When purchasing cable entry glands for your adventure van or boat, you need to be watchful. You must understand your project's exact requirements, as these glands come in various designs, constructed from different materials, and configured for specific wire sizes, among other features.
The available clearance space on your van or boat is also a critical factor when selecting the right cable gland for managing your cables. If space is limited, opt for a low-profile or compact design.
In this blog post, we've outlined nine key factors to help you select the ideal cable entry glands for your campervan, caravan, motorhome, or boat. We've also included examples of various cable glands to illustrate the different designs and features available.
Examples of Cable Entry Glands for Campervans, Motorhomes and Boats
Before diving into our topic, here are some examples of cable entry glands available in our store. Notice any similarities?
- DS-LP-MULTI-BLK Multi Cable Entry Seal Gland
- DS-H10-BLK Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland
- DS-H6 Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland
- DS-HD6 Double Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland
- DS-H-Multi-BLK Multi Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland
- DS16-P-BLK Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland
- DS6-P Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland
- DS-LP-16-BLK Aluminium Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland
What Is a Cable Entry Gland?
When searching for "cable glands" online, most results refer to small, screw-on cylindrical connectors used in electrical distribution boxes.
For us van-lifers and boat owners, however, cable glands are wiring accessories mounted over cable entry holes to seal against environmental elements like moisture, water, dust, dirt, and debris. That's why they're also called cable seals or cable entries.
These glands can be used in campervans, caravans, and motorhomes to seal cable entry holes on roofs or walls. They're also suitable for boats when routing data or power cables through holes in the hull or deck.
One key advantage of campervan, motorhome, and boat cable glands is that they not only seal the entry hole against elements. They also grip the cables, providing strain relief to protect conductors from damage.
How Do You Choose the Right Cable Gland for Your Campervan, Motorhome or Boat?
Like many products today, the market for cable glands in campervans and motorhomes is saturated with options, from premium to budget models. Ultimately, the gland you select should effectively solve your problem — in this case, sealing cable entries to keep out elements.
Here are nine crucial factors to consider when choosing cable glands for your adventure vehicle or boat:
Your Cable Gland Needs
The first critical aspect to consider is your needs, as it helps you determine the appropriate type of cable gland to get. It requires considering the location of the entry hole, available clearance space, cabling style, number of cables, and their thickness.
Design of the Cable Gland
Once you've assessed your needs, browse available designs and select one that fits your needs. For example, our store offers glands with trapezoidal, circular, or rectangular footprints.
Size of the Cable Gland
With the design in mind, ensure the size of the cable gland suits your mounting area. Check the base footprint dimensions and overall height for compatibility.
Type of the Cable Gland
The fourth aspect requires matching a cable gland to your cabling style (vertical or horizontal). In doing so, you can avoid sharply bending your cables, which could damage conductors or reduce performance.
Configuration of the Cable Gland
Next, you must ensure the cable gland you choose accommodates your number of cables. Choose double-entry options for two cables or single-entry for one. Then, opt for a cable entry with a customisable blank bung that's long enough if you want to manage more than two cables.
Note: A bung is the rubber stopper that seals the cable entry point of a gland against elements like moisture, water, dust, and dirt.
Construction of the Cable Gland
Since glands are mounted externally, they must withstand harsh conditions, including UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and hail. As such, select ones with either a metallic or heavy-duty plastic construction.
Weatherproof Rating of the Cable Gland
The primary purpose of a cable gland is to create a dust-tight and water-tight seal over the cables' entry hole on your van's roof. As such, select glands with high ingress protection (IP) ratings, such as IP68 or IP67.
Cable Size Compatibility of the Cable Gland
Cable entry holes on the bung of glands aren't one-size-fits-all but designed for specific cable diameters to ensure complete sealing. That's why many of our glands include multiple bungs for a range of sizes.
Installation Method of the Cable Gland
Finally, choose glands that align with your preferred mounting method — screwing, bolting, or bonding with sealant. For future cable changes (upgrades or replacements), screwed glands are ideal.
Our Best Cable Entry Glands for Campervans, Motorhomes and Boats
Our current collection of cable glands has about two dozen premium selections with diverse designs and features. The chart below lists them all, alongside their shape design, supported cable size, and dimensions:
| Base Footprint Shape & Colour | Supported Cable Diameter | Cable Gland Dimensions (W x L x H) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS-LP-MULTI-BLK Multi Cable Entry Seal Gland | Rectangular, Black | Up to 15 mm | 59.0 x 114.0 x 15.3 mm |
| DS-H10-BLK Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland | Trapezoidal, Black | 6 – 10 mm | 44.5 x 77.5 x 27.0 mm |
| DS-HD6 Double Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland | Trapezoidal, White | 5 – 6 mm | 54.0 x 63.0 x 22.0 mm |
| DS-H-Multi-BLK Multi Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland | Trapezoidal, Black | Up to 15 mm | 97.6 x 114.8 x 35.8 mm |
| DS-Multi-P-BLK Cable Entry Seal Gland | Rectangular, Black | Up to 15 mm | 53.5 x 105.0 x 23.0 mm |
| DS-HD6-BLK Double Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland | Trapezoidal, Black | 5 – 6 mm | 54.0 x 63.0 x 24.0 mm |
| DS-HD10-BLK Double Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland | Trapezoidal, Black | 6 – 10 mm | 66.5 x 75.1 x 28.5 mm |
| DS16-P-BLK Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, Black | 2 – 8 mm | 39.0 x 39.0 x 19.0 mm |
| DS-H6-BLK Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland | Trapezoidal, Black | 2 – 6 mm | 28.5 x 46.0 x 20.0 mm |
| DS-HD10-U Double Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland | Trapezoidal, White | 6 – 10 mm | 66.5 x 75.1 x 28.5 mm |
| DS-H10 Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland | Trapezoidal, White | 6 – 10 | 44.5 x 77.5 x 27.0 mm |
| DS16-P Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, White | 2 – 8 mm | 39.0 x 39.0 x 19.0 mm |
| DS-Multi Aluminium Cable Entry Seal Gland | Rectangular, Silver | Up to 15 mm | 47.5 x 99.0 x 17.0 mm |
| DS-H6 Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland | Trapezoidal, White | 2 – 6 mm | 28.5 x 46.0 x 20.0 mm |
| DS21A-P Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, White | 4 – 9 mm | 49.0 x 49.0 x 20.5 mm |
| DS-LP-16-BLK Aluminium Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, Black | 2 – 8 mm | 49.9 x 49.9 x 5.0 mm |
| DS30-P-BLK Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, Black | 9 – 14 mm | 59.0 x 59.0 x 20.5 mm |
| DS21B-P Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, White | 9 – 14 mm | 49.0 x 49.0 x 20.5 mm |
| DS6-P-BLK Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, Black | 2 – 6 mm | 30.0 x 30.0 x 17.0 mm |
| DS-40P Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, White | 12 – 15 mm | 69.0 x 69.0 x 21.7 mm |
| DS6-P Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, White | 2 – 6 mm | 30.0 x 30.0 x 17.0 mm |
| DS-LP-21B-BLK Aluminium Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, Black | 9 – 14 mm | 60.7 x 60.7 x 6.5 mm |
| DS-LP-21A-BLK Aluminium Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, Black | 4 – 9 mm | 60.7 x 60.7 x 6.5 mm |
| DS-LP-16-S Low-Profile Cable Entry Seal Gland | Circular, Silver | 2 – 8 mm | 49.9 x 49.9 x 5.0 mm |
Best Multi-Cable Entry Gland: DS-LP-MULTI-BLK
The DS-LP-MULTI-BLK multi cable entry seal gland is one of our bestsellers, ideal for routing multiple cables into your adventure van or boat. It includes a single blank bung for custom drilling — mix small and large cable sizes as needed.
Other features:
- Black rectangular structure with rounded corners
- Accommodates cables up to 15 mm in diameter
- Provides IP68-rated dust-tight and water-tight protection
- Suitable for horizontal or vertical cabling style
- A low-profile design — 59.0 (W) x 114.0 (L) x 15.3 (H) mm
- Includes stainless steel screws and mounting components
- Made of rugged anodised aluminium; resistant to UV and corrosion
If size or budget is a concern, we have two other favourable multi-cable entry seal glands you can consider for your adventure vehicle or boat:
- DS-Multi Aluminium Cable Entry Seal Gland — features most of the same benefits, including aluminium construction, but in a silver finish and slightly smaller size (47.5 x 99.0 x 17.0 mm).
- DS-Multi-P-BLK Cable Entry Seal Gland — offers a similar design and features but with a slightly smaller size (53.5 x 105.0 x 23.0 mm), is more budget-friendly, and made of high-impact plastic.
Best Single-Cable Gland: DS-H10-BLK Horizontal
The DS-H10-BLK horizontal cable entry seal gland is our bestselling option for managing a single cable. It includes multiple bungs, five of which are predrilled for 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, and 10 mm cables. Then, one blank bung for custom drilling (2 mm to 10 mm).
Other features include:
- Black trapezoidal structure
- Primarily designed for horizontal cabling
- Provides IP68-rated dust-tight and water-tight protection
- A slim profile — 44.5 (W) x 77.5 (L) x 27.0 (H) mm
- Includes stainless steel screws and mounting components
- Made of high-impact plastic with excellent resistance to cracking, shattering, and UV radiation
A similar alternative is the DS-H10 Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland — very similar in design, construction, and size, but this model features a white finish that blends well with bright surfaces.
Most Compact Horizontal Gland: DS-H6
If space is a concern, the DS-H6 horizontal cable entry seal gland is our most compact choice for horizontal cable management. It features a white trapezoidal design measuring only 28.5 (W) x 46.0 (L) x 20.0 (H) mm.
Other features:
- Creates an IP68-rated dust-tight and water-tight enclosure
- Includes stainless steel screws and nuts for mounting
- Made of high-impact plastic, resistant to cracking, shattering, and UV rays
- Comes with five predrilled bungs (2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm) and one blank for self-drilling
Also consider the DS-H6-BLK Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland — ideal if you prefer a compact horizontal gland in a black finish to blend with darker surfaces.
Best Dual-Entry Gland: DS-HD6 Double Horizontal
The DS-HD6 double horizontal cable entry seal gland is our bestselling model for dual cable entry. It comes with two sets of predrilled bungs (5 mm and 6 mm), plus one blank bung for custom drilling.
Other features:
- Designed for horizontal cable routing
- White trapezoidal structure with black accents
- IP68-rated dust-tight and water-tight enclosure
- Compact size — 54.0 (W) x 63.0 (L) x 22.0 (H) mm
- Includes stainless steel screws and mounting components
- Made of high-impact plastic; resistant to cracking, shattering, and UV rays
A similar alternative is the DS-HD6-BLK Double Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland — it shares the same design and features but is finished entirely in black.
Best for Three or More Cables: DS-H-Multi-BLK
The DS-H-Multi-BLK multi horizontal cable entry seal gland is a great option when you need to route more than three cables horizontally. It comes with a blank bung you can drill your preferred holes into, each up to 15 mm wide.
Other features:
- Black trapezoidal structure
- Designed for horizontal cable routing
- IP68-rated dust-tight and water-tight enclosure
- Compact size — 97.6 (W) x 114.8 (L) x 35.8 (H) mm
- Includes stainless steel mounting hardware
- Made of glass-filled nylon; resistant to stress, heat, and UV rays
Most Versatile Dual-Entry Gland: DS-HD10-BLK
The DS-HD10-BLK double horizontal cable entry seal gland is our most versatile dual-entry gland. While it has two cable entry points, it comes with six sets of bungs — five predrilled (6 mm to 10 mm) and one blank for custom drilling.
Other features:
- Black rectangular design with rounded corners
- Designed for horizontal cable routing
- IP68-rated dust-tight and water-tight enclosure
- Compact size — 66.5 (W) x 75.1 (L) x 28.5 (H) mm
- Includes stainless steel screws and mounting components
- Made of high-impact plastic; highly resistant to cracking, shattering, and UV rays
A similar alternative is the DS-HD10-U Double Horizontal Cable Entry Seal Gland — similar in versatility, design, and construction, but featuring a white finish with black accents.
Best Vertical Cable Gland: DS16-P-BLK
For vertical cable routing, the DS16-P-BLK vertical cable entry seal gland is our bestselling model. It includes four bungs — three predrilled (3 mm, 4 mm, and 7 mm) and one blank for custom drilling.
Other features:
- Black circular, domed structure
- Designed for vertical cable routing
- IP68-rated dust-tight and water-tight enclosure
- Allows cable insertion without removing the connector
- Compact size — 39.0 (D) x 39.0 (D) x 19.0 (H) mm
- Includes stainless steel screws and mounting components
- Made of high-grade plastic; highly resistant to UV, cracking, and shattering
Similar alternatives:
- DS16-P Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland — same design and size but comes in a white finish.
- DS21A-P Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland — slightly larger (49.0 x 49.0 x 20.5 mm), so it accommodates thicker cables (4 mm to 9 mm) and connectors up to 21 mm wide.
- DS21B-P Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland — same size as the DS21A-P model above, but supports even thicker cables (9 mm to 14 mm).
- DS30-P-BLK Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland — larger option (59.0 x 59.0 x 20.5 mm), supporting 9 mm to 14 mm cables and up to 30 mm wide connectors.
- DS-40P Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland — largest choice for very thick cables (12 mm to 15 mm) and large connectors up to 40 mm wide.
Most Compact Vertical Gland: DS6-P
The DS6-P vertical cable entry seal gland is our most compact vertical cable entry gland, perfect for limited-space applications. It has a footprint of just 30.0 (D) x 30.0 (D) x 17.0 (H) mm and includes six bungs — five predrilled (2 mm to 6 mm) and one blank.
Other features:
- White circular, domed structure
- Designed for vertical cabling
- IP68-rated dust-tight and water-tight enclosure
- Includes stainless steel screws and nuts for mounting
- Made of high-impact plastic; highly resistant to UV, cracking, and shattering
A similar alternative is the DS6-P-BLK Vertical Cable Entry Seal Gland — identical in features, but it comes in a black finish.
Toughest Vertical Gland: DS-LP-16-BLK Aluminium
The DS-LP-16-BLK aluminium vertical cable entry seal gland is a rugged vertical cable gland ideal for extreme environments. It features a marine-grade anodised aluminium body, offering excellent resistance to corrosion, UV, and mechanical damage. Then, you get it with four bungs — three predrilled (2 mm, 4 mm, 7 mm) and one blank.
Other features:
- Black circular structure
- IP68-rated dust-tight and water-tight enclosure
- Includes stainless steel mounting hardware
- Low-profile design: 49.9 (D) x 49.9 (D) x 5.0 (H) mm
- Compatible with 2 mm to 8 mm cables and up to 16 mm connectors
Similar alternatives:
- DS-LP-21A-BLK Aluminium Cable Entry Seal Gland — larger size, supporting 4 mm to 9 mm cables and connectors up to 21 mm wide.
- DS-LP-21B-BLK Aluminium Cable Entry Seal Gland — largest option for very thick cables of size 9 mm to 14 mm and up to 21 mm connectors.
Most Stylish Low-Profile Gland: DS-LP-16-S Stainless Steel
The DS-LP-16-S low-profile cable entry seal gland is an excellent choice if you're looking for a stylish and durable gland for tough conditions. It's constructed from high-grade stainless steel for corrosion resistance and a polished, modern finish.
Other features:
- Silver circular structure
- Supports horizontal or vertical cable routing
- Compatible with 2 mm to 8 mm cables and up to 16 mm connectors
- Low-profile design — 49.9 (D) x 49.9 (D) x 5.0 (H) mm
- IP68-rated dust-tight and water-tight enclosure
- Includes stainless steel screws and nuts
- Comes with four bungs — three predrilled (2 mm, 4 mm, 7 mm) and one blank for custom drilling
Cheap vs Expensive Cable Entry Glands
Cable entry glands are now the most effective way to route data and power cables from the outside to the inside of your campervan, caravan, motorhome, or boat. They not only create a dust-tight and water-tight seal to keep out the elements but also provide additional strain relief to prevent cable movement and related issues.
Earlier, we asked if you noticed any similarities among the cable glands we listed. One key similarity you may have noticed is that they are all premium products made by Scanstrut, a global leader in marine and outdoor equipment. However, like many other Scanstrut products, these cable glands come at a higher price point, typically ranging from $28 to $200+.
The more affordable Scanstrut cable entry glands tend to be compact models designed for smaller cables or are made from high-impact plastic. While this type of plastic is highly resistant to cracking, shattering, and UV exposure, its overall durability is slightly lower than that of anodised aluminium or stainless steel. But these metallic options can cost up to five times more — or even more — than their plastic counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cable entry gland?
For van-lifers and boat owners, a cable entry gland is a wiring accessory mounted over a cable entry hole to seal it against environmental elements like moisture, water, dust, dirt, and debris. They're also called cable seals or cable entries, and they additionally grip the cables to provide strain relief that protects conductors from damage.
What IP rating should a campervan cable gland have?
Since a cable gland's primary purpose is to create a dust-tight and water-tight seal over the entry hole on your van's roof, choose glands with high ingress protection ratings, such as IP68 or IP67.
What is a bung on a cable gland?
A bung is the rubber stopper that seals the cable entry point of a gland against elements like moisture, water, dust, and dirt. Many of our glands include multiple predrilled bungs for a range of cable sizes, plus a blank bung for custom drilling.
How much do cable entry glands cost?
Our premium Scanstrut cable glands typically range from $28 to $200+. The more affordable models tend to be compact or made from high-impact plastic, while metallic options in anodised aluminium or stainless steel can cost up to five times more than their plastic counterparts.
Ready to seal your campervan's wiring properly? Browse our full range of cable glands for campervan wiring at Campervan Builders today.
