Best Skylights for a Campervan in 2026
A roof vent or skylight is one of the most important components in any campervan build. Without proper roof ventilation, condensation accumulates, temperatures become uncomfortable in summer, and air quality suffers during cooking or sleeping. A good skylight provides airflow, natural light, and — in models with integrated fans — active ventilation that can make the difference between a comfortable night's sleep and a sweaty, stuffy van.
This guide covers the most popular skylights and roof vents used in campervan conversions across the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands in 2026, with a focus on what actually matters when choosing between them.
Key Buying Criteria
Before comparing specific models, it is worth being clear about what you are optimising for. The main variables are:
- Cut-out size: The hole you cut in your roof. This is the most important practical constraint — once cut, you are committed.
- Fan vs no fan: A powered fan adds significant ventilation capability, particularly for summer heat and cooking smells.
- Opening mechanism: Manual (hand-operated) vs automatic (thermostat-controlled or remote). Some units can be set to open and close automatically based on internal temperature.
- Blackout blind: Essential for sleeping in bright conditions — many units include a combined flyscreen and blackout blind.
- Flyscreen: Keeps insects out when the vent is open — a must for camping in continental Europe in summer.
- Rain operation: Some designs allow the vent to remain open in light rain; others must be closed at the first sign of moisture.
- Insulation: Double-glazed or thermally broken frames perform noticeably better in cold climates and reduce condensation around the frame.
Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe
The Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe is the most widely used powered roof fan in custom van conversions, and for good reason. It fits a standard 355 × 355 mm (14 × 14 inch) cut-out, which is the most common size in the van conversion world, and its integrated 10-speed fan is among the most powerful in its class.
The lid opens manually to approximately 50 mm and can be left open in light rain — the lid geometry deflects rain away from the fan housing. The fan runs in both extraction and intake modes, so you can choose whether to push hot air out or draw cooler evening air in. A manual version (without fan) is also available for those who want to save power.
The Maxxfan Deluxe includes a flyscreen as standard, though the blackout blind is a separate accessory. The unit runs on 12V DC and draws approximately 2–4 amps at full speed, making it compatible with any campervan electrical system. Build quality is sturdy ABS plastic — functional rather than elegant, but highly reliable.
Maxxair Specifications at a Glance
- Cut-out: 355 × 355 mm
- Overall dimensions: 400 × 400 mm
- Fan speeds: 10
- Fan direction: intake and extraction
- Current draw: 2.0–4.5 A (12V)
- Rain operation: Yes (lid open in light rain)
- Flyscreen: Included
- Blackout blind: Sold separately
Fiamma Turbo Vent and Vent 28
Fiamma, the Italian awning and accessories manufacturer, produces a range of roof vents aimed primarily at motorhome and caravan applications but used extensively in van conversions. The Fiamma Turbo Vent is an unpowered skylight available in several sizes, with a hinged lid that opens using a rocker switch mechanism from inside. It is a clean, reliable unit well-suited to builds where simplicity is preferred over powered ventilation.
The Vent 28 is a smaller option (280 × 280 mm cut-out) suitable for vans where roof real estate is limited or where a second vent is desired over the sleeping area or cab. Both Fiamma units include integrated flyscreens and pleated blinds. The lids on Fiamma vents are not designed for rain operation — they should be closed before any significant rainfall.
Fiamma's build quality is excellent, with UV-stabilised polycarbonate lids and aluminium frames on some models. They are a popular choice among German and Dutch converters in particular, where the brand has strong distribution and spare parts availability.
Dometic Heki, Mini Heki, and Midi Heki Style
The Dometic Heki family represents the premium end of the campervan skylight market. These units are characterised by their double-glazed acrylic dome construction, which provides excellent thermal insulation and gives them a distinctive, high-profile appearance. They are the OEM choice on many factory-built European motorhomes.
Dometic Mini Heki
The Mini Heki is the smallest in the range, with a cut-out of 280 × 280 mm. It is unpowered and opens manually, with a flyscreen and pleated blind included. It is an excellent choice for secondary ventilation — above a sleeping area where you want airflow but no fan noise.
Dometic Heki 2
The Heki 2 is the mid-size workhorse, with a 700 × 500 mm cut-out. The larger dome floods the interior with natural light. Available as an unpowered vent or with an integrated 12V fan. The fan version draws around 1.5 A at moderate speed. Heki 2 units include a flyscreen and opaque blind. The double-skin polycarbonate dome provides meaningful thermal performance in winter.
Dometic Midi Heki Style
The Midi Heki Style is the flagship for van conversions seeking the maximum combination of light and ventilation. It offers a 420 × 420 mm cut-out, a sophisticated thermostat-controlled fan, remote control operation, and automatic rain sensor on some variants that closes the lid when moisture is detected. The fit and finish are excellent, and the double dome construction handles condensation well.
The Midi Heki Style is the most expensive option reviewed here — typically £350–£500 — but for a premium build it is the most complete single unit available.
Comparison Table
| Model | Cut-out Size | Fan | Blackout Blind | Rain Operation | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe | 355 × 355 mm | Yes (10-speed) | Sold separately | Yes (lid open) | £180–£240 |
| Fiamma Turbo Vent | 280–400 mm (various) | No | Included | No | £80–£150 |
| Dometic Mini Heki | 280 × 280 mm | No | Included | No | £120–£160 |
| Dometic Heki 2 | 700 × 500 mm | Optional | Included | No | £200–£320 |
| Dometic Midi Heki Style | 420 × 420 mm | Yes (thermostat) | Included | Yes (auto sensor) | £350–£500 |
Installation Considerations
Cutting a hole in your van roof is one of the most nerve-wracking steps in a conversion, but with the right preparation it is entirely manageable.
- Choose your position carefully. Avoid roof ribs and any structural beams. Most Transit, Sprinter, and Crafter vans have a central region between ribs that accommodates a standard 355 mm or 400 mm cut-out without structural modification.
- Account for the roof curve. Many vans have a cambered roof. You may need a foam or timber spacer frame to bring the vent base to level so the lid seals correctly.
- Use butyl tape and sealant. The seal between vent flange and roof is your only protection against water ingress. Use a quality butyl tape around the entire perimeter and apply a compatible exterior sealant over the edge. Do not rely on the supplied gasket alone.
- Wire correctly. Fan units draw up to 5 A. Use minimum 2.5 mm² cable and a correctly rated inline fuse. Route cables away from sharp metal edges.
- Consider roof vent placement relative to sleeping and cooking areas. Extraction directly above the cooking area removes smells and steam most effectively. A second vent above the sleeping area improves airflow through the van.
Which Skylight Should You Choose?
For most van conversions, the Maxxair Maxxfan Deluxe offers the best balance of ventilation power, reliability, and value. Its 10-speed fan, rain-tolerant lid, and wide availability of spare parts make it the practical first choice, particularly for UK and northern European conditions.
If you want the best passive light and premium aesthetics, the Dometic Midi Heki Style is the standout choice, with the caveat that it costs roughly twice as much. For a secondary vent above a sleeping area where silence matters, the Dometic Mini Heki or a Fiamma Turbo Vent is an elegant, quiet solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need more than one roof vent in my campervan?
Two vents are strongly recommended for effective cross-ventilation. One vent extracting over the cooking area and one vent at the opposite end of the van providing intake creates a through-flow of air. With only one vent, you get limited airflow and more condensation.
Can I fit a skylight to any van?
Most panel vans with a flat or moderately cambered roof can accept a standard skylight. High-roof vans (Sprinter, Crafter, Transit high-roof) have more complex roof profiles in some areas. Always check the roof rib spacing against your chosen vent's cut-out dimensions before committing.
Will a roof vent let in rain when driving?
Standard roof vents should be closed when driving. The Maxxair Maxxfan can remain open in stationary light rain, but driving with any vent open risks water ingress and potential damage to the lid mechanism.
How much power does a roof fan use overnight?
At low speeds (1–3 on the Maxxair), current draw is approximately 0.5–1 A — meaning overnight use (8 hours) costs around 4–8 Ah. This is very manageable for any van with a properly sized leisure battery and solar setup.
Are skylights with fans suitable for use with campervan air conditioning?
Opening a roof vent defeats the purpose of running air conditioning, as cooled air escapes. However, roof vents are an excellent alternative to air conditioning for mild conditions. For hot-weather camping, consider whether a campervan air conditioning unit is more appropriate than relying on ventilation alone.
