As summer arrives, ensuring your campervan is equipped for maximum comfort becomes more important than ever. One of the most overlooked yet essential upgrades in any van conversion is the installation of windows and roof vents. These features are more than just functional, they shape the feel of your living space, influence how well you sleep, cook and relax, and play a vital role in your campervan’s airflow and temperature regulation.
At Templer Way Campers, we specialise in campervan conversions designed for all seasons, but summer presents a particular challenge in managing heat, light and airflow effectively. Whether you are in the early stages of planning your build or considering an upgrade to your existing van, here is everything you need to know about installing windows and roof vents and how to do it properly.
How To Choose The Right Campervan Windows
Installing campervan windows is not just about improving the view, it plays a key role in light, privacy, ventilation and overall comfort. At Templer Way Campers, we supply and fit a range of privacy tinted fixed and opening side windows, with full kits tailored to your van’s layout.
We also offer tailgate and barn door glass, helping to bring natural light into sleeping or kitchen areas while maintaining a clean finish. To complement these, we install high quality van shades window pods made to order in various finishes, or blackout curtain kits for a more traditional, cost effective option.
Popular Upgrades
- Fixed side windows for a clean, light filled look
- Opening windows to boost airflow
- Rear door glass for added light at the back
- Van Shades pods for a flush, insulated blind system
- Blackout curtains for privacy and light control
Window packages are competitively priced, with full side window kits starting at an accessible entry point. If you are unsure what works best for your van or budget, just get in touch. We are always happy to advise on combinations, finishes and what will suit your layout.
Why Ventilation & Light Matter In A Campervan
The camper lifestyle means spending long stretches of time in a compact space. Without proper ventilation, this can lead to discomfort, poor air quality and in some cases, even health risks. During warmer months, lack of airflow can quickly turn a campervan into an oven, and at night, trapped moisture can result in unwanted condensation, especially on windows.
Good ventilation helps prevent:
- Mould build up
- Persistent damp smells
- Condensation that affects thermal efficiency
- Overheating on hot days
Paired with natural light from well placed windows, ventilation can transform a dark, stuffy van into a bright, breathable space that feels much larger and more usable. It also plays a huge role in safety when cooking or sleeping inside the van.
It’s Important That Your Campervan Roof Vents Work Properly & Allow Airflow
Adding a campervan roof vent is one of the most effective ways to boost ventilation. It allows warm air to escape upwards which is particularly useful while cooking or during hot weather and helps create a natural circulation pattern when combined with side windows.
Popular options are available including premium powered fans with adjustable speed and direction, and the vents which are a passive or motorised unit for reliability and quiet operation. Both usually come with fly screens and weather guards allowing you to leave them open even in light rain.
Roof vents can be installed centrally or toward the rear of the van depending on your layout. For vans with a pop top roof, installation may be slightly more complex but still entirely possible with the right design consideration.
How Roof Vents Manage Condensation & Moisture
One of the biggest issues we are asked about is campervan condensation. It might seem like a small problem but if ignored it can cause lasting damage. The presence of warm bodies, cooking and breathing in a confined space generates moisture that, without ventilation, will settle on cold surfaces especially glass.
Here is where good window and roof vent design truly pays off. Cross ventilation with windows on both sides of the van combined with a roof vent allows moisture to escape before it becomes a problem. Using thermal blinds or insulated window covers at night helps to maintain temperature while reducing the likelihood of condensation forming.
For year round use, particularly in the UK’s damp climate, this kind of airflow design is highly recommended. It not only protects your conversion investment but also ensures a healthier and more enjoyable environment inside the van.
Integrating With Pop Tops, Blinds & Interiors
Many of our customers opt for pop top roofs and naturally wonder how windows and roof vents work alongside them. The good news is very well, provided the design and fitting are done by professionals who understand structural implications.
Pop top roofs often include canvas sides with zip open panels which are great for natural airflow. When combined with side windows and a roof vent, the result is excellent ventilation throughout the van. We recommend finishing the look with van shades blinds or similar internal coverings which provide insulation and an aesthetically pleasing finish.
Our installations always consider:
- Seamless blending of trims, blinds and linings
- Matching with carpet lining or colour coded interiors
- Structural integrity and weatherproof sealing
- Customer specific layout and use case such as sleeping arrangements or kitchen location
Why Professional Installation Matters
While DIY installation of windows and roof vents is possible, it is not always advisable. Cutting into your van without knowledge and experience can result in a poorly sealed window or vent leading to leaks, rust or costly repairs down the line.
At Templer Way Campers, we install everything with the highest standard of craftsmanship. Every window and roof vent we install is properly bonded, lined and sealed to manufacturer specifications. Whether we are working on a Volkswagen Transporter, Ford Transit Custom or larger vehicle, our approach is consistent which is professional, precise and tailored to your vision.
When it comes to pop top roofs for ventilation our installations are M1 crash tested and ISO certified through Westdubs and we always match internal finishes to ensure a consistent look. If you are unsure what to choose, our team is happy to walk you through product options including colour coded pop top roofs, polished hinges and upgraded canvas materials.
Ready To Upgrade Your Campervan?
If you are considering adding windows, roof vents or upgrading your existing ventilation setup, we would love to help. Templer Way Campers offers expert advice, professional fitting and a friendly team ready to bring your campervan vision to life.
Contact us today to learn more or book a consultation.
