General Questions
❯ What material are 50°Nord window bags made of?
Our window bags are made of durable faux leather with a textile look.
The material is a single-sided PVC-coated polyester-cotton fabric. A special surface embossing gives it a textile character and a pleasantly grippy feel.
Thus, the material combines the appealing look of a textile fabric with a durable, easy-care surface, which can be easily cleaned.
❯ How are the window bags mounted?
The installation of the 50°Nord window bags takes place in two steps.
1. Installation of the vehicle-specific mounting plate
First, a mounting plate specially developed for the respective vehicle model is inserted into the rear side window.
Depending on the vehicle, push-in or clamp connections engage with the existing interior or window trim. The attachment is carried out without damaging the vehicle.
The mounting plate consists of a highly durable composite core, which is laminated with durable felt. A continuous, flexible felt edge ensures a light-tight seal to the window.
Additional holding tabs, rubber elements, and clamping tabs ensure a firm fit depending on the vehicle model.
2. Attachment of the window bag
The window bag is positioned on the mounting plate with its rear Velcro surface.
Then it is fixed firmly to the mounting plate with two clamping plates with threaded inserts.
This creates a stable connection between the bag and the mounting plate.
❯ Can the window bag be easily removed again?
Yes. The window bag can be easily removed from the mounting plate by releasing the two clamping plates. The mounting plate itself can also be removed again if necessary.
With regular, vehicle-specific installation, no residues or damage are left on the vehicle.
❯ What load capacity does a window bag have?
When correctly installed, a 50°Nord window bag can be loaded with up to 15 kg of luggage.
The capacity varies depending on the vehicle model and bag version.
You will find the exact information about the storage space in the respective product description.
❯ Do all window bags have the red zipper pulls?
Yes. In the delivery state, all 50°Nord window bags are equipped with the characteristic red zipper pull tabs.
If you prefer a more subtle look, you can easily replace them: Black zipper pull tabs are included with every bag.
Our tip: The zipper pull tabs are also excellent as a practical handle extension for zippers on outdoor clothing, other bags, or tents.
❯ How do I clean and care for my window bags?
Thanks to their durable, coated surface, 50°Nord window bags are particularly easy to care for.
For regular cleaning, only a few steps are needed:
• Remove dry dirt: You can simply vacuum up dust, sand, and crumbs or remove them with a soft brush.
• Wipe with a damp cloth: Use a well-wrung, soft cloth with lukewarm water and a little mild dish soap or soap.
• Clean Velcro fasteners: Lint and dirt can be carefully removed from the Velcro surfaces with a small brush.
• Clean mesh pockets: Carefully dab the outer mesh pockets with a damp cloth if necessary.
• Let dry thoroughly: Let the bag dry completely in the air after cleaning before mounting or loading it again.
Important: The window bag must neither be washed in the washing machine nor soaked in water. This could damage the coating and the stability of the bag walls.
Also refrain from aggressive cleaners, solvents, bleaches, and scouring agents, as well as direct heat when drying.
Further instructions can be found in the accompanying user manual.
VW T5, T6 and T6.1
The following questions refer to the window bags for VW California T5, T6 and T6.1 as well as the corresponding Multivan variants.
❯ Why are there different window bags for Ocean, Coast, Beach and Multivan?
For the VW T5, T6 and T6.1 series, the shape of the rear seat is particularly important.
The 2-seater seat is slightly steeper and more angular than the 3-seater seat, as this allows the lower lying surface to be arranged more comfortably, while the 3-seater seat of the Multivan is designed more for everyday passenger transport. As a result, there is less space between the seat and the side window for the window bag.
The California window bag is therefore manufactured about 2 cm flatter than the Multivan version.
Apart from this difference in depth, both bags are identical in construction.
A quick overview.
Which bag fits which seat?
• 3-seater seat: Use the more spacious Multivan window bag on both vehicle sides.
• 2-seater seat: On the right side of the vehicle, you need the flatter California window bag.
On the left, you can choose between the California and Multivan versions.
Special feature of the California Beach
Depending on the model and equipment, the California Beach was delivered with a 2-seater or 3-seater seat.
With a 3-seater seat that extends across the entire width of the vehicle, the Multivan bags fit on both sides. With a 2-seater seat with open space on the left side of the vehicle, you need the California bag on the right. On the left, you can choose freely.
Our recommendation for a 2-seater seat:
• Right: Use the flatter California window bag.
• Left: Use the more spacious Multivan window bag.
Bag on the left. This is how you make optimal use of the available storage space. However, if a symmetrical look is more important to you, you can also use the flatter California bags on both sides.
❯ Can the window bag also be mounted in the VW Transporter or Caravelle?
The window bag itself basically fits into the rear side window of the VW Transporter or Caravelle due to its dimensions.
However, we do not offer specially adapted mounting plates for these vehicle variants.With appropriate manual skill and an individually adapted attachment, the bag can still be mounted. A regular, vehicle-specific mounting solution from 50°Nord is currently not available for this.
❯ Does the window bag also fit the long wheelbase?
No. For the VW T5, T6 and T6.1 with a long wheelbase, we currently do not offer a suitable window bag.
Our window bags for these series are designed for vehicles with a normal wheelbase.
❯ How can I tell if my VW California has double glazing?
You can find out in several ways whether your VW California T5, T6 or T6.1 has double glazing.
1. Check the vehicle equipment
Look at the original vehicle configuration.
For example, the following equipment options can be distinguished there:
• Acoustic laminated glass package in the driver's cab and tinted windows in the passenger compartment
• Acoustic laminated glass package in the driver's cab and tinted double glazing in the passenger compartment
If "double glazing" is explicitly stated, it is present.
2. Check the window gap
Hold a plastic card, for example a credit card, flat against the rear side window from the inside.
If it can be pushed into a gap of about 10 mm deep between the window and the interior trim at the bottom, this indicates single glazing. With double glazing, this gap is covered by the second window, which protrudes further inward.
3. Compare reflections
The reflection of a small light source can also give clues about multiple glass layers.
Hold a flashlight or a lighter in front of the window. If you see the flame reflected once, it is normal glazing. If you see the reflection twice, you can assume double glazing.
Good to know: Even with double glazing, there is a possibility to mount our window bags under certain conditions. Please refer to the following FAQ for this.
See the next post.
❯ Can I mount the window bag despite double glazing?
Our window bags for the VW California T5, T6 and T6.1 are basically designed for vehicles without double glazing (Thermopen glazing).
Mounting with double glazing is still possible under certain conditions. However, changes to the mounting plate and an additional attachment are required.
Why is the installation more difficult?
With double glazing, the inner window protrudes further into the vehicle interior. This covers the gap between the window pane and the window frame, into which the holding tabs of the mounting plate normally engage.
This is how the mounting plate can be adapted:
• First, check whether the window bag basically fits into the available space. To do this, hold it in the window as a test without mounting material and see if you have enough space towards the seat.
• Remove the two white holding tabs on the mounting plate. For this, a suitable saw, sheet metal scissors, or a knife can be used.
• Clean the window frame thoroughly with a suitable, degreasing cleaner.
• Apply a suitable Velcro strip (hook band) to the window frame in front of the window.
• Insert the adapted mounting plate so that the felt tab sits on the Velcro strip.
• Then attach the window bag to the mounting plate as usual.
Our tip: In the 50°Nord spare parts warehouse, we offer a special Nano Velcro tape. It adheres to the window frame or the trim, and can later be removed without residue. It can be cleaned and reused.
Attention when adjusting the rear seat!
Due to the double glazing, the mounted window bag protrudes about 20 mm further into the vehicle interior. Depending on the load, the seat may rub against the bag when sliding, folding, or raising it. Therefore, proceed with particular care when adjusting the seat.
Important note: This installation solution deviates from the intended standard installation. Changes to the mounting plate, bag, or vehicle are carried out at your own risk. A modified mounting plate is excluded from exchange or return. We cannot guarantee the success of the individual adaptation or damages caused by improper installation.
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VW T7
❯ Why are there different window bags for Ocean, Coast, Beach and Multivan?
For the VW T7, the rear side windows and their equipment differ depending on the vehicle variant.
In the Multivan, the seat belts for the third row are located in the area of the rear side windows.
This leaves less space for the window bags. The corresponding Multivan bag is designed for this installation situation and is attached with a special 50°Nord mounting plate.
For the California variants without a seat belt in the rear window, more space is available.
Furthermore, certain California versions already have original VW swivel fasteners for attaching a window bag. The 50°Nord T7 California window bag designed for this can be mounted directly with these existing swivel fasteners.
Important: For the Beach, the respective equipment must be observed.
Models with a sleeping bench and camping equipment usually have the original bag attachment and have NO seat belt in the rear window, while models with normal seating and a seat belt in the rear window require a mounting plate.
Therefore, the deciding factor for the selection is not only the model designation, but also whether there is a seat belt in the rear side window and what attachment is available.
❯ Does the window bag also fit the T7 Multivan with a short wheelbase?
Currently, we do not yet offer a suitable window bag for the VW T7 Multivan with a short wheelbase.
However, we are checking whether we can develop a corresponding solution for this vehicle variant in the future.
❯ Can I mount the window bag in the T7 California on the original swivel fasteners?
Yes. In appropriately equipped VW T7 California models, you can simply remove the original window bag and replace it with the more spacious 50°Nord window bag.
The existing VW swivel fasteners can continue to be used unchanged.
An additional mounting plate is not required for this version.
❯ Does the window bag also fit the T7 if there is a seat belt in the rear window?
Yes. If there is a seat belt in the rear side window, you need the 50°Nord window bag for the VW T7 Multivan. This version was specially developed for the installation situation with a seat belt and is attached with a suitable mounting plate.
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VW Caddy
❯ In which VW Caddy models does the window bag fit?
Our window bags are available for the VW Caddy 5 from the year of manufacture 2020.
We offer suitable versions for both vehicle lengths:
• VW Caddy 5 with normal wheelbase
• VW Caddy 5 Maxi with long wheelbase
The corresponding window bags also fit the identical Ford Tourneo Connect from the year of manufacture 2023.
Pay attention when ordering to the suitable version for your vehicle length.
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VW T8 and Ford Transit Custom V710
❯ Does the window bag fit only in the Caravelle or also in the Transporter?
Our window bag for the new VW Transporter (T8) is currently designed for the Caravelle with the corresponding mounting plate. For the Transporter, we currently do not offer a specially adapted mounting plate.
However, the bag itself basically fits the window dimensions of the Transporter. With manual skill and an individually adapted attachment, installation is therefore possible.
The window bag also fits the identical Ford Transit Custom V710.
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Mercedes Marco Polo / V-Class
❯ Does the window bag also fit vehicles with a long wheelbase or long body?
Yes. Our window bag for the Mercedes Marco Polo and V-Class is generally manufactured for the medium-length vehicle.
However, for vehicles with a long body, we offer an extended mounting plate that properly fills the larger rear side window. The window bag can be positioned either further forward or further back on this mounting plate. This leaves additional space next to the bag, for example for further equipment.
❯ Can I still use the pop-out window when the window bag is mounted?
No. The pop-out window must not be opened when the window bag is mounted.
The window is located directly behind the bag or mounting plate. When opened, the mounting plate can enter the resulting window gap. If the window is then closed, the felt edge between the window and the seal can become pinched. This creates a risk that the window seal will no longer seal completely and moisture will enter the vehicle. Such a leak can often be rectified by correctly positioning the mounting plate. However, it may not be noticed immediately.
Therefore: As long as the window bag is mounted, do not operate the pop-out window.
❯ Does the window bag also fit vehicles with an electrically operated pop-out window?
Yes. The window bag can also be mounted on vehicles with an electrically operated pop-out window.
The mounting plate features a pre-prepared perforation in the area of the window motor.
This section can be easily cut out so that the motor remains clear.
The mounting plate and window bag can then be installed as intended.
Important: Even with an electrically operated pop-out window, the window must not be opened as long as the window bag is mounted.
