How To INSULATE A Van Conversion

[@stevesidare2493]

I see people stuffing metal cavities with insulation and all I can think of is the metal conducting the cold or heat through itself. To me it seems like putting insulation inside a pipe and expecting the other side of the pipe to be less cold of hot. Am I missing something?

[@MsRuncibleSpoon]

Thank you so much. I've just bought a van and about to start. This is the most helpful video I have ever found. ❤

[@LensOfJames]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@tipsybo]

Great detail re insulating doors and walls thank-you!!

[@MiyashionDIY]

I'm making a camper with NV200 now. It was very helpful. Thank you.

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

do the ribs conduct heat and cold inside, and so bypass the benefits of the insulation you installed??

[@themagikian4237]

Really appreciate the detail you have shown and depth of explanation given. Very worthy content creation. Thank you for this. Filmed, edited and put together like a pro!

[@LensOfJames]

Thanks for the kind words, glad you enjoyed the build!

[@dotsona07]

Great video! Thanks for taking the time to make this!

[@Zerpersande]

Already subscribed. I’m going to buy a Nissan NV350 Long Body for a camper conversion. This is the first step.

[@dorkkid93]

Thanks for making such a helpful series of videos! Did you use automotive sealant to seal up any drainage areas on the back doors, as you did with the side doors? Thanks!

[@LensOfJames]

Hi, thanks - I had a look but didn't see any obvious problem areas so didn't add any sealant.

[@LensOfJames]

🔥 Want to see more from my *Nissan NV200 Micro Camper Van Conversion Series* ? Check out the entire build here: kzbin.info/aero/PLsBWh_QNwDUcgnWcDnJeoHZI_nelRdkUY 🔥

[@RyanCL140]

Mate which primer and epoxy u use cheers! Insulated above the headliner today working back towards the rear now, need to patch the holes from original plywood

[@karenbell8636]

I'm looking at this type of van to convert but still researching whether to go for this or volkswagen caddy maxi.. Helpful video, thanks.

[@LensOfJames]

Hi Karen, I love my NV200. If I remember correctly there's a little more height inside, but both are great vans!

[@beniciomoldenado2315]

I found your van videos quite by accident and I am now subscribed and will watch the rest. You are very thorough and this is the first build where I have seen what you are doing to insulate, and that is great. Too many videos show the building of the interior with no mention of what is behind the walls, and I believe this to be critical. Thank you for including this very important part. It sounds like you do not live in the US where I live and I am curious to know if you camp in warmer weather, and if so, will this insulation be too hot? My other question, which you may answer later is, are you keeping track of the net weight gain of your van? This would also be good to know. Thanks again. Very nice work.

[@graya44]

Outstanding 👊 👏👏

[@jewelpotter6221]

Thank you for showing me how I can do this.

[@4EntertainmentOnly]

awesome looks like something a regular person can do. But i would double check for leaks. if not perhaps a moisture plastic barrier first.

[@LensOfJames]

Thanks, but check for leaks where? And where would a plastic moisture barrier fit into it as I haven't added any walls or cavities? I've tested the insulation over many months and it works very well at keeping condensation away. Plus I'm not living in the van, just using it for approx 30 nights each year.

[@pedroesqueda8828]

Thank you buddy

[@leemac7181]

This is an awesome video and just what I needed Can I ask if the thermo wrap foil insulation you used also acts as a vapour barrier?

[@LensOfJames]

Thanks :) It's not really a vapour barrier in the traditional sense; I stuck it on because the thin metal gathered so much condensation. With the van carpeted too there's no condensation any more, but if I lived in the van I'd definitely consider a proper vapour barrier.

[@offleashadentures]

really well done videos. thanks for making them. I'd like not to use stretch carpet (I have a dog and prefer something I can wipe down.and clean easily and often. even the stock panels in the van are well haired after just short time). if not carpet , then what? ideas? thanks again.

[@tonyford6441]

Hi, just subscribed and started watching your very helpful videos having just purchased an nv200. I'll be using it from the 1st of the month and one of the first purchases I going to get is a portable fridge for the summer. Have you or anyone reading this got any recommendations from their own experiences ? Thanks Tony

[@Zerpersande]

Have you checked inside the sliding door for water leakage? I haven’t pulled the handles off yet to silicone them however, looking from the inside of that latch, I can see the light not just around the edges, but through the mechanism. I am worried that water is going to come in through there. As you say, it looks as though the leakage around that handle was known and accounted for. But if it was known and accounted for the engineers, probably weren’t concerned that additional water can come in through the mechanism, not just around where the latch meets the metal skin. If you were monitoring these comments, I would really appreciate any information you can give me. I am to the point now that it’s time to pull those latches off and after I do that I’m going to wash the car and see what kind of leakage I get. If it still leaks, then I may not fully insulate the door and just allow the water to drain down to the bottom.

[@fiberinspiretahoe9177]

Thank you! I just bought my rig!!!! I think I’ll use the Havlock wool!

[@LensOfJames]

Good luck with your van conversion!

[@shaun919]

Hi James ! First of all, thank you for all your great videos - they have been VERY helpful for me to plant my conversion, and also a source of inspiration :) My question is: could you give an estimate of how much material you used ? Asking to have an idea of how much to buy :) Have an amazing day !

[@LensOfJames]

Hi and thanks! I used approx. 15m of foil insulation and 12m of the recycled plastic bottle insulation. Hope that helps!

[@shaun919]

@@LensOfJames Thank you so much man for your swift reply =) It helps a lot for planning my purchases 🙏

[@tomosdugmore3796]

HI James, Great videos, given me some great inspiration and ideas on converting mine. What epoxy and paint did you use to cover up screw holes as I have a few in mine. Thanks once again

[@LensOfJames]

Hi, thanks - glad they're helpful! It was just a standard epoxy which has held up really well and it was a white metal primer for bare metal.

[@jkyoft78]

I just test drove an NV200 2021 - it didn't have an adjustable steering wheel - could this be right? It did not tilt, did not telescope.

[@Bonyarms28]

its true, but the seat does rise, as a bus seat does.

[@jkyoft78]

@@Bonyarms28 not having an adjustable steering wheel is a negative for this vehicle that folks ought to consider.. This affects fit and comfortably, especially on longer trips. Seat adjustment doesn't makeup for lack of an adjustable steering wheel in my opinion, especially given the limited adjustments that can be made with the seat. Apparently, Nissan will no longer sell this vehicle in the USA next year.

[@SuperDeut4]

Really nice video. Seems like more and more people are buying NV200. They really are awesome for camper van stealth. I love mine! It is ide ti al to hours. My profile picture right now on YT is a part of my cozy interior. I need to insulat mine. Thank you so much.🙋🏻‍♀️

[@Toniesway]

Can you show a video on how you did the strips for the van rib cage in more detail please

[@LensOfJames]

I've got a full video on the ceiling here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYTReYuDp6mbd7M

[@kev008ify]

Great video, are these good vans to drive 🙂

[@LensOfJames]

Thanks, yes I really like driving mine!

[@tehrasmus3813]

I'm gonna try to insulate my van soon. You think stone wool would be a good idea?

[@LensOfJames]

I've heard good things about it, but haven't tried it myself. Let me know how you get on with it!

[@mollybrice1746]

Hi James, thanks for the video, are you able to specify what thermawrap you used, and where you've sourced it from? Thanks!

[@LensOfJames]

Hi Molly, the Thermawrap I used is the 600mm x 7.5m and I got it from Toolstation, thanks

[@mollybrice1746]

@@LensOfJames Sorry another question, what thickness was the Diall Insulation you used, I can only source the 100mm thickness one but worried it's too thick. Thanks

[@crossercuss1]

hi, was the van much quieter after doing this? cheers

[@LensOfJames]

Hi Dave, there was a slight difference in sound, however it's only a small van so it wasn't too noisy in the first place. I did notice that the doors are much less tinny when they close, now they are full of insulation, which is a bonus!

[@sarahnixon7704]

Hi James, I am converting a peugeot partner and I'm almost finished with the insulation but today I shut my back door and hear a swishing of water :( I dont really know what to do as I think it is the natural draining holes that are causing it. Any suggestions?

[@LensOfJames]

Hi Sarah, sorry for the delayed reply! Did you get your doors sorted? I had a bit of water ingress in my side doors (which I solved by sealing around the handles from inside), though nothing at the back doors as there's the door mechanism and wiring there. I'm not an expert by any means, but removing the insulation, checking where the water's getting in and sealing it would be my first thoughts.

[@sarahnixon7704]

@@LensOfJames Hello, still not resolved. I now have figured it out though and its the door handle on the back, there's no real way to solve this though as I cant seal it otherwise I'd be obstructing the handle opening and closing. If I were too it would also mean every time I opened the back door the seal would be ruined! If that makes sense? Any ideas?

[@craiggallacher1211]

Hi James, did you insulate the entire back pillars, including behind the lower grilled caps that are directly behind the wheel arches? I noticed there’s quite a few electrics in there on the passenger side so wondered if you made an exception or put less insulation around that part.

[@ianbrown1589]

Hi James Just watched your van build, I was very impressed with the build and also the workmanship. Could you tell me where you sourced the grey carpet from, for the van walls etc also the insulation materials it would be appreciated if you can Kind regards Ian Brown

[@-abheda]

hiya james:). possibly daft question here but i'd really like to know how you find the holes to refit the door panels once you've taped over everything?

[@LensOfJames]

Hi, I found the soft spots where the tape was over the holes and once I had put two clips on opposite sides back in the rest went in easily. It wasn't too bad a job :)

[@-abheda]

@@LensOfJames thanks!

[@imatrOlda]

No sound deadening? NV200 is pretty load car, isn’t it?

[@LensOfJames]

I haven't needed any sound deadening, it's quite a small van and with the insulation and carpet lining it's pretty quiet!

[@lindsayyoung8879]

Hi James, thanks for posting these awesome videos. I’m converting an nv200 as well. I’ve been debating a fan but I’m not sure if I would need to cut through the cross beams and whether that’s a good idea. I noted you didn’t install a fan, was that a specific choice? Can I ask why/why not? And any idea if the cross beams are for ceiling support vs. more for the convenience of hooking in builder shelves? Just wondering if I’ll impact the integrity of the roof support if I do that! Thanks!

[@LensOfJames]

Hi Lindsay, glad you like the videos! I wouldn't be too confident cutting through the ceiling beams as they could be structural. I didn't put a fan in my van because I'm not sure I'll need it. I'm usually at a campsite and if I did want to cook in the van, then I'd just open the door. At night I leave the windows down a jar to get some fresh air in. Hope that helps. James

[@jamesphoenix3697]

Installation of a 400x400 domitec skylight would only require one beam to be trimmed and it would not affect the structural integrity of the van.

[@SuperDeut4]

James Phoenix Guys, I put a MaxAir Fan in my NV200 and didnt have to cut beams at all. The guy that did it just placed it on top of beams (under, actually) and worked just perfect. NO problems.

[@Feedback4Utoday]

would be ideal to take a cold day and see the temp inside vs outside? some confirmation of whether it was enough insul or if you would have preferred to add more? that is the key question... looks like a great style & tips on how to do- but how effective?

[@LensOfJames]

Hi, I'm really happy with the level of insulation - the walls and ceiling were dripping wet without the it, but do bear in mind that I sleep in the van less than 30 nights a year and use it as a day van the rest of the time. I'd insulate it very differently if I lived in it!

[@Sarah-tc5bw]

@@LensOfJames hi! How would you insulate it for living in? Also thanks SO much for these videos, they are so helpful 🌼

[@LensOfJames]

Hi Sarah, if it was a large van (i.e. a sprinter) then I'd probably choose closed cell spray insulation, but if it was a small camper then I'd try and find the insulation with the best insulating properties/highest r-number. Whilst I believe what I've done will be enough to keep condensation greatly reduced for my uses, if I lived in it would additionally consider a dry heat source (diesel heater) and a fan in the ceiling for ventilation. Thanks, James

[@Sarah-tc5bw]

@@LensOfJames thanks, that’s super helpful 😊

[@thekp503]

Why do some areas get only foam insulation while others get thermal and foam?

[@LensOfJames]

Just because I couldn't get another type of insulation in the ceiling beams, but I knew spray foam would do the trick 🙂

[@thekp503]

I'm sorry. What I meant was the padding insulation. In some panels you used thermal along with the padding. In a few area you only stuffed padding. Could you not get thermal into those areas?

[@cleangreenshirt]

Great build videos James and I also really like the music you make! Do you have a bandcamp? I'm about to start my nv200 build and wanted to ask how the insulation is holding up. Did you cover back up the foil panels on the door with the existing black panels or wood ones? Thanks!

[@LensOfJames]

Thanks Jim, glad you like the music too! Both the loft and foil insulation are working great and I haven't had any problems. I carpeted the van and then put the black panels back over the doors.

[@richardfisher8460]

Did this help with the road noise

[@LensOfJames]

Hi Richard, it did a little, but the NV200 is only small and wasn't too tinny to begin with, so I didn't feel the need for specific noise dampening products. I did find that the loft insulation in the doors made quite a difference though.

[@richardfisher8460]

@@LensOfJames yes I have one, but the road noise at 60mph+ is very loud. You don't think it's going to change much then? Thanks

[@berendotto]

How did you attach the ceiling?

[@LensOfJames]

Hi, I've got a video on it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYTReYuDp6mbd7M

[@andrewlarge3103]

Hi - where did you get your materials please ??

[@LensOfJames]

Hi, links are in the description 👍