How to choose windows for a camper van 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 camper vans?

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

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 properly choose your motorhome window or window for van (with a little 🎁special gift hidden in the article)

This practical guide will accompany you step by step in 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 camper vans 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?

Before even choosing a window, it is essential to think about the interior layout of your vehicle. Determining the space organization will allow you to properly choose the 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 upon waking up.
  • Avoid placing a window in an area that will be obstructed by furniture or boxes.

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 you might think. Feel free to consult our installation tutorial or ask our experts for advice!

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 Windows for camper vans: we prefer projectable ones! (except behind the sliding door)

Many people wonder whether to install projectable Windows or sliding ones on their camper vans.

The answer is simple: we always recommend installing projectable 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 leaving a Push window open there risks damaging it when opening the sliding door (which happens more often than you think).

Regarding projectable Windows, they offer many advantages as you will see below

Sliding Windows - A good choice in some cases

Ideal if you want 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 camper vans!

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 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 blind, it will provide maximum comfort with the possibility to both enjoy the views, protect from mosquitoes, protect from light (for sleeping in, for example...), and maintain privacy when needed

Models in stock: Discover our complete projectable Windows special for camper vans at the best prices.

Hesitating? or need information on installation steps? Ask our layout experts for advice.

Choosing the technical details of the Window for camper vans and motorhomes

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

  • Frame model: There are two main types of Windows:

    Hinged windows with rubber gasket frame (types 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 glazed Window, fixed to the vehicle wall by a top hinge, resting on the sheet metal. The interior structure is composed of a wooden frame covered with a rubber gasket, on which the security wedges are fixed.
    Installing these Windows can sometimes be difficult and the absence of an aluminum frame sometimes reduces the installation's solidity.
    Spare parts availability can sometimes be limited.

    Aluminum frame Windows for camper vans and motorhomes (types Carbest, Dometic) - highly recommended:

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

  • Window tint: The choice of tint varies greatly depending on vanlifers' needs. Dark tinted Windows allow for constantly 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)

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

Discover our selection of Windows for motorhomes and camper 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, the vehicle owner has two options: replace with an identical size or with a slightly larger size

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

    Often the common size of Windows is visible on the label. In this case, check the Window size and verify availability either in the original model or in a similar model (for example in projectable Windows)
  • Replacement with a compatible size: often more economicalIf the damaged Window size has rare spare parts availability, it is quite possible to replace the Window with a compatible Window. A compatible Window is defined as one whose height and width are greater than or equal to those of the damaged Window opening. 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 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 our layout experts for advice.


Good to know: All our Windows at Vanlife-Store are compatible with camper vans and 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 separately or with the complete Window
  • Finishing seals: The installation of the Window must be done with a mastic glue (which serves both as a fixing reinforcement through the glue effect, and for water tightness for the mastic 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 size Window for my camper van?

Camper vans and vans are divided into 3 main categories:

  • Small vans class 1 (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, whose L2H2 sizes are comparable to L3H3 of class 2

Still not sure which 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 500x450 Side door: Max height 45cm and max width 70cm Example of compatible Windows: Window 700x400 Right rear panel (covered by sliding door) Max height 45cm and max width 70cm Example of compatible Windows: Window sliding 700x400 or Window sliding 550x320

  • Special vehicles (converted trucks, converted buses, etc.) For vehicles without wall size 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 consult our detailed options here: Windows for motorhomes.

🎁A little surprise for converters 🎁

Are you a converter starting a van conversion project?

Take advantage of our special gift for converters 🎁: a special discount guaranteeing unbeatable prices on your Opening pack (including Windows and Skylight).

In conclusion

Choosing the right window for your camper van or motorhome is essential to improve your comfort and the functionality of your vehicle.

Whether it is a sliding or projectable Window, don't forget to consider your van's layout, glazing options, and necessary accessories.

Vanlife Store is an expert in Windows and windows for camper vans and motorhomes. We offer our customers the largest selection of Windows, and support you from model choice to installation on your vehicle.

Discover quickly our selection of projectable and sliding Windows at the best prices, delivered in 24h and guaranteed 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 conversion,

The Vanlife-Store team

Should I take a Window with a curved frame to install on my van or sheet metal van?

No, not necessarily, because having a Push window or sliding window with an aluminum counter-frame creates a solid assembly that is not affected by the vehicle's curvature. Projectable and sliding Windows are therefore fully compatible with vans and camper vans, even the most curved like Iveco.

Tags: Baies et fenetres, Guide d'achat

Vanlife Store supports 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, write to us or call us – we will be happy to guide you.

See you soon on the road!

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