Campervan Windows: Do You Even Need Any in a Van Build?

Campervan windows; to install or not to install? That is the debate in question.

The reality is that everyone would like to rock up to a banging park-up and be able to bask in the glorious views from the comfort of the inside of their van. Sounds like the life, right?!

BUT, have you considered not installing windows in your van? This blog aims to outline the advantages of not installing any more glass in your vehicle. There are, of course, great conveniences to install windows but equally many aspects to recognise before you rush into cutting any holes through your beautifully new van.

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7 Reasons You Shouldn’t Install Campervan Windows

1. The Campervan Will Become Less Stealthy

Sometimes, the greatest power your van conversion could have is the ability to remain unseen. Or, at the very least, the ability to not be the most seen.

There are millions of commercial vans on the road today, all of which are being used for many different purposes. Without any branded graphics on the exterior, there are very few ways to quickly learn what is actually inside and what the vehicle is carrying. It can also be typically assumed that if there is a commercial vehicle parked-up, then they may be there for work purposes and the owner is probably not sleeping or living inside.

By cutting sections of your van walls to install windows, you are removing the original ‘white van’ demeanour. Although there is the possibility that a van with windows may just be for transporting passengers, windows can also be one of the main tell tales signs that someone is residing within the vehicle.

As a solo female traveller, I was certain, from the beginning, that I would not install any windows in my van conversion. After being on the road, I can confirm that many people are surprised to see that I have any type of living space in my van. It almost feels like my van superpower.

Keep your urban camouflage by blending in with one of our most common vehicles on the road. There may come a time where your safety, privacy, and confidence to park somewhere, may depend on it.

2. Windows Increase the Opportunity for Thieves

Unfortunately, the reality is, there are many ways in which a thief can break into your van. Breaking, or smashing even, is one method that could be used to gain entry into your vehicle via the windows. Of course, whether you add any additional windows or not, the burglar could always enter via the front windscreen or door windows. Though by reducing the number of windows in the loading area, it may put a few thieves off. Perhaps because they would, maybe, need the front three to drive away without causing as much suspicion.

3. The Space will Become Less Insulated

This blog is brought to you from the confines of my own van conversion. From the Scottish Highlands (might I add). With this in mind, I can confirm that as my frozen fingers roll over the keyboard, I am cursing the only glass my van does have, and that is the front windscreen and the two cabin side door windows. These are obviously, three windows that are unavoidable; though they are the biggest areas where heat can escape from any insulated van. I almost wish they weren’t there when I am parked-up. Though I, regretfully so, know I will definitely need those when it comes to driving!

Having many windows can make it difficult to control the temperature, whether in the cold or heat. As a solution, may invest in a set of quality thermal window covers. Though even so, you will need still need the space to store these when they are not in use.

The opposing argument to avoiding windows for reasons involving insulation; is that windows can provide good ventilation. In this respect, I guess it depends on what climate you are building your van to suit. Being in Scotland myself, my sole focus is conserving heat whilst I quietly envy those with the opposite problem.

4. Windows are Expensive.

Are you trying to keep your spending to a minimum?.. Choosing to avoid installing windows will allow you the cash to spend in other areas of your van conversion. It’s up to you to decide if the hundreds of pounds, dollars or euros is money well spent on windows. Personally, I spent the money I saved on windows, buying a top-of-the-range roof vent with a rain cover to make up for the inability to open any windows.

Read Also: A Full Van Conversion Cost Breakdown

5. They Create More Faff

If you are going to install any kind of window in your van, you are naturally giving yourself the headache of fitting the fragile product. We’ve all experienced those hours of pre-installation fear whilst we prep-talk ourselves into cutting another hole into the van. Are your windows going to be worth this stress and extra time?

The installation will also need to happen either undercover or during days of no rain to allow for the sealant to dry. Therefore, unless you are comfortable doing so, or happy to pay for a professional to install the windows, then perhaps avoiding adding any windows is of benefit to you.

See Also: How Long Does It Take To Do a Van Conversion?

6. Windows Add More Weight

Weight; if it’s not on your mind, it should be! Every vehicle has a maximum capacity of weight that it can carry. If you exceed this capacity, you risk heavy fines, worse even, causing harm to you or others on the road.

Consequently, it is worth noting that windows can add weight to your van conversion. The glass that is replacing the metal can be significantly heavier unless you opt for the plastic alternative that is more commonly installed in motorhomes and caravans.

7. Windows Allow for More Chance of Water Ingress

Believe me, it can be devasting to spend hours researching and ensuring your doing a job as best as you can possibly do, only to find that water sneaks in during the next rain shower. Simply put; the more holes and cuts you have made on your van’s exterior, then the more opportunity you are allowing for any water to enter your van’s interior (if the installation hasn’t been done properly). If you’d like to spare yourself that anxiety, don’t cut huge holes in the side of your van conversion.

So, Do You Need Windows in Your Campervan?

At the end of the day, whether or not to install campervan windows is a very personal choice. It may be the case that you are craving more light in the space, and the ability to see your outside surroundings. Or are the front windscreen and cabin windows enough for you to do so without compromising any of the reasons outlined above?

To help add some perspective, you could possibly compare the situation to camping in a tent. Most tents don’t have windows. More importantly, very few of them have windows on every side. Is it fair to say that most people don’t go camping just to spend the majority of their time inside the tent observing the view?

So, I guess the question is, do you intend to spend most of your time out with the vehicle enjoying the views… Or are you more inclined to admire the landscapes from the comfort of your own home on wheels?

Let me know if you think the views from the interior are a reasonable sacrifice in the comment section below.

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Let’s Go!
@katie.maree