Vanagon Life V.O.W. Drivers Side Window

[designer]

Does anybody have one of these? Seems like a super cool idea, for a Westy, where that window is basically useless, anyways.

With the MOLE system inside, does it get in the way of your table if you have the table lifting mod - which is one of the best mods ever.

I'm about to order a pass-through storage locker and might throw one of these in.

-thanks!

-cc-
_________________
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87 Syncro Westy : 2.5l

"It is that annoying, accelerating downhill so I can make it up the next hill in the same gear. Foot to floor hoping I can get out of the way of other cars getting onto the highway." - somebody on here around 2013.

[benandmj]

I don’t have the VOW window but I saw one in person last week and like all Vanagonlife products it looked well thought out and well made. For those not familiar:

http://www.vanagonlife.com/theshop/vowdriver


On the other hand, What is the MOLE system? And the table lifting mod?
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85 Westfalia Weekender
91 Syncro Westy

[dhaavers]

It's MOLLE, actually... https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MOLLE

- Dave
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86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS>

[Steve M.]

It is a good idea. For me though creating wind drag which ultimately effects fuel economy and engine/gearbox wear is not something I want to do right now.
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This free advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.

There are seven days in a week. Someday is not one of them.

[Team WorldTour]

I thought this was a good idea, and tried to do it on my own:

As for the inside, I just tacked the MOLLE directly to the cabnets:

I think for the exterior, I'm going to do a frame over the Alu.
_________________
1990 Feldjäger Syncro AAZ
Click to view image
H6 Subaru Engine Swap Thread
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"Where am I going? And what am I doing in this handbasket?" -Nicodemus Jordan
When All Else Fails: Lather, Rinse, Repeat!

[drj434343]

I have one of these units and have been happy with it. Installation was as easy as a normal glass window. I can't comment on clearance issues with the cabinets because I have custom units in my van.

I've got MOLLE pouches attached both inside the cabinet and outside over the counter, including a MOLLE first aid kit. Overall, the MOLLE addition was a smaller part of why went with this kit, because you can easily add MOLLE in other places as people have stated.

I also added the kit because I've always hated how that window was split by the cabinet system allowing people to see inside the cabinets.

Additionally, I needed a clean way to route a bunch of wires up to the top of the van, and running them behind the MOLLE provided that option.

I may mount some items to the outside, but haven't decided yet.

Note that the RMW side ladder will interfere with this upgrade. I had to modify the right side upper ladder seat because it now wants to rest on the raised sheet of metal.

[bokonon42]

[warrenmzz]

Can the overland window be installed with westy cabinets in place, or must the cabinets be moved temporarily during install.


Thanks

[dobryan]

[shagginwagon83]

If you did install one of these wouldn't you want to push out the back of closet anyway - for extra storage with the MULE system?
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"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram: @joannthevan

[Syncro Jael]

[Sasquatsh]

[Team WorldTour]

Quite easy to do, really.
I ordered two sheets of 3mm aluminum composite (a sheet of pvc between two sheets of Alu).
Cut to shape of window.
Install in window seal/ window hole.
Lather, Rinse, Repeat.
_________________
1990 Feldjäger Syncro AAZ
Click to view image
H6 Subaru Engine Swap Thread
WV2ZZZ25ZFH094138(x)/ WV2YB0257LH057308(x)/ WV2ZZZ25ZLG113270/
"Where am I going? And what am I doing in this handbasket?" -Nicodemus Jordan
When All Else Fails: Lather, Rinse, Repeat!

[shagginwagon83]

Feedback wanted Vanagon Life Overland Window. I own some VL products and they're very high quality.
I realize Van Cafe has an aluminum piece of metal as an option - but I really like the MOLLE grid.
1. For those who installed high lift jack in this location, is it practical? That seems like a LOT of weight to put in the window seal.
2. For Westy owners with driver rear, can anyone provide a picture using the MOLLE storage system? I imagine it would be nice to punch out the closet backing so that you can utilize that system.
_________________
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram: @joannthevan

[drj434343]

I have both the drivers rear and rear gate VL overland windows installed.

The driver's side panel has a high lift jack plus two rotopax tanks and I haven't seen any issues with the seal bearing this weight. I drive this van as hard as you probably can a 2WD, and things have stayed on and together.

I cut a hole in the rear panel and installed a Maxxair fan because my early pop top didn't have a skylight and it is now completely covered in solar panels. I also modified both panels by sandwiching the readily available window insulation between the molle panels and the outside panel. This really cut down on the sense that the panels got "cold" at night; aluminum is a better conductor of heat than glass!

I have a variety of molle pouches on the molle now, but couldn't find pictures of this. I generally store needed camping accessories on these panels (flashlights, bear spray, sunscreen, first aid, etc). On the rear gate panel I have bedding related items like extra blankets, inflatable pillows, ear plugs, etc.

The price is high, but these are quality pieces for sure. I gained a lot of extra storage not normally available, and I also found I liked the increased privacy in the back.

[shagginwagon83]

Okay I am sold. I might be sold on the rear window now also. My Westy too doesn't have a skylight and the roof is covered by solar panels.

Beautiful van! Thank you for your feedback!
_________________
"Jo Ann" - '83.5 Westfalia EJ22e w/Peloquin
Instagram: @joannthevan

[vanis13]

[drj434343]

[tjet]

I've been thinking about getting the VL rear window blank, and install a smaller window on it that opens.

This one has a screen, too. It's about the size of the Doka rear window

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=2043579