A bulkhead can completely change your life in a van.
It can help with temperature control, privacy, noise, security, and even storage.
But it can also limit your layout options, reduce sightlines, and make your van feel smaller.
So, it a bulkhead worth it?
Table of Contents
What is a bulkhead?
Should you add a bulkhead in your van?
Reasons not to install a bulkhead in your van
What to consider when designing your bulkhead
The final verdict
What Is a Bulkhead?
A bulkhead, also called a partition wall, is a wall between the cab and the cargo area in your van.
It is usually built with plywood or timber, although some vans come with a factory-fitted metal bulkhead.
You can buy a bulkhead — just type “your van + bulkhead” into Facebook marketplace, eBay, or Google and you’ll find everything from cheap second-hand ones to custom bulkheads with hefty price tags.
But if you want a bulkhead that fits your van and needs, you’ll have to build it yourself.
Should You Add a Bulkhead in Your Van?
But do you even need a bulkhead in your van?
Well, that depends on your priorities for vanlife.
The number one reason to add a bulkhead is to separate the driving and living areas of your van.
Some of the reasons we chose to do this include:
Privacy
A bulkhead adds privacy when you’re living in a van.
It blocks the view in from your front windows so that no one walking past can see straight into your living room.
If you don’t fancy someone peeking in whilst you’re eating breakfast, you might want to add a bulkhead.
Temperature control
A bulkhead can make it easier to control the temperature in your van.
In winter, you can close off the cab so you only have a small space to heat up — perfect on those cold mornings where you can’t even feel your fingers.
But if its hot out, a bulkhead can stop the hot sun pouring in through your front windows, helping to keep the van cooler.
Noise reduction
Vans are noisy!
A bulkhead creates a barrier to help reduce noise travelling through your van.
When you’re driving, a bulkhead can muffle any rattling from the back, like from those dishes you forgot to put away properly.
Or if you’re in bed, you might get a better night’s sleep if you can shut out any noise from the front end of your van.
Extra security
If someone breaks into your van, a bulkhead could prevent them from getting access to all your belongings.
It’s not a replacement for other security measures, but it could make things harder for the thief and help protect your stuff.
However, make sure you have a plan in case of an emergency as you may otherwise lock yourself out.
Safety
A well-built bulkhead could add an additional layer of protection in the event of a collision or sudden braking.
Loose items in the back can easily become dangerous projectiles, and a bulkhead could stop them from flying into the front.
This of course depends on how sturdy its built.
Stealth camping
If you stealth camp, a bulkhead can help disguise your van.
Commercial vans usually have a plain dark bulkhead that blocks visibility into the back.
If you design your bulkhead in a similar way, you could pass as a generic work van.
Just make sure you keep all your personal belongings hidden and maybe add some generic “work stuff” like a clipboard or safety vest.
Nothing to see here folks!
Storage
Anyone who owns a van is always looking for more storage.
You could build storage into your bulkhead and make use of any nooks or dead space.
Get creative and find ways to store your outdoor gear, shoes, or even a yoga mat in or behind your bulkhead!
STYLE
A bulkhead can add character and personality to your van (on the living side).
You could make a feature wall out of recycled materials or add art and turn your bulkhead into a statement.
Even a simple shelf with décor or a coat hook to hang your favourite bag can add to the style and feel of your van.
Reasons not to install a bulkhead in your van
Some van builders choose not to install a bulkhead in a van.
And they may have a point:
Ease of Access
If you install a solid bulkhead with no door or window, you may lose access between the front and back of the van.
This is a huge downside as you’ll have to get out of the van to go between the living and driving spaces.
A bit of a pain, especially if its pouring with rain.
Visibility
Depending on the design of your bulkhead, it could block the view from your rearview mirror or out of your side window (if you have one).
This means you can’t check your blind spots as easily!
LAYOUT
A bulkhead might limit your van layout options.
It takes up valuable floor space and creates a permanent wall that you must factor into your design.
For example, if you’re planning on adding swivel seats to add extra seating, a bulkhead might get in the way.
It requires a lot more planning and accuracy in your build.
OPEN SPACE
A bulkhead physically encloses the van.
For some people (like us!), this is exactly what is wanted.
But for others, it might cut off flow and block sightlines through the van making it feel cramped.
What to consider when Designing Your Bulkhead
If you decide to build a bulkhead in your van, consider some of the features that can help maximise the benefits of your bulkhead and minimise the drawbacks:
Add a door
A door gives you the best of both worlds.
You can maintain access through the front and back of your van, but still shut spaces for temperature, noise, or security.
Add a window
Adding a window in your bulkhead keeps the cab and cargo areas connected.
It allows light to flow in and you could squeeze through if you needed access to the front in a pinch.
In the right spot, it can also help maintain visibility when driving.
Add Storage
Consider designing storage into your bulkhead.
Even a shelf, a recessed cubby, or a small cabinet can give you more storage options.
Insulate it
If you're already insulating your van, save some for your bulkhead!
Add leftover insulation to reduce heat transfer and dampen any noise.
Make it sturdy
If you’re planning on building anything onto your bulkhead, like a kitchen or garage, make sure your bulkhead is strong enough to support it.
A few bits of wood thrown together might not be enough to withstand all the vibration and movement from driving on the road.
Build it CAREFULLY
Take your time and make sure you get all the measurements right.
If your bulkhead is not built straight, you could end up with gaps, wonky walls, or a door that doesn’t open properly.
Save space
Every inch counts in a van, and a bulkhead can take up valuable room.
Keep it slim and think about how it could become more than just a wall.
Make it multi-functional by adding a fold-down table, coat hooks, or even a cupboard.
The FINAL verdict
There are pros and cons to installing a bulkhead in your van.
In the end, it comes down to how you want to live in your van and what matters most to you!
We love our bulkhead and wouldn’t have it any other way.
