Flarespace Flares vs. VanSpeed Capsules Comparison

Ever wish your van had more space to sleep sideways? That’s exactly what “window popouts” (also called flares or capsules) are for! They add a crucial 10-12 inches of width to your cargo van, like a Sprinter. This means your bed can go from a tight 68-71 inches to a comfy 78-80 inches – a huge difference for van life!

Let’s take a look at two popular brands: Flarespace and VanSpeed. Our goal here is to compare these two most popular options on the market to help simplify your choice.

What They Look Like & How They Feel Inside

VanSpeed Capsules:

Imagine a neatly squared-off shape. That’s VanSpeed! This design means you get the most usable space from front to back. It also makes it easier to finish the inside with upholstery, which can save you time and money. Many people say they look like they “just belong” on the van because of their clean, straight lines. A big plus is that you can often install them by yourself, which is great for DIYers! They even have special cutouts to fit around your van’s sliding door rail, so you get every last bit of space. VanSpeed makes their products in California from strong, light fiberglass, designed precisely with computers. They might even have a little channel to help rain run off. Folks who’ve used them often say the installation was “easy” and the fit was “perfect.”

Flarespace Flares:

Flarespace flares have a more rounded, tapered shape. While they look nice, this curvy design can make it a bit trickier to do the upholstery and finish the inside. You might even need to buy special trim rings (which can add $800-$1,200 if you’re not doing the upholstery yourself). Because they taper, you get a little less usable space at the front of the flare. Some users have mentioned that the curves make the interior trim work a bit harder. A few people have also noted small gaps after installation, or that the windows can feel a bit “gritty” when you open them.

Window Choices & Fresh Air

Flarespace:

Compared to VanSpeed, Flarespace offers an additional window option: they work with the Arctic Tern window type. They also offer both half-slider windows (which slide open) and “awning-style” windows. Awning windows are awesome because you can often leave them open even when it’s raining, and they let in twice as much airflow! These windows are designed to clamp right onto your van’s metal, and usually come with weatherstripping already attached, so you often don’t need to build a frame inside.

VanSpeed:

VanSpeed mainly uses CR Lawrence half-slideing bunk windows. These are good for ventilation and keeping bugs out. They don’t have as many fancy options as Flarespace, but they can work with a Sierra Lawrence 10×33 awning window. Just be sure to double-check compatibility for your specific van model, as some listings might say otherwise!

How Hard Are They to Install & How Long Do They Last?

VanSpeed Capsules:

These are generally seen as easier and more secure to install. They have special clamps on the inside, letting you get a really tight, even seal from the inside. This means less chance of leaks later on! Since they bolt in, you don’t have to wait overnight for glue to dry. They come with everything you need for a strong, mechanical connection. If you’re handy, you might get both sides installed in 3 to 10 hours.

Flarespace Flares:

Flarespace flares mostly rely on glue and tape on the outside. This method can be a bit trickier to get right and might be more prone to leaks over time, so you need to be extra careful during installation. Many find the gluing part harder than the actual cutting of the van! For a DIY install, it can take around 14 hours for two people, and you need to be very precise with preparation and allow for drying time. Flarespace has also mentioned that they might not cover warranty issues if you install them yourself, preferring professional installers due to safety and liability. Also, if you store the flares for many months before installing, their shape might change a little, which could affect the fit.

The Installation Process for Both:

No matter which brand you pick, you’ll need to cut holes in your van’s metal using tools like jigsaws. After cutting, you’ll put on a special primer to prevent rust, seal everything up, and then test it for water leaks. It’s super important to protect your van from hot metal bits when you’re cutting! Always do a “dry fit” first, meaning you test how the flares fit before you permanently attach them.

Warranty (What’s Covered?):

Flarespace:

They offer a 1-year warranty for problems with how it was made or the materials used. But remember, this warranty can be voided if there’s abuse, neglect, improper repairs, or if you change the product. They really, really suggest professional installation.

VanSpeed:

It’s a bit harder to find a specific warranty just for their flares if you buy them separately.

How Much Do They Cost?

Here are the prices for VanSpeed Capsules and Flarespace Flares, reflecting the actual figures at the time this information was written:

Painting:

Both flares need to be painted to match your van, and you’ll want a professional to do this. This adds another $600-$1,200 to the cost. It’s important to get a perfect color match, as even factory paint can look a little different over time. They suggest removing a part of your van for the painter to scan the exact color. The paint also needs about a week to dry completely before you install the flares.

Total Cost:

When you add up the flares, painting, and installation (whether you do it yourself or hire a pro), the total cost usually falls between $2,500 and $3,500. If you hire a professional installer, that alone can add another $1,000 on top of the flare and paint costs.

Flarespace vs. VanSpeed: The Upsides and Downsides

To help you decide even more clearly, let’s look at the main good points (Pros) and not-so-good points (Cons) for both Flarespace and VanSpeed.

Flarespace: What’s Good and What’s Not

• OEM-style fit: Sprinter Van bump outs designed specifically for Sprinter vans with a tapered look that blends with factory styling.
• Established brand: One of the original and most trusted names in the van flare industry.
• Optional trim rings & windows: Available upgrades like insulation kits, windows, and trim make customization easy.
• Lightweight construction: Made with molded fiberglass, helping reduce overall van weight.

• Trickier install: Requires taping in place while adhesive cures, making solo installation harder.
• Curved interior shape: Can complicate custom trim or upholstery work.
• Longer lead times: May take longer to ship depending on demand and location.
• Reported Fitment and Installation Difficulties: Some DIY installers have experienced challenges with Flarespace flares, including issues with warping, significant and uneven gaps, and the demanding adhesive-based installation process, often requiring extensive effort to achieve a proper seal. You can read more about common experiences here: Sprinter-Source Forum Thread
• Quality/Fitment Issue reported in 2022-2023: Flarespace flares for Ford Transits don’t align with the body stamping, as shown here.
• Shipping/Order Issue reported in 2022-2023: Flarespace flares have been associated with lengthy shipping times and instances of incorrect orders.

VanSpeed: What’s Good and What’s Not

• Straight walls = more space: Squared-off design adds uniform width and makes bed setup easier.
• Easier to install: Features a built-in flange that allows clamping from the inside—no need for tape.
• Better for upholstery: Flat interior surfaces simplify finish work and trim.
• Sleeker modern look: Design complements newer Sprinter body lines and aftermarket builds.
• More affordable: Lower base price than Flarespace for similar functionality.

• Not tapered: Less “OEM” appearance—looks more like an aftermarket add-on.
• Limited to certain vans: Mainly designed for Mercedes Sprinter 144 and 170 models.
• Fewer bundled options: Less variety in ready-made insulation or trim kits.
• Installation Guidance Issue reported in 2022-2023: VanSpeed capsules lack written instructions, providing only a video for installation guidance.
• Installation-related Water Intrusion reported in 2022-2023: Water intrusion can occur with VanSpeed capsules if the hardware is not installed correctly or if the urethane is beaded too closely to the inside perimeter.

Other Things to Think About

Finishing the Inside: VanSpeed’s straighter lines often mean simpler and cheaper upholstery work inside. Flarespace’s curves might need those special trim rings we talked about, which cost extra if you’re not doing the upholstery yourself.

Insulation & Noise

Adding flares means a bit less insulation in that wall area. This can sometimes lead to colder spots or more road noise. Flarespace does say that flares with a bit of foam insulation are better than just having windows or roof vents. To keep things cozy and quiet, you can add sound-deadening mats (like Kilmat) to the metal, and then use insulation materials like 3M Thinsulate or mineral wool.

Permanent Change & Your Van’s Warranty

Cutting into your van is a permanent change. While it won’t automatically void your entire van’s warranty (thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), if a problem happens that’s directly caused by the flares, the manufacturer might not cover it. Your dealership often has the final say here.

Resale Value

It’s good to know that converting a van, even with flares, usually doesn’t mean you’ll make a profit when you sell it later. While a really well-done, professional build can make your van more appealing, you rarely get back all the money you put into a DIY conversion. Very unique builds might only appeal to a smaller group of buyers. Some people suggest making your modifications easy to remove if you’re thinking about resale.

Usable Bed Length

Even with flares, the van’s “D-pillar” (the metal support at the very back) can still take up about 10 inches of your mattress length, unless your bed is designed to stretch all the way into the flare.

Bed Height

Flares typically mean your bed will be around 36 inches high, which might affect how much storage space you have underneath.

“Stealth” Factor

If you want your van to look less like an RV, solid flares (without windows) are better for insulation and keeping a low profile.

Which Vans They Fit

Flares are custom-made for specific van models.

Compatibility Comparison

Brand	Compatible Vans
Flarespace	Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (144 / 170) Dodge Sprinter Ford E-Series Ford Transit Ram Promaster
VanSpeed	Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (144 / 170, 2008 and newer) Ford Transit (148" Standard and Extended)

Fuel Economy & Wind

There isn’t much official data on how flares affect your van’s gas mileage or how much wind noise they create. Any big increase in wind noise would likely be due to a poor installation or bad sealing, not the flares themselves.

Other Brands & Ways to Get Flares

While Flarespace and VanSpeed are very popular, there are other choices:

Emprise Global

They offer van flares made from ABS Thermoformed plastic. This material can be lighter (up to 35% lighter than fiberglass!), more resistant to impacts, and often quicker to make with lower tooling costs. Plus, they can be made with color and texture built right in, so you might not even need to paint them!

Van Builders

Companies like Tourig and Overland Van Project specialize in building out entire vans. They often use flares from companies like Flarespace in their designs, rather than making their own.

So, Which One is Right for You?

VanSpeed capsules.

The capsules are often a favorite because they make the most of the inside space, are generally easier and more secure to install (even by yourself!), and usually cost less. Their smart design details, like the door rail cutouts, make them fit seamlessly.

Flarespace flares.

The flares, on the other hand, give you more window options and are a well-known brand with a network of certified installers.

Ultimately, your choice depends on what’s most important to you: getting the most usable space, how easy installation is, your budget, what kind of windows you want, and how you want your van to look. No matter which you choose, flares are a fantastic way to make your van living much more comfortable and functional, letting you sleep sideways and free up precious floor space!