If you want to get the most out of your campervan all year round, good insulation is an important factor. If your van insulation is not up to the job, it will probably get too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter.
This blog explains how to insulate a campervan and which materials you will need to get the job done.
1. Prepare your campervan
When you are converting a van into a camper, installing the insulation is one of the first jobs you should tackle. If you want to insulate a campervan from scratch, or are upgrading existing insulation, there are a number of materials you will need and a number of jobs you will need to perform.
Before you can lay any insulation skins you’ll need to remove fixtures, fittings and any existing floor, wall and ceiling panels. It’s also a good idea to remove any insulation that’s already in place.
2. Apply sound-absorbing film
Sound-absorbing film is the first “skin” you apply to the van and it will provide insulation from noises such as the pitter patter of rain and the drone of traffic.
The film comes in large rolls, a bit like thick aluminium foil, and can be easily cut to size. It needs to be fitted into all panels, and can be secured with adhesive or strong tape.
3. Lay thermal insulation boards
Next, lay down thermal insulation boards. These can be cut to size to fit the van wall, roof and floor cavities.
4. Fill awkward areas with wool or fibreglass
Rolls of wool or fibreglass can be used to tamp into wall, roof and floor panels that are harder to access. Nowadays, there are a number of recycled alternatives you can choose from too.
5. Apply a condensation barrier
When you insulate a campervan you will need a condensation barrier to prevent damp from condensation. Damp can damage insulation and other fixtures and fittings inside your van.
The barrier is a little like bubble wrap but it’s made from silver foil. Again, it’s easy to cut to size and can be glued in place on top of your insulating boards.
The panels should then be replaced and they will help secure your insulation skins in place. You can then begin to replace fixtures and fittings you had removed.
6. Check draughty doors and windows
Single-glazed doors and windows or cracks in window sealant can let draughts in, so now would be a good time to upgrade them to double-glazed units. The double-glazed windows and doors will reduce noise and be a great investment when sleeping in the great outdoors.
7. Lay a carpet and invest in thermal curtains
A deep carpet and good thermal curtains will have a significant impact on the temperature inside your campervan. Thermal curtains usually have a layer of acrylic foam woven between fabric layers which will help insutale a campervan. They will also help insulate against noise and light.
8. Partition the bulkhead
Finally, if you don’t already have one, build a bulkhead dividing wall to separate the driving cab from the living space in your camper. This will not only improve the insulation in your living area but it will probably also make your van more secure.
You can fit the wall by first screwing a baton frame to the van’s walls, ceiling and floor and then screwing thermal insulation boards to the frame.
You should use two boards sandwiching the sound absorbing film and condensation barrier between them for a really snug fit.
Get a Sterling campervan insurance quote
Once the inside of your campervan is fully protected against the elements, make sure it’s fully protected from other mishaps too.
That’s where the campervan experts at Sterling insurance can help. They have bespoke campervan insurance policies to match your precise need, with premiums starting at just £165 a year. Call 0344 381 9990 for a quote today.
