OZK Customs + Window Options and Information

Windows Overview

There are a LOT of options for camper van windows – so we’re here to break this down for you a bit. First, there are several places you can consider having windows installed. These are your 2nd row – which is the row right behind the driver and passenger seats and includes your sliding door. Third row windows encompass your bunk area on short vans like the Transit 148 and Sprinter 144. Only extended vans like the Sprinter 170 and 170 EXT have 4th row window options – and this usually becomes your bunk area in these longer vans.

2nd Row Windows

So what are some of the benefits of installing windows in the different rows on your conversion van? Well, we like to recommend windows in your 2nd row for a couple of reasons. First is safety. You can dramatically improve your range of site in your camper van by installed a window in your sliding door so that when look over your shoulder to make a right turn, you have some visibility of any traffic beside you. We all know the blind spots that exist with rear and side view mirrors, and a camper van can have a large blind spot that a sliding door window can really help mitigate.

Another reason to install windows in your 2nd row is for passengers. If you are upfitting a camper van for family vacation trips, or frequently travel with more than just you and a passenger, 2nd row windows allow them to also view the passing scenery. This can be important on long or especially on those beautiful back country trips that take you through some of our country’s spectacular scenery! Now obviously your interior van configuration with have a lot to do with the compatibility of installing a 2nd row window behind the driver’s seat, so that should be based on your living needs and comfort.

Bunk/3rd Row Windows

Bunk or 3rd row windows offer the benefits of providing even more natural lighting in your van, so you have to rely less on your lighting system during the day. And if you are worried about having windows in your bunk/bed area for privacy reasons, van windows are made with that in mind. They come standard made of tempered glass, tinted to provide privacy and some protection from the sunlight. Other options for your bunk windows include installing Flares to offer more room for a side-to-side panel bed arrangement. You can read more about that on our page all about Flarespace Flares.

Another important benefit of windows is to offer ventilation, both during your trip and when you are at your destination. This is where we come to the different types of windows you can choose to install and their ventilation benefits. The most common window options are sliding, awning, and standard windows. We’ll go over some of the benefits of each type so you can make an informed choice.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows provide ventilation while you are on the road in your van. You can leave them partially or all the way open and get nice breeze as you are driving. Having a sliding window to open in the back while you are driving also prevents the buffeting affect if you enjoy driving with your front windows down! And even when parked, having open slider windows in nice weather is a great way to get fresh air in your van. You can get air circulation without running your AC to keep your air moving.

Awning Windows

Awning windows are really useful for providing fresh air even when the weather may be rainy out. If the temperatures are modest, there is no reason to sit in a stuffy closed up van when it is raining when you can have open windows to let in the clean air. Awning windows prop open to keep any rain out, while still allowing air to circulate in your van – or bring in the peaceful away-from-civilization sounds of your camp sight for that night.

Standard Windows (no opening options)

Maybe you aren’t a window-open kind of traveler – and we get that! Standard windows offer you that privacy tinted glass, while still allowing in natural light and the beautiful sights you may be passing through or parked in for your van life vacation.

Window Brands

And now finally, for a few differences on the popular brands of windows that we install in our conversion vans, and what sets them apart. We commonly install windows from C.R. Laurence, Van Windows Direct, and A.M. Auto – all share the options and features discussed above. The primary difference comes in the installation method, and this can be an important consideration for the longevity of your window.

A.M. Auto windows urethane bonded to your van at the edges of the cut-out we make to install the window, while C.R. Laurence windows attach to the van with a compression trim ring. Windows from Van Windows Direct come with either installation open, depending on the specific window. A urethane bonding often offers a particularly seamless look to the window, with the drawback being that – as you may have experienced – any adhesive can fail over time, with enough temperature variances and extremes and enough jarring. The compression fit of the C.R.L. Windows may occasionally need to be tightened, but this is easily done and there are realistically no worries of your window suddenly sailing off to parts unknown while you are on the road.

All that being said, realistically either installation method is highly likely to function perfectly in your van for as long as it is on the road. A good set of windows can really be the difference in making a trip memorable, from allowing your passengers to see the sights, to offering that peaceful, outdoor ambience and the gorgeous smell of nature, on or off road, while driving or parked. We’d love to talk with you about what style windows could work best for YOUR specific needs and desires in your custom camper van upfit!