All About Bunk Windows – Campervan HQ

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Getting good sleep requires ventilation in the sleeping area of your van. Because most van beds run along or across the rear of campervans, windows installed in that section are called "bunk" windows. To stay cool and breathe at night, you definitely want good ones!

Installed on each side of the van, bunk windows offer nice cross-ventilation, either across your bed if it runs along the wall - OR - over the head and foot of the bed if you installed flares for extra sleeping space. Either way, you gotta have airflow over your bed.

Read on to find your new favorite from our selection of “universal-fit” bunk windows, meaning they aren’t designed for a particular van model or mounting position. Or skip straight to our bunk window comparison charts!

Arctic Tern Dual-Pane Acrylic Windows

Awning windows offer the best ventilation for the bunk window size since the whole window pane swings out. The 300x700mm Arctic Tern van window clicks open at 10 and 35 degree angles, and the semi-locked position allows air flow during stormy conditions and even while driving!

Like all Arctic Tern windows, these awning-style, top-hinged, dual-pane acrylic windows are built to last with sturdy extruded aluminum frames.

The best part of Arctic Tern windows is the sophisticated screen/blind assembly which we think is simply amazing. You can slide down the fine-mesh insect screen, or you can slide up the blackout and privacy blind. Or lock them together and slide into any combination of privacy and air. Check out this demo video to see for yourself. You’ve never felt so comfortable in a van before trying these windows.

The blind also creates a second dead air space for maximum thermal efficiency in cold or hot conditions. Check out our analysis of Arctic Tern windows to find out all about these awesome windows.

Pros:

Awning style provides maximum airflow
Blind/screen assembly adds huge value for privacy, insulation, efficiency and flexibility
Blind also removes need to purchase insulating panels
Double pane makes all the difference for staying cool in summer / warm in winter
Highest quality, durable, well-made windows from a great company
Available and ships quickly

Cons:

Higher cost upfront (unless you include the cost of window covers).

Arctic Tern 300 x 700mm bunk window with built-in blind/screen

AM Auto Single-Pane Glass Windows

AMA offers two styles of dark-tinted glue-in bunk windows.

UBW-LV-HSS-P / UBW-RV-HSS-P - These popular 9.4” high x 30.7” long (240x780mm) half-slider windows have removable screens, and can be open while stationary or while driving. Model “LV” goes on the driver side, and model “RV” on the passenger side.

UBW-L4015-HSS-6300 P/UBW-R4015-HSS-6300 P - These popular 15” high x 40” long (381x1016mm) half-slider windows have removable screens, and can be open while stationary or while driving. Also side-specific, the “L” model goes on the driver side, and the “R” goes on the passenger side.

Pros:

Lower cost upfront (not counting cost of window covers)
Sleek OEM look
Larger size for 15" x 40" model
Good quality manufacturing
Usually available to ship soon

Cons:

Less ventilation because they only open half window length
Slider windows must be closed during rainy weather
Single-pane glass is suitable for moderate temperatures, not great for 4-season use
Glass is breakable
Requires purchase of window covers or curtains for privacy and insulation

Flarespace Single-Pane Glass Windows

Flarespace offers two common styles of dark-tinted clamp-in bunk windows that come with their own weather stripping, no sealant needed.

Flarespace 1033 Slider Windows

The 10-7/8” high x 33-7/8” long half-slider windows (which are the windows in the flares of the van pictured on this blog post) have removable screens and can remain open while stationary or while driving. The FS1033L window goes on the driver side, and the FS1033R window on the passenger side.

Pros:

Low cost upfront (not counting cost of window covers)
Quality manufacturing
Available to ship quickly

Cons:

Less ventilation because they only open half window length
Slider windows must be closed during rainy weather
Single-pane glass is suitable for moderate temperatures, not great for 4-season use
Glass is breakable
Requires purchase of window covers or curtains for privacy and insulation

Flarespace 1033 Awning Window

The other common 10-7/8” x 33-7/8” single-pane window is an awning-style, top-hinged window with screen. The whole window pane opens outwards at the bottom several inches to about a 15-20 degree angle, so you can have them open even in the rain.

Pros:

Awning style provides maximum airflow
Low cost upfront (not counting cost of window covers)
Quality manufacturing
Available and ships quickly

Cons:

Single-pane glass is suitable for moderate temperatures, not great for 4-season use
Glass is breakable
Requires purchase of window covers or curtains for privacy and insulation

Summary

So there you have it. For your van sleeping area, only you can decide what's important:

Do you want to pay a little more upfront for high-quality windows with excellent thermal insulation and integrated privacy blinds?

Then these Arctic Tern beauties are the windows for you!

Do you have a tighter budget and don't require the best insulation but still want better airflow?

The Flarespace Awning window might be right for you.

Or do you have a tight budget, don't require the best insulation, and aren't as concerned about airflow?

Then narrow your search further with these AMA 9.4" x 30.7" L/R or the 15" x 40 L/R slider windows, OR the Flarespace Half-Slider left and right side windows.