Should you Insulate your Camper Van? The Truth About Insulating a Camper Van - GOOD or BAD?

Should you Insulate your Camper Van? The Truth About Insulating a Camper Van - GOOD or BAD? - Some of my thoughts and experiences with insulating or not insulating your camper van. Enjoy!
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[@pouglwaw5932]

I did an east/west trip in an uninsulated, unlined Ford van and when overnighting at truckstops and rest-stops , the noise from all-night traffic, diesel and gas generators, air conditioners, etc. was deafening. I didn't worry about the temperature drop or metal sweating, but trying to sleep inside a "steel drum" was often impossible. My current mini motorhome is lined with paneling and minimal insulation, and is so very much more comfortable and quiet, even if a nearby camper loves their hip-hop music.

[@Freakazoid12345]

That's the single biggest issue for me. I'm a light sleeper and I really don't want to have to worry about noise.

[@OutdoorsEmbrace]

Hey I get it, the insulation can also keep heat in at bad times! But when going to sleep, open all doors and air it out quickly. The insulation is THE MOST important part of being comfortable in a van in all times of the year. I have 4 inches on my ceiling, 5 inches on my walls, and 3 inches on all doors, and 1.5 inches on the floor, and it is amazingly different from other builds. Always lose the space you can to insulate. I can still stand in mine too! It's a Ford Transit T350 highest and longest. If anyone is searching for the answer if they should insulate or not, it's completely worth it. Just open the doors to quickly get unwanted temps out and normalize it quickly and have good ventilation (a Maxxair doesn't seem the best for this). I use a Fresair, and the inside is a tornado if I wish!

[@colinvankeith4814]

Excellent video, Thanks! Here’s an alternative suggestion: Heavy duty moving blankets with quilted felt provide some decent insulation with low cost and can be attached to the walls/ceiling with heavy duty magnets for colder season camping, and then easily removed during the warmer season or high humidity locations thereby getting the advantages listed here. Also I have concerns about moisture and possible mold problems developing with permanent insulation.

[@WannaBFree]

Great tip!

[@dantheman5589]

Yeah I agree. I'm living in my van in Australia mostly I'm trying to keep cool from the heat. I don't think insulation is a good idea in the heat. The sun here is brutal a insulated van will turn into a oven very quick and you will have no way to cool it down.

[@WannaBFree]

Totally agree

[@mikestone9129]

Thanks for your honest opinion. I think so many people start watching KZbin videos and think they have to do exactly what everyone else is doing, or they are screwing up. When it comes to insulation, most people are sheep, they do what everyone else is doing. And like you said it isn't always necessary to fully insulate.

[@WannaBFree]

Thanks Mike

[@RealHankShill]

Love it. As with everything in life, one solution never fits all. And as with everything in life there is a balancing act between one side and the other. People think of insulation as an absolute must, but it is harmful in conditions such as high heat It really just depends on how you are going to use the van. Are you going to stay where it is cold? Then you should insulate. Are you going to be nomadic and travel with the weather? Then likely not. But one thing I think everyone can agree on, is insulation produces no heat. Insulating your van is not a magic pill to turn it into Florida when you live in Alaska. $300 in insulation vs $300 for a chinese diesel parking heater. Which one is going to keep you warmer in the winter? Now if you are going to stay in the winter, $600 for insulation and a parking heater will be worth it. But honestly, a $3-400 4-5kw parking heater will more than amply heat a van, even uninsulated, even in incredible temperature differences, and burn about 1 gallon of diesel ever 9.8 hours. Using heating fuel will increase it to about 10.3, and using gasoline will decrease it to like 8.5. Regardless, $3.00 for 9 hours of absolute comfort beats out insulation money for money.

[@WannaBFree]

Very well said and you got my point. Thanks for the comment.

[@ketoauntie7301]

Can you recommend a heater for us new people???

[@WannaBFree]

Best heater out there IMO - Camco Olympian RV Wave-3 LP Gas Catalytic Safety Heater amzn.to/3B9SQzw

[@tiliman]

yes i agree! i tried to put insulation in the motorhome, it works great in the winter but it took forever to cool down in the summer. most of the time had to run ac all night at 3500 feet.

[@WannaBFree]

Thank you John, I hope you have a fantastic Thanks Giving feast.

[@dennismirac6603]

Thank you for your comments. I am just starting this journey and looking to purchase a Ram Promaster City this coming year and was thinking about whether I should insulate or not.

[@WannaBFree]

You are welcome and good luck with your project.

[@aliceproia5900]

Thanks for this video! I’m very new at this and will be buying a van in the next few months - do you mind saying which Olympian heater you recommend?

[@WannaBFree]

I used the Olympian Wave 3

[@aliceproia5900]

@@WannaBFree thanks so much!

[@RandyRandersonthefamous]

Awesome the exact points people need to hear when deciding on insulation.

[@WannaBFree]

Thanks Randy! I see a lot of people insulating because every one else is doing it. Never giving thought to whether it's needed for their situation or not.

[@letitrest4662]

It's good to hear the voice of experience, on the subject, as I just retired and I'm looking at living as a nomad, in a cargo van / self conversion. At first I thought that insulating is something I want to do. Especially if I want the option of living in whatever climate I want, for any given amount of time. However when you insulate, and the vehicle is in a sub- thirty two degree climate, then you have the problem of frost buildup on the van's inside steel structure, and then as it warms, that moisture getting trapped, and held, in the insulation, and on the structure, to the point of both mold and rust starting. So what I'm considering is Rhino lining the inside floor, having enough available solar power to run an installed A/C unit, in the summer, and using more than adequate Dry-air heat, when I'm in cold climates, from an installed fuel powered heater. And using plenty of air circulation. Basicly, the more I read and hear, the more I'm thinking that the secret is circulating plenty of either heated or cooled dry air. Even a standard bed mattress can hold both heated and cooled air. So I'm considering other options there also. Definitely having ample electricity is going to make a huge difference.

[@WannaBFree]

Sounds like you have a plan and have done some research. Good luck with your adventure!

[@greekfreek21]

Hey there. What'd you end up doing for insulation and circulation? / what kinda bed?

[@MyLifesVentures]

I'm still on the edge of wether to or how much to insulate my full size Transit T350. I travel all over the United states all year long in below freezing areas and places that its 100 outside, lol. So im always torn what I wanna do, I have had this van for 8+months now and still havent done any insulating, thinking bout doing a little this weekend but not real in depth.

[@WannaBFree]

It always seems to be a difficult decision especially when you are mobil and in such diverse environments. Good luck with your decision and insulating. Travel safe :)

[@rbrown]

Heavily insulated vans work in ALL seasons, including HOT weather. Our heavily insulated van is super cool in summer while sitting out in direct sun. BUT there is one simple caveat. You also need very good airflow and ventilation. I installed 2 MaxxAir Fans in our van plus a kitchen window that can be opened. In summer with the van all closed up and both Max Air Fans running, one pulling air in and the other pushing air out, we can maintain the van within about 2-3C of the outside temp. The heavy insulation dramatically slows the transfer of radiant heat into the van and gives the two roof fans a chance to keep up. Passive roof vents, or just an open window is not enough, you need active ventilation. In addition just 1 MaxxAir Fan is not enough, your trying to push or pull air into and out of the van with only 1 single point of entry. You need that 2nd point of entry so you can flush large volumes of air and completely flush the whole van multiple times per hour. If we open the van doors, plus Max Air Fans running, then the van equalises with the outside temp. This is only possible due to the heavy insulation that prevents the radiant heat coming in through the van ceiling and walls so the fans are able to keep up and keep the temps down. So often I see people insulate their vans and forget to add active airflow and active ventilation and wonder why their van is hot in summer. Even in sub zero winter we keep our fans open and the Diesel air heater running to flush moist air. Summer or winter we have had zero condensation issues behind the van walls or ceiling panels.

[@CleonaPattersoneFluentEnglish]

Got the van and now I am trying to work out what I need to do to it. Thank you for the input.😁

[@WannaBFree]

Good luck with your adventures Cleona! 😀

[@ThePlanet_L.I.]

If you're in cold region then insulation is a must but if you're in opposite region from cold then insulation isn't necessary

[@alvaradacosta293]

LongIslandADED. .... That's true.... I followed KZbinrs that pretty much live in the warmer climates like Arizona they are snowbirds. And their vehicles are insulated. And they still complain about All of the same issues that he just stated. That he has.... and his vehicle is not insulated it at all.

[@treefrog3679]

Outside Noise and interior condensation (sweating) in uninsulated van a consideration?

[@hansj5846]

I've slept in different cars many times and lack of insulation wasn't ever a topic. Obviously this wasn't in Antarctica 😂

[@PidasianHippie]

You are so right about the differing opinions on whether to insulate or what style camping. I see people daily headed to the mountains to go camping. It was a high of 50 degrees here today. That is at least 20 (more like 30) degrees too cold for me. I would be spending my time shut in my camper with the heat on. Luckily for me, when other people think it is too hot to camp, I will be in heaven. Cool ending to your video. I was almost an airhead and asked you if you went back and got your camera. Hahahahah Happy Thanksgiving to you and your lovely family!

[@WannaBFree]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. That's funny I almost gotcha with the drive away ending leaving the camera. Ha Ha, just so you know I'm way too cheap to leave my camera at the camp site. LOL

[@okiedoke6373]

So for me if you could run air conditioning constantly in the summer then you can insulate and probably be good because the air conditioner is going to naturally remove moisture from the air if you're not running AC all the time that's a mixed bag of beans I've been full-time for 10 years I've had everything from pickup trucks minivans to full size vans in fact I have a long wheelbase Chevrolet sports van now I've always found that if you keep the sun off of the windows you have ceramic tint that will do that but I found all of the bubble wraps and the insulation barriers to be just completely fraudulent how is that will the barrier no matter what it is if you put it up to a window it's going to trap heat in between the window and the barrier I've used everything in what helps the most is an outside cover on the window if the sun doesn't get to the windows and it doesn't heat the window up or a little air space in between the window and some kind of bulshit you put in there I'm not interested in your opinion I'm telling you what I've been through and like he said if you don't have insulation in the summertime that vehicle cools down faster the other problem is driving I don't stand the same spot every night and I like to get to a camping spot long before I'm going to really need to be there because I want the vehicle to cool off the engine needs to cool down if it doesn't then you're miserable till midnight or 1:00 in the winter time it doesn't matter if your insulated or not the only thing that's really going to help you is if you're parked on the south side of a building where that Northwind can't get to you that's going to help but as far as retaining interior warmth no you're out of your mind I had at one point a 2 inch thick 1 ft by 1 ft piece of aluminum that I would put on a fire heat it up and then bring it into the van that was good for about 30 minutes we're talking about a well insulated minivan the best I've found for he is going to be a diesel heater or I run a generator Little Harbor Freight Predator inverter the 5000 is the one I had now the 3,000 would run 13 hours on a tank of gas which was about two and a half gallons with a small 1500 watt Walmart heater the heater with cycle on and off and it would be very comfortable inside in like 28° weather down to 40 is very doable without a heater new 30s very uncomfortable 32 is not even realistic for me propane it opens up its own can of worms so that was the first heat that I experimented with was propane I had an extension cord on a propane tank so the tank was actually outside there wasn't enough room in pickup truck for everything so I had a butterfly stove from Coleman storage was very small it takes up less room than anything else because it Folds from two burner to nothing so I would crack it open and I would open a window front open a window back and then let the heater go all night still at that I would have so much condensation on the windows that it would take hours running the defroster to get all the condensation out in case you don't know the air conditioner runs with the defroster to remove moisture from the air so everything goes back to are you going to be able to run a heater full time or are you going to be able to run an air conditioner full time if you can or are then the more you spend on insulation the cheaper it's going to be for you later but if you don't have the opportunity to do so it's sad to say but insulation is not going to do you much good

[@NoahVillalpando-y4h]

I have the same van. Same color. Except i do have a fan. I ran with insulation and wirhout. I was actually convinced insulation was a mistake. So i ripped it all out. I suppose this is my anecdotal experience, but having done both. I feel like such a fool for taking it out. Im not always in the middle of nowhere where i dont have to worry about weirdos. So i cant always have my doors wide open. If i could id never need a fan or insulation. Since I can't having the insulation keeps the earm out longer especially with a fan.

[@giutubospatubo1546]

What do you intend to use your camper for is the MOST important questions of all. And I agree 100% with you. I have never insulated my camper vans because I mainly use my van in fairly warm weather. Sure, you will occasionally encounter cold nights, but there are simple ways to get bye them. But while I believe no insulation is needed in hot weather, I do put laminated wood on floors, walls and ceiling, which is, of course, a form of insulation (something like the original side and roof panels fo passenger vans). But it is light enough to let the van breathe and to smooth out the heat for the metal shell of the van. Ventilation is the key for hot weather camper vans.

[@DetenkleFriluftsliv]

Good points here Bruce! Very informative video. I aggree with you. I think it´s really difficult to insulate a van or a caravan the right way (with airing). Because it´s not the same as with a house, where you start from the inside of the walls and work/build your way out. So moist and mold often becomes a problem. :-( Enjoy your time with the family! Must be a bit sad to leave such a great camp like that though. :-) Safe travels!

[@WannaBFree]

Thank you for the comment, you made some good points there. I'm not too sad because I intend to revisit that area shortly after Thanksgiving. I'll be back. LOL Safe travels to you and take care :)

[@ourdreamcatcher1581]

Thank you so much, i'm just starting. And still think of shoukd or not i insulate my minivan. As i live in Indonesia with no Winter Season, and i will only use it for vacation days... i decided not to insulate it. I think the window cover will be good enough for us.

[@WannaBFree]

Best of luck!

[@ourdreamcatcher1581]

@@WannaBFree thank you so much 👌🏻

[@WannaBFree]

You are welcome!

[@spellerlittlewing]

I used insulation pads put them up take them down easy fix

[@SanDiego2015]

If you’re staying in the desert consider purchasing a highly reflective cover that is not a “tarp (solid)” to put over the entire vehicle. It will reflect the sun’s heat instead of having it hit the vehicle.

[@FangnclawXD]

I'm glad you mentioned about the moisture, I've never heard any concern about that till now and it makes total sense I'm kind of surprised I've never heard it

[@WannaBFree]

I hope it helps you out. Thanks for watching:)

[@hirotrex42]

thanks

[@WannaBFree]

Welcome

[@roofdogblues7400]

I've only done a short stint of van living so far, did 3 months from beginning of May to end of July in 2021 in my minivan. My main problem for heat were windows, they let in a lot of heat. I tried reflectix covers for the inside of my windows, and from my experience I've gotta agree with Bob Wells, that a cover on the outside of the window works much better than on the inside. It'd get very hot when I put up my window coverings during the day. So I'm thinking of either painting the outside of my windows(The two back ones I can't see out of while driving) or getting that white one-way film I see on commercial vehicles, for the other back windows. I spent a few years watching van lifers before I built mine(Only built a bed/recliner and shelving unit), and decided not to insulate, since I wasn't going to live in a cold climate. Solar radiation is more of a concern for living in sunny areas.

[@vanrey6258]

what about sound deadening? With no insulation, is it very loud on the highway? And basically no issues with condensaition if you're in warmer weather, so long as it isn't humid? All these insulation build videos talk about vapor barriers and all of that, but if I can avoid insulating, it'd save so much time and money

[@WannaBFree]

The vehicle isn't any louder than it normally is without insulation. Most vehicles don't come with much if any insulation from the factory anyhow. I don't have any issues with condensation in my van. I highly recommend not insulating and doing a vapor barrier especially if you're going to be in warmer weather. IMO insulating is a waste of time and money. I wish you the best with your build!

[@goingtothelakehuff3512]

Very informative. Thank you

[@WannaBFree]

You are quite welcome.

[@tntvans]

great video based on honest experience :)

[@WannaBFree]

Hey, thanks!

[@josephdupont]

I've landed Holbrook Arizona if you want to camp on it and you're welcome to

[@WannaBFree]

I'm not sure what you are saying but thank you I think. :)

[@52864wolfy]

If you are in a hot climate and not going to insulate what do you do with the walls? paint them?

[@HansenFT]

Why do anything? Great for attaching all kinds of storage things, etc, with magnets. One of the main attractions of no insulation. Lots of magnetic stuff available

[@dmh3566]

Thanks for the Video, excellent food for thought. Just wondering; in your E350, did the PolyIso have reflective foil on one side & did you face the foil to the interior or exterior?

[@WannaBFree]

Yes it did if I remember correctly. It's been too long since the E350 build I don't remember what direction I installed the polyiso. You may be able to tell in some of my E350 videos though.

[@karenhansen4770]

Thank you so much. Seems like a best investment would be a cargo HVAC.

[@WannaBFree]

Glad it helped

[@mycocoaone]

I am adding indulation to my van! Winter of 23/24 no insulation. I wrnt through alot of propane with my buddy heater. I am going to block the front drivers area better and add to the roof.

[@rnadeaujr]

Excellent video.Thank you for sharing your experience

[@WannaBFree]

My pleasure Robert

[@vickilindberg6336]

As I understand it, if you insulate you might want to make sure you have a power vent to avoid condensation. My concern is sound when sleeping & comfort in emergencies.

[@TezTez-i5g]

I’ve never insulated any van from first in 1992 ,, 1999, 2008,, 2019 and next will be next few months👍👍👍

[@jomiskell8059]

Very informative. Ty so much

[@WannaBFree]

You are so welcome!

[@treefrog3679]

No mention of condensation from sleeping in small uninsulated cold van. I suppose in desert climate not so much of an issue.

[@johnpaulsmith8681]

Very useful. You can watch this at 1.5 speed.

[@WannaBFree]

Thanks for watching John!

[@marshabrown8337]

Great video. Happy Thanksgiving. Take care.

[@WannaBFree]

Thanks and Happy Thanksgiving to you as well.

[@dporper6390]

I have an indoor and outdoor thermometer set, and when I wake up in the morning, the temps are often the same. But if its cold I can turn on the heat and everything is great.😊

[@paulineh4019]

Do you have a link to show how your awning works?

[@WannaBFree]

Yes, here you go - kzbin.info/www/bejne/np_Snn54qpaHhJI

[@paulineh4019]

@@WannaBFree Thank you!

[@Nick23Wood]

What about sound insulation - with my van with 7 layers of insulation (in the cool) I can now just about hear the radio :) which is nice.

[@WannaBFree]

Good point and definately important if you are in loud environments. Thank you for your input.

[@karinhart489]

I just put a full cargo mat from Mopar on the floor of my ProMaster City. While it isn't very thick, it seems to be made of a tough material & really cuts down the noise.

[@herniedog4641]

Lol buy two

[@marilynwisbey9446]

Depends on climate? Hot or cold ? Does it?

[@WannaBFree]

Yes, you are correct, it depends on your climate.

[@paulg492]

A uninsulated van or camper in a cold climate is uncomfortable when the furnace cycles off and the cold drafts blow. Having a well insulated living space helps.

[@paulhunter546]

Great video..seen others who say the same..insulated and takes longer to cool and vice versa. I insulated parts of my van..have reflectix panels to cover the windows that open for ventilation. Spent the winter in Quartzsite area last year and van placement as well as ventilation is more important to keeping comfortable. I live North of Seattle and as far as I'm concerned..you can keep warm here in the winter but you're confined indoors too much. I'm headn back down to Southern Arizona to spend most if not all my time..visit family here in the spring/summer. ;-)

[@_skud]

thanks for your thoughts

[@WannaBFree]

My pleasure

[@marilynwisbey9446]

Anyway thanks for sharing! 😘

[@WannaBFree]

You are welcome, thanks for watching!

[@supermariosavestheday6971]

How can u prevent mold from entering the van?

[@WannaBFree]

Keep good ventilation in the van at all times by opening windows and running a fan. Avoid running a propane heater as much as possible, they produce moisture and that will create mold fairly quickly in a van.

[@supermariosavestheday6971]

@@WannaBFree ok great, ty. Are there any other heating options other than Propane & a heating blanket?

[@WannaBFree]

Not that I'm aware of.

[@hmmm2564]

@@WannaBFree Diesel heather or wood stove

[@marilynwisbey9446]

Does it get wet inside? condensation

[@WannaBFree]

No condensation but this depends on humidity, temperatures and location. No humidity and warmer temperatures here in Arizona so no condensation issues.

[@marilynwisbey9446]

Ah thanks I'm in UK .. wish I were in Arizona... it's 🌤☔️🌈😨🤧.. cold now! Lol.. thermals.

[@Kerri_mc]

Very helpful! Ty

[@WannaBFree]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dojodance]

I wonder if compact insulated panels can be made, that can be stored, and slipped in and out easily.

[@WannaBFree]

Interesting idea, I'm sure it's possible but may not be practical. But still a great idea :)

[@greekfreek21]

So when ppl say insulation helps you stay cool in the summer thats false? So confused! So much controversial info out there 😄

[@WannaBFree]

That is true. Insulation does exactly that, it insulates one area from the temperature in another area. It can protect from either hot or cold.

[@WannaBFree]

Here's a better explanation. Insulation slows the temperature transfer through something like a wall. If you want it to be cool inside when it's hot outside you are likely to have an air conditioner on inside. The insulation slows the cool air transferring to the outside as well as the heat transferring inside through the wall. The principal works the opposite way as well. If it's cold outside you probably use a heater inside. The insulation helps keep the heat inside and the cold outside.