One of the major differences between living in an apartment and in a van is the ability to control temperature.

A van is more exposed and vulnerable to cold and heat. Insulation and temperature control should be one of your biggest concerns during conversion as it will affect how comfortable your stay in the van will be.

You have to know how to prepare your van for different climatic conditions.

Understanding Insulation and Ventilation

Simply put, insulation prevents or slows down the transmission of heat and sound, either from outside or from inside, while ventilation refers to the circulation of air within the van. 

• A well-insulated van stays warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. 
• A well-ventilated van is fresh and free of humidity and odors. Proper ventilation also prevents growth of mold and fungus and eliminates smells, pollutants, and carbon dioxide from the living space.

Effective insulation starts with understanding how heat is transmitted in to and out of the van. There are three main ways heat is transferred. 

Proper insulation slows down the rate at which the heat/cold from the outside affects the temperature inside the van. Both the sides of the van and the windows should be properly insulated. The type of insulation you need will depend on the intended location, season, intended use, and preferred thermal performance.

Which Type of Insulation Best Fits Your Van?

There is no one answer to this question. However, from an engineering perspective, the principle of insulation works across all van types. You only need to understand how insulation works so that you can customize to your preferences.

Introduction to Basic Insulation Terms

Insulation is sometimes a challenging part of van conversion, especially for beginners. There are endless vital considerations, from choosing the right materials to installing them correctly. Here are some terms you need to be familiar with.

There are several other considerations when picking up the right material for van insulation, such as the recommended use, ease of installation, the costs, and personal preference. 

All of which can be easily decided based on your specific situation. 

Insulating for Different Climates 

When insulating the van for hot weather, the primary concern is to block as much heat as possible from getting inside. It is incredibly easy to insulate for hot weather compared to cold weather. In most cases, you do not want to install insulation if you will be in a primarily hot area. Additionally, proper ventilation is essential to keep the van comfortably cool with fresh air.

When insulating for cold weather, it is important to use the right amount and type of insulation, focusing on good thermal performance. We’ll look at the types of insulation materials that are perfect for cold weather. We’ll also look at some of the essential procedures.

Alternatively, you can employ a professional to help you insulate the van if you are not sure you can do it well.

Materials Used for Campervan Insulation

Given the options of insulation materials with differing properties and costs, you can insulate your van with several different materials. You can insulate large flat areas with rigid panels and use quilt-type or foam material for other hard to reach areas. Research the pros and cons of the materials you use. You don’t want to use any material that will fall apart at the first bump.

What about Vapor Barriers?

A vapor barrier is usually a thin plastic sheet used on top of all insulation materials to keep moisture (from the van’s living space) from settling on the van’s metal walls and insulation material. This helps prevent growth of mold and mildew in the insulation and rust on the van’s surface. Some people find the use of vapor barriers unnecessary, especially if using an impermeable material such as spray foam.