Insulation In Camper Vans: A Comfortable And Efficient Journey

Insulation is an essential component of a camper van, and it's crucial to get it right. It's not just about keeping the van warm in the winter and cool in the summer; it also helps prevent condensation, reduce road noise, and create a comfortable living space. There are several types of insulation to choose from, and the best method may depend on the specific van model and personal preferences.

The most common types of insulation for camper vans include rigid boards, fibre insulation, and foil bubble wraps. However, these options can be messy, difficult to install, and may not always provide the desired outcome. A more effective approach is to use a combination of insulation materials, such as a specialised material for vibration and road noise, along with a layer of reflective foil insulation.

When insulating a camper van, it is crucial to build from the ground up and ensure proper installation to avoid problems later on. Additionally, creating an air gap between the insulation and the van walls can enhance the insulation's effectiveness.

The type and amount of insulation required will depend on the specific van model and the desired level of comfort. It is always better to overestimate the amount of insulation needed to ensure a comfortable and functional living space.

Insulation is important for both hot and cold climates

Insulation is any material that is designed to prevent heat transfer. This could be for the purpose of keeping your van cosy in winter or cool in summer. There are three main modes of heat transfer: Conduction, Convection, and Radiant heat transfer. All three can result in both heat gain and heat loss depending on the time of year. It is important to keep all three in mind when choosing insulation materials for your camper van floors, walls, and ceiling (the three areas you will need to insulate in your van).

Radiant heat transfer is when a warmer object emits heat, and it travels to a cooler object through electromagnetic waves without needing a medium such as air. An example, in terms of camper vans, is the sun warming your camper van through the windows. The main way to insulate against radiant heat transfer is quality window shades.

Conduction heat transfer is the transfer of heat between materials in direct contact. A fantastic example of this is the sheet metal of a camper van body. Metals have tightly packed molecules that make them extremely efficient at this type of heat transfer. On a hot or cold day, heat is transferred through the chassis and into the interior of your camper van. The best way to insulate against this heat transfer is to include a type of thermal break in your insulation strategy, such as Lizard Skin, or closed-cell foam. This is often a type of camper van insulation overlooked but can make a massive difference!

Convection heat transfer is the movement of heat through gas or liquid. An example of this in a camper van is simply the movement of hot air or cold air throughout the interior of your camper van. The best way to insulate against this is to minimise "air gaps" in your mass insulation and insulate all of your beams and walls.

In your camper van insulation strategy, you will want a mass insulation material, thermal break layer, and radiant heat barriers. Mass insulation is for cavities, walls, ceilings, and the like, and is used to fight against convection and conduction heat transfer. Common options include 3M Thinsulate and Havelock Wool.

The thermal break layer is used to fight against conduction heat transfer, especially on hot days. We place this layer on the back of all wall panels and anywhere the chassis touches an extruded aluminium module. Common options include Lizard Skin Ceramic Insulation or closed-cell foam.

For radiant heat loss barriers, you simply need window shades to prevent radiant heat gain in your windows.

Insulation is a central component of preparing your camper van for any climate.

Insulation materials should be chosen based on their R-value

R-value is calculated as R = l/λ, where l = the thickness of the material in metres and λ (lambda) is the thermal conductivity of the material in W/m.K. The R-value is normally noted as a value "per inch", which means that applying one inch thickness of the material will provide that R-value. For example, two inches will provide double the R-value.

R-value takes into account all three types of heat transfer: conduction, radiation, and convection. Conduction is the transfer of heat by direct contact, radiation is heat transfer through electromagnetic waves, and convection is heat transfer through fluid or gas movement.

When choosing insulation materials, it is also important to consider other factors such as ease of installation, health risks, fire resistance, water absorption, and cost. Some materials may have higher R-values but may be more difficult to install or may pose health or environmental risks. It is crucial to weigh these factors when making a decision.

Additionally, creating air gaps and using vapour barriers can also enhance the insulating properties of your van. Air gaps provide an additional thermal break between the insulation and the interior wall, reducing heat transfer. Vapour barriers, on the other hand, prevent moist air from reaching cold surfaces and help eliminate condensation issues. However, if the vapour barrier is not perfectly sealed, it can trap moisture, so careful consideration is needed.

Insulation should be installed in the ceiling first

Insulating your camper van is a crucial step in ensuring your comfort during travel, regardless of the season. A well-insulated van will keep you cosy in the winter and cool in the summer.

When it comes to insulating your camper van, it is generally recommended to start with the ceiling. This is because heat rises, and by insulating the ceiling first, you can create a barrier that traps heat inside the van during colder months and prevents excessive heat build-up in the summer.

• Heat Retention and Energy Efficiency: By insulating the ceiling, you can prevent heat from escaping through the roof, which is a common area of heat loss. This helps to keep the van warmer during colder months, reducing the need for excessive heating, which can conserve energy and save costs.
• Temperature Regulation: Insulating the ceiling can also help regulate the temperature during hotter months. By preventing excessive heat build-up, you can maintain a more comfortable environment inside the van, reducing the reliance on air conditioning.
• Condensation Control: Proper ceiling insulation can reduce the risk of condensation forming on the interior of the van, which can lead to mould and mildew issues.
• Sound Absorption: Ceiling insulation can also help with sound absorption, reducing road noise and creating a quieter and more comfortable environment inside the van.

By prioritising ceiling insulation, you can create a more comfortable and energy-efficient living space in your camper van, making it a pleasant place to be regardless of the outside temperature.

Once the ceiling is insulated, you can move on to insulating the walls, floor, and any other areas that require attention. Remember to use suitable insulation materials and techniques to ensure an effective and safe installation.

Vapour barriers are important to prevent condensation

Vans are designed to be work vehicles, which means they are built to be open to the elements. As such, they are not designed to be entirely moisture-free environments. The problem with condensation is that it can lead to rust, mildew, and mould. A vapour barrier is designed to stop condensation by preventing the problem of water collecting in the first place. However, this is often an impossible task as moisture can get into the van through tiny gaps and convection.

The best way to prevent condensation is to ensure adequate ventilation. The more moisture an activity creates, the more airflow is recommended. For example, when showering, it is recommended to have the roof fan venting air out on medium to high speed. When cooking, it is recommended to have the fan exhausting outwards at a medium speed.

Another way to prevent condensation is to use an insulation material that can naturally manage moderate levels of moisture. One such material is wool, which has a unique characteristic that allows it to serve as a chemical adsorption medium. Wool can absorb moisture when humidity is high and then release it when the relative humidity drops. This prevents condensation from forming in the van walls and reduces the risk of mould and mildew.

There are some misconceptions about vapour barriers. One is that a vapour barrier is necessary to keep moisture away from the van's metal walls and floor, preventing rust. In reality, the van walls are already an impermeable surface and act as their own vapour barrier. Installing a vapour barrier can create a "pocket" that traps moisture and condensation, increasing the odds of rust damage.

Another misconception is that Reflectix, a radiant heat barrier, is an effective vapour barrier when placed directly on the inside walls of a van. For Reflectix to work as a vapour barrier, it needs an air pocket. Therefore, placing it flat against the metal walls of a van is generally perceived as a waste of time and money.

Polyester wool is a good, cheap insulator

Insulation is critical to building a cosy camper van. It is important to keep the camper van warm in winters and cool in summers. Polyester wool is a good, cheap insulator for your camper van. Polyester wool is a man-made blend of polyester and polypropylene that is extremely easy to work with, flame-resistant, and does not off-gas. It is a lightweight and acoustic dampening material that is also a fantastic thermal insulator. Polyester wool is usually made from recycled bottles, so you won't be contributing to the production of new plastic. It is a good insulator for walls and ceilings as it is held up well by adhesive.

Polyester wool has good thermal conductivity, which means it does not easily allow heat energy to pass through. It has a high R-value, which means it has good thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the better the insulator. Polyester wool has an R-value of 5 for a single layer of 1 3/4"".

Polyester wool is also a good insulator for gaps, cracks, and pillars. It can be torn off into pieces and stuffed into the pillars, gaps, cracks, and other nooks and crannies. It can also be cut into the right size for cavities and temporarily held in place with tape or string.

Polyester wool is moisture-resistant and does not absorb water. It is also a good sound insulator.

Frequently asked questions