VW Crafter (2006-2016) Van Flares
You may know them as “van bump out panels” or “van side pods,” but let’s be honest… The genuine articles can only be named Flares because we invented them. This cost-efficient & stealthy van mod maximizes your van's interiors and allows you to reconfigure your van’s floor plans to place your bed widthwise, rather than lengthwise.
Flares are a must-have van upgrade and are DIY friendly, lightweight, ultra-durable. Window covers not included.
Have more questions? Take a look at our FAQ.
PRODUCT DETAILS
You may know them as “van bump out panels” or “van side pods,” but let’s be honest… The genuine articles can only be named Flares because we invented them. This cost-efficient & stealthy van mod maximizes your van's interiors and allows you to reconfigure your van’s floor plans to place your bed widthwise, rather than lengthwise.
Have more questions? Take a look at our FAQ.
SHIPPING
$99 for Flares
1 Week Production, 1 Week to Ship
PACKAGE WEIGHT: 40 lbs.
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Proudly made in the USA.
SPECIFICATIONS
Flares are made-to-order and sold in pairs (pricing includes a driver's side Flare and a passenger-side Flare), and once installed, you’ll have around 80 inches of space to sleep sideways in your Camper Van.
*All Flares come unfinished and will require paint, liner or vinyl finish.
*Our windows are only guaranteed to fit Flarespace Flares.
INSTRUCTION MANUALS
WHAT'S INCLUDED
(1) Passenger Side Flare
(1) Driver Side Flare
(3) Tubes of Approved Adhesive for Install
Your selected windows
(2) Trim Rings if you ordered them
Installation Instructions
RETURNS AND WARRANTY
Flare Specifications
Product Dimensions: Determined by the type of Flare selected.
Fiberglass
Gray Gel Coat. Paint is needed to ensure the flares will withstand weathering and road conditions for years to come.
Before/After Flares
Want almost 12" of extra space inside your van?
Flares help maximize your van's interiors and allow you to reconfigure your van’s floor plan to place your bed widthwise, rather than lengthwise. Once installed, you’ll have over 78 inches of space to sleep sideways in your Adventure Van.
Before
After
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How to Install Flarespace Flares
15 Years
as the top Flare provider
Testimonials
Vananahammock
Great customer service and awesome products!
Super awesome company to work with! We got some flares for our 2022 4x4 Sprinter 144 and talk about a GAME Changer being we’re both 6ft and allowing us to sleep sideways 🤘🏼 so worth it.
Haley Foucault
Can’t recommend this company and their products more!
The functionality and comfort their flares added to my Promaster van is an absolute game changer and a MUST HAVE. Made the world of a difference and now I’m able to live full time on the road. Additionally, their customer service throughout the purchasing process was exceptional and extremely helpful. I highly recommend Flarespace and their products!
Engineers Who Vanlife
Installing flares in our DIY camper van was one of the best design decisions we have made.
We LOVE how much space is opened by having the bed sideways while also allowing us to sleep comfortably in an almost regular sized bed. The DIY install was simple - we actually think easier than installing a fan because you have a larger margin of error. The flares are holding up great after over a year of full time travel (and we don't take it very easy!). We did coat ours in Raptor Liner instead of regular automotive paint which has helped a ton considering they are the widest part of the van. Overall highly recommend Flarespace flares.
Abigail Martin
I would never do another van build without them!
I added flares to my 2018 sprinter that i live in full time and i LOVE them!!! would never do another van build without them. they enabled me to free up a bunch of space in the living area by having the bed go side to side. i also love my flare with the arctic tern window because i can have it open in the rain and it creates such good airflow. overall 10/10, would definitely recommend to anyone building out a van!!
Andy Wilson
Best in the business when it comes to fiberglass extensions!
I have been using the Flarespace products as a professional for the last 5 years and rate them as the best in the business when it comes to fiberglass panel extensions for the Sprinter van.
Michael Riney
So Flares may be their focus, but they have great taste in accessories. I’ll keep coming back.
I know Flarespace is known for selling flares – it’s in the name – but for me they have really excelled in aggregating useful accessories with reliable build quality. I’ve looked all over for accessories for my 144” Sprinter, and found great solutions on Flarespace: a really useful Bohm Universal Bike Mount that keeps my expensive bikes safely inside; great interior garage organizers that hold all of my tools and equipment out of the way but right at hand; a mounting kit that allows me to vertically mount 1-up bike carriers on my Sherpa racks; and another mounting kit that vertically mounts Thule ski rack on those same carriers and includes a beautifully made bottom shelf so those roof racks function well in a vertical orientation.
Flares in the Wild
FAQ
What van roof do the flares fit?
We offer Flares for a variety of different vans!
Why should I buy Flares for my van build?
Because they're awesome! Flares provide a sleek, elegant finish to your van while also adding 20" of space back into your floorplan. When flares are installed on either side of your van, you’ll have 80 inches of space from wall to wall. This allows you to put a queen-size bed 'sideways' rather than the usual lengthwise configuration. We are the inventors of Flares and we’ve also patented them! So, if you have questions about configurations with windows or anything else, just give us a call.
When will I receive my Flares?
Flares are made to order and typically ship within 5-7 business days of placing your order.
How much space will I have after I install my van Flares?
The answer to this question depends on which Flare depth you select, whether they have windows, and which vehicle you'll be installing them onto. However, we have devised a chart outlining the van-specific measurement estimates from Flare wall to Flare wall. Check it out here.
How do all the van Flare window options differ?
We get this question a bunch so we created a handy chart for comparing the features. Check it out here.
Pro Tip- slider windows usually need to be closed during heavy rain to keep your mattress from getting soaked. Awning windows are popular because they hinge from the top and open at the bottom, and can typically be open during heavy rain.
Why can't I order an Extended Depth Flare for my 144" Passenger Side?
The sliding door will hit the flare if it is extended depth. The regular depth flares have been carefully engineered to not interfere with the sliding door.
Why does Flarespace recommend painting flares before installation? What would be the issue if installed before painting? Do I need to paint my flares?
Your flares arrive with a gel coat. Your body shop will inspect the surface and check for pin holes then paint to match the paint code of your van. Once the paint cured, the install can begin.
Flares are not sealed when finished at the factory, paint is recommended to ensure the flares will withstand weathering and road conditions for years to come.
Truck bed liner can be used as an alternative to traditional paint. Raptor Spray.
How long does the cut/install process take?
Typically it takes 4 hours to DRY FIT windows and flares, then cut the openings, prep the surface, glue and tape the flares to side of van. There is then another 24-36 hours minimum to allow the adhesive to cure.
How are van Flares installed?
Well, it's relatively straightforward once you get comfortable cutting holes in your van! Your Flares arrive with a grey gel coat finish, and you'll always want to dry-fit them first. Hold them in place and make sure the fit is as perfect as we intended! Your local paint shop can paint them to your color preference, and once the paint is cured, the installation can begin! The rear quarter panel is cut out along the OEM lines (the same place the factory would cut to install windows), and the bare metal from the cut is painted with anti-rust primer. The part is secured onto the outside of the van using the supplied adhesive and secured with painter's tape while the adhesive cures. Please note: our adhesives expire 12 months from the manufacturing date, so always make sure to check the dates before use. The remaining adhesive is used on the inside to ensure a perfect seal. Installation time varies based on your experience and skill level, but 2-6 hours is enough to get Flares on your van! And if you ordered windows, those are installed into the Flares once the adhesive is cured. Then add Trim Rings and the Flarespace Bed System, and start sleeping sideways!
Are van Flares noisy?
While Flarespace can't match the noise reduction of a finished wall with 4" depth, Flares with 1/4" to 3/8" of closed-cell foam insulation do much better than any window or roof vent in your van.
Does the slider door need to be modified?
No. The slider door will open fully without modification. Regular depth Flares will work on vans with dual slider doors.
What is the exterior depth of the Flares? (worried about your ladder?)
2" - a ladder must be installed in front of the wheel well.
Do van Flares come with a warranty?
Flarespace offers a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase on our fiberglass Flares. Please refer to our full warranty disclaimer for further information.
Can I return my van Flares after purchase?
All of our parts are made to order, and we, therefore, do not accept returns. Flares are shipped in custom packaging to ensure safe delivery. In the event the Flares are damaged during shipping, the customer is required to wait for inspection from the shipping company and take specific pictures of the damage to the part and packaging. Flarespace will not be responsible for repairing or replacing damaged Flares if an inspection doesn't occur. Please let us know immediately if Flares sustain damage during their time with the shipping company. Do not have parts repaired or dispose of packaging until the claim resolution process is finished.
Can you ship van Flares internationally?
Flarespace utilizes ground shipping within the continental US (shipping charges calculated at checkout). International customers have successfully used freight forwarding companies to ship their Flare orders outside of the US. Carlile and Vanguard have export logistics centers in the US and assist with account setup and customs requirements. Flarespace will ship to one of these centers.