So you’ve got your camper van all set up and ready to hit the open road. But before you head out on that cross-country road trip, there’s one essential accessory you need to install – bug screens for your van windows.
Nothing ruins a beautiful mountain sunset like getting eaten alive by mosquitos!
Two of the most popular choices for camper van bug screens are the Rolef bug screen and the Bug Wall system. Both options will keep pests out of your van, but they have some key differences.
In this guide, we’ll compare the Rolef and Bug Wall bug screens to help you decide which is the best fit for your camper van.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Rolef | Bug Wall |
| Coverage | Custom screens for each window | Removable panels cover entire doorway |
| Installation | Permanently installed over windows | Temporary panels attached when needed |
| Customization | Made-to-measure for each window | Adjustable sizing with standard panels |
| Ventilation | Full mesh allows more airflow | Less mesh surface area restricts airflow |
| Convenience | Always installed and protected | Easy to put up and take down |
| Appearance | Streamlined, integrated look | Industrial, temporary look |
| Cost | $130+ per window, $400+ for full van | $160 for full 2-panel set |
| Light Blocking | Opaque mesh blocks light when closed | May allow some light leakage |
| Driving Security | Strong magnets keep screens very secure | Panels may detach more easily |
An Introduction to Rolef Bug Screens
Rolef bug screens are designed specifically for camper van slider windows. They consist of a roller blind that attaches above your van’s window with powerful neodymium magnets. The screen material is fibre glass mesh that provides ventilation while keeping even the smallest insects out.
Some of the key features and benefits of Rolef bug screens include:
- Custom fit – Rolef screens are custom made to fit the exact dimensions of your van windows, providing a perfect no-gap seal.
- Powerful magnets – The neodymium magnets hold the screens firmly in place, even on bumpy dirt roads. Most Rolef screens use at least 10 magnets.
- Fiberglass mesh – The mesh material blocks mosquitos, gnats and no-see-ums while still allowing air flow. It won’t degrade over time like cheaper vinyl screens.
- Easy installation – Rolef screens install in minutes with the included 3M adhesive strips, requiring no drilling or permanent modifications to your van.
- Light blocking – The screens are opaque when fully extended to block out light for sleeping. You can also partially retract the screen as a sun shade.
- Compact storage – When not in use, the screens easily roll up out of the way above the window. Most vans can still fully open the window with the screen installed.
For camper van owners who want a bug screen solution that provides a perfect custom fit, easy installation, and quality materials, Rolef is an excellent choice. The main downside is the relatively high cost, with prices starting around $130 per window.
What Is The Bug Wall System?
Bug Wall takes a different approach than Rolef for keeping pests out of your camper van. Instead of individual window screens, it consists of removable wall panels that attach to the edges of your open van doors with powerful magnets.
When you want bug protection, you simply attach the Bug Wall panels over the door openings. Some key features of the Bug Wall system include:
- Full door coverage – The panels seal not just the windows but the entire van door opening top to bottom. This leaves no gaps for bugs to sneak through.
- Custom sizing – Panels are available pre-sized for most camper van models or can be custom cut to fit your van.
- Powerful magnets – Like Rolef screens, Bug Wall uses strong neodymium magnets to keep the panels securely in place while driving.
- Lightweight – The panels are made from an ultralight mesh material that is easy to attach and take down.
- Door access – You can flip one panel up to access the door for entry/exit while keeping the other panel in place.
- Affordable price – A full 2-panel Bug Wall set for a van starts at around $160, making it a budget-friendly option.
For vanlifers who want a quick, hassle-free way to bug-proof their entire van doorway, Bug Wall is a great choice.
Installation takes seconds, and you can easily remove the panels whenever you want an open-air experience.
Rolef And Bug Wall: How To Decide Which Is Best For You?
So when deciding between Rolef and Bug Wall for your camper van, how do you choose? Here are some key factors to consider:
Window Coverage vs. Doorway Coverage
- Rolef only covers your sliding windows, while Bug Wall creates a seal around the entire van door opening. If you primarily sleep and hang out with the doors open, Bug Wall may provide more complete protection.
- But if you often have just the windows open while keeping the doors shut, Rolef screens for each window may be preferable.
Custom Window Fit vs. Adjustable Sizing
- Rolef’s made-to-measure screens provide an airtight, gap-free fit for each window. But Bug Wall offers more flexibility to adjust the sizing as needed.
- Rolef also accommodates unique window shapes and irregular door openings better than Bug Wall’s rectangular panels.
Installation and Use
- Rolef screens install permanently above each window, while Bug Wall panels are removable. So Rolef provides hassle-free protection at all times, but does take up window space when not needed.
- Bug Wall is quick to put up and take down. But Rolef’s magnets may adhere more tightly during transit.
Ventilation
- With full mesh coverage, Rolef allows better airflow through your windows. Bug Wall panels have less mesh surface area so they restrict airflow more.
- But Bug Wall gives you the option to flip one panel up for ventilation while keeping the other side protected.
Cost
- A full set of custom Rolef screens for a camper van can easily cost $400 or more. Bug Wall gives you full doorway coverage for around $160.
- Given Bug Wall’s lower cost and adjustable sizing, it can also be an affordable temporary solution while saving up for custom Rolef screens.
Appearance
- Bug Wall’s removable panels look a bit more industrial on your van compared to Rolef’s integrated screens.
- But Rolef screens do take up window space when not in use. So Bug Wall may be preferable if you want a more open feel inside your van.
As you can see, there are good reasons to choose either Rolef or Bug Wall bug screens for your camper van. Think about which features are most important for your needs.
Will you primarily use them for open doorway camping or closed windows? Is a tight seal or flexible sizing more of a priority? How much ventilation do you need?
Also consider your budget and how permanently you want them installed. Weighing these factors will help determine if the customizable fit of Rolef or the adaptable coverage of Bug Wall is a better choice for your van.
Also Read: Common Mosquito Shield Issues.
Camper Van Bug Screen Recommendations
Here are my top recommendations for choosing between Rolef and Bug Wall based on different camper van setups and use cases:
For vans with mostly slider windows:
Go with Rolef – Its custom-fit screens will provide gapless coverage for all your sliding windows, while still allowing air flow when needed.
The strong magnets also hold them tightly in place while driving.
For maximizing ventilation:
Choose Rolef – The full mesh screens give you more open window surface area for fresh air circulation, even with the screens rolled down.
For vanlifers on a budget:
Bug Wall is the most cost-effective option to get full protection over your door openings.
You can always upgrade to custom Rolef window screens later.
For those who primarily camp with doors open:
Bug Wall excels here – Its panels seal the entire doorway for uninterrupted panoramic views without bugs swarming in. Having the adjustable panels is also convenient for exiting the van while keeping one side protected.
For temporary/occasional use:
Bug Wall – Having the removable panels makes it easy to add bug protection only when and where you need it. They store compactly when not in use.
For a clean, integrated look:
Rolef – The custom screens blend seamlessly into your window framing for a streamlined, built-in appearance. No need to install panels when stopped.
For maximum nighttime darkness:
Choose Rolef – The opaque screens create full light blockage when rolled down over windows at night. Bug Wall may allow some light leakage around the edges.
Final Thoughts
Adding bug screens is a must for any camper van owner before road tripping and camping in the great outdoors. Both Rolef and Bug Wall offer excellent, high-quality solutions to keep mosquitos and other pests from invading your van.
Rolef’s custom-fit, permanently installed window screens provide an airtight seal and superior ventilation. Bug Wall is quick and easy to set up over full doorways, providing affordable and adaptable coverage.
Think about how you use your van – lots of window openings vs. open doors, extended stays vs. occasional overnights, maximum air flow vs. flexible coverage, and your budget. This will help you determine if Rolef or Bug Wall is the best match for your camper van bug protection needs.
Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy sunsets and stargazing from your van without becoming a late night snack!
