A campervan window fitting is an absolute necessity. It brightens up your interior and lets in fresh air, and nobody wants to hang out in a closed room with no view. A window is also a requirement by the UK's DVLA when converting a vehicle into a campervan. In our Roaming Home 2023 study, we found that a window installation was by far the most common exterior modification done in a van conversion; 87% of people have a window installed in their van.
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Shane, the founder of The Van Conversion, is a campervan professional dedicated to helping people transform ordinary vans into homes on wheels. He has authored Roaming Home, and teaches The Van Conversion Course, guiding many people through their van builds. Shane also writes The Van Conversion Newsletter, where he shares practical tips and insights. After completing two van builds and living on the road full-time since 2020, he is passionate about sharing his expertise with others.
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Supplies List
This is a sample list of supplies for installing your chosen window fitting. Besides the window itself, you'll need:
 | A full window bonding kit usually includes adhesive, primers, and applicators (but no sealant gun) |
 | Sealant gun For applying adhesive and sealant |
 | A power drill of at least 500W For driving and drilling |
 | HSS drill bits For drilling through your van's metal panels |
 | Masking or painter's tape For protecting your van's paintwork when applying primers and adhesives |
 | For protecting bare metal from rust |
 | For filing burrs on exposed metal |
 | |
 | Tapping and cutting fluid To safely lubricate the metal as you're cutting it with the saw |
 | Sandpaper For finalising cut edges after deburring them with a file |
 | Your preferred flexible silicone-based sealant For creating a final seal around the window Read more about sealants in our comprehensive guide |
Types of Campervan Window Fitting
When it comes to choosing the right windows for your campervan, several factors need to be considered—ventilation, privacy, insulation, and budget. Below, we break down the most common types of campervan windows, their pros and cons, and how they affect the comfort and functionality of your van.
Fixed Windows
These windows do not open and are permanently sealed. They are the most common and simplest type. Like other window types, fixed windows come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit different installations and needs.
A fixed window is the simplest and therefore cheapest option, costing half or less than half the cost of opening windows. The lack of an opening mechanism means there's no seals or moving parts which might need maintenance down the line. Evidently, the downside to this simplicity is a window that doesn't open to let in fresh air or promote ventilation.
Sliding Windows
Sliding windows come in the same variety of form factors as fixed windows. They feature a panel which slides open to let in air. This panel may be a full half of the window's area, or it may be a smaller insert as in the image below.
Sliding windows are the cheapest type of opening window due to their simplicity, and are thus a popular choice. Their most obvious downside is that they let rain in when open. Another possible issue is unreliable seals: an author for the site installed a cheap sliding window in his van in Turkey, only to be plagued with leaks until he eventually replaced the window. The potential problem with sliding windows is that rain runs down the glass and collects in the shelf where the sliding pane meets the rest of the window. If the sealing in this shelf is of poor quality, it can leak. Make sure you buy your sliding windows from a reputable manufacturer.
Awning (or Hinged) Windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top and open outward, forming an awning shape when open.
Awning windows have the obvious benefit of providing a natural rain canopy when open, meaning you don't have to close them when it starts to rain. Their format means that even when closed, water runs straight off them rather than collecting at a seal. This means that they're more reliable and less likely to leak. By contrast, the increased number of moving parts comes with the possiblity that these parts may break, requiring replacement. Finally, awning windows are much more expensive than sliding windows.
Vent Windows
Vent windows combine the features of fixed and awning/hinged windows. They feature a large fixed pane with one or two smaller hinged flaps below.
Vent windows offer the best security of all the window types we've discussed, as the section that opens is to small for a person to crawl through. Vent windows have the same advantage as awning windows, in that they can be left open when it's raining. The hinge mechanism is also simpler than that found in awning windows, reducing maintenance needs. The downside is that these specialised windows are harder to find and more expensive than the other types discussed here.
Thermal Performance and Insulation
When selecting windows for your campervan, thermal performance is a crucial consideration, especially if you travel through varied climates. Windows are the weakest link in your van’s insulation, as glass is a poor insulator compared to walls. Understanding how different window types affect temperature control is key to keeping your van comfortable.
U-Values and Heat Transfer
The U-value measures a window’s insulation ability—lower U-values mean better insulation. Single-glazed windows have U-values around 5.0 W/m²K, while double-glazed windows can go as low as 1.5-2.0 W/m²K, providing better thermal efficiency.
Double-glazed vs. Single-glazed
Double-glazed windows: Insulate far better by using two layers of glass with insulating air or gas in between, reducing condensation and external noise.
Single-glazed windows: Offer minimal insulation and are more prone to condensation and heat loss.
Tinted and Low-E Glass
Tinted windows can block 40-70% of solar heat gain, helping maintain a cooler interior.
Low-E glass reflects infrared light, keeping heat inside during winter and outside in summer, making it ideal for temperature regulation in all climates.
Condensation Control
Double-pane windows are more effective at reducing condensation, while insulated window covers further prevent cold surfaces from collecting moisture.
Window Thermal Performance Comparison
Window Type | U-Value (W/m²K) | Condensation Resistance | Heat Gain | Insulation Quality | Ideal Climate |
Single-Pane | 4.5 - 5.5 | Low | High | Low | Mild climates (cool/warm) |
Double-Pane | 1.5 - 2.0 | High | Low | Excellent | Extreme hot/cold climates |
Tinted Windows | Varies by tint level | Medium | Low | Medium (improved w/cover) | Hot climates |
Low-E Glass | 1.8 - 2.3 | High | Very Low | High | All climates (best for temperature control) |
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Campervan Window Fitting
Besides the form factors discussed above, window fittings also vary in their properties. Understanding these will help you narrow down your decision.
Double Glazing (Double-paned Windows)
Windows of all the forms discussed above can be bought in single glazed or double glazed versions. A double glazed window is comprised of two layers of window material with an air gap in between. This construction provides much better thermal insulation, letting much less heat in in summer and much less heat out in winter. This can be a major benefit, especially for a large window, as plain glass is a very poor insulator. Double glazed windows also collect much less condensation, reducing moisture and possible mold and corrosion in your van.
Tint
When buying a campervan window fitting you have the option of buying a clear or tinted window. Van window tinting is important and a tinted window is generally recommended for campervans for the following reasons:
Ensures that nosy parkers can’t see into the van, deterring thieves and peeping toms alike
Blocks more sunlight, keeping your van cool on warm summer days
Protects your interior from UV light which damages and discolours furniture over time
Venting
It's nice to have a window that opens, but consider how many of these you really need. Proper venting only requires two open windows at opposite ends of your campervan. With a skylight or roof fan (highly recommended for any camper), you only need one other opening window to provide good ventilation.
Opening windows are expensive and incorporate seals and moving parts that can degrade and break. Don't line your van with opening windows which get you into a constant cycle of maintenance in a few years' time.
Material
Windows generally are either made of glass or acrylic. Glass is heavier than acrylic, but is generally cheaper. Within these two materials, there are subtypes that vary by hardness and shatter resistance (important for security), heat transmission (important for insulation), and clarity loss (the degree to which the window loses transparency due to UV degradation). Finding a window that balances these factors with your budget is an important consideration.
Size
A big window is wonderful, letting in lots of light and giving you a great view of the outside. However, a big window is also a perfect entry point for burglars and drastically impacts your insulation. Having lots of big windows can also make you feel like you're living in a glass house, your every move known to whoever's walking by outside.
For me, the biggest factor was insulation. I spend a lot of time in my van in winter, and am grateful that I have a well-insulated van. I chose to install one big sliding window in my van's sliding door, and a small sliding cassette window under my cooker. I can't see out of this window due to its size and positioning over my kitchen counter. However, it lets light into the kitchen and I can open it for extra venting when I'm cooking. I was happy with this compromise, as this small window only loses a small amout of warmth in winter.
Cost and Quality
Campervan windows are made by many different manufacturers, and thus vary in quality. A better-quality opening window will have better-quality seals and opening mechanisms, meaning fewer headaches down the line. As described earlier, a leaky window is a nightmare and replacing a window isn't an easy job - better to do it once and never again.
A higher upfront budget also allows you to choose a tinted or double-glazed window that offers better heat insulation, or one made from tempered or low-E glass. These factors pay off in the long run, making your campervan more comfortable. A window with a high E-value has to be covered in summer to avoid a greenhouse effect, negating the benefit of having a window in the first place. This same window gets freezing cold and sopping with condensation in winter.
Think carefully about the pros and cons of your chosen window and how they might affect your time on the road before committing to an installation.
Campervan Window Covers
Because glass (and even acrylic) has one of the very worst e-values, it is imperative that we cover our windows up to slow heat transfer. Window insulation can be as simple as a set of curtains or a blind. More premium campervan window fittings come with integrated blinds which provide shade and prevent the sun from warming up the inside of your van, with the added benefit of privacy. Alternatively, you can buy and install a standalone curtain kit or make your own.
Curtains and blinds do a good job of blocking sunlight, but have very little effect on heat loss in winter. You can make DIY insulating window covers by cutting some Reflectix to size and attaching suction cups to the corners. Alternatively, there are many options available for custom-made insulating window covers which precisely fit your model of van. Insulating windows covers are very important in cold climates, adding considerable heat retention and minimising condensation.
How Many Campervan Windows Should I Install?
The answer to this question largely depends on climate. As previously stated, windows are poor insulators and transfer a lot of heat. As a general rule of thumb, if you only use your van in warm climates, you can afford to have more windows (make sure they're tinted). If you use your van a lot in winter, be sparing with your campervan windows.
Campervan Window Fitting Location
I recommend installing a window on the passenger side, towards the front of the van. This gives you visibility of one of your blind spots when you are turning or overtaking.
Consider installing a window near the rear of the vehicle to aid in reversing and reversing into campsites. Some vanlifers install a small window in the rear door for better rear visibility.
How to Install a Campervan Window Fitting
Before getting started, refer to the supplies list at the top of this page and make sure you have everything. Your window bonding kit should contain the following:
Glass activator
Glass primer
Adhesive
Pom poms
Latex gloves
Make a cardboard template
Get your hands on a large piece of cardboard and trace a light outline of the window onto it.
Make another, thicker trace indented 2-3 inches on all sides. This indented shape should be inside the trace of the window. This is the shape we'll cut in the side of the van. The indentation is needed so that we have enough room to glue the window to the outside of the van.
Note: This cardboard template often comes with the window you have purchased.
Temporarily stick the cardboard template over the location where you will fit the window and trace around it with a sharpie.
Drill pilot holes
Drill pilot holes around the traced line
Make sure you put a tarpaulin on the floor inside the van to catch metal shavings
Cut a hole in the side of your van
Place strips of masking tape down along the lines you'll be cutting to prevent the jigsaw from scraping the painted metal as you cut
Use your jigsaw to cut the panel out of the side of the van, following the pilot holes.
Ensure you are using a jigsaw blade that can cut through metal. To make a clean cut, hold the jigsaw very firmly to prevent it wandering. Cut your way around the pilot holes until you cut out the complete shape of the campervan window.
Note: When cutting, add a few drops of tapping and cutting fluid to the cut at intervals. This keeps the blade from overheating and gives a straighter cut.
Finish the cut edges
File down the cut edges with a metal file to remove burrs and loose metal shavings
Finish the edge by sanding it down with coarse grain sandpaper
Apply anti-rust metal paint to the exposed edges to prevent rust. Leave the paint to dry
Prepare the surface for bonding the window
You will prep the van for bonding in 4 steps, using your window bonding kit:
Rubbing alcohol: Use rubbing alcohol to clean and prep the area on the van around the cut hole where you'll stick the window. Apply it directly to the metal surface where you'll fix the window and around the edges of the window's inside surface. Leave it for a few minutes to dry off naturally.
Glass activator: Apply the glass activator with a microfiber cloth. The glass activator enhances the bonding surfaces of the glass and metal, activating the adhesive on contact. Apply the activator to both the van and the window, as you did the rubbing alcohol.
Primer: Apply the primer to the van where the window will be glued, around the edge of the cut hole. The glass primer chemically alters the metal surface, increasing its surface energy and making it more receptive to adhesive bonding. Again, use masking tape around the edges as the black primer is just like paint. Allow about 15 minutes for the primer to dry.
Adhesive: Finally, generously apply adhesive to the van. Apply a thick bead continuously around the metal edges without leaving any gaps. Ensure you join the two ends of the bead of adhesive to form a watertight seal.
Note: Glue can be quite thick and hard to apply. To make application easier, warm it up in warm water first.
Install the window
Place the window right over the cut hole. This is much easier if there are two of you to handle both ends of the window when placing it on the glue.
When the window is in place, push it firmly onto the glue to seal it. Tape it to the van so it doesn’t slide and leave it to cure per the manufacturer's instructions.
Note: Some people choose to use glass suction cups to stick the window to the van. This makes the window easier to lift and gives you a more accurate placement if you're doing this alone.
Apply sealant
Most window installation instruction manuals don't mention using sealant because silicone can corrode the window adhesive on contact. However, in my opinion, a final application of sealant is important to be completely certain of a waterproof seal.
Make sure that you only apply the sealant to the very outside edge of the window, not letting the sealant touch the window adhesive.
Apply a thin bead to the gap between the window glass and the metal wall of the van, all the way round. Wet your finger and trace over the bead to smooth it over.
Note: For much more information on sealants and how to use them, check out our comprehensive guide.
Campervan Window Legal Requirements by Country
When converting a van into a campervan, it's important to comply with legal requirements regarding window installations, both in the UK and internationally. Windows are often subject to safety standards, light transmission regulations, and specific placement rules, depending on your region. Understanding these legal requirements is key to ensuring your conversion is both road-legal and meets campervan certification standards.
Region | Min. Number of Windows | Front Window Tint (Light Transmission) | Safety Glass Standard |
UK | 1 side window (for DVLA) | 75% windscreen, 70% front-side | ECE Regulation 43 |
European Union (EU) | 1-2 side windows (varies by country) | 70% (varies by country) | ECE Regulation 43 |
United States | Varies by state | 70% or higher (varies by state) | FMVSS 205 |
Australia | 1 window for RVs | 35% front-side | ADR 8 |
DIY vs. Professional Campervan Window Installation
When installing windows in a campervan, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to take the DIY route or opt for professional installation. Each approach has its own set of pros and cons, which depend on your level of skill, budget, and the specific type of window you plan to install.
DIY Window Installation
For those with some experience in van conversions or basic carpentry and metalwork, a DIY window installation can be a rewarding and cost-effective choice. It allows for full control over the project and can save you hundreds in labor costs.
However, there are key considerations to keep in mind:
Advantages:
Cost Savings: DIY installation can save you £200-£500 in labor costs, depending on the complexity of the job.
Flexible Timing: You can install the window at your own pace, rather than scheduling around a professional.
Satisfaction: Completing a project yourself can provide a sense of accomplishment and pride in your build.
Challenges:
Precision Required: Cutting into your van requires extreme precision. A mistake can lead to leaks, structural damage, or rattling windows.
Tool Investment: You’ll need tools such as a jigsaw, drill, and metal files. These may be additional costs if you don’t already own them.
Risk of Leaks: Incorrect sealing or bonding can lead to water leaks, which can cause rust and interior damage. Proper application of window adhesive and silicone sealant is critical.
Professional Installation
If you’re unsure about cutting into the van or value peace of mind, hiring a professional can be a wise decision. Professional installation is particularly advantageous for more complex or custom windows, such as curved or larger panoramic windows.
Advantages:
Expertise: Professionals have the experience and precision to ensure the job is done correctly, minimizing the risk of mistakes.
Warranty: Many installers offer warranties, so if any issues arise, they’ll handle repairs at no extra cost.
Time Efficiency: A professional can often complete the job faster than a DIYer, reducing downtime on your build.
Challenges:
Cost: Professional installation costs typically range from £200-£500 per window, depending on type and location.
Less Flexibility: You’ll need to work around the installer’s schedule, which could delay your project.
Conclusion
We hope you found this guide to camper van window fitting useful. Check out our other guide articles on roof vents and seals for more relevant information.
Don't forget to subscribe to The Van Conversion Newsletter for everything you need to get started with your own van conversion (we'll send you a free wiring diagram when you join).
If you're looking for some guidance with your van conversion, you might be interested in our book Roaming Home, or in our online course The Van Conversion Mastery Course. You'll learn directly from our founder Shane how to convert a van into your dream home - no prior experience needed.
Until next time.