Recreational Vans
Short summer nights and still air invite bugs, so smart screening starts with the mesh. Look for noseeum grade netting when tiny midges are common; its tighter weave blocks small pests while allowing steady airflow. In cooler or windy regions where airflow is king and gnats are rare, a larger mesh works and can breathe a touch better. The sweet spot balances pore size, breathability, and snag resistance so you can sleep with confidence.
Hardware and seams set the tone for daily use. Smooth running zippers, ideally coil or molded options from proven makers, reduce snags and midnight fumbles. Double pulls let you open from inside or outside without searching. Stitching should be clean with reinforcement at stress points like corners and anchor tabs. A tidy hem keeps the net from curling and makes cleaning simpler.
Doors and openings define usability. Single door designs reduce weight and complexity while two door layouts add convenience for shared spaces. U shaped and D shaped doors roll and stow neatly, while straight vertical zips may pack flatter. Magnetic closures feel quick for vehicle doors, and zippered entries offer a stronger seal in windy conditions. In both cases, good overlap limits gaps and drifting insects.
Floors influence both comfort and protection. Floorless screen rooms create a breezy dining or gear zone under an awning while bathtub floors seal out crawlers and puddles for sleeping. If you choose floorless, consider a footprint layer so chair legs and table feet do not sink into soft ground. For inner tents or inserts, a durable floor fabric and taped seams resist grit and splash.
Fit and attachment keep the system tight. Tents and awning rooms often use zippers, toggles, or hook and loop to mate with an existing shelter. Vehicle screen kits rely on magnets, zipper perimeters, or track systems that hug door frames to block gaps around hinges and latches. The closer the net hugs the geometry, the less chance a mosquito has to sneak around the edges.
Noseeum mesh uses very small pores that stop tiny insects at the cost of a slight airflow penalty. Standard mosquito mesh breathes more but misses the smallest midges. If you camp in humid forests or river bottoms, lean toward tighter mesh. In high desert or alpine zones with steady breezes, standard mesh can feel cooler.
Door shape affects convenience and line of sight. U shaped doors tuck high and out of the way, while straight doors can be easier to align in low light. Double zipper pulls let you vent the top while keeping the bottom closed. Magnetic strips shine on slider doors and tailgates where quick hands free access is useful.
Bathtub floors can be a game changer when ground insects or splashy storms are expected. For floorless rooms, draft skirts or sandbags along the hem help pin edges during wind and deter bugs. A dedicated footprint keeps grit from grinding into netting and lowers wear on high traffic spots.
Freestanding net tents act like inner shelters for warm nights under a tarp or inside a large tent body. They pack small, pitch with poles or a ridgeline, and work as a sleeping capsule. Clip in mesh inserts convert a solid wall tent into a breezy summer home, adding doors and pockets without replacing the outer shell.
Screen rooms for awnings create shaded dining or lounge areas that keep flies off meals. Some attach with a continuous zipper while others hang from a keder track or buckle system. Look for tall vertical walls that reduce fabric flop when chairs push outward. If you expect afternoon gusts, guy out the corners and add stakes along the hem.
Vehicle oriented add-ons focus on door openings. Rear hatch screens form a breezy bedroom in SUVs or vans with the liftgate open. Slider door screens let you leave the door open at camp while keeping a tight seal along the track and A pillar. The strongest versions follow the body lines for full coverage and still allow normal door operation. For rooftop tents, mesh inner bodies or annex walls turn ladder areas into bug free zones for pets or gear.
Denier ratings give a clue to toughness. Lighter 15D to 30D meshes feel airy and pack small, while heavier 40D to 70D versions resist abrasion and rough handling. Reinforced corners, bar tacks, and wide seam allowances add life. UV resistant coatings help when the setup lives under bright sun for long afternoons.
Good setups start with tension. Stake corners first, then fine tune zippers so teeth are straight and sliders glide smoothly. Avoid over tensioning which can warp doors and create small gaps near corners. On vehicles, clean door frames before mounting magnets or tracks so dust does not compromise adhesion or the seal.
Care is simple but important. Shake out grit before packing, let dew dry, and avoid storing when damp. Rinse with clean water after coastal trips to remove salt. If you snag a panel, stop the fray with a small patch or seam sealer on the edges. Store flat or loosely rolled so folds do not crease the mesh long term.
Common mistakes include pitching on thorny ground, forcing a jammed zipper, and leaving the bottom hem lifted in wind. Another one is pairing tight mesh with a stove inside a small shelter which can trap moisture and cause heavy condensation. Match mesh density to climate, and always keep a small repair kit in your camp box.
A perfect seal rarely requires brute force. Instead, use overlap flaps, draft skirts, and thoughtful orientation to the wind. Create a low intake and a high exhaust by unzipping the upper corner slightly while keeping the bottom sealed. This chimney effect clears heat and keeps bugs outside.
How OZK Customs fits into the picture When your camp nights revolve around fresh air and quiet sleep, screens are not an accessory, they are part of the living system. In full custom rigs and partial upfits, thoughtful screening pairs with fan placement, window selection, and door function to create a clean airflow path. Proper planning means you can cook at dusk without a buzzing audience, or read with doors open while the breeze moves heat out of the cabin.
Our team designs around how you travel, whether you prefer long stays in humid forests or fast moves across windy basins. We focus on tight seals at slider and rear doors, smooth access in and out, and storage solutions that keep screens protected when not in use. During handoff, you will know exactly how to deploy and stow your system, then enjoy a test night at our on site lounge space before you roll out.
If bug free airflow is on your must have list, we can fold screening into your build plan and tune it to your routes. Share your goals and we will map the right solution inside a complete or partial build, then deliver a rig that sleeps cool without the bites.
Ready to enjoy airflow without bug bites? Tell us about your travel style and vehicle. Our team will spec and install the right screens as part of a complete or partial build, then walk you through everything at pickup. Start your OZK Customs build today.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com