Samson has got new tinted windows in the second and third row for more privacy. As we all know, the original Land Rover sliding windows are quite flimsy and leaky. And for a camper van, you really want to either apply a tinted window film or replace the OEM glass altogether.
I have finally found the time to install the following products from Explore Glazing, which I would like to review here in detail:
- Aftermarket glass (for the second row on both sides)
- Sliding window (for the rear passenger side)
- Expedition window (also known as “gullwing” for the rear driver side)
- Explore Overlander Light (a hinged table and window protection with the possibility to attach recovery tracks or other equipment with a maximum load of 35 kg)
(All windows are equipped with safety glass in parsol gray and with 20% light transmission.)
I started off by cutting out and replacing the original sliding windows, which took several hours and unfortunately left a few tiny scratches in the paint. The process itself was relatively straightforward thanks to the video instructions and the included mounting kit. I particularly liked the professional tools that Explore Glazing included (e.g. the machine screw tap by Würth). Attaching the Explore Overlander was equally simple, which I finished two days later when the silicon sealant had hardened sufficiently.
By contrast, fitting the aftermarket glass was a pain in the ass. First of all, there were no instructions, so I had to follow the – sometimes really vague – steps in the Haynes Owner’s Workshop Manual. Second, after the entire door was stripped naked, I realized that Explore Glazing had not included any glass holder clips (STC4787). As you can’t do anything without them, I needed to order them from Britpart before continuing the process upon delivery four days later.
So far, I’m really happy with the results and the quality of the products. Let’s see how they stand the test over the coming months. Explore Glazing certainly provides amazing value for money, and so far I would always purchase again. I have already mounted two Maxtrax MKII recovery boards to the airline rails, which worked just fine. However, there are a few downsides and suggestions for improvement:
- The expedition window can only be (un-)locked and opened from the outside, which is a big surprise to me. Explore Glazing might want to redesign the latching mechanism, or at least highlight this limitation on their website.
- As mentioned above, it would be helpful to include installation instructions and glass holder clips for the aftermarket glass.
- The fastening strap for the Explore Overlander does not look very firm because the hooks do not fully snap into the corresponding holes in the table. Unfortunately, the straps also need to be removed when folding up the table. Here I will probably need to invent something else myself.
- A very minor, yet odd looking thing: the glass markings (featuring the Explore Glazing logo, URL and window class codes) do not always face in the same direction. Sometimes the markings face inwards, i.e. they are mirrored, right next to one facing outwards.