Your cab windows are the biggest source of heat loss, the weakest point for security, and the reason everyone can see you eating dinner in your van. A good set of cab blinds solves all three problems.
This guide covers the options — from £5 reflectix to £300 custom-fit blinds — and what's worth spending on.
Why Cab Blinds Matter
The cab windscreen, side windows, and rear door windows are all single-glazed glass. In winter, they suck heat out of your van faster than anything else. At night, they act as a giant display case for anyone walking past. In summer, they turn your cab into a greenhouse.
Heat loss through cab windows:
- Uncovered cab windows: 35-50% of all heat loss from a campervan
- With internal covers: 10-15% heat loss (covers reflect heat back inside)
- With external covers: 5-10% heat loss (insulation + reflective barrier on the outside)
Privacy: Without blinds, anyone walking past can see your entire cab area, including your kitchen and dinette. With decent blinds, you can sit in the cab with the lights on and nobody can see in.
The Options
DIY Reflectix (The £5 Solution)
Reflectix (or any foil-backed bubble wrap from Screwfix, £5-8 for a 10m roll) is the cheapest cab blind. Cut it to shape with scissors, and press it into the window frames. It stays in place by friction.
Pros:
- Cheap — £5 for the whole cab
- Effective insulation — the foil layer reflects heat
- Easy to replace — cut a new one when it wears out
- Lightweight — 500g for a full set
Cons:
- Looks terrible — silver bubble wrap in your windscreen screams "van life"
- Falls out — it slips overnight and you're woken up by light at 5am
- No privacy during the day — you have to install it every time you want privacy
- Attracts condensation — the foil layer traps moisture against the glass
Best for: Emergency use, short trips, budget builds. Replace as soon as you can afford proper blinds.
SilverScreens / Custom Internal Covers (£60-150)
SilverScreens or similar (Van Comfort, Campervan Covers UK) are polyester covers with a foil layer and a black outer fabric. They have magnets sewn into the edges that stick to the metal door frames.
Pros:
- Good insulation — the foil layer reflects heat, the polyester provides an air gap
- Good privacy — black side faces out, nobody sees anything
- Secure fit — magnets hold them in place, no falling out
- Easy to install and remove — 10 seconds per window
- Washable — 30°C gentle cycle
Cons:
- Specific to your van model — you need Transit Custom covers for a Transit Custom
- Magnets lose strength over time (1-2 years)
- Bulkier than reflectix — takes up storage space when not in use
- Can mark the door frame — the magnets can leave fine scratches on paint over time
Best for: Most van lifers. The SilverScreens-style covers are the best balance of cost, performance, and ease of use.
Custom-Fit Thermal Blinds (£200-350)
Proper made-to-measure cab blinds (like those from Camperglass or View Co) are hard plastic or ABS panels that clip into the window frames. They have a foam seal around the edge and a reflective inner surface.
Pros:
- Best insulation — the panel creates a sealed air gap
- Best privacy — totally opaque, nobody sees anything
- Easy to install — clip in, clip out, 5 seconds
- Durable — 5+ years, no magnets to lose strength
- Professional appearance — looks like part of the van
Cons:
- Expensive — £200-350 for a full cab set
- Bulkier — need more storage space
- Specific to your van model and year
- Can be damaged if dropped on a hard surface
- Some condensation behind the panel in very cold weather
Best for: Full-time van lifers, professional conversions, anyone who values quality and has the budget.
External Cab Covers (£40-100)
An external windscreen cover (like a Caravanstore or a branded cover) wraps around your windscreen from the outside, held in place by the wipers or elasticated straps.
Pros:
- Better insulation than internal covers — reflects heat before it reaches the glass
- No condensation on mornings — the moisture stays on the outside
- Quick to install
Cons:
- Must be installed outside — not fun in rain
- Only covers the windscreen, not the side windows
- Can fly off at speed (if not secured properly)
- Limited security value (can be removed from outside)
Best for: Winter-only use, in addition to internal blinds.
Heat Loss Comparison
| Option | Heat Loss | Summer Heat | Install Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing | 100% | Very hot | 0 sec | £0 |
| Reflectix (DIY) | 40-50% | Hot | 30 sec | £5 |
| SilverScreens | 20-30% | Warm | 10 sec | £80-150 |
| Custom thermal | 10-15% | Cool | 5 sec | £200-350 |
| External cover | 5-10% | Cool | 30 sec | £40-100 |
| Both (internal + external) | 5-8% | Cool | 35 sec | £250-450 |
Recommendations
| Use Case | What to Buy | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend van, not in winter | SilverScreens | £80-150 |
| Full-time van, winter camper | Custom thermal + external cover | £300-450 |
| Budget build, short term | DIY Reflectix | £5 |
| Professional conversion | Custom thermal (Camperglass) | £200-350 |
| Rented van, temporary | SilverScreens | £80-150 |
DIY: Making Your Own
If you want to save money and have basic sewing skills:
- Buy a roll of Reflectix (£5) — cut to shape for each window
- Buy blackout fabric from Dunelm/Amazon (£8-15 per metre) — cut slightly larger than the Reflectix
- Buy flexible magnetic strip from Amazon (£5 for 2m, adhesive back)
- Sandwich: black fabric (smooth side in) → Reflectix → another layer of black fabric
- Sew the edges closed with the magnetic strip between the two fabric layers
- Test fit — the magnets should hold the cover against the metal door frame
Total cost: £20-30 for a full cab set. Takes 2 hours. Looks better than bare Reflectix. Performs like SilverScreens.
Storage
Cab blinds need storage space when not in use. A set of SilverScreens rolls up to about 30cm x 15cm. Custom thermal panels are flat and about 2cm thick — they need to be stored under the mattress or in a cupboard.
Tip: Install a hook-and-loop fastener strip behind your cab seats. Store the rolled blinds there — they're out of the way and ready to grab when you park for the night.
