How to choose windows for a Campervan or Motorhome?

Baies et Fenetres
Comment choisir ses fenêtres pour van aménagé ou camping-car ?

How to make the right window choices for motorhomes and Windows for Campervans?

 

Need to bring more light or ventilation inside your Campervan or motorhome? Windows for Campervans and motorhomes, also called Windows for Campervans and motorhomes, not only improve brightness and ventilation but also play an important aesthetic and functional role when you travel. 

However, the choice of a window for a Campervan or a motorhome must be well thought out: several criteria, options, and models on the market deserve your attention.

In this article, you will discover the essential points to properly choose your motorhome window or window for Campervan (with a little 🎁special gift hidden in the article)

This practical guide will accompany you step by step through the selection process.

Table of contents

The Vanlife Store expert team offers you advice on interior layout and creating openings, feel free to ask us for advice or explore our selection of Windows for Campervans and Motorhomes at the best prices.

Vanlife Store is always here to support you!

Our Vanlife layout experts are here for you! Whether you have a question about our products or are looking for advice to transform your van into a true nomadic cocoon, contact us – we will be happy to guide you!

 

 

Why plan the layout before choosing a Window?

Even before choosing a Window, it is essential to think about the interior layout of your vehicle. Determining the space organization will help you choose the right Window locations. For example:

  • You might prefer a Window above the cooking area for better ventilation.
  • Lowering the bed level to install a higher opening
  • Installing a Window at the rear could offer a magnificent view as soon as you wake up.
  • Avoid placing a Window in an area that will be obstructed by furniture or cabinets.

Once your needs are defined, it will be easier to determine the number, size, and type of Windows suitable for your Campervan.

Feeling lost? Don't worry, choosing and installing Windows is much easier than you might think. Feel free to consult our installation tutorial or ask for advice from our experts!

Have you determined your needs and locations? Let's now move on to the types of openings!

 

How to choose a suitable window for your van or Motorhome?

Windows and Push windows for Campervans: we prefer Push windows! (except behind the sliding door)

Many people wonder whether to install Push windows or sliding windows on their Campervans.

The answer is simple: we always recommend installing Push windows whenever possible, except on the part covered by the sliding door.

The reason for choosing a sliding window on the right rear panel is that forgetting a Push window open there risks damaging it when opening the sliding door (which happens more often than you think). 

Regarding Push windows, they offer many advantages as you will see below

Sliding windows - A good choice in some cases

Ideal if you are looking for a window that does not protrude from the vehicle and remains discreet.

  • Advantages: Wind resistance, can be fully opened during trips, available in double acrylic glazing. 
  • Recommendation: Perfect for mixed use between travel and stationary stays.

Push windows - The best window for Campervan!

With an outward tilting opening, these windows allow excellent ventilation, even in the rain, as well as maximum opening to enjoy the views. 

  • Advantages: Maximum opening, possibility to open partially during trips, adaptable to all weather conditions. 
  • Applications: Depending on the size, can be installed on the side door, rear doors, above a kitchen for ventilation, in a bathroom, etc... 
  • Fully installed with its interior frame including mosquito net and blackout, it will provide maximum comfort with the possibility to both Enjoy the views, Protect yourself from mosquitoes, Protect yourself from light (for sleeping in, for example...) Maintain privacy when needed 

Models in stock: Discover our complete Push windows specially designed for Campervans at the best prices. 

Unsure? or need information on installation steps? Ask our conversion experts.

 

The choice of technical details for the window for Campervan and Motorhome

To maximize your comfort and privacy, several variables must be considered:

  • The frame model: There are two main types of windows:

    Hinged windows with rubber seal frame (Polyplastic, Plastoform, and Polyvision type) - not recommended:
    These windows are often the models used on series vehicles (Possl, Hymer, Adria, etc.) They consist of a double acrylic glazed window, fixed to the vehicle wall by a top hinge, and which rests on the sheet metal. The inner structure is made of a wooden frame covered with rubber seal, on which the safety blocks are fixed.
    Installing these windows can sometimes be difficult and the absence of an aluminium frame sometimes reduces the installation's sturdiness The availability of spare parts can sometimes be limited

    Push windows for Campervan and Motorhome with aluminium frame (Carbest, Dometic type) - highly recommended:

    These are windows with aluminium frame and aluminium fixing counter-frame. The installed window structure consists of 4 elements: The outer aluminium frame and the inner aluminium frame, which "sandwich" the van's sheet metal and the inner wooden frame (the 2 aluminium frames being fixed together by self-drilling screws - provided in our window models). They can be sold alone or complete (with the finishing inner frame including blackout blind and mosquito net). They are easy to install - besides the supplied pack, they only require a jigsaw for installation as well as a sealant glue like Sikaflex  

  • Window tint: The choice of tint varies greatly depending on the needs of vanlifers. Dark tinted Windows allow for consistently reduced brightness (and potentially more privacy) while clear tinted Windows allow more light to enter (and can also reduce brightness by deploying the mosquito net, for example)

  • Type of glazing: For the choice of glazing, we strongly recommend opting for double acrylic glazing. Indeed, it represents the best choice in terms of insulation, safety (does not shatter and resists shocks and break-ins better), and also offers more options in terms of tint. It also has a lower weight, making it the best choice for a Window of a Motorhome or Campervan.

Discover our selection of Windows for Motorhome and Campervans in double acrylic glazing from Vanlife-Store.

 

A damaged Window to replace? same size or different size?

When a Window is damaged following an accident or break-in, two options are available to the vehicle owner: replace with an identical size or with a slightly larger size

  • Replacement with an identical size: ideal but sometimes complicated and costlyFinding an identical size Push window is in some cases complicated, especially for series converted vehicles (such as Possl or Hymer) for which spare parts for Push windows are sometimes rare or very expensive. Note: Polyplastic, Plastoform, and Polyvision Windows can sometimes be difficult to find identical depending on the size of the original Window and the vehicle model year. In these cases, do not hesitate to contact us directly to check availability on order. The good news is that often the sizes of the windows (defined by the size of the opening hole in the sheet metal) can be found in slightly different models

    Often the common size of the Windows is visible on the label. In this case, you need to check the size of the Window and verify availability either in the original model or in a similar model (for example in Push windows)
  • Replacement with a compatible size: often more economical In cases where the damaged Window has a size for which spare parts availability is rare, it is entirely possible to replace the Window with a compatible Window. A compatible Window is defined as a Window whose height and width are greater than or equal to those of the damaged Window opening. The replacement process therefore consists of removing the existing damaged Window and installing the new Window whose opening hole will be larger than the existing one (following a installation process as for a new opening).

Do you have doubts about how to change a damaged Window or about product compatibility? or just need information on installation steps? Ask for advice from our layout experts.


Good to know: All our Windows at Vanlife-Store are compatible with vans aménagés and Campervans as well as Motorhomes (unless otherwise indicated in the product descriptions). 

Essential accessories for your Windows

Complete the installation of your windows with suitable equipment:

  • Blackout blinds and mosquito nets for summer ventilation without mosquitoes. Frames sold alone or with the complete Window
  • Finishing seals: The installation of the Window must imperatively be done with a glue-sealant (which serves both as a fixing reinforcement through the glue effect, and for water tightness for the sealant function). We recommend installation with Sikaflex 265

Don’t wait any longer to check out our dedicated accessories on Vanlife-Store.

Quick buying guide: What window size for my campervan?

Vans and campervans are divided into 3 main categories:

  • Small class 1 vans (L1H1, L2H1): Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Vito, Peugeot Expert, Citroën Jumpy, etc..
  • Class 2 vans (L2H2 and up): Fiat Ducato / Master and similar: including Peugeot Boxer / Citroën Jumper / Renault Master / Opel Movano / Nissan NV400
  • Class 3 vans: Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Iveco Daily, with L2H2 sizes comparable to class 2 L3H3

Still not sure which one to choose? Here is a summary of the sizes we recommend for your vehicle: 

  • Small class 1 vans (L1H1, L2H1 - VW Transporter T5, Mercedes Vito, Peugeot Expert, etc.): Rear doors: Max height 45cm and max width 50cm Compatible window examples:  Window 500x300 or Window 500x450Side door: Max height 45cm and max width 70cm Compatible window examples: Baie 700x400Panneau arrière droit (recouvert par porte coulissante) Hauteur max 45cm et largeur max 70cm Exemple de baies compatibles:  Sliding window 700x400 or Sliding window 550x320

 

 

  • Special vehicles (converted trucks, converted buses, etc.) For vehicles without wall limits, increasing brightness is always a very good idea. Large size windows exist: Example sizes: 1300x550 ; 1300x600 ; and 1450x550


Need other sizes? Contact our experts to check available sizes on order or see our detailed options here: Windows for Motorhomes.

🎁A little surprise for outfitters 🎁

Are you an outfitter starting a van conversion project?

Enjoy our special gift for outfitters 🎁: a special discount guaranteeing unbeatable prices on your Openings pack (including windows and roof vents). 

 

In conclusion

Choosing the right window for your Campervan or Motorhome is essential to improve your comfort and the functionality of your vehicle.

Whether it is a sliding or Push window, don’t forget to consider your van’s layout, glazing options, and necessary accessories. 

Vanlife Store is an expert in windows for Campervans and Motorhomes. We offer our customers the largest selection of windows and support you from choosing the model to installation on your vehicle.

Quickly discover our selection of Push and sliding windows at the best prices, delivered within 24h and guaranteed for 2 years. All our windows are VASP (43R) approved and come with step-by-step installation instructions! 

For any technical questions, our expert customer service is available to advise you as best as possible. 

Happy outfitting,

The Vanlife-Store team

Should I choose a curved frame window to install on my van or panelled Campervan?

Not necessarily, because having a Push window or sliding window with an aluminum subframe creates a solid assembly that is not affected by the vehicle's curvature. Push and sliding windows are therefore perfectly compatible with vans and Campervans, even the most curved ones like Iveco.

Tags: Baies et fenetres, Guide d'achat

Vanlife Store supports you

Our Vanlife conversion experts are here for you! Whether you have a question about our products or are looking for advice to transform your van into a true nomadic cocoon, write to us or call us – we will be happy to guide you.

See you soon on the road!

Contact Vanlife Store