The Importance of Window Covers for Vanlife

By: Scott Adamson
/ March 3, 2023
Vanlife has become increasingly popular over the years as more and more people are looking for an alternative way of living.

It’s a lifestyle that allows you to travel and explore new places without the constraints of traditional housing. However, one of the biggest challenges of vanlife is finding ways to stay comfortable and safe.

One of the most important investments you can make for your vanlife journey is a set of blackout insulated window covers. These covers offer a variety of benefits that can greatly improve your quality of life while living on the road.

Some of the main reasons for this worthy investment are:

  1. Privacy & Safety
  2. Temperature Control
  3. Improved Sleep

Privacy & Safety

First and foremost, blackout insulated window covers provide privacy. When you’re living in a van, privacy can be hard to come by. Whether you’re parked in a busy city or a remote campground, having the ability to block out prying eyes is essential. With blackout window covers, you can create a private space that feels like home, no matter where you are.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people press their hands and face firmly against the glass to look inside my van… Only to be startled once they see me sitting inside.

I know most people have good intentions and maybe they’re just curious about my build (ha!)… But personally, I like a little more privacy than that.

They Help Regulate the Temperature

In addition to privacy and safety, blackout insulated window covers also provide insulation. They help to regulate the temperature inside your van by blocking out sunlight and heat in the summer and retaining heat in the winter.

Now this should go without saying, but your window covers aren’t the be-all-end-all solution. They don’t replace the good insulation job you should do in your walls, floor, and ceiling. And they don’t replace the heater you should add especially when traveling during cold winter months.

Improve your sleep

Finally, blackout insulated window covers can improve your sleep. Many vanlifers struggle with getting a good night’s sleep due to outside distractions and uncomfortable temperatures. With window covers, you can create a dark, quiet, and comfortable sleeping space that promotes restful sleep.

 

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A post shared by Kyle Canady (@kyles.vanlife)

Even in the daytime, this comes in handy when you need a break from the harsh sun after a day at the beach.

Choosing the right window covers

Here are some things to consider when selecting window covers for your van:

1. Size & Fit

Make sure you carefully select covers that are designed specifically for the model and year of your van. A perfect fit will mean no gaps or spaces for light or prying eyes to get through.

2. Material

The material of your window covers can impact their effectiveness in regulating temperature and blocking out light and noise. Consider options such as insulated fabric or reflective materials that can help with temperature control.

The Wanderful uses durable coated polyester, and thick automotive insulation (95% radian heat reflective).

Installation

Consider how easy the window covers are to install and remove. You may want to choose covers that are easy to put up and take down quickly, especially if you plan to move around frequently.

The most popular window covers are usually magnetic. If you’ve framed your windows in, make sure you have a way for your window covers to stay up.

Final Thoughts

Investing in blackout insulated window covers is essential for anyone living the vanlife. They provide privacy, insulation, noise reduction, and improved sleep, all of which can greatly enhance your quality of life while living on the road. With the right window covers, you can create a cozy and comfortable home that you can take with you wherever you go.

As some might know, I’m now running my van accessories store.

When I first hit the road, I made my own window covers but those ended up in the garbage not long after. I chose to invest in some professionally made shades and was sadly disappointed by the quality for the price. They just weren’t the right fit and were too heavy for the magnets inside to keep them up. I thought there was a huge gap in the market that needed to be filled.

So I finally came up with the perfect set of shades that offered everything I wanted.

Scott Adamson
Wanderful Idea Guy
Coffee drinker, adventure seeker, below average photographer.
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