Drying Camper Insulation: Quick And Easy Methods

Insulation is an important consideration for any camper owner, especially if you're planning on camping in cold weather. Not only does it keep your camper cool, but it also makes your journey more energy-efficient and can even reduce noise from outside.

There are several ways to improve the insulation in your camper, from adding a skirt to prevent cold air from getting under the rig to improving window insulation.

- Use a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air.

- Put your vent fans to use by opening them and running the fans a few times a day.

- Avoid hanging wet things to dry inside the camper.

- Use electric space heaters instead of a propane furnace to reduce moisture.

- Avoid cooking on the stovetop, and consider using an Instant Pot or cooking outdoors instead.

- Cover the windows with a special window insulation film to prevent condensation.

- Keep cabinet doors open as much as possible to allow air to circulate and prevent mould growth.

Insulating windows with plastic film or curtains

Insulating your camper windows is a great way to protect yourself from extreme weather conditions. Most campers come with single-pane windows, which are not very effective at keeping the cold out or the heat in. Here are some ways you can insulate your windows with plastic film or curtains:

Plastic Film

Using plastic film on your windows is a common tactic to reduce drafts and energy waste. You can purchase a window insulation kit, which typically includes a sheet of heat-shrink plastic and double-sided tape. Cut the plastic to fit your window, attach it to the window pane with the tape, and then use a hairdryer to shrink the wrap, creating a layer of air that acts as insulation. While this method is highly effective at keeping out the cold, it may block out sunlight as well.

Curtains

Another way to insulate your windows is to hang heavy curtains in front of them. You can either purchase or make your own curtains using quilted material and a sewing machine. Curtains provide an added layer of insulation and can be opened partially to let in light and air. If you're looking for curtains that block out light, consider buying or making blackout curtains.

Installing an RV skirt

An RV skirt is a barrier that is placed around the bottom of a motorhome, fifth wheel, or trailer, acting as a buffer against extreme weather. It helps to keep cold air and wind from getting under the camper and can prevent water pipes and holding tanks from freezing. A skirt will also trap warm air that escapes from the rig's floor, keeping the inside of your camper warm and cosy.

There are a few different options for installing an RV skirt, ranging from custom-made skirts to DIY solutions. Here are the steps you can follow to install an RV skirt:

• Measure your RV: Before purchasing or making an RV skirt, carefully measure the perimeter of your RV to ensure you have the correct amount of material.
• Choose your material: RV skirts can be made from a variety of materials, including plywood, rigid foam, vinyl, or fabric. Consider the climate you will be camping in and your budget when choosing your material.
• Prepare the skirt: If you are making your own skirt, cut the material to size, following the measurements you took in step 1. If you are using a kit, such as EZ Snap RV skirting, follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparing the skirt.
• Attach the skirt: There are a few different ways to attach an RV skirt. One common method is to use a channel system that sticks to the side of your RV, with the top of the skirt sliding into the channel. Another option is to use the button and t-snap method, which is easy to install but may leave gaps. Make sure the skirt is securely attached to the ground to prevent it from flapping in the wind and causing damage.
• Secure the skirt to the ground: Use spikes, timber screws, or ground anchors to secure the skirt to the ground. If you are on concrete, asphalt, frozen soil, or very soft ground, use sandbags or other weights to hold the skirt down.
• Insulate the skirt: To increase the effectiveness of your RV skirt, consider adding insulation. You can have insulation sewn into the skirt or place foam board insulation behind the skirting under the camper.
• Maintain and clean the skirt: To care for your RV skirt, use warm water and a mild soap solution to clean it. Allow it to dry completely before storing it. Avoid using a pressure washer, as it may damage the skirt.

By following these steps, you can effectively install an RV skirt, improving the insulation of your camper and creating a more comfortable living space.

Using dehumidifiers and vent fans

Dehumidifiers and vent fans are essential for controlling moisture and condensation in your camper van. Dehumidifiers are particularly useful during the wet months, as they help to remove excess moisture from the air, preventing mould and keeping the interior of your van dry and comfortable. Here are some tips and instructions for using dehumidifiers and vent fans to dry out your camper van insulation:

• Choose the right dehumidifier: There are two main types of dehumidifiers: compressor and thermo-electric. Compressor dehumidifiers, similar to refrigerators, are powerful and ideal for use when plugged into shore power. However, they draw a lot of power and are not suitable for off-grid applications. Thermo-electric dehumidifiers, on the other hand, draw less power and are suitable for 12V operation, but they are not as powerful.
• Ventilation is key: Ensure your camper van has adequate ventilation by installing a vent fan. This will help remove moist air and replace it with fresh, dry air. Consider a Maxxfan, which has an integrated cover to prevent rain from entering even when the fan is running.
• Create a drying machine: By combining ventilation with dry heat, you can create a drying machine for your van. Vented heaters, such as Webasto or Espar, are ideal as they don't add moisture to the air like combustion heaters do. They also have a powerful fan to circulate the air, providing uniform heat throughout the van.
• Use passive intakes: In addition to the vent fan, utilise passive intakes such as windows or floor vents to allow fresh air to enter the van. Ensure the total surface area of the passive intakes is similar to the exhaust fan to maximise airflow.
• Run the vent fan regularly: It is recommended to run the vent fan regularly, even when you're not in the van, to maintain good airflow and prevent moisture buildup. This is especially important during cooking, as cooking adds moisture to the air.
• Consider a dehumidifier for parked vans: If your van is parked and has access to 120V power, consider using a dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels down, especially in cold and humid climates.
• Monitor humidity levels: Invest in a good humidity sensor to keep track of the relative humidity (RH) levels in your van. Aim to keep RH levels between 30-50% to prevent condensation and mould growth.
• Use insulated window covers: During cold weather, insulated window covers can help reduce heat loss and improve insulation. However, condensation may still form on the windows, so it's important to remove the covers before driving to allow them to dry.
• Optimise air circulation: Properly position your vent fan and passive intakes to optimise air circulation. For example, if your vent fan is located at the back of the van, cracking the driver and passenger windows can create a good airflow throughout the van.
• Use floor vents: Installing floor vents can improve air circulation by allowing fresh air to enter through the floor and exit through the roof vent. This strategy can be particularly effective in reducing moisture and condensation.
• Keep the van warm: Maintaining a warmer temperature inside the van can help prevent condensation. During cold weather, consider using a heater or insulated curtains to keep the interior warm.

Insulating exterior compartments

• Seal all exterior compartments: Just as you would seal windows and doors, you can do the same for exterior compartments. Re-apply caulking around the compartments and seal them with new weather stripping.
• Use rigid foam insulation: Cut rigid foam sheets to fit the dimensions of the exterior compartments. Place the foam sheets against the ceiling and walls of the compartments to prevent cold air from entering your camper.
• Consider the climate: If your camper will be in rainy or humid climates, you may want to choose an insulation type that is more resistant to moisture damage, such as rigid foam or spray foam insulation.
• Combine insulation methods: For maximum effectiveness, combine different insulation methods. For example, you can seal the compartments with weather stripping and also place rigid foam insulation inside.
• Seek professional help: If you are unsure about the best way to insulate exterior compartments, consider consulting a professional or seeking advice from experienced campers.

Using foam board insulation

Foam board insulation is an incredibly popular form of camper van insulation due to its efficacy. It is a rigid panel of insulation that is made of either polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or polyurethane. There are three types of foam board insulation: extruded polystyrene (XPS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and polyisocyanurate (PIR).

Advantages of Using Foam Board Insulation

• Foam board is an excellent insulator, with some of the highest R-values (a measure of a material's resistance to heat transfer).
• It has good resistance to mould.
• It is a rigid surface that is excellent at preventing air leaks.
• It is frequently lined with a reflective foil, which lowers its emissivity value (e-value) and reduces moisture uptake.
• It is lightweight and easy to install.
• It is affordable.

Disadvantages of Using Foam Board Insulation

• XPS and EPS foam boards are an environmental disaster due to their hydrofluorocarbon content. PIR is a much better option in this regard.
• Foam board can be more expensive than other types of insulation.

Tips for Using Foam Board Insulation in a Camper Van

• Use foam board for most of the big exposed areas in your van, such as the floor, roof, and walls.
• PIR foam board is the best type of foam board insulation, with a very high R-value, fire resistance, and environmental friendliness.
• Stick the board insulation to a surface using insulation stick pins or double-sided sticky tape.
• If there are gaps where foam board can't go, fill these with batt insulation or spray foam.
• If you are using softer insulation like Thinsulate or plastic wool, you can use a reflective material like Reflectix as a base layer to reduce radiative heat transfer.
• If you are insulating a van floor, lay strips of Reflectix on the floor first to lower the e-value and trap air between the floor and the foam.
• If you are insulating a van roof, stick strips of Reflectix to the troughs in the roof to lower the e-value and create a small air insulator.

Frequently asked questions