Best Material for Caravan Windows (Acrylic, Tempered Glass, Polycarbonate)

Intro
Choosing the right window material affects clarity, weight, strength, noise, and long-term durability. The three common options are acrylic, tempered glass, and polycarbonate. Here’s a practical comparison for Australian touring.

Acrylic Windows

What it is
A lightweight plastic glazing used widely in modern RV windows. Often UV-tinted and paired with integrated flyscreen and blockout blind systems.

Pros

• Lightweight - reduces overall van weight and helps balance.
• Impact tolerant - won’t shatter like glass, safer around kids and pets.
• UV-stable options - slows fading of interiors and improves comfort.
• Easy to work with - compatible with common caravan window frames and seals.

Cons

• Scratch susceptibility - needs correct cleaning technique to avoid haze.
• Thermal movement - expands and contracts more than glass, so correct installation matters.

Best for
General touring, family vans, and most off-grid setups where weight and safety matter.

Tempered Glass Windows

What it is
Heat-treated safety glass designed to be tougher than standard glass and to break into small granules rather than sharp shards.

Pros

• Excellent surface hardness - resists scratches and stays clear longer.
• Optical clarity - crisp view with minimal distortion.
• Heat and chemical resistance - tolerates standard glass cleaners.

Cons

• Heavier - adds weight to the van and to opening hardware.
• Shatter risk - still breakable under impact or edge damage.
• Less forgiving - hard impacts that acrylic might shrug off can crack glass.

Best for
Tourers prioritising scratch resistance and premium clarity where weight is less of a concern.

Polycarbonate Windows

What it is
High-impact thermoplastic often used in demanding applications like machine guards and riot shields. Less common in caravan windows but available for specialist builds.

Pros

• Extreme impact resistance - excellent for rough tracks and stone strikes.
• Very tough - highly resistant to cracking and breakage.

Cons

• Cost - usually more expensive than acrylic.
• Surface softness - can scratch unless hard-coated.
• UV yellowing risk - needs quality UV stabilisers and coatings.

Best for
Heavy off-road use where impact resistance beats all other priorities.

Head-to-Head Summary

• Weight - Acrylic and polycarbonate are light. Glass is heaviest.
• Scratch resistance - Glass is best. Acrylic is good with careful cleaning. Polycarbonate needs a hard coat.
• Impact resistance - Polycarbonate wins, acrylic is solid, glass is lowest.
• Optical clarity - Glass leads. Acrylic is very good when maintained. Polycarbonate can show micro-scratches without hard coat.
• Cost - Acrylic is generally most cost-effective, polycarbonate often the premium, glass varies by spec.
• Noise and rattle - More about frame, seals, and latches than glazing. All materials can be quiet if installed correctly.

Cleaning and Care

• Acrylic - rinse dust first, use mild soapy water and microfibre. Avoid ammonia and abrasives.
• Tempered glass - standard glass cleaner is fine. Inspect edges for chips after rough travel.
• Polycarbonate - treat like acrylic unless hard-coated. Use plastic-safe cleaners only.

Which Material Should You Choose

• Most caravans - Acrylic strikes the best balance of weight, safety, UV performance, and value.
• Premium clarity and scratch resistance - Tempered glass, if weight is acceptable.
• Severe off-road and high-impact risk - Polycarbonate with hard coat and quality UV stabilisers.

Final tip
Your choice of frame, seals, and installation quality will influence comfort and noise as much as glazing. Size correctly, clamp evenly, and maintain seals for the best result.

Browse caravan windows with integrated blinds and flyscreens at VanDIY