Van Capsules vs. Flares: Which Should You Choose for Your Van Build?

Both Solve the Same Problem—But One Might Fit Your Build Better

If you’re looking to sleep sideways in your van, you’re probably weighing your options: capsules or flares?

Both are designed to give you a few extra inches of sleeping width at bed height—but how they do it, what they cost, and how they fit into your build are very different.

This guide breaks down the pros, cons, differences, and ideal use cases for van capsules vs flares so you can make the right decision for your build style, budget, and platform.

 

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What Are Van Capsules?

Van capsules are molded extensions—usually made from ABS plastic or fiberglass—that add interior sleeping width. Most often, they’re installed inside the van’s factory window cavity, allowing you to sleep sideways without altering the exterior profile of the van.

They’re stealth-friendly, clean to install, and a great choice if you want to reclaim interior space without cutting the van’s body panels.

✅ A good example: Transit Innie Sleepers, which drop into the window space and give Transit builders just enough width to sleep sideways—no flares needed.

Want the full breakdown? Check out our guide: What Are Van Capsules?

 

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What Are Flares?

Flares are exterior-mounted fiberglass bump-outs that add several inches of sleeping width at bed height. They’re most commonly used on Mercedes Sprinter vans, which are slightly too narrow to allow full sideways sleep without help.

Installing flares involves:

• Cutting into your van’s side panels
  
  

• Mounting/sealing fiberglass shells
  
  

• Trimming and insulating the new cavity inside
  
  

✅ To get a clean finish, most builders use Sprinter Flare Trim Rings to align the flare wall with the bed platform and interior trim.

 

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Flares vs. Capsules: Key Differences

 

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Do I Need Flares for My Van?

If you’re Googling “flares for van,” here’s the short answer:

Only if you need sideways sleeping space and your van isn’t wide enough to support it.

• If you’re building in a Promaster, you probably don’t need flares or capsules—it’s wide enough.
  
  

• If you’re building in a Transit, capsules like Innie Sleepers usually do the trick.
  
  

• If you’re building in a Sprinter, you’ll either need Innie Sleepers or flares for a full-stretch bed.
  
  

That said, flares aren’t your only option. Capsules offer a simpler, stealthier way to gain width without altering your van’s exterior.

 

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Which Should You Choose?

Here’s how we break it down based on builder type:

🛠 DIYers, Stealth Builders, Budget-Conscious:

→ Go with capsules like Innie Sleepers

• No exterior mods
  
  

• Easier install
  
  

• Less cost
  
  

🧰 Full-Time Vanlifers, Pro Builders, Max Comfort:

→ Go with flares + trim rings

• More space
  
  

• More visual impact
  
  

• Better resale value
  
  

🚐 Transit Builder?

→ Innie Sleepers will likely give you all the space you need

🚐 Sprinter Builder?

→ Flares + Sprinter Trim Rings for a clean, sealed finish

 

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Final Thoughts

Whether you go with flares or capsules, the goal is the same: unlock sideways sleeping to create more space inside your van.

Capsules offer a more streamlined, stealth-friendly path. Flares give you the most room, but require more work and a bigger budget.

Plan around your van’s width, your layout needs, and your comfort goals—and choose the option that fits your vision best.

✅ Still unsure? Start with our full guide: Sleeping Capsules for Vans: The Ultimate Guide to Sideways Sleeping, Space Optimization, and Comfort on the Road

 

Build confidently. Sleep comfortably.
– The GoCode Team