I try to use vim without any plugins as I don’t want to rely on them when I work on another system. Coming upon this same issue now, I can propose some ‘better ways’ (alternative ways) as requested by the OP:
c-w-|to have window take over (if using vsplits).c-w-=to restore.c-w-_for horizontal splits- close the other window(s), thereby making current one fullscreen. Split and re-open from buffer to restore
- use
tmuxif available and run multiple instances of vim,c-b-zto switch between fullscreen for the current pane
I have listed these in order of my perceived practicality. Experience will of course be better with a dedicated plugin, but that is not always an option.