Installing windows in your camper van: DIY or hire a pro?

One of the most exciting and nerve-wracking moments during the build of your camper van? Installing the windows. Whether you do it yourself or hire someone: this is literally the moment when you start cutting holes in your van. And although that sounds scary (and it is), it’s also the step that suddenly makes your van start to look like a real camper.

We’ll take you through our process, share our choices, and explain why we eventually decided to have the windows professionally installed.

Why install windows in your camper van?

If you want to fully customize your camper van to your taste, installing windows is a crucial step. It doesn’t just add more natural light (which makes the space feel bigger), but also improves ventilation. Think of fresh air while sleeping or preventing moisture problems after cooking or showering.

Some people choose not to install any windows at all to make the van less noticeable as a camper, which makes it easier to sleep in public places. However, we don’t recommend this, as it significantly impacts the livability of your van—you’ll have no natural light or air circulation.

Bare van and layout: the foundation for your windows

Before cutting any holes in your van, it needs to be in a "bare" state. This means removing all ceiling and wall panels, battens, etc. It’s smart to hold off on insulating or soundproofing, unless you don’t mind potentially removing those areas again.

Another option is to leave the areas where windows will go uninsulated. We chose the simplest option: have the windows installed first, then proceed with insulation and sound-deadening.

Even more important: plan your layout first.
A window that ends up in your shower wall or hidden behind a cabinet is a waste. So think carefully about where you’ll sleep, cook, and relax and where a window is useful or not. For example, a window near your seating area is great for light and views, while one in the shower likely isn’t. In that case, a small pop-out window or roof vent is more appropriate.

So, start by thinking about the function of your windows:

Do you want light near the bed or seating area?
Should the window open for ventilation near the kitchen?
Do you want a fixed window just for the view?
Where do your water and electrical connections go?

Later in this blog, you’ll read more about the different types of windows and materials.

Installing windows yourself: What does it involve?

Of course, you can do it yourself. But let’s be honest: it’s no small task. There’s a lot involved, and it comes with risks—like cutting too big a hole, improper sealing (leading to rust), or leaks.

You’ll need quite a bit of equipment, including:

Cordless drill
Jigsaw with metal blade or multitool
Metal file
Rust-proof paint
Butyl sealant
Polymax
Wood for framing
Screws
Clamps

Start by measuring the window area, taping the edges, and cutting out the hole. Then, treat the cut edges to prevent rust and seal everything thoroughly against moisture and drafts.

Tip: Start by drilling holes in the corners of where the window will go, so you can insert your saw blade easily.

If you can work in a dry space and have the right tools, it’s definitely doable. But be warned: a mistake isn’t easily (or prettily) fixed.

For us, as first-time van builders, it was too big of a risk—so we chose to have our windows professionally installed.

Choice in windows en installation materials

So what kinds of windows are available? And what else should you consider? There’s a wide variety of options, such as:

Sliding windows: great for airflow and ventilation, usually glass
Fixed windows: cheaper and good for light, usually glass
Roof windows: come in different sizes, typically plastic
Pop-out windows: good for ventilation, often plastic

Each window also has further options, like:

Privacy glass: lets in light but prevents visibility from outside
Lighter tints: allow more light, but less privacy
With or without screens: most opening windows can include insect screens
With or without blackout shades: many pop-out and roof windows come with both screens and shades

You can also opt for extras like:

Ventilators: provide airflow and often come with a fan, light, screen, and blackout shade (e.g., MaxxFan)
Air conditioning provides cooling, but requires a large roof unit and is often pricey
Flares: small extensions on the van sides, ideal for sideways sleeping
Water and electricity connections: nicely finished inlets for charging your battery or filling your water tank

Think about what matters most to you: light, privacy, ventilation—this all depends on your personal needs and the size of your van.

What are flares?

You’ve probably heard of most of the options above. But what about “flares” ? These are small extensions added to the sides of your van at bed height. They add about 16 cm of extra width—perfect if your van is just a bit too narrow to sleep sideways. By placing your bed sideways, you save a lot of space for other uses in your van.

Door side: approx. 6 cm (more would block the door)

Opposite side: approx. 10 cm

Flares can come with matching windows, so include this in your planning.

Note: Flares also need to be insulated, which takes up a bit of that extra space.

Having your windows installed: why we chose autoglasinbouw.nl

We had our windows installed at autoglasinbouw.nl autoglasinbouw.nl in Hoofddorp. It was a fantastic experience: everything was installed within about four hours. We never could have done it that quickly and cleanly ourselves.

We did a lot of research beforehand and got informed about the possibilities. We didn’t just think about the number of windows, but also practical matters like the electricity inlet. We ended up choosing a mix of fixed and sliding windows, a roof window, a fan, and two flares. The team at autoglasinbouw was very helpful and gave great advice tailored to our needs.

Our final choices:

2 fixed windows in the rear doors
1 fixed window in the sliding door
1 sliding window opposite the sliding door
1 roof window
1 ventilator
2 flares
Power inlet

How much does it cost to have windows installed?

The cost of having windows installed depends on the type and number of windows, the materials, labor, and any extras like fans or power inlets.

From our experience, getting multiple windows installed by a specialist like autoglasinbouw.nl costs around €2500 to €3500In our opinion, it’s totally worth it—considering you avoid mistakes, get everything neatly done, and can move on quickly with your build.

So: DIY or hire a pro?

Installing windows yourself is definitely possible if you’ve got experience, the right tools, and confidence to take on the risks. But for many people—ourselves included—it’s better to outsource this job to a specialist like autoglasinbouw. That way, you can be sure it’s done properly and safely, and you can focus on the next stage of your camper build.

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Hi, we are Marlo and Tessa and have developed an enormous passion for traveling through our world trip in 2022. We like to share this with you through our adventures and tips, so that you too can make such an incredible trip.

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Installing windows in your camper van: DIY or hire a pro?