The Best Ford Transit Windows [Vented and Awning Style]

If you plan on converting a Ford Transit van, you’ll likely be tossing around the idea of adding windows to your build. After all, living in a dark space with no natural light can be quite a challenge. Not only that, things can get pretty stuffy in a camper van during the hotter months, and having the ability to crack open a window vent can be vital.

As it happens, there are tons of Transit van options out there, ranging from low-key slide vents to big, beautiful windows that’ll bathe your living space in natural light. We’ve found the best Ford Transit windows for the front side panels, rear side panels, and rear doors. Later, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of installing windows as well as what to look for in a van window. Let’s get to it!

Front Side Panel Windows

CRL Ford Transit Driver Side Forward Vented Window

• Price: $828.79
• Height: 29.1 inches
• Width: 54.6 inches
• Weight: 35 pounds
• Fits: 2015+ Ford Transit 148″WB high roof, medium roof, EXT high roof; 130″ WB medium roof

CR Laurence makes windows for a variety of vans and is a trusted name in the van life community. These awesome vented windows fit neatly into factory cutouts, so you won’t need to stress about trying to find the ideal installation spot.

This CRL Ford Transit window looks really cool, and the dark gray factory tint means prying eyes won’t be able to see into your living space. Best of all, there are two crank-out bottom panels, each with its own detachable screen. That means you’ll have plenty of light and ventilation.

Made from sturdy tempered glass, this Ford Transit van window comes with a clamping trim ring, making installation really straightforward.

Arctic Tern Double-Pane RV Window

• Price: $728
• Height: 21.7 inches
• Width: 35.4 inches
• Weight: 20 pounds
• Fits: All Ford Transit vans

If you’re looking for a smaller front-side panel window, the Arctic Tern RV Window could be the way to go. Made of double-pane acrylic rather than glass, this window is much lighter than other options on our list. Plus, this window for Transit vans has impressive thermal performance, helping to keep warmth inside your van during the winter.

Arctic Tern double-pane van windows have an integrated day/night shade which is a really nice feature. Plus, the window opens outward on gas struts and can be positioned at a number of angles.

The main downside to this Ford Transit window is that it can be quite difficult to install and requires window jambs. We’ll discuss that a little later!

AM Auto Ford Transit Driver Side Forward Half-Slider Window

• Price: $669
• Height: 29.6 inches
• Width: 53.8 inches
• Fits: 2015+ Ford Transit 148″WB high roof, medium roof, EXT high roof; 130″WB medium roof

This is another fantastic driver side option that fits neatly into the factory window cutout of a Ford Transit van. We love the sleek and modern-looking vibe of the AM Auto window — it’s definitely going to make your van look awesome!

Made from solar privacy glass, the window is bordered by black ceramic. Best of all, there’s a sliding glass panel inset in the window, with a push-button latch and a removable sliding screen.

The AM Auto half-slider window will fit into a driver side sliding door if your van has one. However, bear in mind this window needs to be glued in during installation, so you’ll need to use surface primer and urethane adhesive.

Broad Arrow Curved Window

• Price: $618
• Height: 23.5 inches
• Width: 43.2 inches
• Fits: All Ford Transit vans

Sold by Wilderness Vans, the Broad Arrow Curved Window is becoming more popular all the time among the van life community. In fact, many folks feel like this is a better option than the Arctic Tern RV window.

Seeing as the Broad Arrow has a curved shape, it’s easier to install, and you run less risk of the van wall warping. The Broad Arrow is made from black, dual-glazed acrylic and comes with a bug screen and pleated blinds. There’s also a nice aluminum frame which ensures the window will be sturdy and long-lasting.

Rear Door Windows

AM Auto Ford Transit Rear Cargo Door Window

• Price: $189
• Height: 32.7 inches
• Width: 32.4 inches
• Fits: 2015+ Ford Transit 148″WB high roof, medium roof, EXT high roof; 130″WB medium roof

Like the above option, this AM Auto rear cargo door window will definitely help brighten up your living space. However, this is a way more affordable option. Again, this single-pane glass window fits neatly into the factory cutout.

The solar privacy glass is bordered by a black ceramic fit, giving the window a modern, seamless look, and you won’t have to worry about people seeing into your van. Like the CRL rear window, this is a glue-in option, so you’ll need primer and adhesive during installation.

Rear Side Panel Windows

CRL Ford Transit Rear Quarter Vented Window

• Price: $597.73
• Height: 28.2 inches
• Width: 26.5 inches
• Weight: 35 pounds
• Fits: 2015+ Ford Transit 148″WB high roof, medium roof

These CR Laurence windows are pretty awesome. If your Ford Transit conversion features a fixed bed at the rear, you’ll love being able to create extra light and airflow with these rear quarter windows.

The dark gray tint ensures privacy while you’re inside, and the tempered glass means these windows are strong and safe. Best of all, the bottom panel cranks out and there’s a cool bug screen included.

The CRL rear quarter window is a clamp-in window that fits into the factory cutout. That means you won’t need adhesive or primer during installation.

AM Auto Ford Transit Rear Quarter Fixed Window

• Price: $219
• Height: 28.3 inches
• Width: 26.5 inches
• Fits: 2015+ Ford Transit 148″WB high roof, medium roof

A more affordable option for a rear quarter window comes in the form of this AM Auto fixed window. Of course, the obvious downside here is the fact that you can’t open the window for ventilation. Still, if it’s just a little extra light you’re after, this could be perfect.

Featuring a 17% glass UV rating, the AM Auto rear quarter window offers plenty of solar tint for privacy. This window will also make your van look nice and stylish, thanks to its sleek design and seamless fit.

AM Auto Universal-Fit Half-Slider Screened Window

• Price: $249
• Height: 9.4 inches
• Width: 30.7 inches
• Fits: All Ford Transit Vans

This is a super-popular window option among van dwellers and for good reason! Not only does this window look really cool, it’s affordable and compact. What’s more, this half-slider window can be installed anywhere in the factory window cutout areas, so you’re free to decide where it’ll go. Still, one thing to be aware of is that you’ll need an interior edge trim for this window.

The AM Auto half-slider window looks really stylish, and its solar privacy glass is surrounded by a ceramic casement. Best of all, there’s an inset sliding glass panel with a push-button latch and a removable sliding screen. Although you’ll need to use adhesive and primer to install the window, it’s been designed with a curved shape to mimic that of a cargo van.

Why Install Ford Transit Windows?

Choosing whether or not to install windows in your Ford Transit really comes down to personal choice. Some folks don’t mind sticking with no windows at all or just having roof hatches and vent fans.

However, there are a lot of advantages to having at least one window as part of your van build. After all, even the most well-insulated camper van can get really hot and stuffy during the summer months.

Pros of Installing Ford Transit windows

• Ventilation. As long as you install windows that can open, you’ll be able to create a lot of airflow inside your van. This will also help your rooftop vent fan work way more efficiently. The end result? A less stuffy living space!
• Temperature control. Sure, you may have a van AC installed, but sometimes just opening a window can go a long way to cooling things down. Plus, running an AC unit off-grid draws a lot of power.
• Views. There’s nothing like waking up to a breathtaking view. Once you have windows installed, you’ll be able to enjoy the views of your latest beautiful boondocking spot from the comfort of your van!
• Light. Ford Transit van windows will drastically increase the amount of light inside your van. This can definitely make your living space feel bigger and airier.

Of course, there are plenty of potential drawbacks to installing windows in a Ford Transit van. Starting with the fact that it can be scary to cut into the doors or walls of your vehicle!

Cons of Installing Ford Transit windows

• Less storage space. This might not always be the case, but installing some windows in your van can reduce potential storage space inside.
• Less stealth potential. Even one venting window can transform the look of a Ford Transit from that of a stealth van to one of a camper conversion. If you plan on going full stealth, side windows aren’t recommended.
• Heat loss. This is the flip side to all that breezy ventilation. Adding windows means you’ll lose a lot of thermal energy during the winter. Still, you can combat this by using insulated window covers.
• Break-ins. Not only can a window scream “camper van!” it can also offer a temptation to thieves. The more windows you have, the easier it will be for people to break into your van.

Which Type of Ford Transit Window Should You Choose?

When it comes to choosing windows for your Ford Transit, the main factors to consider are whether or not you want a vented window, and whether you want glass or acrylic.

Of course, most folks would prefer a window that opens, seeing as it means you can take advantage of all that nice ventilation. Still, if you already have skylight vents installed, you may just want a little extra light. Plus, a fixed window is less tempting to potential thieves.

As for choosing a material, glass windows will be more durable in the long run. However, there’s a lot to be said for installing acrylic Ford Transit windows. For starters, these van windows are double-glazed, so they’re way more insulated and lighter weight. What’s more, you’ll cut down on potential condensation issues by opting for acrylic.

Tips for Installing Ford Transit Widows

As we already mentioned, the thought of installing windows in your camper van build will be kind of scary for a lot of people. Let’s face it, even if you have a ton of DIY experience, cutting a hole in your van is a hair-raising prospect!

Different windows require different approaches to installation, so you should always read the manufacturer’s instructions very carefully. While you’re at it, consider watching a few YouTube videos. Anyway, in all cases, there are a few things to remember:

• Make a template. If your window doesn’t come with a template, use some cardboard to make one. That way you can hold it up to the van and know if everything looks right before you cut a hole.
• Take your time. Measure once, then measure again. Heck, go ahead and measure a third time! Remember, once you’ve cut a hole in your van, you can’t put that metal back again!
• Use the appropriate blade. The last thing you want is jagged edges or a blade that isn’t up to the job. Make sure you use a fine tooth-cutting blade that’s been designed to cut through metal.
• Find help. Two heads are always better than one! Rather than trying to do the job yourself, find a friend who’s willing to help. That’ll make it much easier to install a larger glass window. Pinky swear.

Installing Arctic Tern Windows

If you decide to go with Arctic Tern acrylic windows, you’ll need to be very careful when installing them. That’s because these windows aren’t curved and you run the risk of encountering warping and leaking if your measurements aren’t correct.

These awning style windows are universal fit windows for installation on any flat wall. For vans installation, 3″ space along the corners, above and below the window within the factory window cutout, and a 1.5″ space on each side to be installed on a “flat” surface within the van factory window cutout is needed to prevent warping.

Probably your best bet is to install Arctic Tern windows using custom window jambs by Satsang Vanworks. These have been specially designed to prevent leakage and make installing the windows much easier.

Otherwise, you can go with Wilderness Vans windows if you’d like a curved option.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve seen, installing Ford Transit windows can make a huge difference to your van build. Plus, with so many options available, you should be able to find a window or two that’ll enhance your van life experience. We hope you’ve found this article helpful and we’d love to hear about your experiences installing Ford Transit windows. Feel free to leave any questions or ideas in the comments section!