Building Ground Insulation For Your Camper: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to build ground insulation for camper

Building ground insulation for your camper van is essential to keep the warmth in and the cold out. There are various methods and materials you can use to insulate your van, such as foam board, fiberglass, spray foam, and reflective bubble wrap. The process involves several steps, including removing the existing floor, applying sound deadeners, installing insulation, and creating air gaps to maximise thermal efficiency. It is also important to consider the R-value, or thermal resistance, of the insulation material, as well as the environmental impact and health risks associated with different options. Proper insulation can make a significant difference in the interior temperature of your camper van, allowing you to enjoy year-round camping adventures.

Characteristics Values
Materials Reflectix metallic bubble wrap, fiberglass insulation, foam boards, spray foam, denim, wool, sheep's wool, spray glue, tuck tape, vapor barrier, foil tape, gorilla tape, R-Tech InsulFoam, 3M90 Hi-Strength Adhesive Spray, 3M77 Super Adhesive Spray, Great Stuff Gaps and Cracks foam spray, Low-E Reflective Foam, wood screws, foil AC tape, heavy-duty caulking gun, etc.
Tools Goggles, gloves, masks, screwdrivers, allen keys, utility knife, chalk line, handsaw, circular saw, etc.
Techniques Cover windows with shrink or bubble wrap, check caulking and weather stripping, use insulated or solar curtains, use thermal curtains, use door snakes, seal baggage doors and storage compartments with weather stripping, insulate the back of cabinets and closets, use vent covers, use insulated tarps, use rugs, use slippers, insulate water and septic pipes, etc.

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Insulating the floor

Step 1: Prepare the Van

Before beginning the insulation process, it's important to clear out the van and remove any existing fixtures and flooring. This will give you a blank canvas to work with and ensure that you have access to all the areas that need to be insulated.

Step 2: Choose the Right Insulation Material

There are several insulation materials available, and your choice will depend on your budget, the ease of installation, and the level of warmth desired. Common options include:

  • Foam boards: These are affordable and effective, with different types available such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and polyisocyanurate (polyiso).
  • Fiberglass insulation: This is a traditional option commonly used in houses, but it may not be ideal for vans due to its particulate nature and propensity to trap moisture and mould.
  • Non-particulate/non-toxic batting: Options include mineral/rock wool, sheep's wool, and denim. These are more expensive and may have lower R-values, but they are safer and more sustainable choices.
  • Spray foam: Closed-cell polyurethane spray foam is useful for filling in gaps and cracks, but it can be messy and expensive to insulate the entire van.
  • Reflective bubble wrap (e.g., Reflectix): This is effective as a radiant heat barrier for windows and small gaps but should not be the sole form of insulation.

Step 3: Install a Sound Deadener (Optional)

Before insulating the floor, you may want to consider applying a sound deadener product like Killmat or Noico directly to the metal surface of your van. This will help reduce vibrations and noise, especially if you plan to drive on rough terrain.

Step 4: Insulate the Floor

  • Choose an insulation material suitable for your floor, such as foam boards or reflective bubble wrap.
  • Measure and cut the insulation material to fit the floor of your van.
  • Use an adhesive spray, such as 3M90 Hi-Strength Adhesive Spray, to attach the insulation material to the floor. Alternatively, you can use double-sided tape or glue.
  • Weight the insulation down while the adhesive dries, and then install a subfloor over it, such as plywood.
  • If desired, you can add an extra layer of insulation, such as XPS foam board, for added warmth.

Step 5: Insulate the Wheel Wells

Insulating the wheel wells can help reduce drive noise. Use reflective bubble wrap or a similar material, and consider adding an extra base layer of thin foam packing sheets for better sound absorption.

Step 6: Finish and Seal

Once you've insulated the floor and wheel wells, you can finish the process by sealing any gaps with spray foam or caulk. Ensure that all insulation is secure and won't shift during transit.

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Insulating the walls

Step 1: Sound Deadening

Begin by applying a sound deadening product, such as Killmat or Noico, to the sheet metal of your van. This will reduce vibration and noise. Cover 25% of each panel, including the floor and wheel wells, as these are significant sources of noise. Cut the product to size, peel the back, and stick it onto the sheet metal.

Step 2: Insulation

For the next step, you will need Thinsulate SM600L (Automotive) and 3M 90 Spray Adhesive. Apply Thinsulate to the skin of the van over the sound deadener. Spray both the wall and the white side of the Thinsulate with adhesive, wait 10 seconds, and then stick the Thinsulate to the wall. Cover every inch of the visible walls, including the door, ribs, and crevices. You can also stuff Thinsulate into the headliner over the cab. Avoid installing Thinsulate on the floor.

Step 3: Floor Installation

Now, it's time to install the subfloor. Cut three-quarter-inch plywood into three-inch-wide furring strips. Attach these strips to the floor using marine sealant, placing them in a grid pattern with each strip about 16 inches apart vertically and horizontally. Cut three-quarter-inch thick EPS foam board squares to fit the empty spaces between the furring strips. Place the EPS foam squares with the foil side facing up and tape them using foil tape. Finally, cut a template for your floor onto three-quarter-inch plywood and screw your subfloor into the furring strips with wood screws.

Step 4: Furring Strips

Install half-inch furring strips (half-inch plywood cut into three-inch-wide strips) on all the ribs of the van using Rivnuts or Plusnuts. Don't tighten them fully yet, as you will need to remove them temporarily in the next step. Furring strips are essential because they provide something to screw your walls and ceiling into, reducing metal-on-metal squeaking and creating a thermal break. They also create an air gap, providing an additional layer of insulation.

Step 5: Radiant Barrier

Use Low-E reflective foam, which is similar to Reflectix but of superior quality. Cut pieces of Low-E to cover the ceiling, passenger wall, driver's side wall, doors, and headliner over the cab. Attach the Low-E piece for the ceiling using magnets to hold it in place, then mark out and reattach the furring strips to permanently hold the Low-E in place. Repeat this process for the driver's and passenger side walls, taping the seams with foil tape. Ensure you make small holes to pull your wires through, keeping them as tight as possible. You should now have a seamless Low-E "shell" inside the van, with an air gap between the Thinsulate and Low-E.

Step 6: Wall and Ceiling Installation

Finally, install your plywood walls and ceiling by screwing them into the furring strips with wood screws. The space created by the furring strips between the Low-E and plywood walls provides a second air gap, further reducing heat transfer into your van.

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Insulating the windows

Replacing the windows with double or triple-pane glass could be a solution, but this option can be expensive and the extra panes might not withstand the vibrations of the road.

There are several ways to improve the insulation of your windows without replacing them:

  • Cover the glass with shrink wrap or bubble wrap, which can be attached with Velcro or double-sided tape. This will reduce drafts while still allowing light to enter.
  • Check the caulking and weather stripping around your windows, and replace any damaged sections.
  • Change your window dressings for insulated or solar curtains. Attaching the curtains to the walls with Velcro will also help to keep the cold out.
  • Use reflective window covers.
  • If your windows have curtains, attach them to the walls with Velcro.

In addition to window insulation, you can also insulate the walls of your camper van using foam boards or spray foam. This will create a barrier that slows down heat transfer, keeping your van warmer in cold weather and cooler in hot weather.

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Insulating the roof

Firstly, it is important to gather the necessary materials and tools. For this project, you will need materials such as foam board insulation, wooden furring strips, plywood, reflective bubble wrap or foil, insulation stick pins or double-sided sticky tape, and a vapour barrier. Basic tools like a screwdriver, drill, saw, and safety gear will also be required.

Now, let's get started with the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Install Wooden Support Beams

Begin by installing wooden support beams along the roof of your camper van. Ensure that the depth of the timber beams matches the thickness of your chosen foam board insulation. Securely bolt these wooden beams to the metal structural support beams that run along the length of the van.

Step 2: Prepare the Roof Surface

If your camper van's roof has ridges and troughs, you can utilise these air gaps by lining them with reflective bubble wrap or foil. This will help to lower the emissivity value and create a small insulating air gap. Secure the reflective material with foil tape, ensuring a complete seal.

Step 3: Install Foam Board Insulation

This is the primary insulation layer for your roof. Cut the foam board insulation to size, ensuring it fits snugly between the wooden support beams. You can attach the foam boards to the roof using either insulation stick pins or double-sided sticky tape. This step will depend on your preferred method and the specific type of foam board you choose.

Step 4: Fill Gaps and Seal

After installing the foam board, pay close attention to any remaining gaps or holes. Fill these spaces with an insulating material such as spray foam or batt insulation. Seal any seams or joints with foil tape to ensure an airtight barrier.

Step 5: Add a Vapour Barrier (Optional)

While this step is optional, adding a vapour barrier can provide an additional layer of protection against moisture. If you decide to include this, cut pieces of reflective bubble wrap or foil to size and stick them to the roof with foil tape. Ensure that all gaps are covered, creating an airtight seal.

Step 6: Install Plywood Ceiling (Optional)

If desired, you can finish the interior of your camper van's roof by installing a plywood ceiling. Cut the plywood to size and screw it into the wooden support beams. This will provide a neat and tidy finish to your roof insulation.

Remember to always work safely and wear the appropriate protective gear when undertaking any insulation project. By following these steps, you will effectively insulate the roof of your camper van, making it more comfortable and efficient during your travels.

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Insulating the underside

  • Identify the cold spots in your camper. Check for areas where cold air can enter, such as holes or gaps. Pay close attention to the floor, as heat rises, and the underside of your camper will have a significant impact on the overall temperature.
  • Choose the right insulation material. Consider using materials with a high R-value, which measures thermal resistance. Fiberglass insulation is commonly used in campers and RVs due to its effectiveness in maintaining consistent temperatures. Other options include spray foam, foam board, and reflective insulation.
  • Install the insulation. This process will depend on the type of insulation you choose. For example, if you use fiberglass insulation, you may need to frame your camper's walls to secure the insulation. If you use foam board, cut it to fit the dimensions of your camper's underside and secure it in place.
  • Consider skirting your camper. Skirting involves attaching material around the bottom of your camper to form a "skirt." This creates an additional barrier against heat loss and can be customised or purchased ready-made. Ensure any gaps or holes are covered to maximise the effectiveness of the skirting.
  • Insulate water and septic pipes. Don't forget to protect your pipes from freezing temperatures. You can do this by wrapping them with heat tape and foam insulation or using a heated hose.
  • Maintain adequate ventilation. While insulating your camper, it's crucial to ensure proper airflow to prevent condensation and mould growth. Install vents and consider using a dehumidifier to keep moisture levels down.
  • Be mindful of safety. Always follow safety precautions when working with insulation materials. Wear protective gear, including gloves, masks, and goggles, to safeguard against potential health hazards associated with certain insulation products.
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Frequently asked questions

You will need insulation material with a high R-value, such as fiberglass, foam board, or spray foam. Additionally, you will need tools like a screwdriver, gloves, masks, and tape.

The first step is to remove everything inside the van, including the existing floor, to prepare the surface for insulation.

Spray foam is a cost-effective and simple solution to insulate the ground of your camper. It can be used to plug any leaks in your walls where pipes and wires have been cut.

One alternative method is to use outdoor rugs or carpets, which can add warmth while being thin, soft, durable, and suitable for both indoors and outdoors.

It is important to consider the health and safety implications of the materials you use. For example, fiberglass can be dangerous if it becomes airborne, and spray foam can be a health hazard during installation. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation and consider using a dehumidifier to prevent moisture buildup.

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