Early in our van-building career, we took a trip up to the Grand Tetons in June. It didn't take long to realize we’d made a massive oversight: every time we opened the doors to let in fresh air and enjoy the view, we were instantly swarmed by mosquitoes. Hanging out in the van with the doors open was almost impossible, so we bought a cheap mesh tent from Walmart to set up outside.Â
That trip was a game-changer for us. We learned the hard way that bug screens aren't just a luxury, they are essential for any functional camper van build. Our mesh tent worked for that trip, but it quickly succumbed to holes, tears, and broken zippers. Ever since that mosquito-filled week in Wyoming, every one of our personal van builds has included integrated bug screens.
Enter our go-to solution: VanEssential Bug Screens.
At Out There Vans, we’ve been installing and selling VanEssential products for years. As a fellow Colorado-based business, they are industry leaders when it comes to window covers, door storage panels, and premium bug screens.
Whether you drive a Sprinter, Transit, or ProMaster, these screens are tailor-fit to your specific chassis. Here is everything you need to know about outfitting your sliding and rear doors with these high-quality, affordable bug screens.
The Sliding Door Bug Screen
The sliding door bug screen is a must-have for maximizing the airflow from your rooftop fan while keeping pests out. VanEssential uses a high-quality "no-see-um" mesh that blocks even the tiniest gnats from entering your rig.
Key Features:
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Magnetic Entry: On the B-pillar side (right behind the passenger seat), the screen features a built-in grab handle with a magnetic closure. You can easily pull it open to step in or out, and it will automatically snap back together and reseal behind you.
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Full-Length Zipper: The rearward side of the screen features a full-length zipper from bottom to top.
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Roll-Up Stowing: Don’t want to use the screen right now? Unzip it, roll it up, and secure it using the three clips at the top. It stows completely out of the way, taking up minimal door space.
The Rear Door Bug Screen: Full Mesh vs. Privacy
When it comes to the rear doors, you actually have two different layout options under one product listing: Full Mesh or Privacy. Both options feature a center zipper and vertical side zippers, allowing you to roll up the screen in two separate panels.
Here is how to choose the right one for your build:
Option 1: The Privacy Screen (Our Favorite for Gear Haulers)
If you have a bed platform with a "garage" underneath, the Privacy screen is incredibly versatile.
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Solid Lower Half: The bottom section of the screen is made of solid nylon. This hides your expensive mountain bikes and gear stash from prying eyes when your doors are open in a parking lot.
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Mesh Upper Half: The top half is standard no-see-um mesh to allow airflow over your bed.
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Roll-Down Rain Cover: It also features an extra solid cover at the very top that can be rolled down over the mesh. This is perfect for dividing up the space or keeping rain from blowing onto your mattress, all without having to physically shut the metal van doors.
Option 2: The Full Mesh Screen
If your primary goal is absolute maximum airflow and you aren't worried about hiding gear, the Full Mesh option is exactly what it sounds like. The no-see-um mesh extends all the way to the floor, functioning just like the sliding door screen.
(Note: Regardless of which screen you choose, the visibility looking out from the inside of the van is excellent!)
Installation Tips (and How We Can Help)
Installing these screens is a DIY-friendly project, but we'll be honest: it requires a lot of patience.
The screens are installed behind the factory weather stripping on your door frames. You'll need to pull the weather stripping off, use the provided metal clips (which feature burred edges to grip the metal frame) to attach the screen, and then hammer the weather stripping back over the top. It often takes a few tries of clamping, adjusting the height, and fixing the tension to get it sitting perfectly. It's a 2/10 on the difficulty scale, but a 6/10 on the patience scale!
Don't want to deal with the hassle? If you are located in or traveling through Grand Junction, Colorado, the Out There Vans team would love to install these for you in our shop! Just give us a call to get on the schedule.
Ready for bug-free adventures?
👉 Shop VanEssential Bug Screens at Out There Vans
Call or text us at 970-644-7692 to schedule a bug screen installation.
Have questions about these products? Drop a comment below or visit us in Grand Junction. We’d love to help you get your build Out There!
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