Windows.. how many do you need?

miss jones

Guest
Trying to figure out the window and layout of my new van,
I hate living in a box and thinking more windows would be best, i've got a LWB with 3 panels, so either thinking to have the 2 front large side panel windows fitted with 1 or 2 sky lights, or to have 2 large front windows, 1 or 2 skylights and the 2 mid panel windows.
But I have seen on a few converted vans most only have 1 large side window each side.

Replies asap please as the windows are stopping the build atm :(
Thanks all
 
Well firstly , a window on the n/s behind the passenger window is very handy to allow vision on the l/h side when coming out of junctions etc.
 
Mine has only one extra in the near side sliding door. The rear of my van is all storage space so windows are pointless and the offside has the overhead cupboards the kitchen and the sofa bed which goes across the van so there isn't a lot of wall space left! Also the near side section behind the side door is where the loo cloakroom is which has no window. I've put LEDs with PiR jobs built in for the lol and rear storage so they light up automatically when you open the door and go in instead.

It's not as light inside as a van with more windows (at least when the roof vent is closed) but it's ok. With down lighter LEDs under the cupboards to light up the kitchen surfaces as well we don't struggle to see what's what.

I understand you have to have a minimum of one side window such as mine does if you wish to reclassify your van as a campervan with the DVLA - it's one of the stipulations. Also the side door is probably the easiest convenient place to put a window cos you can't put stuff in front of the door anyhow I suppose!

Hard to explain - easier to look. There are nice images of lots if bans in the self build section to give you ideas (inc my van though I would not pick mine as a great example to follow). It's probably worth you having a look around at stuff - some of the guys on here have done some really good stuff.

G.
 
i want at least 2 windows, but not sure which type to get, i just thought it would be really dark with only 2 windows, my vivaro was ok cause the bed was at the start of the window, but even i thought that was dark.
I'm having a fixed high single bed across the rear doors with storage under for my bike, a shower tray at the front of the bed and a kitchen unit taking up half the sliding door space, and seating behind drivers seat, but after summer i'm fitting a wood burner so that needs to go on 1 side, so basically i will be able to have more windows than most people cause i'm having a smaller bed :)
Thanks
 
My 2p....I left the windows in my minibus and panelled over the inside of about half of them with plywood(backs of cupboards etc) Some areas are quite dark as the windows are tinted anyway,but I intend to use led lighting and Ive also cut in porthole type windows into the plywood at strategic points.I think it depends how much you intend to sit in and stay in the van.
 
I'm with Rodeo,every van I ever fitted out has a window in the sliding door for vision when pulling out. after that it depends on the layout,generally I put a window next to seats for the looking out of,and I like one in a back door,for the nosing out the back. I don't bother with one in the kitchen,rather have cupboards and shelves ,rest of the light comes from a good skylight or two
 
extralong-wheelbase2.jpg

This is my planned layout for a xLWB sprinter. As many windows as possible, at the end of the day you can put shutters down if required.
 
wow attachment quality is shocking on here. basically blue lines are window bays. the xLWB has 3 panels each side.
 
As NB says, one in the back door is a good idea. (That wasnt meant to sound like that:lol-049: !) My rear window is panelled over with a large square porthole in it.
 
Its all down to personal preference. We have had vans with too many windows so I felt too exposed ...I wont mention the bum incident LOL.
Or we have had vans where there have not been enough windows and that didn't work for us either.

I know now that since having our new van how much I appreciate a sky light and it would be one of my preferences in any future van.

I do agree with Nigel ..I wouldn't bother with window/kitchen etc.

Cant wait to see the end result :)
 
We've got a coachbuilt but I really appreciate the roof lights because you can have all the blinds closed for privacy, yet still loaf around in your jim-jams in the sunshine.
 
We made a mistake with one of our vans by putting 4 large windows plus two in the back door. It took a lot of keeping warm in winter and was like a greenhouse in summer. Also you don't get much privacy with large windows.

Skylights are good in the kitchen area because of ventilation. We put a piece of insulation board between the window and blind to keep the warmth in in winter.
 
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