When it comes to converting a VW Crafter van into a camper, some jobs are worth leaving to the pros and for us, installing bonded side windows was definitely one of them.
Sure, we could have attempted it ourselves, but between the risk of leaks, incorrect bonding, and, well… windows popping out mid-drive (yes, really), we decided to play it safe.
We wanted slide-opening privacy glass for better airflow, temperature control, and security – especially since we’ll be traveling with a pet. So, for a little extra cash, we got them professionally installed, and let’s just say, it was one of the best decisions we made.
In this post, we’ll walk you through why we chose bonded windows over plastic motorhome-style ones, what the installation process involved, and why getting a pro to fit them saved us a whole lot of hassle.
If you’re planning a van build, here’s what you need to know before cutting into those panels!
Choosing the Right Campervan Windows: What Are Your Options?
Not all campervan windows are the same, and if you’re adding windows to a panel van, you’ve got a few choices.
1. Bonded Windows (What We Chose)
These are windows that sit flush with the van body. They’re installed with strong adhesive rather than screws and you can get fixed or opening versions (we chose sliding ones for ventilation).
✅ Pros: Sleek look, durable, and more secure than plastic windows.
❌ Cons: Can be harder to install correctly, risk of leaks if done wrong.
2. Plastic Caravan-Style Windows
These stick out from the van slightly and open outwards. They’re made from double-glazed plastic, so they can offer better insulation.
✅ Pros: Lightweight, good insulation, easy to install.
❌ Cons: Less secure, more obvious it’s a camper conversion.
💡 Why We Chose Bonded Windows: We preferred the look of bonded windows and wanted a more durable, secure option. Since we travel with a dog, VW Crafter camper windows that slide open were a must for airflow!
Why We Didn’t Install the Windows Ourselves
We love DIY, but there are some jobs where it makes sense to bring in a professional – and VW window installation was one of them.
Here’s why we decided to pay a pro instead of doing it ourselves:
1. Avoiding Leaks
If bonded windows aren’t installed perfectly, they will leak. And fixing a leaking window in a campervan is not fun – you’ll be dealing with water damage, mold, and constant resealing attempts.
Nearly everyone we’ve seen trying to install these windows themselves has had to redo them, or worse, ended up going to a pro later. For the extra £50 or so, it just wasn’t worth the risk for us.
2. Making Sure They’re Secure
Bonded windows must be installed with the right adhesive – otherwise, they can literally fall out while you’re driving. We’ve heard horror stories of windows popping out on motorways!
A professional installer knows exactly which sealants and bonding methods to use, so we knew our windows would be properly secured.
3. Saving Time (and Stress!)
We didn’t have the right tools for the job, and even if we did, it would have taken us ages to do it ourselves.
Instead, the whole job was done in a few hours, and we drove away the same day – fully sealed, no stress.
💡 If you’re considering adding windows to your VW Crafter, our advice is simple: get a pro to do it. You’ll save time, avoid mistakes, and get a leak-free, perfectly installed window from day one.
What to Expect When Getting Windows Installed
If you’re getting a professional to fit your VW Crafter side windows, you won’t have to worry about sourcing them – they supply them for you too!
Here’s how the process usually goes:
Prep Work: Removing Interior Panels
If your van has factory ply lining, you’ll need to remove the panels where the windows are going.
We used a flathead screwdriver and a drill to take out the plastic trim clips. Some clips were already broken, so we had to drill them out.
💡 TIP: Save the removed panels! You can use them later for templating walls or insulation.
The Installation Process
Once the inside of the van was clear, the installer handled the rest.
- They measured and cut precise holes in the van.
- Applied specialist adhesive to bond the windows in place.
- Secured them with tape while the sealant dried.
The whole thing took about two hours from start to finish.
💡 What surprised us? We were able to drive away the same day! We expected to leave the van overnight, but once the windows were bonded, they just needed 24 hours of curing time before we could remove the tape.
Why Opening Windows Are a Must for Van Life
If you’re on the fence about getting opening windows, let me tell you – they’re worth it.
- They massively improve airflow inside the van.
- If you’re travelling with pets, fresh air is a must – even if you have air con.
- We can crack both sides open slightly at night for better ventilation.
During our time in Australia, we had a van with no opening windows (and no AC!!) – and let’s just say, it was horrific in the summer heat. This time, we weren’t making that mistake again!
💡 We also plan to add fly screens later – because let’s be honest, open windows are great, but not when they let in a swarm of mosquitoes!
Final Thoughts: Should You Get Windows Installed?
If you’re converting a panel van into a camper, adding windows is one of the best upgrades you can make.
But, if you’re not 100% confident in your VW window installation skills, get a professional to fit them. It’ll save you time, hassle, and the risk of leaks or security issues down the road.
For UK readers, we highly recommend David from Glass for Vans (based in Preston). He did an amazing job on our windows—fully sealed, no issues, and installed in just a few hours. You can check them out here: Glass for Vans
Got questions about VW Crafter camper windows? Join our Facebook group to chat with us and fellow van builders! Or you can contact me directly on dec[@]officertravels[.]com. (remove the brackets before sending an email – we use these to prevent spam)
Continue reading our camper conversion series;
