We recently had the opportunity to custom build a Plisse retractable door screen for a 2014 RoadTrek RS Adventurous sprinter conversion van. Though we’ve been building screens for RV’s and motorhomes for years now, this was or first conversion van and we couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. “It’s like it was built as part of the van conversion,” said owner Dan Gibson of Colorado. He was so pleased he took the pictures in the gallery below. The best part is, there was no significant modification to the van needed. But as you can see, it fits right in and practically disappears when retracted. If you’re looking for more technical information on how we came to custom fabricate and install our Plisse retractable door screen on this 2014 RoadTrek then read on and get all of the exciting details straight from Doug, the Screen Guy, himself: We have been building custom screens for RV’s for several years. We have made them for everything from Casita and Scamp fiberglass small trailers to Class A motor homes.
Over the years we have had many owners of Sprinter Van conversions inquire about a screen for the large sliding side door on their RV’s. There are many challenges to making a screen to fit this opening. The body of the van curves from top to bottom and at the top from front to back. The front side of the opening is formed by the irregular trim surfaces of the “B” post behind the passenger seat. For the last year we have been working on designs for both a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution to the problem of screening these openings. After considering many possible solutions we designed a modification to our Plissé retractable screen that satisfies these requirements. It was necessary to develop new processes and materials to solve the unique problems associated with this application. The solution we developed has a curve in the screen frame front to back that follows the curve of the van body. The top rail also curves inward because the top of the van is narrower toward the front.
The screen is a three sided system with an extension to the housing or moving part that matches the shape of the back of the “B” post behind the passenger seat. The curve of the top rail makes the unit lean inward at the front allowing it seal against the trim at the front of the opening between the step extension switch and the grip handle. There was no significant modification to the van needed. Custom brackets were installed to attach the top rail and the area inside of the bottom rail was filled to bring it up to the height of the rail. A minor modification to the valve access door at the rear of the step was needed. The curtain track was repositioned to attach to the top rail of the screen moving it inward about an inch and the curtain snaps were relocated at both the front and back of the opening. Developing the solution would not have been possible without having access to one of these vans during the design and fabrication. We would like to thank Dan Gibson from the Denver Colorado area for allowing us to use his 2014 RoadTrek RS Adventurous for this purpose and for his feedback as a user of the solution we developed.
With the first unit installed and working we continue to improve the individual parts of the new system while we work on customizing it for other versions of the same van. Customers with any of the many makes and models of Sprinter van conversions should contact us about a solution to screening this opening on their RV.766 960640 802600 751OutdoorgamesSummerfunFun GamesCamp GamesGames HmmmmKids GamesForwardWhat a fun idea for a camping game! 4x4 20" long cut into 5 blocks. You can burn or paint the dots on. With our Sprinter van accessories and equipment, including storage racks and bins, shelving, cabinets, racks and more, you can organize your Sprinter van in no time. Our Sprinter van accessories include wire window screens, door trays, tank racks and more. Zone 2, 3, 4 Curbside & StreetsideLeisure Travel Vans has announced it’s new Sprinter van – the Free Spirit SS. It is billed as having the first slide for a living room in a Type B and a three-piece dry bathroom with shower.
For a Video tour go to this link. The video is pretty extensive with a lot of hyperbole. Dean, the LTV guy doing the demo, claims at one point that he’s seen Type As with less room. The bed is a pull out sofa that is part of the slide. It’s queen length but looks very narrow. They seem to use a fish eye lens to make it look big but I see no way that two people could comfortably share that unless they were very small. There seems to be nice interior storage. Outside, not so much, especially with a very narrow back compartment. There’s no rear window. I couldn’t drive it for that reason only. LTV makes a big deal out of permanent bathroom with a dedicated shower. But not at the expense of a comfortable bed for real-sized adults. The one item I really did like was the sliding screen door. That should be standard on every Sprinter. Here’s the full news release…afterwards…leave your comments: Winkler, Manitoba, August 3, 2012, Triple E Recreational Vehicles, a leading Canadian Recreational Vehicle manufacturer, today announced the launch of the single-slide Class B Motorhome based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van.
The all-new Leisure Travel Van Free Spirit SS is the industry’s first Sprinter van with a full, roadside slide-out. Designed in conjunction with a German aerospace engineer, Leisure Travel Vans (LTV) is excited to introduce a revolutionary new Class B motorhome built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van. Traditionally, RV’s built on the Sprinter van have had limited floor plan designs, due to the confined space of the compact van. However, the Free Spirit SS’s large slide-out allows for a very unique floor plan, taking on similar characteristics to the company’s larger Unity Class B+ model. Stepping into the Free Spirit SS, you will immediately be impressed by how open the front living area feels. The slide-out is situated behind the driver’s seat, directly across from the sliding entry door. A fold-down sofa bed topped in memory foam is located in the slide out, which conveniently converts to a bed at night. Moving towards the rear, the European-inspired galley is equipped with gorgeous cabinetry, Corian® countertops and quality appliances.
Across from the galley on the driver’s side is a wall of ample storage space. From a hanging wardrobe to full size drawers, it is apparent this RV was not just designed for short weekend trips but can easily handle longer, extended vacations. The best is saved for last. Almost unheard of in the Class B van industry, the Free Spirit SS is fitted with a large three-piece dry bathroom equipped with a porcelain toilet, a dedicated and spacious shower, and vanity. “It’s incredible how spacious the Free Spirit SS feels inside,” claims General Manager Ryan Elias. “It really doesn’t feel as though you are in a van. It has a very open feel to it, much more like a wide-body Class B+. Because of the SS’s unique layout, we believe this product will appeal not only to customers looking for a Class B van, but also to people who are looking for something slightly larger, with a little more room.” Other notable features include an innovative full width sliding screen door allowing for open air living while keeping the bugs out, and a large storage compartment accessible from the van’s rear access doors.
Golfers can be rest assured there is ample room for two golf bags with room to spare in the rear storage area. Technological features include a 22” LED TV mounted on a swing-out arm for interior/exterior viewing, a 7” in-dash Sony® GPS, back-up camera with Bluetooth/iPod/USB connections, dimmable LED lighting and more. LTV’s reputation for the highest quality craftsmanship and premium finishes is clearly evident in the Free Spirit SS. Beautifully crafted European styled curved wood cabinetry, sleek modern Ultraleather™, and Corian® Private Collection Counter tops are featured throughout the coach. With an estimated 19-22 MPG and a spacious floor plan to boot, the Free Spirit SS is the perfect touring coach for those extended trips. Starting at $119,470 USD / $124,241 CAD, the Free Spirit SS offers buyers looking for the features and conveniences of a larger Class B+ motorhome in a compact, easy to drive van. The Free Spirit SS will be featured at America’s Largest RV Show in Hershey, PA from September 12-16, and then at the California RV Show in Pomona, CA from October 12-21.