Insulation and Lining

Insulating and lining your campervan is one of the most important steps to making it a comfortable environment to live and sleep.

  1. I’m saving up for my conversion and hope to keep my total budget at $25000 Canadian. For the insulation so far I’m thinking of using Polyisocyanurate insulated sheeting at 1.5 inches thick. I would use wool ideally since it can be dirt cheap and works really well but Unfortunetly I have a severe allergy.

    Reply

  2. Hello All
    I am looking to convert my 2006 Fait Doblo High Roof.
    Can any steer me in the right direction for someone to insulate and ling it for me . I am in London.
    Kim

    Reply

    1. Hello Kim ,I’m also looking for somebody to insulate and line a panel van .have you had any response ?

      Reply

  3. Sheep’s Wool insulation combo
    Good afternoon all and thank you again to everyone for their knowledge and helpful feed back.

    I’ve recently acquired a Dodge 3500 Extended Van and plan to turn it into a camper van for hopes of traveling the US (and maybe a little of Canada and Alaska to see friends.

    Insulation information so much and no I’m worried about anything I do…
    *Vapor Impermeable insulations (using vapor retarders) seem potentially act against you if your climate reverse against you.
    *Spray Foam – “seems” to have the best affects, but also sounds notorious for trapping any moisture/water if any gets in it, causing rust. I also am not a fan of stuff I can’t adjust later (especially since I’ve never done anything like this before.)

    I’ve been scouring the methods of insulating, types of material, how to layer according to different climates, and why you should be cautioned against certain housing insulations (AKA fiberglass, mineral/rock wool, and cellulose).

    I THINK I finally found one combo I’d like to settle on, even though it doesn’t seem too popular. Sheep’s wool + air/radiant/water barriers (not the same as vapor barriers), to shoot for a breathable (vapor friendly) insulation instead of an impermeable method (Reflectix comes in here often) that seems to be more of the norm.

    I’ll emphasize that I have virtually no knowledge of working with any of these materials so please let me know if I’m missing something crucial! I don’t want to kill me van 
    My Idea: (Layers from Van’s sheet metal to inner living wall)
    Van Sheet Metal>(Waxoyl coating)>Air/Water Barrier>sheep’s wool>Radiant/water barrier>inner wood walling

    I have material ideas but my post is already so long, sorry!

    Reply

    1. Mark Skarzynski June 19, 2018 at 5:43 pm

      Hey, I have the exact same van!
      2017. Am researching and doing the same thing?
      What did you end up going with for insulation?
      Mind if I pick your brain a bit?

      mark

      Reply

  4. Gregory G.Fawkes June 11, 2013 at 11:14 pm

    Conversion Van
    Where can I per chase ,these sink,stove,and Refrigerator units,in these pictures.Thank you Greg.
    [email protected]

    Reply

  5. Spray foam insulation
    Hello there,

    I am just beginning to consider my own conversion (of a ford transit minibus) and i was considering using a spray foam insulation. I believe that you can get fire proof foam and that the cost of the foam can be fairly reasonable too. Also it would negate the possibility of damp/condensation in the van, so lots of positives!!

    However i haven’t been able to find a huge amount of infpormation on this for campervan. Does anyone have any insights into the feasibility of this? And how much it might cost??

    Thanks,

    Richie

    Reply

  6. insulation for campervan-best cheap/used materials?
    Hello to all!

    I am currently in the process of buying and building my van. which will be my home for this coming winter travels. some of which i will travel northern europe, to see the northern lights for the first time! so I’m planing the building process because my budget and time are short.
    most likely will get a Mercedes, 310d being my favorite truck with a box (separate from the driving cabin). its square and big 2X2X4 meters. I’m looking for the best insulation. i plan on having a wood burning oven in it, 1-2 medium side windows.

    so if you have any idea, creative and un usual as can be, pleas let me know (: !!! any help is very welcome and appreciated..
    i thought of using raw natural wool (which is cheap here, in slovakia)/or may be used cardboard? behind a fire proof aluminum sheet and covering it all with thin wood sheets-for esthetics.

    would love to hear feedback and ideas!!!
    thank you for this wonderful site! iv learned so much!!

    all the best to all
    oren

    Reply

    1. insulation
      id use the wool,it works for the sheep after all,if its readily available to you,and cheap go for that.its also easier to work than cardboard,being easier to stuff into gaps etc.

      Reply

  7. Gas Regulations
    Can anyone point me in the direction in where to find the legislation for gas fitting in campers ?

    Many thanks

    Neil

    Reply

    1. You can find the important
      You can find the important parts of the regulations here:

      https://www.campervanlife.com/campervans/gas-bottles

      Reply

  8. mercedes vario
    hi all im thinking about converting a vario 7.5 ton van into a motorhome which will be fun ! But i need to tow a tralior that is rated at 3.5 ton. i have a normal drving licens which iv had for 30 years, would i be leagal. Sam

    Reply

    1. Hi Sam
      According to the

      Hi Sam

      According to the government website you need a CPC qualification to tow a trailer of more than 3.5 tons.

      http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547

      Reply

  9. lining – plans
    Hi
    do you know of anywhere you can get templates to line inside of van including wheels for T4 VW and advice on how to glue carpet onto them. Also template for wall shaping when making cupboards to fit? and suggestions where proffesional converters get there materials to make cupboards, edging, catches etc

    thanks brilliant site

    Reply

    1. Hi Jack
      I’m not sure where

      Hi Jack

      I’m not sure where you can find templates.
      On this VW forum they talk about it, but no one seems to have the,
      https://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=t4+lining+templates#hl=en&q=+site:vwt4forum.co.uk+t4+lining+templates&sa=X&ei=JFZnT–NIMqQ0AWLuo2TCA&ved=0CEsQrQIwAA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.,cf.osb&fp=ed3a1cc0755514de&biw=1081&bih=963

      once you get started it’s fairly easy to shape the plywood to the shape you need. Messure a rectangle of the height and width, then cut out the features, such as the wheel arch, or the curve near the top at the rear. You can use cardboard to make small templates to draw around.

      If you van has old ply-lining in already you can draw around that.

      Make a template for the wall shape. Then you can reuse it. I made a little device which follows the contour of the van and draws it onto the wood. I’ll attach a picture underneath. As the end follows the contour of the curve, the pencil draws the shape onto the wood. Works quite well. I made mine from grey plastic, but also made another from wood. It’s the pointy end that’s important.

      Quite a few suppliers of bits.

      http://www.magnummotorhomes.co.uk/
      http://www.olearymotorhomes.co.uk/
      http://www.caktanks.co.uk/ – download their catalogue

      Reply

    2. plans
      email if you still need the t4 plans I have somne on my computer regards Dan
      [email protected]

      Reply

    3. Magnum motorhomes at Grimsby
      Magnum motorhomes at Grimsby They sell everything you need to do any conversion,it is where i got all my parts for my conversion

      Reply

  10. insulation
    please say more! I just read the windows section, feeling all inspired now!

    Reply

  11. Roof guttering question
    I have just bought a Mercedes 206d Hanomag camper. I need advice on replacing or repairing roof guttering please? I will be very grateful for any advice.. Thanks

    Reply

    1. Hi
      Is it the roof guttering

      Hi

      Is it the roof guttering on the outside edge of the van roof?
      Is it rusting away?

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *