VAN INSULATION PREPARATION | TRC Van Conversion 12.0

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Lots of theory to get through in this one as thought it was important to go through the details but don't worry, back to more action packed episodes soon! :-)

[@darrencorpe]

What type of insulation are you using in the wall? Is that sheep's wool?

[@dmay3391]

Restoration Couple "The water can't get through it and condense on the metal" *This is false. Air has water in it. There is air on both sides of the vapor barrier, it's not a vacuum. Warm air holds more water than cold air. As air cools it cannot hold as much water, thus wet happens.* *It's all about "dew point".* *For example: When the outside temperature is 83F and relative humidity IN THE VAN is 80% then the dew point is 77F.* *Therefore, for that "dew point", if air behind the vapor barrier and insulation cools to 77F or below, then condensation will occur.* *Weather reports list dew point. Many clocks have relative humidity as a feature. Condensation is best avoided by avoiding the possibility of dew point air temps on the inner skin of the van.*

[@akakamyk]

@@darrencorpe I was looking for the same answer and I found it in other videos. It Is "Diall" recycled plastic wool. It is also under other brands "B&Q", "SupaSoft", "EcoLoft". All of this can be found by key words "Non-Itch insulation wool"

[@BRISTOLDNB]

@@dmay3391 the water cant get through it and condense on the metal. How does water or air pass through the impermeable membrane like aluminium foil? It doesnt. Therefore and moisture iside the van will not reach the outer metal body work. Pf course there is a small amount od moisture in beetween the van wall and the foil, but minimal. This method prevents moisture from people living in a van cooking and breathing and wet equipment from getting in to the insulation and on the van wall.

[@spikeexc]

Great content. Edit it down to a video that people want to watch. Say what you mean, me@n what you say

[@lawrenceholtgrieve6762]

The quality, care and detail of your work is obviously evident in your projects. And, these videos are just additional examples of work done well.

[@batMelek]

Loving the great care and precision you are employing to build out a van for yourself, your wife and your sweet daughters! I'm hoping to turn a small Transit Connect into a living space for myself and my cat. But, at 70 years of age, I'll probably have to find a company, or several van build-out specialists to convert my off grid van for me; which could prove pricey on a small Social Security income. Can't wait to see your family's adventures in your finished van!

[@PhilippinesFarmLife]

❤THANK YOU❤ This is the best description and simple to understand insulation presentation. Watching from the Philippines and a new subscriber on Jan. 2nd 2024. I am using your ideas in my Cargo truck conversion

[@jamstudiostheshed1]

REVERS cam priority especially kids dads driving he is the best . Hart attack .

[@simonduckworth5941]

Great video - the theory is important, it's great to see the reasoning behind why you're tackling a project in a certain way. Thanks for the videos - keep up the good work!

[@Theonebaddude]

One of only two van insulations that I've seen that seems to be done right. Thank you.

[@teflonpan115]

thank you, thank you for welcoming me back sir. I have never been here.

[@OKFrax-ys2op]

Now you have, congratulations 🍾🏆📣

[@paha200000]

You are a van Jedi! I love how you address want you see in other videos and you approach. This is so helpful. Keep us all going this is so incredibly valuable!

[@stellamartin1192]

Thank you for the great explanation about why a vapor barrier is needed!

[@glennclark762]

Thanks for explaining. I have read so much on the forums about the ways to and not to do stuff. This was explained nicely that I now know what I am going do do when I get my van. So thank you

[@cedarstuff]

Another great video. Thanks for the effort you put into making these, and explaining the reasons you do things the way you do.

[@dbharrold]

Great engineering/scientific explanation is excellent. I've shown my friend doing a conversion this video and she is using your methods so thanks very much.

[@finickityreader5274]

These videos are a god send. I'm planning out a Luton van conversion at the moment that I want to allow me to see Sweden/Finland in the winter, and I'm having to put a lot of thought into whether it's possible and how.

[@Markdejong]

Can't wait till the next video! Really helpful for my van

[@GuyWoodland]

Great video. Why did you not cover everywhere with the vapour barrier?

[@AndyTaylor_Paintguy]

As you mention, rivnuts would be another option for mounting those battens and I'm sure you'll find they are available from the dealer ready to fit into all of those preformed hexagonal holes. No criticism for the way you have fixed them though, they look very sturdy and erring almost on overkill, but that's exactly how I like to make stuff. Looking forward to the next episode 👍

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Did think that there may be something for those holes, oh well always a nice feeling to use up the hardware you have cluttering up the garage!

[@americanpettransport]

I been doing some research on wood paneling. You have a video on this or suggestions? I think I want to do planks than one whole thing so if I want to customize something or remove a panel I can just do one plank versus the entire thing

[@amcerlain1375]

I want to thank you so much for all your efforts in making these videos. Your van series has finally inspired me enough to take on my own van conversion which until now I have been to worried, with the lack of knowledge and confidence, to tackle. I too have 2 small children a similar age to you. I bought a 2011 Sprinter a few weeks ago, but religiously watched your series before making the plunge and now that I have the van and have started the build have found myself traipsing back through your serious to revise some of the useful tips you've suggested. I bought the same Transit Custom rear seats as you, got the twin seat with both iso fix for the kids seats, i fit them next week and cant decide whether i should fit the single 3rd. let me know if you think its still worth doing if you read this? i'm going so a slightly different sleeping arrangement for the kids, i plan to have 2 detachable table/bed that will fit to the wall below the drivers rear window but lays over the rear seats, this will hopefully work and double up as a table for the swivel front seats during the day and a bed at night. Anyway, wasn't meant to get into my build lol, just wanted to send you a huge thank you for your series. I might even attempt my own basic youtube series of my own build, ha. If you are ever on the south coast, I'm in Poole and i'm sure we'd have plenty in common and the kids would get on great, get in touch if you want to get some DIY vanlifers together! Thanks again

[@sendittolance]

Are you concerned or have you had trouble with moisture in the cab? Lots of work to make the cargo area vapor tight but isn't the cab open to moisture?

[@pedrovanhill]

Best explanation I have found so far. Brilliant thanks.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Glad it helped.

[@daveellery7380]

Hi , brilliant videos , what size tapping screws are you using please?

[@Raykenn1]

Excellent video! You have answered a lot of questions I had.

[@johnnymfbravo7163]

Very knowledgeable and informative van video series. Learned much from your vids.

[@johnspooner4128]

Very good information, what is that shiny thin barrier shield material that is stuck on the wall and why did you not cut to to be flush with the ribs? Thanks for your help!

[@MrGenedancingmachine]

Have you come across cold bridging/thermal bridging in your research adventures? I've seen a few people complain that cold travels from the outside along the screws (wood panelling that's been screwed into the wood brace that's been screwed to the metal ribs) and there's damp rings around every screw on the inside panelling

[@TheRestorationCouple]

The majority of issues like that tend to be where paneling is screwed to the ribs direct with self tappers. It may still bridge through but with the rib void filled with insulation first there is actually very little bridging to the outer skin. In our case we our filling our screw holes and then painting the wood so that will further reduce the risk of the screws becoming a dew point. I did touch on this in the roof video I think.

[@alastairbax]

@@TheRestorationCouple 3 years on an still thousands of people finding your van build videos invaluable. I've read several horror stories of people insulating similar to how you have but found later that water had somehow got into the space between the van wall and vapour barrier (some mention van trim clips, bad seals on wheel arches or body seams). @therestoreationcouple I would love to know what humidity readings you have taken through sending the sensor up the drain holes. I guess taking time to seal and holes where trim clips come through, checking and sealing the wheel arches etc will limit/stop the ingress of unwanted water from the outside.

[@CRyan71]

Hi I. Have a ford transit work van and i use it the odd time for sleeping at festivals or remote spots for early morning photography. Question. I'm just about to get it kitted out with shelving etc and wonder if theres any benefit what so ever to put some insulation inside the ply on both sides?

[@DANDWYERIRL]

Tip for you. If you want to drill an existing hole with a hole saw/forstner bit. Take a scrap piece of wood drill all the way through and then clamp it to the piece with the existing hole as a template, will stop the drill jumping around and give you a nice clean hole

[@TheRestorationCouple]

I was being too lazy I know. Actually ended up just using an augur bit on those first ones! :-)

[@DANDWYERIRL]

The Restoration Couple ahh we are all guilty of that!. Sure the holes are out of sight so makes no difference!

[@dafuzzymonster]

why have you only used the moisture stuff in little squares? do you not need them all over or is squares enough?

[@willsvanadventures]

Hi, What did you use for the wall insulation? Do you have a link to buy?

[@barrydewhirst6626]

I don't know if anyone said but put nuts on the bolts before you cut them then round the end after or you won't get your bolt back on unless your a wizard with metal and also galvanised spray will stop any corrosion

[@vayde]

I've just bought my first house and I've been watching your videos for a couple of months. I am picking up so many useful things and I've learned so much! Trying to make some decisions now at this early stage and I don't want to mess anything up as the surveyor identified some areas that need to be looked at (missing/spalled brickwork on chimney area in loft, a few areas of damp wall downstairs), I wish I had a mate like yourself who could pop over and offer some advice haha keep up the great work. PS have you seen "escape to the chateau" on channel 4? It's the dude from scrapheap challenge and his designer wife sorting out a massive property and ground, think you'd enjoy!

[@rooneyguitar]

9:55 what thickness ply did you use for the battens? I'm assuming 12mm the same as the ceiling ribs?

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Yes 12 again.

[@out_and_about_]

Hello sir. Perhaps a silly question but I noticed you completed a lot of the ceiling first, was there a reason for this or just preference on the build?

[@mihaicirstea3545]

Congratulation for your work. which will be the height between the beds (and between the top bad and the sealing)?

[@Greg6074]

Hi - I wonder if you could possibly let me know where you managed to get the longer pine cladding from to finish your ceiling as I need some for my van - Thanks!

[@conormacleod1987]

Are you just screwing straight through the metal when screwing battens to the side (not the bolts)

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Yes.

[@hannahgermaine2736]

Really appreciating your channel - thank you :-) Some of the music in this vid seems to block out some of what you're saying though which is a shame. Thanks again

[@jasperbuitenhuis6771]

didi you ever check the vapor in the wall? that you are talking about in min 6?

[@007nadineL]

Great question

[@mogdaboi]

Hi, does anyone know why my rockwool insulation in the walls of my sprinter conversion would be damp? The walls were insulated with rock wool, kingspan and a bit of expanding foam. Then they were covered with foil vapour barrier and foil tape. I then battened and ply lined the walls. So I drilled out the electrical hook up today and discovered the rock wool is damp and the van hasn't even been lived in yet. Any help on this would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[@Melonator2456]

You could have a leak somewhere that's letting wate run from outside the van. I'm in the process of converting my van and discovered a couple of leaks on the side of the van but luckily I cought them before insulating and panelling.

[@beauroberts3623]

The background music is too loud and prevents hearing the naration

[@X3lfl3X]

trust me, for building, don't add music, you're working with materials, and tools, not trying to make an infomercial..people want to hear the drills the clattering the cutting, awesome video though =D thanks better then what i would and could ever do, to sit here posting comments has absolutely no bearing on your abilities and information. =D

[@coltonpickering3892]

Music shit video good 👍

[@ImMarkyB]

Thanks again for another great video. You're the sole reason why I chose to buy me a van and get a van/office life going! The only concern I have is that I really don't have a DIY strand of DNA in me lol

[@boilerman8357]

Hi Thanks for all of the really helpful videos. Can you please recommend a supplier for the carpet lining? Do I need 4 way or 2 way stretch? And lastly, which is the best thickness to use. Many thanks in advance. Regards and thanks again. Andrew

[@emmacayless3764]

Can I ask what, why and whether the small-squares of the vapour layer are attached directly to the metal?

[@mylesdk1787]

emma cayless it is sound deadening material. ~2mm of butyl rubber to reduce the pitch of the metal vibrations when driving

[@kennyjones3635]

Excellent video.........just in the process of collecting everything together to do a Ducato LWB........will be checking out other videos :-)

[@davidlealan]

Amazing videos, thanks so much. You've inspired us to 'Do it ourselves'. Please can you tell us what type of 12mm ply you used for the wall battens? We've cut ours from hardwood 12mm ply but worried that we should be using structural ply.

[@stevecraft00]

Great video as usual, but the vocals are only on the left channel! The music is fine, left and right. Not sure if anyone else has said. . .

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Yeah someone mentioned it, must have panned it by accident or my mic may be on the way out, it has had a tough life!

[@steveg2509]

Hello, how thick is your ceiling wood and is it tongue and groove? Thank you

[@joarvestergren8998]

Great videos! Question: How do you work around insulating (and mounting wall) around outputs for rear lights and locks? I am questioning how im supposed to insulate that while at the same time be able to access it for service. Do u stuff those panels at the backdoor with insulation? Do u cover them up with walls after? I will most likely use polyiso and armaflex.

[@skvsn]

Great job. Like attention to details. However not sure I agree with battens for those upper beds. Looks like they take even more internal space. Would it be better to put some captive nuts (or nutserts, whatever they are called) into the holes on the van frame and bolt directly to them through the wall lining ply?

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Even without the beds I would still batten our the whole van to help with the lining and avoid fixings being in contact with both the van metal and internal air.

[@skvsn]

By the way - do you have an idea of what the finished internal width at bottom and top batten levels is? Sorry if you covered this already in other videos - did not manage to watch all of them yet.

[@benjaminlandheer1]

Would you ever use spray foam in the hard-to-reach areas, or maybe even between your subfloor and the wall?

[@Jake-pt6lt]

Would I need to worry about making the van moisture proof if I'm only planning on sleeping in it 9 or 10 nights a year?

[@dozukime]

Why cant you attach the frames after the ply & through the wall beams of the van with large self taps?

[@ferdicastellano]

Hi! Thanks so much for the video! Very informative! I was wondering though... If one paints the internal part of the metal exterior wall with some kind of rubber paint that is waterproof, wouldn't it help to prevent condensation as water droplets couldn't be form on that part of the wall? If it is so, than would be a good thing to also paint the external part of the interior (wood) wall so between the walls would be isolated from water? I don't know if that makes any sense or if I was clear, but I would like to know your thoughts on that! Thank you! Cheers!

[@arvidullberg8936]

Hej man, great video, I really appreciate you taking your time to show us this! I just have one small question, what exactly is it that you are using as the soft recycled insulation? What is it called and what is it made of? :) Take care

[@kotacash6024]

Would silver foil like you’d use in the kitchen to cover food work to reflect heat/ act as a moisture barrier?

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Yes but would be to easy to tear. Polythene sheet is the cheapest and easiest vapour barrier.

[@EatSleepVan]

Man moisture barriers are tough. It's very hard to seal up everything perfectly, air molecules are pretty small, and vans have lots of gaps and holes. And then as you say, if it gets through and condenses, it's trapped. I guess until it evaporates back into the air from the heat of the van during the day. So I was thinking, yeah I'll just let it breath, by using breathable insulation and not having a moisture barrier. Then one night while I was working on the van without any windows open, in just half an hour the roof was saturated with water. Just the amount made me realise, I have to get that moist air out of the van before it hits the walls. I need a vapour barrier. But I'm going to struggle to seal up the van completely, as I wanted to use a number of the Transit wall cavities to extend the storage space. And all my cabling goes through the walls/ceiling ribs. So it would be easy to create the situation of moist air getting through, but not letting water out. It's impossible to seal inside all the ribs and cavities. So yeah... I think having a way to check what's happening is critical. Excellent idea. I've never seen a single video of someone checking the moisture in the van after it's built.

[@Al-Hunt-acrylic-painter]

Ventilation is your answer. You need air to circulate to dry the inside.

[@sakibraza5782]

Hi Guys can anyone help.. I’m looking to convert my mercedes Sprinter in to a party bus, i wanted to know what insulation to use? No one will be sleeping in it obviously & i want to keep the weight to a bare minimum! Can anyone help??

[@ItaliavsChile]

Thanks for the info grelt insight, greetings from Denmark

[@yidne8239]

Have you considered leak? Even new vans tend to leak?

[@mikel4571]

I'm looking to convert a van into a camper. I was looking at the for Transit 4x4 AWD. Can wait to get started. And get out of the corrupt UK.

[@pocketmoon]

Great vid! Did you ever check the insulated space with a humidity sensor ? My build is very similar but I'm installing a small roof vent just to provide ventilation to the space enclosed by the vapour barrier.

[@garagefaff]

Was about to ask the same question..

[@nick-hq]

@The Restoration Couple , amazing video as usual! Did you have any time to check the humidity since 2017?

[@juandenz2008]

Not a bad video. Sounds logical, but I would like to see some actual studies. Personally I'm wondering if it is better to leave an air gap and unplug the holes at the bottom and just let the cavity breath. I would make the walls with prefabricated panels incorporating insulation, that could be removed if needed.

[@animallover19581]

What about a vent on the outside???

[@TheVanderfulLife]

7:30 an interesting point someone once made is if you go for spray foam and down the line need any welding done, the garage wouldn't wanna touch it...not sure if it's true, or how your style of insulation would be viewd but a point nonetheless for anyone reading

[@bexnut]

What thickness battens have you used please?

[@DiamDiva]

How much did it cost to insulate the van? Should do my A/C first when building then insulation?

[@sarahpraet2891]

Hello, were can I buy the wool you use.? and what is the thickness?

[@tmotten]

If you were to want to dissemble the whole van to sell it, how would you deal with removing all that adhesive? I'm hesitant using any adhesive for that reason but I'm not sure if it's an issue much.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

If you really had to you can use a thin wire and pull it through the seal to cut it. However it would not be worth the effort to gut the van to sell, hopefully worth more as a camper and not planning to sell anyway. 👍

[@prophetmathis9436]

You could use adhesive removal

[@2firewings]

WHy do you use small patches of the bubbly foil in the walls? cheers!

[@TheRestorationCouple]

It’s not bubbly foil, it’s a sound deadened which is used on 30-50% of panels to reduce vibration and road noise. 👍

[@Dazzletoad]

Moisture in the air will condense on any surface where the temperature difference is sufficient.

[@svorskemattias]

Which means there will be condensation between the metal and vapor barrier?

[@chatteyj]

@@svorskemattias Good point you have to install vapour barrier when its bone dry I suppose. Also I think using the conduit that you feed the electric cables through as a way to vent any wet air between the vapour barrier and metal is possibly a good idea.

[@svorskemattias]

@@chatteyj i don't think it matters actually. Try tightly closing a plastic bottle in "dry" air, and then expose it to daily temperature changes for a few months. I dare to say there will be condensation on the inner walls after that. I'm not sure, but I'm not gonna risk it in my van. :)

[@matthewsmade]

Always very well thought through. Im learning a lot. thanks

[@xxzhang]

what if you added the silver building foil on top of the foam insulation with the foil. would that ameliorate the potential problems you talked about with not installing that foam insulation properly? also what are your thoughts on plastic vapor barrier?

[@petermcarthur7450]

xingalingaful Plastic on its own is not vapour impermeable. Yes, two layers is better than one.

[@vanzazen4636]

Your opinion please. Modern vehicles have all metal coated with multiple products to prevent rust. Assuming that any penetration of that coating is repaired by adding back a sufficient coat of paint, why are these professional coatings of metal protection not sufficient to prevent condensation from causing rust? I live just outside of Detroit MI, USA, and I can say that the amount of rusting you saw in cars and trucks a few decades ago was significant and today it is significantly reduced. If you take good care of your vehicles paint most rusting has been effectively eliminated. Thoughts? PS, thanks for the videos.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

The condensation is less about rust and more about what it causes, mould, degrading of insulation, damp smells, etc.

[@mausie1967]

I like your conversion. But what is the name of your insulation, and where did you buy it?

[@RodneyBrumley]

I'm a bit late to this comment party, but I was wondering what thickness you used for those battens?

[@TheRestorationCouple]

12mm

[@JimTMcDaniels1]

SAY WAIT!: A super cheap great overlooked free insulation material for what you might use to stuff into cavities in a van is used poly fill-pillow filling that you can fairly easily get for free from people's warn discarded sofa's are often found next to apartment dumpsters OR the Foam From the discarded Seat Cushions-New foam is Very expensive but this foam is FREE and should also sound deaden much! The cushions often have zippers or just cut the seat open. To cut foam to desired size and shapes, I use a hack saw taken out of it's holder, holding the blade loose in hand and saw back and forth although it does not work as quick and precise as an electric meat knife, it works ok. Don't use fiberglass insulation that goes in house attics, I think the loose fibers would get into your lungs no matter what. Because any soft pillow pads or pillow backs can be full of the stuff. Just cut open with a knife to find out and take what you want before the garbage company crushes the sofa. Of course you'd want to give it a quick close scan smell with your nose on it in case it has pet urine but really most apartment deter pets by either not allowing pets or they charge a lot to have them. Manufacturers make the poly basically from plastic bottles and it's fluffy and no one is allergic to it and it doesn't make you scratch and it doesn't absorb water and although it isn't as good of an insulation as foam, it does insulate by holding the air in it's fiber fluff pockets. Of course you can buy it new in bag at hobby departments but it can be kind of expensive and why buy new when you can get for free and save the environment with more plastic?! Take care of yourself

[@Scrambler85]

Lizard skin is the way I have decided to go with plus thinsolate. Cover hot and cold climates and seals the metal skin.

[@007nadineL]

I want an update on yr method pls. 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@jsmith6111]

what mm battens are you using on the roof ribs mate ?

[@Stewbular]

Great job & explanations. One thing I don’t understand is bolting a furring strip to the metal bracing because screws don’t have sheer strength. How are you gonna attach the cabinets? With bolts or screw into the furring strip? Why not bolt a type of hanger to the steel bracing to bolt the cabinets to? You could also use some type of “U” hanger like a French cleat on the cabinets for strength and screw the cabinets into the metal bracing. Kitchen wall cabinets are screwed to the studs. Like I said I’m just asking so I can understand your method. I don’t want this to come off as giving you a hard time.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

It is primarily to facilitate where I will screw the internal wall panels to. When it comes to any units that are not secured to the floor then I will probably end up using a few fixings that go right through to the steel rib or possibly a toggle type fixing. French cleats might be used where I plan to have removable units for the occasions we need more space.

[@Stewbular]

The Restoration Couple thanks for a quick and detailed reply.

[@chardonian1]

Love the videos thankyou. Inspiring me to do my own van.

[@stotas2]

If you have noticed the rigid insulation is very slippery on the foil and most people tape over the joints from experience I can guarantee the tape will lift and come off. I always wipe where I am tapping with meths or brake cleaner to remove the coating you probably felt this on your hands after dealing with the stuff. Maybe do a test and see tape two bits together and hang on a wall or ceiling and watch. Hope this helps well done for the videos.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Yeah I have noticed that on other projects. Some tapes are also better than others. We foil taped our whole loft and were able to monitor that for a few months before boarding over and all ok so confident enough with this.

[@allanhmelnitski978]

seems a proper building

[@sandygraham7943]

Good video !

[@evellop]

Could I ask what the exact name of the insulation wool is? Have been looking to get something simmilar in Germany but no success yet. Thanks!

[@paulknowles9727]

double sided bubble wrap will give you a 10 degree difference If it's used properly and not touching the outside of the van. 10 degrees is a massive difference.

[@brianmi40]

Surprised you didn’t use Rivnuts, much simpler / quicker and retains sheer strength of a bolt... very smart build tho...

[@kylecarson2395]

Great video, what thickness are your battens?

[@richieb3627]

Great vids... just a quicky did you use the 50mm or 100mm insulation for the wall. Many thanks

[@TheRestorationCouple]

100mm.

[@jwheeler91]

Was the voice supposed to be panned left? Great info! Well explained :)

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Oooh, no, must have missed that in edit. Think my old Rode mic is on it's way out, might have recorder to one channel or something.

[@jwheeler91]

The Restoration Couple quality of recording sounds great, so if it’s a stereo mic, you could just sum to mono, which is plenty for these kind of videos :).

[@janekmamino7898]

You have put some of that lofting wool insulation into the ribs. Have you managed to get reflected in there somehow??

[@snzeji]

The sound quality is messed up for headphone users

[@MrTobypowell]

Hi, another great vid. What was the drill bit you used for the m8 bolts that fit them flush into thewood? (sorry diy noob questions) thanks

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Forstner if its a stubby flat one. Just leaved a flat bottomed hole unlike a regular bit.

[@MrTobypowell]

The Restoration Couple thanks again for your help, really appreciate it.

[@matthewmoore9301]

Definitely owe you a pint or 2 for these vids . . . Re-visiting this one as I need to put side battens in. I have a boxer and was just wondering if you drilled holes into the metal for the M8 bolts to go through or did you just put them through the existing holes in the ribs (although mine are hexagonal - think yours are too). . . Any info on this would be great! Cheers, Matt

[@jwvandegronden]

Question: I’m watching your videos for future reference; I love the extensive explanation and your thought processing out loud, gives a great insight into the decisions that need to be made throughout the built. What I yet have to understand is what I see in many conversions: the stuff on the panels of the panel van. I understand you don’t want moist to condensate against the panels and therefore an airtight layer is required to bridge the temperature difference between outside and within the van. But how do these adhesives help with that? Thanks mate

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Not sure if I follow? The silver squares on teh metal are sound deadening only. The most basic way of looking at it is that it doesn't matter what insulation you choose, you must always have that vapour barrier on the habitable side of it. Not sure which adhesives you mean, it is the silver layer or whatever polythene sheet you use which is important.

[@jwvandegronden]

Cool, that is exactly what I meant! it is sound proofing... Thanks for clearing that up for me so quickly; got confused, thought it was part of the vapor barrier or isolation, which put me on the wrong foot. The vapor barrier is clear to me, thanks to your video(s). Impressed with your work, and the fact you find time to respond! Thanks again.

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Jan Willem v.d. Gronden some do fit a thin foil insulation all over the metal first but I am not sure it is worth it if you do a good enough job with the main installation. 👍

[@Nick23Wood]

It's worth it, that partial sound deadening could be extended to be the first vapour barrier, the secret is layers, then the foil (2nd barrier), then closed cell foam (or sleeping mats) then Kingspan, followed by soft layer (recycled plastic bottles)to even out the gaps, then final foil layer, then the ply which has been backed by 5mm underfloor insulation (dampens panel resonance). It is a good idea to have plenty of hydroscopic fabrics in the van (like woolen blankets) to absorb then release water vapour as well - of course lots of people also line the van with carpeting which has a similar effect. And like you say it's also a good idea to allow an escape route for any moisture which invariably will find it's way in whatever you do :)

[@jwvandegronden]

Nick Wood thanks. I tend to get overwhelmed by technique, even though I am quite handy. Do breaking it down in easy process steps really helps! Thanks!

[@flybobbie1449]

I lived in a caravan for two years. Every flat surface would suffer condensation. Walls, inside cupboards, under seats. Only way to stop is to have every surface covered in a soft fabric insulation. I covered the walls in carpet tiles. I see a lot of these vans with wood walls, that is the last thing i would use. As a surface finish i would use the wall carpet fabric. Also why not use sticky backed closed cell foam as used for car sound insulation.Heat and sound is only vibrating air molecules and that is what you are trying to stop. I have used on my small van. This silver stuff looks good, but only reflects radiate heat, of which ain't much inside a van.

[@flybobbie1449]

@Yul Strokheet Al-Wauch Because it insulate the cold surface on which condensation forms. Reason why lining carpet is popular in motor home vans. Submarines at one time were lined with cork.

[@robsonm9449]

@@flybobbie1449 would u recommend to put cork for the vans put straight on metal

[@flybobbie1449]

@@robsonm9449 Might work. I just found cork expensive and ugly if leave it bare.

[@JonBaatz]

Do you have any concerns that the soft insulation you are using will collect moisture and mold? Thanks

[@petermcarthur7450]

Jon Baatz That's why he's going to install a vapour barrier and monitor humidity levels.

[@Luv4Frankie]

Fill the cavities with Rice ! Dam genius Gump!

[@RH-xf4vf]

Not sure the science of vapour barriers actually stacks up in a van. Best thing is to use non-absorbent insulation and provide plenty of ventilation and air movement through the van.

[@Plastpackad]

Aluminium foil will impact radio waves! Can also disturbe cable signals. Inside a van wall it has zero insulation. It actually works well as a cold and heat conducter. But as said in this video, it works well as a vapour barrier. Avoid, imho, aluminium other than in window covers (to reflect direct sunlight). Use plain vapour barrier plastic for the job. Seal it with none metalic tape. One can use normal, clear, bubblerap as insulation but it's R-value might be low. I would prefere to use sound dampening without alu foil. If you have a problem with weak spots in the insulation, a foil behind it might worsen the problem by being such good thermal distributor. Reflectix in vanbuild is such amazing global groupthink. Perhaps it started with the space programs? Looks advanced and scientific. If NASA is using it, it must be good... Use reflectix to clad the inside of your shoplifting bag! ;-) PS. Pardon me spelling.

[@FineArtVista]

Well explained .I love your chanel:)

[@Protosaki]

must be air gap or no insulation effect

[@TheRestorationCouple]

Not being used as insulation here.