Are you feeling a bit lost while choosing the right camper van insulation? It can happen to anyone as there are so many choices available. Insulation materials like wool, spray foam or pink stuff showcase different type of features and suit different van designs. But, you don’t need to be confused; we’re here to help you out.
Choosing the proper insulation is absolutely important when planning a van conversion. Insulation keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer, reduces noise, and prevents moisture build-up.
This guide will help you understand the best insulation options for your campervan. We will compare different materials, explain their pros and cons, and give you professional tips. Ultimately, you will know how to choose the best insulation for your camper van.
What Is Insulation?
Insulation prevents heat from spreading. So, simply put, van insulation helps keep your camper van cozy. It stops heat from getting in or out, keeping your van body cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Insulation makes your camper a nice place to live in all kinds of weather.
Proper insulation can fix several problems.
- There are temperature issues in the summer and winter. Proper van insulation can fix this discomfort quickly.
- Due to temperature issues, you have high bills for hitting and cooling the body of the van.
- The van surface is cold in the winter, but it feels pretty warm in the summer.
Is it Worth Insulating a Campervan?
Of course! It is worth insulating a campervan, as it helps you stay comfortable during the journey on the road. Proper insulation keeps your interior temperature stable and noise-free. Also, the higher the temperature, the more insulation is beneficial.
Think about a hot summer day; the temperature is high enough to make you feel exhausted in the van. Proper insulation can reduce this temperature and give you a comfortable environment inside the Van.
Explore the Different Types of Camper van Insulation
There are different types of insulation. Let’s explore to find out which are popular and which ones are suitable for you based on insulation performance.
1. Havelock Wool
Havelock Wool is an eco-friendly insulation material made from sheep’s wool. It controls moisture, provides good thermal and acoustic insulation, and is non-toxic. These features make it a sustainable and safe option for the best van insulation.
Cost to Insulate a Van with Havelock Wool
Havelock Wool is a bit more expensive. It might cost between $500 and $1,000 to insulate a van with this material. However, wool insulation is popular among users for its convenience.
Pros of Havelock Wool
- Eco-friendly and more convenient
- Keeps your van dry because it can hold moisture
- Helps your van keep quiet and calm by reducing noise
- Non-toxic and safe
- Fits without much effort as it is easy to handle
Cons of Havelock Wool
- A bit expensive as a typical insulation material
- Less insulative than synthetic materials
How to Install Havelock Wool
- First, measure your van spaces to insulate.
- Cut the wool properly to fit those spaces and also the wall of the van.
- Tuck the wool into the gaps between the van’s framing so that it holds it in place of the van.
- Use mash or adhesive to hold the wool in one place. This helps wool from moving.
2. 3M Thinsulate
3M Thinsulate insulation is a lightweight, synthetic material. It retains heat effectively while being thin. It is also easy to install on the side of your van. This insulation provides comfort and warmth without adding bulk to your camper van.
Cost to Insulate a Van with 3M Thinsulate
3M Thinsulate costs a medium-sized van about $500 to $750. The cost will be higher if you double up for better insulation.
Pros of 3M Thinsulate
- Thin and lightweight and only takes up a little space
- Safe to use as it is not allergenic
- Excellent as a sound barrier
Cons of 3M Thinsulate
- More complicated to install in small spaces compared to wool
- Doesn’t control moisture.
How to Install 3M Thinsulate
- First of all, measure your van’s walls, ceiling, and floor to know the exact size.
- Cut the Thinsulate to fit these areas properly.
- Apply spray to both the van surface and the Thinsulate.
- Press the Thinsulate into place.
3. Spray Foam
Spray foam is a type of insulation that expands to fill gaps and cracks when applied. It offers excellent thermal resistance and prevents moisture buildup in the van interior. It is ideal for creating a seamless, airtight barrier in your camper van insulation process.
Cost to Insulate a Van with Spray Foam
Spray foam is one of the expensive options, ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 or more. Also, keep in mind that professional installation can increase the cost.
Pros of Spray Foam
- High R-value indicating excellent insulation capacity
- Prevents moisture buildup in your van
- Fills all gaps and cracks for proper insulation
Cons of Spray Foam
- Messy and complicated to install by yourself- requires professional help
- Contains chemicals that might be harmful during installation
- Hard to remove or change once applied
How to Install Spray Foam
- Clean and dry all surfaces of your van.
- Use a spray foam kit to apply the foam evenly.
- Wear protective gear and make sure the area is well-ventilated.
- Trim any excess foam once it cures.
4. Foam Board
Foam board is a rigid insulation material made from polystyrene or polyurethane. It provides good thermal resistance and is lightweight. It’s easy to cut and install, making it ideal for large, flat surfaces.
Cost to Insulate a Van with Spray Foam
Foam board is one of the most affordable options compared to spray foam. For a medium van, the prize might cost $200 to $600.
Pros of Foam Board
- More cost-friendly than spray foam
- Good R-value for thermal resistance
- Easy to install in large spaces
Cons of Foam Board
- Hard to install in tiny spaces
- Requires sealing the gaps between boards
- Doesn’t control moisture well if not installed correctly
How to Install Foam Board
- Measure the area and cut the foam for installing the insulation.
- Place the foam board inside your van against the van walls, ceiling, and floor.
- Seal the joints between boards with insulation tape or foam spray.
5. The Pink Stuff (Fiberglass Insulation)
The Pink Stuff (Fiberglass Insulation) is made from spun glass fibers. It traps air, which helps keep your van warm or cool. It’s a popular and affordable way to insulate your van.
Cost to Insulate a Van with The Pink Stuff
Fiberglass insulation is one of the cheapest options. A medium-sized van insulation using this material might cost you between $200 and $500.
Pros of Pink Stuff
- The cheapest of all options
- Convenient to use in your van surface area
- Has a good R-value for effective insulation
Cons of Pink Stuff
- May irritate the skin and lungs
- Less fire-resistant than other options
How to Install the Pink Stuff
- To avoid irritation, wear a mask and gloves.
- Measure the space so that you can fit your van size.
- Fit the insulation according to the framing.
Proper insulation is essential for staying comfortable in any weather. We discussed many options, but which one is the right one for you? To determine that, we are going to explore some considerations for better decision-making.
What Should I Consider Before Choosing the Right Camper van Insulation?
It is super important to choose the proper insulation according to your weather and your needs. Proper insulation can give you comfort and sustainability. Here are some things you should keep in mind when buying insulation.
1. Stay Dry
Pick smooth insulation for your van because wet insulation causes mold. You should choose materials like wool or Thinsulate, which control moisture and don’t hold water. This will keep your van dry, so you will stay healthy.
2. Warmth (R-Value)
R-value shows how well insulation keeps heat in. A higher R-value means it will keep you warm. Think about your travel plans. For staying comfortable, pick high R-value insulation. It will keep you comfortable and cozy in every weather.
3. Easy to Install
Choose insulation that is easy to install. Some materials, like wool and Thinsulate, are flexible and easy to use and also fit nicely into small spaces.
4. Space and Weight of Insulation
Consider the space and weight. Thick insulation takes up space. Pick something thin and lightweight that fits well and keeps your van light.
5. Eco-Friendly and Safe
Choose eco-friendly and safe insulation. Natural materials like wool are suitable for the planet. Thinsulate is also secure and doesn’t cause allergies. Avoid insulation that can irritate your skin or release toxic fumes.
6. Cost
Think about your budget. Wool and insulation might cost more, but they last long and work well. Cheaper options like fiberglass may not perform as well and might need replacing sooner. It also costs more in the long run.
7. Durability
You need insulation that lasts. Foam boards and spray foam usually stay in place. Wool and Thinsulate also last long and don’t break down quickly, even with lots of movement.
8. Noise Reduction
Some insulation blocks outside noise. Wool and Thinsulate are remarkable choices for such a requirement. This will make your van comfortable, which is helpful if you plan to sleep in noisy areas.
9. Easy to Fix
Choose insulation that you can fix quickly. Foam boards and Thinsulate are easy to remove and replace. On the other hand, spray adhesive foam is harder to fix once applied because it sticks firmly and is difficult to remove. Don’t forget to gain proper knowledge of insulation methods from the experts.
Conclusion
In the end, your needs, budget, and weather determine which insulation is best for you. However, choosing the best insulation for your campervan build is important. Use a mix of materials for the best results. For the van floor insulation, use rigid foam boards. For the walls and roof, use Havelock Wool or 3M Thinsulate. Remember to insulate doors, windows, and the rest of the Van, too.
If you are looking for professional help, Highland Vans can help you with all your needs. Trust us for expert advice and incredible van transformation services!
