window tint and curtains won't do much for the heat. if would be next to insignificant in a hot day. In the back of my van its totally dark in the day once I close my forward sliding door. Light equals heat. In 5 years I never miss seeing out of my back windows. 

This is what I'm talking about as far as heat, front of van with large windshield/side windows(148 degrees), and the back with all windows heavily insulated(94 degrees). 
 

 

[highdesertranger]

dang 94° and 89% humidity. I would head somewhere else. highdesertranger

 

[vjsingh]

I ended up buying the van 



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