Van Insulation Advice

jims-terrano · 11-12-2019, 12:28

Hi guys, as usual the internet or Facebook has failed me as there is so much conflicting advice kicking around.
So my VW van I know the walls and roof will need insulation to keep heat in and also out in summer. So I bought a great kit from a supplier who turned out to be really supportive so I’ll carry on using them but that is a completely different problem.
So on the walls I’ve fitted some self adhesive sound deadening which has worked really well.
Next the kit came with about 1/4 inch thick closed cell foam insulation, again self adhesive and foil on the side that faces interior of the van. Now I can’t believe that is enough insulation so I bought some recycled plastic bottle insulation which is very much like fibreglass but doesn’t retain the water. Van is lovely and quiet and definitely feels warmer.
Now here’s the question, a lot of people then seal all sides and roof with either plastic sheeting or that foil bubble wrap stuff and seal around the edges with foil tape. A lot of people say yes but an equal amount say no and they all have their reasons.
So what’s peoples opinion on vapour barrier the van?

solarman216 · 11-12-2019, 12:42

Problem with a completely sealed vapor barrier on a van is you will not get it perfect, and once a bit of moisture gets in it will have devils all problem getting out, just my observations over the years, for instance on my narrow boat I fitted neatly accurately cut 25mm foil backed polyurethane to the roof and sides down to the gunwale them 100mm below that, roof and sides were covered with mach boarding, no membrane and never had a problem, there were several places where I could inspect the inside of the steel and never saw any condensation or signs of rust in the 6 years we had it, Rick

GregT · 11-12-2019, 13:06

I had a good look into this in the summer. I found this video to be the best, it's long but hs pretty good info.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6eWGp14TL4

jims-terrano · 11-12-2019, 13:08

Thanks Rick, that’s the kind of answer I wanted.

I’ll be making plywood panels and covering with the 4 way stretch carpet so I think it’ll be fine snug and dry.

Cheers

jims-terrano · 11-12-2019, 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregT

I had a good look into this in the summer. I found this video to be the best, it's long but hs pretty good info.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6eWGp14TL4

Yes that’s one of them that caused confusion but he’s a very knowledgeable bloke.
Have you seen his electrical control box in the garage of this camper, I didn’t like the 240v and 12v in the same box without separation of any kind.

11-12-2019, 12:28	#1
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	Van Insulation Advice Hi guys, as usual the internet or Facebook has failed me as there is so much conflicting advice kicking around. So my VW van I know the walls and roof will need insulation to keep heat in and also out in summer. So I bought a great kit from a supplier who turned out to be really supportive so I’ll carry on using them but that is a completely different problem. So on the walls I’ve fitted some self adhesive sound deadening which has worked really well. Next the kit came with about 1/4 inch thick closed cell foam insulation, again self adhesive and foil on the side that faces interior of the van. Now I can’t believe that is enough insulation so I bought some recycled plastic bottle insulation which is very much like fibreglass but doesn’t retain the water. Van is lovely and quiet and definitely feels warmer. Now here’s the question, a lot of people then seal all sides and roof with either plastic sheeting or that foil bubble wrap stuff and seal around the edges with foil tape. A lot of people say yes but an equal amount say no and they all have their reasons. So what’s peoples opinion on vapour barrier the van?

11-12-2019, 12:42	#2
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,323	Problem with a completely sealed vapor barrier on a van is you will not get it perfect, and once a bit of moisture gets in it will have devils all problem getting out, just my observations over the years, for instance on my narrow boat I fitted neatly accurately cut 25mm foil backed polyurethane to the roof and sides down to the gunwale them 100mm below that, roof and sides were covered with mach boarding, no membrane and never had a problem, there were several places where I could inspect the inside of the steel and never saw any condensation or signs of rust in the 6 years we had it, Rick __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

11-12-2019, 13:06	#3
GregT Member Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: East sussex Vehicle: 95 2.7TD SWB 98 2.7TI SWB Posts: 63	I had a good look into this in the summer. I found this video to be the best, it's long but hs pretty good info. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6eWGp14TL4

11-12-2019, 13:08	#4
jims-terrano Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: UK Posts: 12,965	Thanks Rick, that’s the kind of answer I wanted. I’ll be making plywood panels and covering with the 4 way stretch carpet so I think it’ll be fine snug and dry. Cheers