Insulation

• 3M Thinsulate SM600L insulation

  • I used 60" x 50'

• Installed using 3M 90 spray adhesive

  • I used four cans of adhesive (14.6 oz each)

• R-value of 5

• Provides acoustic sound dampening

• Non-toxic and safe to handle

• Hydrophobic material that resists mold and moisture

• Lightweight

• Easy to cut and install

• Spray adhesive on both the van surface and insulation

• Let the adhesive sit for a few minutes on both the van and insulation until it becomes tacky before pressing it into place

• The material can be cut with scissors, though it may dull them during the install

• Remember to add insulation inside the van ribs and behind door panels

• Aim for full coverage to help reduce thermal bridging

• Wear a mask and safety glasses when spraying adhesive to protect from fumes

• Do not compress the insulation, as it reduces its R-value and effectiveness

• The effectiveness of van insulation depends on several factors, including, the number of windows and openings cut into the van body, whether the cab is separated from the living space, gaps or thermal bridges where metal remains exposed, air leaks around doors, windows, and roof components to name a few

Spray Foam

• High R-value insulation that expands to fill cavities

• Can be messy and more expensive

• Blocks factory drain holes and can make it more challenging to run wires effectively unless done beforehand and covered

Havelock Wool

• Natural wool insulation with good thermal performance

• Requires a larger quantity of material to achieve similar R-values

• In some cases may attract insects

Rigid Foam Boards

• Good R-value

• More difficult to install on curved van walls and ceilings

• Often used in combination with spray foam or other insulation methods

Reflectix (Radiant Barrier)

• Often marketed for van insulation but primarily reflects radiant heat rather than providing strong insulation

• Works best when installed with an air gap

• Commonly used for window covers rather than full van insulation

• Don’t use for van insulation purposes, only window covers

My van isn’t well insulated, largely because of all the windows and no wall to separate the cab and cargo space. If I built another van, I would still choose 3M Thinsulate, but I would install two layers and use larger sections instead of a single piece for each panel section.

Overall, Thinsulate provides the best balance of insulation performance, ease of installation, weight, and moisture resistance for van builds.