Base Vehicle & Chassis
What is a Cab-to-Habitation Bulkhead?
The partition (or curtain) separating the driving cab from the living area.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
Some vans have a solid bulkhead between cab and habitation area (common on panel-van conversions before windows are added), others just a curtain or blind — mainly for privacy, warmth retention and a bit of security when parked up.
How it works
Where fitted, a solid bulkhead is usually part of the original van structure; curtains run on a track or cord system similar to the habitation window blinds.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Curtain track sagging or coming away from its fixings
- ⚠Draughts through gaps around a solid bulkhead — worth a check at a habitation service
- ⚠Bulkhead has been modified or removed — check this hasn't affected structural certification if buying second-hand
Rough UK cost
£40 – £150 fitted for a curtain/track replacement.
Ballpark only — depends on your van, converter and local labour rates.
Heads up: CamperAutonomy is for general guidance only. Anything gas-related must be signed off by a Gas Safe engineer with LPG endorsement.
More in Base Vehicle & Chassis
Base Vehicle Engine
The same engine principles as any van or car — just working harder, more often, fully loaded.
Cab Air Conditioning
Keeps the driving area cool — usually separate from any habitation cooling system.
Swivel Cab Seats
Turns the driver and passenger seats around to face into the living area when parked.