When building a campervan, you may be considering the benefits of cab partitions in your conversion layout. A van cab partition is a wall or barrier that separates the front cab from the cargo or passenger area of the van. They go by several other names too, sometimes called a front divider, or pocket door.
Most DIY van cab partitions are a wooden wall that is built out with storage options or even forms the back wall for the kitchen area. Other van cab partitions are just pre-fab solid metal or mesh dividers. This type is more common in strictly cargo vans though. But either type of van cab partition can have a door or opening that allows passage between the front and back of the van.
But they come in all different styles for different needs. So let’s break down the pros and cons of van cab partitions.
Pros and Cons Of Van Cab Partitions
Pros
- Extra Wall Space
- Potential Kitchen/Bathroom
- Extra Security
- Extra insulation
- Protects driver from loose cargo
Cons
- Can eliminate passage
- Less safe without a door
- Can’t use swivel seats
- No visibility out rear windows
- Cost
Pros Of Van Cab Partitions
Extra Wall Space
One of the main reasons that campervan conversions include cab partitions is for functionality. A van cab partition can provide an extra wall for shelves, hooks, decorations, etc. Wall space in a campervan is always limited, so adding extra wall space may be a nice benefit for certain builds. This is especially true for builds that have lots of windows.
Potential Kitchen Counter Or Bathroom Wall
Another common use of a cab partition is to build part of your kitchen or bathroom against the partition wall. This opens up the possibility of having an “L” shaped kitchen counter, which I find to be a nice campervan layout. For shorter vans, this can be the key to having enough space for a kitchen or bathroom. You can use the wall to create a corner shower stall.
Extra Security
A cab partition can provide extra security to the living space of your van. A completely solid partition or one with a lockable door can prevent an intruder from getting to you or your valuables. For this reason, it’s more common among urban vanlifers or solo female travelers.
Your van’s windows will always be the biggest concern when it comes to security (assuming you remember to lock your doors). So the added security cab partitions can provide for your valuables is most profound on campervans with no windows in the back. An intruder may be able to smash one of the windows in the cab, but they won’t be able to get into the living area of the van.
Extra Insulation
Depending on the material and thickness, a partition can provide extra insulation between the cab and the rest of the van. And considering that the cab is often the weakest link of a well-insulated campervan, then having extra insulation between front and back can make a huge difference.
Protects Driver From Loose Cargo
A van cab partition can protect the driver and passenger from loose cargo in the event of an accident. If you get into a front end crash, then any unsecured belongings will be catapulted up into the cab of the vehicle. Partitions will stop anything from hitting the driver or passenger.
Cons Of Van Cab Partitions
Can Eliminate Indoor Passage
Cab partitions that don’t have a door will prevent you from going between the cab and living area without going around. Most vanlifers prefer the easy passage between the front and back of the van. This is one of the primary benefits of traveling in a campervan versus a truck camper. It makes it easier for the “co-pilot” to go back and forth freely during road trips. “Honey, Go prepare the charcuterie platter, only 349 more miles until Denver.”
Less Safe Without A Door
Van cab partitions without a door are particularly unsafe because they don’t allow you to drive away from sketchy situations without going outside the van. If you are parked somewhere and there is someone trying to break into your van then you can’t hop right in the front seat and drive away.
Or in our case, it was a bear trying to score a free meal. We were were eating dinner in our van and a black bear climbed on the roof. I hopped into the front seat and started slowly driving to scare him off. (Watch the Video Here).
Some cab partitions won’t have a full size door, but at least a small opening that you can climb through in an emergency. But it’s probably not something that you would be comfortable using on a daily basis.
Can’t Use Swivel Seats
A partition will mostly likely prevent you from installing swivel seats. This is a device that allows your driver or passenger seat to swivel around and face the living area of your campervan.
No Visibility Out The Rear Windows
A solid partition stops you from seeing out the back or side windows of your van. You will have to rely solely on your side mirrors for seeing behind you.
Although, many campervans have other objects that block your view out the back windows, so it might be inconsequential.
Added Cost
The cost of a pre-fab partition or a DIY one will set you back the price of the materials and possibly labor.
DIY or Pre-Fab Cab Partition?
You have the option of either building a partition yourself or purchasing one. DIY cab partitions are typically made of wood, and may have insulation in between the layers if space allows. This also allows you to custom build your partition to your needs. You can include a door, storage cubbies, shelves, hooks, or whatever else you want.
You can also purchase a pre-fabricated cab partition from a company like Adrian Steel. They offer partitions that are specifically designed to fit each make and model. This can save you a lot of time, because the partition will fit perfectly. However, pre-fab partitions are made of metal and typically have a more spartan look than a custom wooden partition. Metal partitions may also be harder to attach things.
Door Types for Cab Partitions
There are a few common styles of doors for cab partitions. The first is just a traditional door that swings open on hinges.
The second common door type is a pocket door. A pocket door is a sliding door that slides inside the wall itself. These are nice for a small space, because you don’t have to worry about any clearances for a swinging door. However, it does prevent you from insulating the entire wall. You have to leave an empty cavity for the door.
And the last door type, is no door at all. Simply leave an opening to allow passage. This could be a full-length doorway, or just a small opening for emergencies.
Conclusion | Cab Partitions
There are several good reasons why a cab partition may or may not be a good fit for your campervan conversion. You will have to decide what works best for you. Most people cite extra security or the added wall space for storage/kitchen as the primary reason for wanting a cab partition.
But if you do build a cab partition, I highly recommend some kind of locking door or opening. That way you have access to the cab without exiting your vehicle, but also have the security of locking the cab off from your living area.
Do you see yourself including a cab partition in your van build? Let us know in the comments.
Check out my other post: How To Choose A Van For A Campervan Conversion
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