CRL Universal Non-Contoured Horizontal Sliding Window

The CRL Universal Non-Contoured Horizontal Sliding Window is the "all-purpose solution" to ventilate and increase visibility in just about any vehicle with flat walls. The frames are made of extruded aluminum with a black powder-coated finish. The metal is then formed to surround Dark Solar Privacy Glass. The sliding panel has a positive locking latch for security, and the ventilating board has a permanently fixed bug screen to let air in and keep bugs out.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Universal Half Slider Windows

Since these windows are a clamp ring installation and non-contoured, they leave the Van at risk of buckling or distorting the wall.

To deal with this scenario, often installing the clamp ring extremely slowly, literally a couple of threads of the screw at a time, will allow everything to gradually merge and be less likely to buckle the Van wall. If this method is unsuitable, replace a closed-cell foam seal with a larger open-cell (open cell is more spongy, often use 1" thick as it will collapse to 1/4" ). Another method is a thin luan wood on the interior, creating an expanded backplate to dissipate away from the Window.

CRL Universal Non-Contoured Horizontal Sliding Window - Half Slider windows

How will I install this Window?

 You will need to create a template to install the VW Series of windows. To make a template, you can use the aluminum framing on the backside of the Window or the clamp ring. We will have illustrations of using the clamp ring. Be sure to use the clamp ring's edge that matches the Window's aluminum frame edge (the aluminum frame that goes through the wall). 

Ensure that the clamp ring is taped shut, as it has an opening. 

 You will then trace your template onto the cardboard box sharpie, black marker, etc. you do not want to have too wide of quality, as you want to try and be as precise as possible. 

After you have drawn out the pattern on the cardboard, it is time to cut it. 

Once your template is created, clean up any rough edges, and we will be ready to place it on your Van. You will want to measure out for placement to ensure you have your template where you want it to be. You can put screws through the cardboard to maintain the template, have a partner hold it, or use tape to hold the template in place. In our photo, we used tape. Be sure to tape the template in place on the temperate areas so those are easy to draw in your line later.

Draw your template onto the wall of the Van. 

Once you have drawn your pattern onto the van wall and are happy with the placement, you are ready to cut. Reciprocating saw, skill saw, disc, nibbler, shears, etc... 

Once your hole is made dry, fit the Window to make sure the Window fits into the hole. No adjustments or extra trimming are needed. You can add a clear coat or paint to the cut edge if you are good. Again, it's not necessary, just a precaution. 

Tape your window installation foam on the backside of your Window's aluminum frame so it will get sandwiched between the edge of the Window and the body of your Van

 Now time to install the Window. Before putting the Window on the Van, it's best to go through and make a small pilot hole in all the locations around the trim ring. That way, you do not get around the heads of the screws when tightening the Window. 

Put the Window in place from the outside of the Van, allowing the aluminum mounting frame to extend through a hole in the wall. Next, place the clamp ring from the inside. Most vans will have the split on the bottom. With one person holding the Window in place on the outside, the other can start to screw from the inside generally, beginning with the two at the split in the trim ring to have that lined up, then top and around. You do not want to tighten once all screws are in place; you can then go back around and pull them. Be sure to tighten evenly around for proper seal.