Vw Crafter Camper Conversion

Are you wondering how to install windows into a 2019 VW Crafter Camper Conversion? If you’re unsure whether DIY it, or pay for a professional to do it for you, this post will walk you through our experience with proffessionally fitted camper windows.

Curious about the other steps for our self built Crafter Camper Conversion? Checkout the rest of the series here!

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The first stage to our VW Crafter camper conversion was to take the van to get bonded side windows installed. We wanted (and needed) slide opening ones with privacy glass, mainly to have better air circulation in the living area but also having privacy tint means the heat from the sunlight passing through is kept to a minimum. These are particularly important if you plan on travelling with a pet in your van.

For little extra cost we opted for this style over the non-opening ones, and also got another one installed on the sliding door. This gives us the ability to crack open both sides slightly with the sliding door closed during the night for better airflow. This is a luxury we were not fortunate to have in Mighty Mo during the intense heat of our Australia travels!

There are loads of options when it comes to windows on a campervan and many prefer to have the “plastic” thermo motorhome style ones which apparently are better for insulation. However, we preferred the style of these bonded windows and wanted to keep the look sleek. Also I’ve heard there’s security concerns with the typical plastic ones due to the basic opening catches/handles being easy to open from the outside?

Either way these are what we went with but there was no way I was going to attempt to install these myself…

Why?! I hear you ask. Well basically I wanted to be assured they aren’t going to leak. And even if they did, I’d have a guarantee and the ability to get them sorted by a professional at no extra cost. Almost every single person I have seen trying to install windows in a campervan conversion have had leaks and either gone to extreme lengths to sort it themselves, or taken their van to a pro anyway. The time and hassle saved on this particular install was well worth the extra 50 quid or so in our opinion. 

Leaks are not the only worry when installing bonded windows… I have heard of incorrect bonding methods and sealants being used which has actually meant they’ve popped out whilst driving! Not something you want – a heavy pane of glass potentially smashing into a vehicle behind!
Besides having a lot of time saved getting a professional to fit them, we simply didn’t have the correct tools for the job at the time.

So far they have been perfect and I’ll link to the fitter’s website in case you’re in the market for a very professional and competent person to install these windows (and supply them if you want) UK based in Preston: David from Glass for Vans

Things To Know When Professionally Installing Windows In Your VW Camper Conversion

• If your van already has factory ply lining on the walls, you will need to at least remove the panels/area where the windows are going to be installed. This was easily done with ours, I just used a flathead screwdriver and drill to remove the plastic trim clips (some were already broken so I had to drill them out)

TIP: save these pieces or ply for templating/scribing purposes later in the build!

• The overall installation time was a couple hours, mainly because they have to bond fully and sealants dry etc before you can drive away. I was surprised at the quick turn around and wasn’t expecting to drive away the same day! I made sure I was there early and drove away at lunchtime with advice to leave the tape on for 24 hours and not wash the van for a couple days.

• If you’re planning to travel with pets, we strongly advise having, opening windows, even if you have air conditioning. Fresh airflow is a must. We plan on getting fly screens later in the build and have found a great company that makes full screen covers for the entire sliding door area, as well as the rear doors! More on that in a future post.

Pros & Cons To Installing Windows In A Campervan Professionally

Pros

• Guaranteed against leaks
• Professionals with experience, unlikely to make mistakes but insured in case they do!
• Alot faster than DIYing
• They supply the windows so no stress sourcing & waiting on delivery

Cons

• Driving to the location if they’re not local to you
• Waiting around while they do it

Some would say cost is a con but when you factor in the cost of tools needed that you might not have, or use again, we think it balances out. It’s also very much dependant on the style of windows you want, how many and of course, where you go to have them installed.

If you want our advice, get a professional to fit and supply your bonded windows. You will save a heap of time and money in the long run and you’ll have perfectly installed windows – worry free and all within a morning!

Next stage of the build will be removing the factory ply lining, floor and talking about the best campervan rust treatment!

Thanks for reading! Any questions, contact us over on our facebook group or you can contact me directly on dec@officertravels.com

• Introduction To Our VW Campervan Conversion
• Stage 2: Campervan Rust Treatement
• Stage 3: Installing Mains Hook Up