Why Install a Roof Vent or Sliding Window on Your Van?
Omnipresent in the caravanning world (motorhomes and caravans), there's definitely a good reason! These openings provide a significant influx of light, making the living space more enjoyable (while consuming less energy). In addition to this comfort, roof vents or side windows also have a more practical purpose: ventilation.
In a confined and often small space, air renewal and quality are factors that can easily be overlooked when you're new to the vanlife or motorhome world. The same applies to condensation and humidity, and this type of product (just like sprayed cork insulation) can help solve the problem. Imagine stargazing while lying down thanks to a roof vent, or enjoying the view during a rainy lunch through a side window!
What Types of Roof Vents/Windows Are There, and Which One Should You Choose?
There are several types of roof windows, each with its own advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered before purchase. If, like our community, you are looking for a simple, functional, and affordable product, then it would be wiser to choose a roof vent with locking handles or with a lifting/opening bar. These two systems are very popular and the most reliable over time because of their minimalist design.
There are also more complex and generally more expensive systems, such as crank-operated or even electric roof vents. These provide easier opening but are more fragile.
For side windows/side windows, they can be divided into 3 main categories:
- Fixed windows
- Sliding windows
- Projecting windows
Logically, and unlike the other two, fixed windows do not provide ventilation; they only bring light inside the van. Between the remaining two options, there are no right or wrong choices. A sliding window can more easily stay open without obstructing the outside, while a projecting window takes up more space outside. However, this latter projecting window usually offers a larger opening.
Several major brands sell these types of products, including Dometic (the same supplier as our compression cooler) which offers high-quality products, and Fiamma for a good quality/price ratio. For side windows, CARBEST offers good products as well as Dometic once again.
What Is the Price for a Roof Vent or Side Window?
Several factors influence the price of the products. For roof vents, size and system used have a significant impact on the price. Additionally, a selection of options may be included in the displayed price (we'll talk about options a little further down!). To give you an idea, basic entry-level roof vents start at around one hundred euros, and the price can go up to 700-800€ for larger sizes and options.
For side windows/side glazing, prices also vary depending on the type. For an entry-level model, expect to pay around one hundred euros, and up to 450€ for a larger, higher-quality model.
After ordering your opening, the work isn't finished; you either need to install it yourself or have it installed. For the first option, the cost will be measured in time for assembly (it may be relatively quick if you're somewhat handy!). A bit further down, we'll explain the main assembly steps. For the second option, the service price varies depending on the establishment but generally costs around 200€ per item.
Where Should You Place Your Roof Vent and Sliding Window in Your Van?
First, you need to know that these accessories cannot be positioned just anywhere. In fact, reinforcements in the vehicle chassis or structure are examples of places where it is strongly not recommended to cut (for safety reasons). Then, regulations require certain criteria to be followed to remain compliant and pass the technical inspection. To mention just the two most important ones in general terms:
- Presence of a ventilation grille at the bottom of the space and at the top (creating a flow of ventilation).
- Presence of the 43R or R43 marking on the glazing (roof vent or window).
A roof vent can be considered as a ventilation grille. You also need to ensure that all exhaust gas outlets are at least 30cm away from the opening to ensure proper ventilation of your converted van/motorhome.
For window/glass placements, it is important to think about your interior layout. Once the glass window is installed, it is no longer possible to fix elements or position furniture in these spots. On the right, there's a photo of a layout done with our Combeing kit and a sliding window. In this case, even though the glazing is already in place, it is possible to adapt the layout by simply moving the boxes on our specific floor.
Regarding roof vents, their placement is less restrictive, except if interior partitions are planned. Combeing recommends placing them between the kitchen area and the water area if these two areas are separated. With the roof vent in the center, it will have a dual purpose by helping to expel food odors or humidity from the sanitary area. This simpler and less expensive placement is sufficient for a small space like that of a van, converted van, or even motorhome.
The last point we think it's important to clarify is the orientation of the roof vent. Make sure that the opening faces towards the rear of the vehicle. In case you forget before departure (it happens to everyone!), the consequences will be minor.
How to Install a Window or Roof Vent on Your Van?
Logically, it's important to gather proper information before starting the installation of a window/roof vent on your van. The process is not “complicated,” but there are certain points not to be overlooked to avoid issues like leakage, for example.
The main installation steps are summarized below:
- Think and mark the future placement roughly with tape.
- Trace the precise outline on the tape to be cut (be careful not to throw away the packaging cardboard too early, some contain the pre-traced outline).
- Drill the body with a drill bit larger than the jigsaw blade width.
- Use the hole you just made to insert the jigsaw and cut along the trace.
- Clean and treat the area against rust.
- Install the roof vent/window, making shims if necessary to smooth out the car body’s ripples.
- Seal with a sealant such as Sika.
- Build or install the counter-frame inside the van.
What Options and Accessories Are Available for These Roof Vents or Windows?
As mentioned earlier, the price can vary depending on the options included in the item. For example, a simple UV film that tints the windows. This film has two main advantages: the first is better sun insulation in the summer (less light inside), and the second is external opacity for better privacy. This option may be worth considering, though it's worth noting that this type of film can also be sold separately and added later. This is what we did, for example, in Miss France's van when she visited us to install her Combeing kit!
Additionally, the mosquito net option is also available (especially for roof vents), which can be useful as long as the system is well-built.
Some components come with integrated lighting. This can be useful if the vehicle doesn't yet have ceiling lighting. In this case, make sure to bring electricity to power this lighting.
Sometimes, certain parts are sold with a 12V fan integrated. At Combeing, we prioritize simplicity and practicality, so this is not necessarily what we would recommend to our community. For us, slightly opening the roof vent/window is enough and avoids a lot of potential issues during intensive use, like in the summer!
A protective cover for winter storage or an air deflector to improve aerodynamics are also components that can be added to the basic product. Again, just like the integrated fan, these seem unnecessary or even gimmicky, so we wouldn't necessarily recommend this type of equipment to our vanlifers.
Finally, the light-blocking curtain/shade is also a popular option. Since it's integrated by default, it makes installation easier. Again, pay attention to the quality of the system, because if it's not independent, it could be problematic if it breaks. You wouldn't want to be forced to change both the window and the curtain just because the curtain no longer slides or is broken!
Is There Any Maintenance Required for Your Roof Vent and Van Windows?
Common sense should suffice for maintaining these components. The only recommendations we would give are to clean these parts regularly, especially if the van, motorhome, or caravan has been parked under trees (leaves). Pay attention to the seal which should not be forgotten during cleaning, and avoid being too rough if temperatures are very low—these are the two main pieces of advice we recommend regarding “maintenance” of van windows.
An Alternative Solution for Ventilation Function in a Window/Roof Vent.
If you have concerns about technical inspection or reselling your vehicle due to bodywork modifications, we have a solution—an alternative for ventilating your living space. These are vehicle-specific ventilation grilles that fit between the glass and door frame. The installation is not permanent and is very simple, consisting of 3 steps:
- Lower the window by a height slightly greater than the ventilation grille.
- Place the ventilation grille on top of the window.
- Raise the window until the grille is secured.
This is a simple solution that can be an alternative to permanent modifications (like our Combeing conversion kits). One criterion for this solution to work perfectly is finding a model that fits your vehicle frame! Again, there are “options” available, and we recommend an aluminum grille with an integrated mosquito net.
You're now ready to enhance the comfort of your van or converted van.
Safe travels, and see you soon! ?
The Combeing team.
