Choosing how many windows to include and what type is one of the first big decisions you'll face in any vehicle conversion. Windows aren't just about the view: they shape the feel, light, ventilation, comfort, and even how well your bus retains heat in hot weather or cold.
Whether you decide to keep most of the factory openings, replace them with custom RV-style windows, or strike a balance between the two, this article walks through the pros, cons, and real-world experiences of living with your choices, including how windows interact with heating and air conditioning in your rolling home.
Click on the link below to read this article.
https://www.busconversionmagazine.com/articles/regular-articles/windows-in-a-bus-conversion-and-or-air-conditioning/
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I think the windows will probably be the last thing I do. I'd love to replace about 6 of them with sliders but at around $500 each that's about 3 grand and that requires some budgeting. Might do them one at a time though. Just to check the fit you understand...
Jim
Quote from: Jim Blackwood on April 18, 2026, 04:42:12 AMI think the windows will probably be the last thing I do. I'd love to replace about 6 of them with sliders but at around $500 each that's about 3 grand and that requires some budgeting. Might do them one at a time though. Just to check the fit you understand...
Jim
The fit of the window or how easily you wallet fits in you pocket? :o
Quote from: Jim Blackwood on April 18, 2026, 04:42:12 AMI think the windows will probably be the last thing I do. I'd love to replace about 6 of them with sliders but at around $500 each that's about 3 grand and that requires some budgeting. Might do them one at a time though. Just to check the fit you understand...
Jim
The lack of sliding windows is one thing I don't like in the Prevost factory conversions; they may have 2 on each side at the bottom of the window with about 6 inches of opening, I would prefer a full sliding 1/2 window in the conversion like my Country Coach Magna had., it makes you depend too much on the AC units in the summertime you don't get much air movement with the tiny factory sliders in the Prevost and some conversions,2 good vent fans are a must in conversions if you like fresh air
What was the link for that outfit in the northwest that sells the sliders that just swap into the 102DL3? I think I'll go ahead and order one. Get this process started.
Jim
Quote from: Jim Blackwood on April 19, 2026, 10:15:14 AMWhat was the link for that outfit in the northwest that sells the sliders that just swap into the 102DL3? I think I'll go ahead and order one. Get this process started.
Jim
I think you are talking about: Coach Glass in Oregon (https://coachglass.com/)
Quote from: Jim Blackwood on April 19, 2026, 10:15:14 AMWhat was the link for that outfit in the northwest that sells the sliders that just swap into the 102DL3? I think I'll go ahead and order one. Get this process started.
Jim
You may be talking about https://peninsulaglass.com/ in Portland, OR.
Go to a rv surplus they have dual pane windows made by a company in CA ,there are a couple of more that make windows that will drop in for the Dl-3, Call MCI they may have some for their conversion shells they made for few years ask Phil Lyons here who made the windows in his DL-3 conversion I don't believe those are In Motion windows, I think his are made by Geil windows I had those in my Safiri Trek
Odd, I didn't see anything on those two sites, I should probably dig out that old thread about them. Seems like I contacted a company that made them. It's the drop-in slider cartridges I'm looking for, probably with tinted glass, don't know about the double pane biz, if that's even a possibility in a slider (with screen) but I could see it being a plus. And it makes sense that ceramic film could be applied as a tint before installing but if it comes that way it'd be better.
Jim
https://coachglass.com/products-rv-specialty-windshields-side-glass/charter-bus-motor-coach/
Is this what you're looking for?
I got quotes from this outfit, not cheap but in line with others. https://www.motionwindows.com
Im sure I said this previously in another thread...ickes rv surplus in Montpelier ind has hundreds of windows for rv's in all sorts of shapes sizes and configurations. All new with multiples of each size available. Also have furniture and anything else rv related. 3 hour drive from Cincinnati
Thanks Gary, I just sent them an email, we'll see what they say.
I told 'em I wanted the replacement cartridges with the slider and screen, not interested in modifying the window opening.
Jim
As far as AC are concerned today I would go with mini splits. Two years ago we repaced the roof AC in the bedroom with 9000 BTU Pioneer mini split. Frist surprise was we use the heat pump more the the AC. Second it's quiet so we can sleep with it on at night. The third is low amp draw, we ran it on a 15 amp circuit. Yes it needs space in the bay but well worth it. Already have a second unit in the garage to replace the front roof AC. Changing the lead batteries in the bay to lithium in the coach. This gives me the room for the air conditioner condenser.
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Quote from: Jim Blackwood on April 29, 2026, 10:07:25 AMThanks Gary, I just sent them an email, we'll see what they say.
I told 'em I wanted the replacement cartridges with the slider and screen, not interested in modifying the window opening.
Jim
Quote from: silversport on April 29, 2026, 07:10:26 PMAs far as AC are concerned today I would go with mini splits. Two years
ago we repaced the roof AC in the bedroom with 9000 BTU Pioneer mini split. Frist surprise was we use the heat pump more the the AC. Second it's quiet so we can sleep with it on at night. The third is low amp draw, we ran it on a 15 amp circuit. Yes it needs space in the bay but well worth it. Already have a second unit in the garage to replace the front roof AC. Changing the lead batteries in the bay to lithium in the coach. This gives me the room for the air conditioner condenser.
You can buy the roof tops now with the inverter set up like the mini splits and save the bay space and the head inside the bus, they are 1 unit Kenny installed 3 in Prevost just plug and play and go,I did notice his roof top use a better grade of tubing and the fins were thicker, his are real quite I couldn't those running like most roof tops .I have always had ducted roof top with wall T-stasts to keep from dealing with the noise
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I wonder if I could get just the compressor and inverter for a mini-split? If I could get 12-18kbtu off a 115v 15amp line it'd make me pretty happy.
Jim
Quote from: silversport on April 29, 2026, 07:10:26 PMAs far as AC are concerned today I would go with mini splits. Two years ago we repaced the roof AC in the bedroom with 9000 BTU Pioneer mini split. Frist surprise was we use the heat pump more the the AC. Second it's quiet so we can sleep with it on at night. The third is low amp draw, we ran it on a 15 amp circuit. Yes it needs space in the bay but well worth it. Already have a second unit in the garage to replace the front roof AC. Changing the lead batteries in the bay to lithium in the coach. This gives me the room for the air conditioner condenser.
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I would love to be able to mount the compressor portion of a mini-split on the roof, have you found one that is low profile? I do like the idea of ducting on the roof, it would fit nicely below my elevated solar panels.
Quote from: freds on April 30, 2026, 02:03:05 PMI would love to be able to mount the compressor portion of a mini-split on the roof, have you found one that is low profile? I do like the idea of ducting on the roof, it would fit nicely below my elevated solar panels.
His are low profile and they made by Pioneer the mini split people, I have seen other manufactures, I saw some Greenland that were cheaper, seems to be a trend now roof tops with inverter compressor, the Greenland had variable cooling from 7500 btu to 15,000 btu these new roof tops use the new R-32 freon you need to watch buying the mini splits at bargains suppliers are dumping the older R-410 freon units that EPA is phasing out you won't be able to R-410 much longer, my understanding is the R-32 is lower pressure operating system than the 410 with better cooling and heat making the units less expensive to operate with lower amps draws, mini splits work for people I just never liked the cassette hanging from a wall and cutting holes for air flow to the outside unit
What's the latest amp draw on the 15,000 btu units?
Jim
Quote from: Jim Blackwood on May 01, 2026, 08:50:23 AMWhat's the latest amp draw on the 15,000 btu units?
A friend just bought 3- 13.500 btu H/P units, and I saw 8.3 to 11 amp on a sticker with the 3 speed fans, they do good on a 15 amp 110 V cord he is testing with.He is going run the units for a few days before removing his unit he gun shy last year he installed a new Dometic and it was bad out of the box
Jim
Recently saw these 12v camper ac. Vague on specs.
https://a.co/d/01peTsDe