Windows

Windows are an important part of your vehicle when living nomadically. At various times and places, you want a lot of windows or no windows at all! Windows can be a wonderful feature but can also work against your needs and goals. It's definitely an important vehicle feature to consider.

Better views!

Whether you are in a scenic place or a parking lot!

More natural light!

Whether you want it or not! If you have live plants or pets, they appreciate it too.

Easier ventilation

You'll get more ventilation, but insect protection may be required.

Less privacy

You'll need window coverings: curtains, blinds, or other solutions.

Less stealth

If you want to be stealthy, windows generally make you more conspicuous.

Worse insulation

Keeping warm in cold weather is harder with more windows.

Summer roasting

Closed windows let sun in and warm up your vehicle quickly.

Choosing a vehicle

When considering your vehicle options, consider how many windows you want in your living space.

In approximate order of fewest to most windows (or smallest to largest window surface area):

1. Box trucks, step vans, cargo trailers
2. Cargo vans, minicargos, ambulances - usually rear windows, but not always. Sometimes a window in the side door.
3. Cars, minivans, SUVs
4. Motorhomes, campers
5. Buses, skoolies

Window coverings

Window coverings for nomadic living keep your windows performing the way you want: let light in to reduce lighting requirements, let views in, maintain your privacy when parked, etc. Window coverings include curtains, blinds, and panels.  Continue reading …

Window screens

Window screens are essential for most places where insects and bugs are common (so ... most places!) and are great for ventilation when it's not raining. For windows that don't come with a screen, various solutions are available for purchase (Bugsoc, etc.), or you can just buy the screen and create your own.  Continue reading …

Window deletes

Window deletes are patches of sheet metal that take the place of a removed window in a vehicle. Window deletes are most commonly used on skoolies due to the large number of windows that come with the vehicle and the frequent need to turn some of them from windows into blank wall sections.  Continue reading …

Windows gallery

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See more in the Windows category. For image credits, open image and click More Details.

Resources

	Resource	Description
	Installing windows	Some additional options for adding windows to your van..
	Installing windows on a van wall	Example installation of new window cutouts and windows in a Ram ProMaster van.
	Search forums and groups	Search van life discussion groups for "windows"
	Search related sites	Search van life sites for "windows"
	Search NomadLife.wiki	Search other pages on this wiki for "windows"