How to make the right choices for windows for motorhomes and vans?
Need to bring more light or ventilation inside your converted van or motorhome? Windows for converted vans and motorhomes, also called openings for converted vans and motorhomes, not only improve brightness and ventilation, but they also play an important aesthetic and functional role when traveling.
However, choosing a window for a van or 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 choose your motorhome window or van window (with a special 🎁 gift hidden in the article)
This practical guide will accompany you step by step in the selection process.
The Vanlife Store expert team provides you with advice on the subject of interior layout and the creation of openings, feel free to ask us for advice or explore our selection of openings for converted vans and motorhomes at the best prices.
Our Vanlife layout experts are here for you! Whether you have a question about our products or are looking for advice on transforming your van into a true nomadic cocoon, contact us – we will be happy to guide you!
Why plan the layout before choosing a window?
Before even choosing a window, it is essential to think about the interior layout of your vehicle. Determining the organization of the space will allow you to choose the location of the windows well. 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 back could offer a beautiful view upon waking 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 van.
Feeling lost? Don't panic, choosing and installing windows is much easier than one might think. Feel free to check our installation tutorial or ask for advice from our experts!
Have you determined your needs and locations? Let's move on to the types of openings!
How to choose a suitable window for your van or motorhome?
Windows and openings for converted vans: we prefer projectable! (except behind the sliding door)
Many people wonder whether to install projectable windows or sliding windows on their converted vans.
The answer is simple: we always recommend installing projectable windows whenever possible, except in the area covered by the sliding door.
The reason for choosing a sliding window at the right rear panel is that forgetting an open projectable window in that spot could risk damaging it when opening the sliding door (which happens more often than one might think).
As for projectable 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.
Projectable windows - The best window for converted vans!
With an outward-tilting opening, these windows allow for excellent ventilation, even in the rain, as well as maximum opening to enjoy the scenery.
- Advantages: Maximum opening, can be partially opened 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 enjoy the scenery, protect against mosquitoes, protect from light (for sleeping in, for example...) and maintain privacy when necessary.
Models in stock: Discover our complete projectable windows specially for converted vans at the best prices.
Are you hesitating? or need information on the installation steps? Ask for advice from our layout experts.
The choice of technical details of the window for converted vans and motorhomes
To maximize your comfort and privacy, several variables need to be considered:
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The frame model: There are two main types of windows:
Hinged windows with rubber seal frame (type Polyplastic, Plastoform, and Polyvision) - not recommended:
These windows are often the models used on series vehicles (Possl, Hymer, Adria, etc.) They consist of a double acrylic glazing window, fixed to the vehicle wall by a high hinge, and which rests on the sheet metal. The interior structure consists of a wooden frame covered with a rubber seal, on which safety wedges are fixed.
Installing these windows can sometimes be difficult, and the absence of an aluminum frame can sometimes reduce the strength of the installation. The availability of spare parts can sometimes be limited.
Windows for converted vans and motorhomes with aluminum frame (type Carbest, Dometic) - strongly recommended:
These are windows with an aluminum frame and aluminum fixing counter-frame. The installed window structure consists of 4 elements: The outer aluminum frame and the inner aluminum frame, which "sandwich" the van's sheet metal and the wooden interior frame (the 2 aluminum frames being fixed to each other by self-tapping screws - provided in our window models). They can be sold alone or complete (with the finishing interior frame including blackout and mosquito net). They are easy to install - in addition to the provided pack, they only require a jigsaw for installation and a sealant type Sikaflex
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The tint of the window: 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 light-tinted windows allow more light in (and can also reduce brightness by deploying the mosquito net, for example)
- The type of glazing: For the choice of glazing, it is strongly recommended to opt for double acrylic glazing. Indeed, this represents the best choice in terms of insulation, safety (does not shatter and is more resistant to shocks and break-ins), and also offers more choices in terms of tint. It also has a lower weight, making it the best choice for a motorhome or converted van window.
Discover our selection of windows for motorhomes and converted vans in double acrylic glazing from Vanlife-Store.
A damaged window to replace? same size or different size?
When a window is damaged due to an accident or break-in, two options are available to the vehicle owner: replace it with the same size or with a slightly larger size.
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Replacement with the same size: ideal but sometimes complicated and expensiveFinding an identical size of projectable window is sometimes complicated, especially for series vehicles (like Possl or Hymer) for which spare parts for projectable windows are sometimes rare or very expensive. Note: Polyplastic, Plastoform, and Polyvision windows can sometimes be difficult to find in the same size depending on the original window size and the vehicle model year. In these cases, do not hesitate to contact us directly to know the availability on order.
The good news is that often the sizes of windows (defined by the size of the opening hole in the sheet metal) can be found in slightly different models.
Often the common size for windows is visible on the label. In this case, you need to see the size of the window and check the availability either in the original model or in a similar model (for example in projectable windows).
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Replacement with a compatible size: often more economicalIn cases where the damaged window has a size for which spare parts are rare, it is quite 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 opening of the damaged window. The replacement process thus 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 in a new opening)
Do you have doubts about how to change a damaged window or about the compatibility of items? or just need information on the installation steps? Ask for advice from our layout experts.
Good to know: All our windows at Vanlife-Store are compatible with converted vans and motorhomes (unless otherwise stated in the product description).
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 separately or with the complete window
- Finishing seals: The installation of the window must be done with a sealant (which serves both as a fixing reinforcement through the adhesive effect, and for waterproofing for the sealing function). We recommend installation with Sikaflex 265
Don't wait any longer to check out our dedicated accessories on Vanlife-Store.
Quick purchase guide: What size window for my converted van?
Converted vans and motorhomes are divided into 3 main families:
- Small vans class 1 (L1H1, L2H1): Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Vito, Peugeot Expert, Citroën Jumpy, etc..
- Vans class 2 (L2H2 and +): Fiat Ducato / Master and similar: including Peugeot Boxer / Citroën Jumper / Renault Master / Opel Movano / Nissan NV400
- Vans class 3: Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Iveco Daily, whose L2H2 sizes are comparable to L3H3 of class 2
Still not sure which one to choose? Here is a summary of the sizes we recommend for your vehicle:
- Small vans class 1 (L1H1, L2H1 - VW Transporter T5, Mercedes Vito, Peugeot Expert, etc.): Rear doors: Max height 45cm and max width 50cm Example of compatible windows: Window 500x300 or Window 500x450Side door: Max height 45cm and max width 70cm Example of compatible windows: Window 700x400Right rear panel (covered by sliding door) Max height 45cm and max width 70cm Example of compatible windows: Sliding window 700x400 or Sliding window 550x320
- Vans class 2 (L2H2 and more - Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Renault Master, etc.) : Rear doors: Max height 55cm and max width 50cm Example of compatible windows: Window 500x520 or Window 500x450Side door: Max height 55cm and max width 100cm Example of compatible windows: Window 900x500 ; Window 900x520Above a worktop or sleeping area: Variable height but generally maximum 30cm or 40cm Example of compatible windows: Window 700x300 ; Window 700x400Right rear panel (covered by sliding door) Max height 55cm and max width 100cm Example of compatible windows: Sliding window 1000x500 or Sliding window 700x400
- Vans class 2 (L2H2 and more - Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Iveco Daily, etc.) : Rear doors: Max height 55cm and max width 50cm Example of compatible windows: Window 500x520 or Window 500x450Side door: Max height 60cm and max width 100cm Example of compatible windows: Window 900x500 ; Window 900x520 ; Window 900x600Above a worktop or sleeping area: Variable height but generally maximum 30cm or 40cm Example of compatible windows: Window 700x300 ; Window 700x400 ; Window 600x600Right rear panel (covered by sliding door) Max height 62cm and max width 110cm Example of compatible windows: Sliding window 1000x500 or Sliding window 700x400
- Special vehicles (converted trucks, converted buses, etc.) In the case of vehicles without wall limits, increasing brightness is always a very good idea. Large windows exist: Example sizes: 1300x550 ; 1300x600 ; and 1450x550
Need other sizes? Contact our experts to check the sizes available on order or consult our detailed options here: Windows for motorhomes.
🎁A little surprise for converters 🎁
Are you a converter and starting a van conversion project?
Enjoy our special gift for converters 🎁: a special discount guaranteeing unbeatable prices on your Openings pack (including windows and skylights).
In conclusion
Choosing the right window for your converted van or motorhome is essential to improve your comfort and the functionality of your vehicle.
Whether it is a sliding or projectable window, do not forget to consider the layout of your van, the glazing options, and the necessary accessories.
Vanlife Store is an expert in windows and openings for converted vans and motorhomes. We offer our customers the largest selection of windows, and we accompany you from the choice of model to installation on your vehicle.
Quickly discover our selection of projectable and sliding windows at the best prices, delivered in 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 at your disposal to advise you best.
Happy converting,
The Vanlife-Store team
Should I take a curved frame window to install on my van or panel van?
No, not necessarily, because having a projectable or sliding window with an aluminum counter-frame allows for a solid assembly that is not affected by the curvature of the vehicle. Projectable and sliding windows are therefore perfectly compatible with vans and panel vans, even the most curved ones like Iveco.
