Episode 5 | INSULATING A VAN FOR WARM CLIMATES (Yes it's different..)

[@hypercasual]

Couple of thoughts to add: 1. You're spot on about insulation being different between hot and cold but the main difference is that its easy to install a heat source in a van (diesel/gas heater) vs an AC. If you have an AC in the van then insualtion is just as important as it slows the trasnfer of heat and lets your AC keep on top of it. 2. Thermal bridging is a real issue, if you are installing your wall panels direct to the vam ribs a huge portion of hest entering your van will byoass your insulation and just go from the outer skin of your vam through the ribs into your walls. Im not sure there is a huge benefit of insulating between ribs if you have these thermal bridges, just having an air gap is probably as good. 3. Windows are a huge source of heat, this is due to the greenhouse affect. Visible light from the sun can pass through windows but when that light hits the internal of your van it transfers energy to those objects which the reradiate that as infrared energy (heat). Infrarered energy cant pass through glass so you get this situation where energy can get in but not back out which greatly increases the temperature (and kills kids in cars evert year). Im doing a heap of calcs and modelling now to try qnd better understand heat transfer characterisics, particularly regarding how you position insualtion and furring strips. Understanding the interaction with ventilation and convection is harder though.

[@danieldeschamps9494]

Great input. Sounds like you have a really good understanding on insulation and heating and cooling. Can I pick your brain on something? What would you do if you had to insulate in front of a window in a van? Imagine it has a sheet of plywood covering the window. The plywood is cut to the shape of the window, and flush with the interior sheet metal of the van. I'm thinking layer of sound deadening and layer of closed cell foam with reflective liner.

[@emmahobbs7122]

As a nurse, you 100% had a concussion on that video. I hope you are staying with someone to keep an eye on your symptoms for the first 24 hours. Take care and stay safe.

[@arianevincent2675]

This series is a gem, thanks for all the work you’re putting into it.

[@scottee81]

the lens trying to focus added the effect of simulating your mild concussion! awesome video mitch, look forward to the next one!

[@mitchcox8199]

Hahahahah yeah forgot to change the focus hope it’s not too distracting 😂

[@rurucook8295]

Thanks man!! I am just starting on my first van conversion. I live in WA and have watched a ton of US and European vids on YT about insulating that just didn't resonate. So glad I found this! Cheers!

[@technomage2017]

Man this post is awesome, exactly the advice I needed, was going to buy all my insulation today, now not so much, your logic is sound, even with the concussion, hit by a Malibu 10 time in 1 month, I don’t surf anymore.

[@davestewart4119]

Hey mate absolute ripper video. One of the best I've seen on insulating from an Aussie perspective. Everything you said aligned with what I researched for my van build. That vapour barrier part was hilarious and so true!

[@maradall]

Great info for Australia, very well explained!

[@matthewlittlewood]

great content. literally answered all my questions about my current van build in Aus. i'd been insulating like i had done previously in Canada. keep it up dude!

[@placestosea]

good information, in australia, people forget that you wont be sitting in the van when its 40c outside, so the doors and windows are generally open ( on a hot day) so the inside temp is hot also , insulation is going to be of limited use.

[@TheHitechHobo]

Things are looking good man. I remember building my Vardo and the anticipation of getting on the road. Can't believe I wasn't subbed to your KZbin channel until now. Cheers! 🍻

[@zzmelayu1]

Excellent Mitch. Been following you & Cleo since the very beginning but my first time commenting. Good job👍🏿 and good luck on this build. BTW my wife & I just made 60-years old, empty nestors, and I am planning a Ozzie build next year. You were the first vanlifer who inspired us👍🏿

[@VintheValley]

Yes! Thank you.

[@gregbaker6885]

Top job mate with everything you've done. I've avidly followed your last few builds while I plan for mine. I saw in your story yesterday on IG that you are going to paint the fibreglass for the shower base but I can't remember the product you said you were using. It was 'Flow' something. Cheers

[@mitchcox8199]

Thanks heaps mate! I used a couple of layers of fibreglass then finished it off wit flowcoat - it’s the finish that’s usually used on boats so it’s super durable and waterproof!

[@daronprice4340]

hey bro, just wondering if you'll be doing an electrical solar set up vid? Ive pretty much got the basics of the set up but the actual wiring and installing switches is all a bit confusing to me hah

[@aliray91]

Hey Mitch, loving the content! Just wondering could you possibly link where you source your items from? For us folk who are also converting a van in Aus, would be supper helpful! :)

[@trinkabuszczuk6138]

I recommend contact spray adhesive for the insulation. The added bonus is, in such a confined space, you’ll be off your tits in no time! 😊

[@PhenomenalWorld]

Very informative and helpful vid, Mitch. I am confused one one point: In the beginning you make a good case of how insulation will not help keep out the hot temps over the course of a full-sun hot ay and will furthermore keep the hot air trapped inside at night, acting like an oven. But then you proceed to discuss insulation and recommend XBS. Why did you insulate if you live in a warm climate, assuming you're right about inevitable hot temps and heat retention? Thanks!

[@kailahanddaron2159]

heyy!! loving the videos!! Will you be doing a solar/ wiring video?? About to start the solar set up on our van! :)

[@my_van_apartment]

Currently shopping for a van for my first build and glad I just found your channel Mitch. Good to be able to watch an Aussie build and really appreciate your advice re insulation for a hot climate and how insulation works and I like the idea of just sound deadening the cab only 🤔. I’ve been watching Max Bids build and I’m definitely putting an Iveco Daily on my shopping list! Looking forward to the rest of the build ✌🏼Just a question - I’m looking at putting in the Mountain Made sheep’s wool insulation with no vapor barrier - any suggestions?

[@cionnoith]

Truth I have minimal insulation on freezing days I’m cozy on my second van build first van build insulated every thing my body heat in summer almost baked me even with air con ur better off with no insulation even homeless on the street can sleep comfy in hot weather

[@rwarren108]

How do you feel about using poly ISO foam board, with a reflective side, for the ceiling? I’m unclear if that reflective side is considered a vaper barrier .. Ugh! Head spinner. I live in the desert and have concluded the same.. less insulation is better .. but I’m still nervous to pull the trigger on which ceiling insulation.

[@giutubospatubo1546]

No insulation at all for warm weather. If you cover your walls and roof with wood panels or strips should be fine. Winter vans do trap heat inside. If you have two vans under the sun for hours, they will both get hot, but once you move to the shadow, the non insulated van will cool much faster and the insulated van will stay warm for longer. And at night, when things cool down, non insulated van will be fresher. Either way, ventilation is king in warm weather. Two roof fans are a must and one or two good directional fans inside, if you can afford them.

[@alastairsedgwick9333]

Did you consider using insulation designed for metal roof commercial buildings ie bunnings? As a vehicle is very similar in concept

[@burnoutswithblainegoitia562]

What do you do for the ceiling insulation?

[@NicoSmit-k8o]

Thanks

[@kerriannroots2490]

Hey Mitch... so if you were to go for a smaller van... in your opinion, would you do insulation or not? Keeping in mind, there's already limited space.. and if you would, is it OK to just do 1 layer of the foam.. or do you need to have that space between?? 🤔 Plan to do hot and coldish climates.. (hopefully just time places well). Dont wanna feeeze in winter, but after last summer I'm a little concerned about the heat more than anything!!

[@richardjoll3536]

Nice 👌

[@mitchcox8199]

Thanks mate!

[@alanward7629]

What guage is the pre wiring your running any recomendations

[@renatomendesdeseixas4237]

sweet!!

[@rbrown]

You had me at the start and then it went downhill. Sorry but have to disagree, not based on opinion, but based of a year of hard data and temp/humidity monitoring in our van. Our van is heavily insulated, 3M Thinuslate, sheet radiant insulation over that and we stay COOL in summer. Our van in summer, parked in the full sun, fully closed up, stays within 2-3C of the outside temp and does NOT just keep heating up. BUT there is one big requirement needed on top of insulation. So you stated correctly that insulation wont stop your van getting cold or getting hot. It only slows down the transfer of heat or cold, into the van. BUT thats the key ! We have 2 x MaxxAir Fans in our van roof. They run, or are open, 24/7 ! good airflow and ventilation, combined with heavy insulation is the key. I see so many people insulate their van and then wonder why their van gets hot. A passive open window does not work. You need good active ventilation and active airflow to go with the insulation. By heavily insulating our van, it slows the transfer of heat so the 2 MaxxAir fans can keep up and flush the hot air and bring in cooler outside air. Fully closed up in summer we can maintain within 2-3C of the outside temp. Opening up a door we can equalise the temp inside. How do I know this ? I installed Temp and humidity sensors inside the van, outside the van and behind the insulation.

[@breathedeepwithjimmy]

I need a vapour barrier. What's a vapour barrier? 😂

[@helenellsworth9556]

I live in an uninsulated house, it's not a big deal at all

[@poetansperry]

What about offgassing of the glue you're using??? Also should be using lumber that is NOT preserved in formaldahyde.

[@KenLeonard]

Effectively no wood in the world is preserved in formaldehydes. Wood does have tiny amounts of F in it naturally and some glues in some plywoods have had it. Please don’t spread mis-information.

[@luedog8385]

you are right, you are not an expert

[@injectionAI]

Inshoolation 😎

[@roamingwildcampers2745]

Wrong, insulation works both ways, your brick houses stay cooler in summer for starters which is an absolute fact...Insulation creates a barrier to heat gain AND loss in ceilings, roofs, floors, and walls...Vapour barrier is easy, you have no clue..lol.. The vapour barrier is behind cladding of a van to stop human vapour and cooking vapour from getting behind the interior cladding onto the colder exterior metal, even in mild Aus nights..So your reasoning about holes behind the vapour barrier is ridiculous, also screws self seal..If you miss a few spots it isn't a submarine under pressure of fluid, only a very very minimal amount of "vapour" gets through... .Sound deadening, you only have to apply small pieces, why you see creases in ducting as all you do is put dead spots on a sheet of metal to stop it resonating...Look up "Stick Pins" put those on, no need to glue your insulation like spiderman...Yeah I'm an engineer as well as a builder, I guess I've done some research...