Little Lifeboat

After several builds, this is the first time I’m using Thinsulate. Previously, I used Rock Wool, Fiberglass in my first build (yuck), and XPS foam. I had a decent experience with XPS and Rock Wool, however, Rock Wool is itchy and I bet the loose fibers in the air isn’t too kind to your lungs, especially in an environment exposed to vibration – like a vehicle.

It’s a pleasure to work with! Not itchy and I’m sure I could likely eat it without adverse affects (although I don’t recommend doing such).

70 linear feet was just perfect for all doors, ceiling (including under front headliner), walls (including cubbies) and doubling up on the sides (window cutouts).

The above image is from https://faroutride.com/ez-cool-installation/ where it explains that thermal bridging is a factor in vans.

Long story short, just as when you put your hand on the metal inside of a vehicle on a hot day, the surface can be very warm to boiling hot. Since I plan on using ACM (Aluminum Composite Material (ACM) Panel) for my ceiling and walls for toughness, I need some sort of thermal break so the walls and ceiling do not become radiators to either the heat, or cool of the outside, especially as I’m playing on hard mode and have a dark painted van.

I plan on adhering it to the back of each wall/ceiling panel so it comes off cleanly for maintenance, and for access to wiring without having to adhere it to the van itself. The ACM paneling connects using plastic push pins to existing holes in the van.

This should provide a few benefits. R10 on the sides, which is nice as it’ll be surrounding the bed (and increased noise dampening for sleep and privacy, as Thinsulate is a noise dampening material), R5 of the roof, a radiant barrier all around the ceiling and walls (which will naturally have an air gap in certain areas), and a thermal break. Attaching to the panels should leave minor air gaps for breathability as well, vs encasing the walls/ceiling with the material as you don’t want to seal your insulation in due to condensation, etc for mold reasons.

Overall, this should be a good setup, it would be optimal if my van was white. Reflective/heat insulating window covers are also a 20-30% improvement as the greenhouse effect of the cab on heating is significant.

I will need to figure out some sort of air vent/air mover for cooking, etc – I have not yet and plan on having no windows as of now. I may add them later, but will seek double insulated ones as they are worth it.

Floor insulation is very nice in Winter, I highly recommend it.