Windows in a Bus Conversion and/or Air Conditioning?

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · April 08, 2026, 11:52:58 AM

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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Jim Blackwood · April 18, 2026, 04:42:12 AM

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

dtcerrato · April 18, 2026, 06:08:15 AM

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?

luvrbus · April 18, 2026, 06:09:33 AM

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

Jim Blackwood · April 19, 2026, 10:15:14 AM

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

freds · April 19, 2026, 12:16:25 PM

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

Gary Hatt - Publisher BCM · April 20, 2026, 07:28:03 AM

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.

luvrbus · April 20, 2026, 11:06:01 AM

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

Jim Blackwood · April 20, 2026, 12:08:29 PM

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

usbusin · April 20, 2026, 02:40:09 PM

https://coachglass.com/products-rv-specialty-windshields-side-glass/charter-bus-motor-coach/

Is this what you're looking for?

windtrader · April 22, 2026, 01:22:55 PM

I got quotes from this outfit, not cheap but in line with others. https://www.motionwindows.com

bronson · April 28, 2026, 08:41:54 AM

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

Jim Blackwood · April 29, 2026, 10:07:25 AM

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

silversport · April 29, 2026, 07:10:26 PM

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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luvrbus · April 30, 2026, 09:43:22 AM

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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