Vlog 5: starting to insulate my DIY camper van (Toyota Proace / Citroen Dispatch / Peugeot Expert)

[@GregVirgoe]

Hello David, I tuned in today eager to watch the next episode of your van conversion and there you are giving my channel a huge plug. I'm totally blown away by this and just want to say a massive THANK YOU for your recommendation. I love watching your other channel "CruisingTheCut" and find your clear delivery and sense of humour to be compelling viewing. So when you started this Van conversion I just had to subscribe immediately. I know this channel is going to be another one of my favourites. Keep up the good work and my very best wishes in all that you do. Kind regards, Greg.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers Greg, you have lots of fans here (just scan the comments!); very happy to give you a plug. I just hope I can talk even half as much sense as you (your feedback on my insulation plan is welcome)

[@youtubecommentpolice2043]

Greg Virgoe as I see him stuff the insulation. I've heard there can be moisture issues I've heard of bagging it first (loose insulation). If I choose the loose IN. do you think I need to bag it

[@Vandemonium]

There will be moisture unless the insulation and compartment it is in is entirely sealed off with an airtight vapour barrier (which I intend to apply and you will see in a later vlog). The moisture occurs as condensation of the vapour in your breath (ie that of the people using the van) on the metal inside walls. By stopping the moisture-laden air from touching the cold wall by using a vapour barrier, you prevent it being able to condense, so the insulation stays dry. The only caveat to that is, I have already noticed, the lock mechanism on the sliding door leaks internally very slightly in a heavy downpour so insulation in the door would get damp even with a moisture barrier protecting it from internal damp. Luckily the door has an air vent right at the bottom to let damp our and ventilation in, plus I shall, as you say, be putting a bit of the insulation in that specific area in a plastic bag.

[@Miss_Judy]

I love van dwelling yt channels... When he was talking up a yt channel I figured it was Bob Wells... So glad I found another van dwelling channel!

[@heatherangellight8558]

I went and subscribed right away to your you tube channel!!!

[@dianemorris6904]

Daughter was fascinated with your recycled sheep

[@rickgreene4258]

I’M IMPRESSED at how much you’ve taught yourself since moving onto the narrow boat. You’ve got quite a list of new skills. The way you put your videos together and the narration is top- notch work. Thank you for the glimpse into what you are doing and England too.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you very much!

[@contrafax]

A good couple of days work, so much more to van conversions than I had thought.

[@pootle2768]

That was so entertaining, informative and funny too. It’s going to be so exciting watching you convert your van.

[@Vandemonium]

It's going to be slow, I tell you that!!

[@davidoickle1778]

I would hate to hire you by the hour, . . . . . And I mean that as a compliment. My, but you are meticulous. Persistence and patience pays off though. You seem to subscribe to the theory that "anything worth doing: is worth doing well."

[@eekee6034]

In my campervan dreams as a kid, I decided I wanted to base on a box van for the extra little bit of space. This video has convinced me that whatever disadvantages box vans may have and whatever lack of style they suffer, I'd still prefer box to panel van. ;) But they really do suffer a lack of style... I don't know. :)

[@TheAndrew363]

like you i was restricted with floor insulation then i was told to use laminated flooring insulation between the battens 5 mm thick works as a sound deadening and insulation. seems to work OK . also when trying to get insulation into channeling try feeding a string line thru then tie insulation to it and pull it back through.

[@horstszibulski19]

Yes Greg is the godfather of explaining and how to build a van, really like his videos, not even the van related ones, also the ones about the workshop build! But yours are also helpful and entertaining, a collaboration of you and Greg would be the best! :-))

[@Vandemonium]

Maybe one day!

[@k13ehr]

I had mine spray foameď it is the very best insulator, and does the sound deadening at the same time,

[@jamesnoonan7450]

I remember about 12 years ago now, when I was on my first week of my gas and heating apprenticeship. I was given the unenviable task of celetex boaring a cupboard we would later fit a boiler into. Needless to say, I absolutely butchered it. Fortunately, I had an incredible mentor who, instead of shouting at his incompetent apprentice, simply showed me how to correctly cut and fit the stuff. I did, however, pick up the nickname of "captain insulate," which still follows me at the same company to this day. Despite the fact I have taken my on my own apprentices. I can now fit the stuff with my eyes closed, but it does bring back fond memories of serving my time on site. Insidently, the man who taught me was called Jon, lovely chap retired to Menorca in the balerics about 2 years ago.

[@johnwigglesworth7961]

A fine vlog David. Inexplicable wiggly bits are what make life interesting, but I’m sure you now know that.

[@Vandemonium]

Hahaha, yes indeed

[@christianearly9531]

Greg's videos are brilliant!

[@Vandemonium]

They are!

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you, Christian, very much appreciated.

[@sianwarwick633]

Wow - oh my gawd. That's hard work. Binge-watching the conversion. Press on, David, press on. This is all very enlightening

[@Vandemonium]

😀

[@gypsyjudy3521]

David, my husband and I love both your channels. I just wanted to tell you about a couple of great channels pertaining to camper builds. The first is The Restoration Couple in which a young couple demonstrates how to build a camper from start to finish. The second is Humble Road which shows some great ideas to incorporate along the way which most people don't think about initially. This guy has a wonderful sense of humor and the camper is beautiful. Keep up the good work PLEASE!

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you. The first one I know about but the second one is new to me so I'll definitely have a look. Cheers

[@AnthonyChew]

I will have to admit, going through those inner 'tunnels and metal conduits with insulator are seriously tough work! I have used screw drivers, pins, hooks, even cloth hangers for the work.

[@tylerjames3313]

Amazing to watch your van conversion experiences. A lot of little challenges. Well done! Great videos too! Enjoy your professional commentary. Your previous career experiences are evident in your video productions.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers!

[@soulman956]

Hi, enjoying your van conversion. A good idea would be to run a cable to the back for a rear view camera, whilst you have the access.

[@Vandemonium]

Yeah, I've been toying with that but they're all so crap, it seems. Really low resolution cameras, terrible screens. You seem them advertised as "HD" and it turns out they're 640x480 or somesuch. Also, having put the rear windows in the van, I can now see out the back!

[@soulman956]

Thanks for the reply, you could always put a cable in for the future if you come across the right set up.

[@Vandemonium]

Good idea

[@allorenz6591]

I did a conversion of a long wheelbase GMC full size van in the early 80's. Bought full size templates and put up ply sides, floor, ceiling cut out roof vent and side windows, installed short shag carpet over all the panels. Plenty warm. Ventilation was a huge problem when sleeping in hot humid US weather. Took a three month sabbatical and toured the western U.S. States in it with young family.

[@allorenz6591]

You should be just fine with the excellent approach you're using for this project. I'm anxious to see your interior design.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you! I'm going to be cramming quite a lot into a small space so we'll see how it goes :-)

[@carolynevolpecurley547]

You are so precise; your second career after journalism should be engineering.

[@concon6460]

Greg is a absolute legend

[@Vandemonium]

I've gone off him ever so slightly since not winning one of his t-shirts mind you ;-)

[@GregVirgoe]

Haha you do make me laugh :D

[@gilb6982]

If this is not the best insulate van , it will at least have had the best intention and attention to the detail it is incredible how detail oriented you are and patient really interesting to see

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you. Wait until you see the next one... ;-)

[@theexploringphotographer]

1:10 Watched all from Greg Virgoe, totally agree about his quality. He was a thermal engineer after all )I think it was that), so he should know what he's talking about.

[@0HARE]

Nice work, sir. Thanks for taking us along. Cheers

[@woychck4]

On my truck,van and camper I used thermal insulation mat, the type used on cars being restored helps on heat and noise. Works really well, I don't have cold floors and sound good not like riding around in pot lid or something of the sort.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers!

[@GDSVID]

just a tip lol..but dont you think you should be think about your wiring and cabling first...you may need some of those nooks and crannies to run your cables down...then next if your cutting roof do that before any insulation...decide your van layout and were various lights and sockets go be fore the insulation...doing it your way is gonna make alot of time and work for yourself...i have the same van

[@Vandemonium]

What makes you think I haven't already thought about cabling...? ;-) Fear not, it's all in hand. It's a very small van and there's not a lot of wiring anyway.

[@Smudgie]

Going to try self adhesive Armaflex for insulation.

[@steadycamuk1]

Very interesting video, and well filmed considering the awkward stuff your trying to film. Keep on Trucking, looking forward to the finished item in the future.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you

[@Vandemonium]

Haha, I remember being fascinated by CB radio when I was a kid, I used to know loads of those numbers...

[@frankgh1]

I love my inexplicably wiggly bits!

[@avlisk]

For those wanting a very easy-to-install and excellent insulation material, try Thinsulate. It's the same stuff they put in winter coats, gloves, and boots. Scissors and glue is all you need. It forms itself around all those bumps and crooks and nannies. Some say it's too expensive, but weigh that against time spent and headaches endured. It's a one-time, easy as pie, great choice if what you want is an easy and good insulator.

[@Vandemonium]

The trouble with Thinsulate is that its insulation value is only on a par with loft insulation which means that to have any substantial effect it needs several layers to build up an appropriate thickness, eg 50mm - and in that case you might as well use loft insulation.

[@avlisk]

I was told the loft insulation loses its R value and also will promote mold if it gets wet, but Thinsulate doesn't. That may or may not be true, but since it was a one-time investment for me, I bought the Thinsulate just to be safe, and yes, doubled and tripled it up in places. (By the way, I am new to your channel as of today and have enjoyed each episode of the build. Seeing those camper vans at the RV show was eye-opening, too. We don't have anything that cool on this side of the Atlantic.)

[@Vandemonium]

That's true about the damp, hence the vapour barrier etc. Have you seen Colin Jaques narrowboat build channel? He's insulated his entire narrowboat in Thinsulate and loves it! Glad you're enjoying the videos, thanks for watching.

[@karlhelgedahl9223]

I came to your vlog for just another van conversion vlog. Took me less than a minute to be completely charmed by your commentary, language and manners. So please go ahead and vlog about any topic really after this one, I'll be subscribing. You sir should have your own show on BBC.

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you. You may also enjoy my narrowboat channel then - kzbin.info

[@codynova]

Yikes! Styrofoam (or whatever foam) squeaking has always been like nails on a chalkboard for me! Can't wait to see how this insulation and sound dampening turns out...

[@broadpete]

I’m enjoying your detailed and methodical (ok, OCD) approach to your conversion. To add further to the confusion around insulation of camper vans, the £60k VW California factory built camper has no insulation of the bodywork, but has a nice diesel powered heater with plenty of capacity to keep you warm. Ironically, they then fit double glazing to the windows in the rear!

[@broadpete]

I’ve asked Greg Virgo as well as I’ve just followed your link.

[@Vandemonium]

I'll be adding an externally-vented propane heater (Propex HS2000) to the van but no double glazing!

[@susanwaltho4151]

Hi I have no friends or family so when I see your video s it cheers me up

[@Vandemonium]

Hello. I’m glad the videos bring you some happiness 😀 Cheers

[@GaryGroves]

kewl video. I'm not an insulation specialist by any stretch, so this may be a stupid question. Why wouldn't you use the expandable foam insulation where you used the batting and the top? Spray it into the nooks and crannies and spay it on the top to the desired thickness and trim.

[@Vandemonium]

Several reasons. Firstly expanded foam is messy to apply. Second, I've heard over time it can crack and fall off in the extreme heat of a metal van body (I've no proof this is true or not). Third, if you're not careful, the foam can actually push out and distort the metal in the very cramped spaces, and finally the proper insulation foam kits need to be applied at a higher ambient temperature than I have in winter right now :-)

[@livefreeordie4850]

Your description of installing the insulation is lol but so true.

[@ru55laye]

Another great Video. Good shout about Gregs Channel

[@Vandemonium]

Thanks. His is one of the few channels that talks sense.

[@GregVirgoe]

Thank you Russ 👍

[@winfredstacy5843]

Your attention to detail is astounding!! I expect this will pay off in a cozy space for you....have you considered putting together an act as a contortionist as a sideline?

[@Vandemonium]

Yes indeed, tickets going on sale soon! ;-)

[@doctorpc4x4]

Bit late now but one of your best friends for shapes is a wire profile or wire contiur gague

[@danieltaylor5231]

Adding yet another interesting channel to my subscribed list. I blame you for most of its length David.

[@jjjnettie]

Watching you put your arm up that channel, makes me want to watch All Creatures Great and Small again. :)

[@Vandemonium]

Haha, yes it's very James Herriott isn't it?! :-)

[@jjjnettie]

Trivia - the show was set in an era when vets didn't wear rubber gloves, therefore the actors didn't wear gloves when they had to perform that particular medical task (supervised by a real vet) in front of the cameras.

[@Vandemonium]

Well I hope the cows were all OK!

[@alanknight9628]

Somebody is going to love you if any bodywork crash repairs have to be done in the future - god forbid !

[@MrBblhed]

Nice job! The work you have done so far looks top notch. Just my little bit of advice, if you are dead set on using a "silver" (Metalized Mylar) blanket on the floor. Look into "Multi Layer Mylar Super Insulation" Google some variants of that phrase, you will find lots of information. Anyway, this stuff is metalized mylar with a thin layer of cloth affixed to it to maintain the light gap you were talking about. I am familiar with using this material in high vacuum cryogenic systems to reduce the amount of Inferred energy (heat) that enters the system. The major advantage of Superinsulation is that you can use multiple layers and each layer actually adds insulation to the system. Here's a "top tip" if you go this route, after 4 layers there is no appreciable gain so stop at 4 layers. Another tip is that you can make your own Superinsulation sandwich with alternating layers of Metalized Mylar and mosquito netting. The Mylar insulates, the netting makes the gap. This will also give you some conductive insulation because the netting and gap do not conduct heat so well. Finally, carpet is great at holding dirt, but it is like a blanket on the floor.

[@Vandemonium]

Hello Ted. Thanks for that. I originally was going to use the same stuff as behind my stove but it's very expensive (it's rather more sophisticated than mere foil) and is a bit like the stuff you're describing, I think. Instead I've already bought some of this conventional foil stuff, with a 5mm foam core. It's not ideal but I haven't the space to allow for anything else. Of course, there will also be a (small!) air gap which is itself acts an an insulator.

[@MrBblhed]

The stuff I am talking about is 0.005 inch thick metalized mylar (Space blanket) so it is exceptionally thin, it works great at 77 Kelvin and up to around 40+ C [100F] but is not so good for hot places like behind your stove, that is a different specialised material. the sandwich I mentioned would be less than 1.5mm [1/16 inch] thick mainly because of the netting. Sounds like your 5mm [0.195 inch] solution is about as space efficient and easier to install. I thought you were going to be using basically a space blanket and I wanted to offer a solution that would make that a little better. Still, carpet and padding wouldn't hurt.

[@MichaelsMustang]

Very interesting, quite a slow process.

[@2LaneTraveler]

9:20 whacking your head is just part of DIY, I think. I'm fond of telling people that I wasn't born this ugly.

[@geoffupton]

my god! diyv has a new channel! (do it your van btw!) next thing you know our host will be refitting his canal boat! lol

[@Vandemonium]

You never know... ;-)

[@williambays3534]

Just check this after seeing current events and noticed can you may very well be over stuffing that fluff insulation. It's the fluff part that makes it work, compress it too much and it's insulation property goes right to the basement. So only stuff it if it must be stuffed. .

[@Vandemonium]

Hi. Thanks William. Yes, don't worry I have been careful to try to keep it fluffy. Unfortunately, trying to push it into some of the inaccessible areas has undoubtedly squashed it a bit at the further ends but by and large it's got lots of air pockets in there. Cheers

[@iduswelton9567]

also there's a product call underpinning that's sprayed on the underside of the van body that insulate the van and protects the underside from rocks and mud and salt

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you, yes I'll look into this as someone else has mentioned it as well. Cheers

[@russ3578]

12:46 that sound went straight through me!

[@sianwarwick633]

If that's the squeaky cuts ✂️ yes

[@RVgeeks]

Do they sell spray cans of expanding foam insulation in the U.K. like they do here in North America? It seems like it would be easier to fill those many cavities with that stuff instead of the pushing in loft type. Or is there some reason that the spray-in type is undesirable in a van conversion?

[@Vandemonium]

You can get cans of expanding foam but many of them appear to be open cell and designed simply to fill space, rather than closed cell for insulation. The closed cell insulation types appear (in my limited research) to come as a two-component spray which has to be mixed at warm temperature. Also, spray foam can actually bulge out the metal of the van if applied overenthusiastically plus it's quite messy. I will, however, be using a low expansion closed cell foam adhesive to fill the gaps around the Celotex boards (and to stick them to the walls)

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks fore the details, David! We had no doubt that you were doing your homework. Carry on. ;-)

[@v.w.productions4834]

Only trouble with spray foam is that it goes mouldy over time and can crack and breakaway if not tightly packed!

[@mange2]

When cutting shapes in the celotex, an electric carving knife is brilliant.

[@Vandemonium]

Alas I don't have one and I'm too mean to buy one since I'd never use it again ;-)

[@trainguy4861]

Your insulation is not the recycled sheep that you talked about in previous video.

[@kenbone4535]

Yes the cellotex is the best, surprised you have not mentioned expanding foam yet. Loving the vlogs, just catching up as not had much down time to watch anything of late. Happy new year.

[@Vandemonium]

I've mentioned it in the comments instead ;-) Essentially, it's a bit messy, can bulge out the metal in cramped spaces if you're not careful and a lot of the cans of expanding foam are "open cell" which means they're just space-fillers not actually insulation.

[@wildlifewalkswithcountryge749]

A good job done David, just watch out for all those sharp edges in the panels, you've already found some, it must be littered with em 👍

[@Vandemonium]

It's like sticking your hand into a grinding machine sometimes, I swear!

[@georgecaruso5507]

Insulating a floor is fairly easy, put the car on a lift, have a contractor spray an inch or so of urethane closed cell foam on the underside of the van body, use a fiberglass insulated panel above the muffler and exhaust pipe as well as the catalytic converters. For door interiors and other difficult places, you can also use light weight pour able two part flotation foam.

[@Vandemonium]

I think it would be tricky on the van as, for example, the diesel tank is underslung, and there are some other bits under there that probably don't want to be messed with. Interesting plan though!

[@georgecaruso5507]

Yeah, you would have to temporarily pull the fuel tank to get above it, and be careful to allow some air space. Other things that you need to get off, or not foam, you wrap with plastic, and work around them, then remove the plastic. Not a perfect solution, but a workable one if you do not want to raise the finished floor. Nicely done as always.

[@Vandemonium]

Interesting. It sounds like something I could add at a later date if needed (?) so I'll certainly keep that in mind as an option. Cheers!

[@jerriecook6908]

Just a thought for future poking bits of insulation into tight spots. I would like to suggest a double pointed knitting needle in a very small size. Not sure of the English knitting needle sizes but I'm thinking a OO size might be strong enough to reach into those small holes and push or drag the insulation enough to get you where it needs to be. Enjoying your videos in Northern California!

[@Vandemonium]

Great idea! I don't have any knitting needles but I did try poking it along the gaps with the screwdriver (if I could get it into place to start with, of course)!

[@Speedird]

Loved the Doctor Who Reference... Wibbly, Wobbly...

[@Vandemonium]

I don't think it was intentional (or even a Dr Who reference at all!)

[@llessibm]

Did you consider using expanding foam for those really awkward bits ?

[@Vandemonium]

Yes ... but firstly, expanded foam is messy to apply. Second, I've heard over time it can crack and fall off in the extreme heat of a metal van body (I've no proof this is true or not). Third, if you're not careful, the foam can actually push out and distort the metal in the very cramped spaces, and finally the proper insulation foam kits need to be applied at a higher ambient temperature than I have in winter right now :-)

[@dot2562]

Company I work for in Holland 20 years ago made them insulation boards, the foil had fibre glass in it, some boards where made and packed, some were placed in an oven and baked, can't rem what the difference was, they also sold boards 10mm thin, zeetek in Netherlands

[@kimifur]

When you said to go and watch "the other guy's" (Greg's) video, I went and watched all of them! They really are a fantastic resource. He certainly earned a sub from me! Great videos you're making, too. Eventually I would love to do a stealth camper build (preferably from a VW Transporter and convert to biodiesel). Keep up the great work both here and on CruisingTheCut!

[@Vandemonium]

Greg will be pleased to hear that. Thanks, good luck with your own build :-)

[@kimifur]

Thanks! It'll happen eventually, as will our liveaboard narrowboat! :D

[@iduswelton9567]

david u could have saved ur fingers if u had used the spray foam in the tight spots-and u need to be aware of the possibility of high heat around the light fixtures and those little boxes are most likely either fusesoor circuit breakers

[@Vandemonium]

Hi. Thanks. Spray foam is not ideal in tight spots because it can expand to the point where it deforms the metal, and it's also impossible (effectively) to remove in case you need access. Plus it's messy and needs warm temperatures to apply and it's been very cold!

[@ralphvanthoff]

Hi David, interesting project. Busy with one myself, but rather more preoccupied with insulating against heat from the outside. Why don't you use expanding PU foam in those hard to reach beams and struts, the same stuff your boat is lined with?

[@Vandemonium]

It's messy, it can bulge the metalwork out in the cramped spaces, reputedly it can crack and come loose due to the metal heat in summer, and the proper foam stuff comes in a two-carton system that has to be heated and applied in moderate temps ... all in all, a bit of a pain. Plus it would get in the way of all the wires unless I comprehensively covered them.

[@terry9325]

I’m sure caravan builders of old use to use the loft type fibreglass loft insulation until they started they started on modern techniques for there caravans ,as for your kind of camper van they would probably use the loft type insulation just for the ease of doing it and the cost , you will never see it “ What thy eye doesn’t see“ .

[@garybrockman5682]

You have a dark coloured van! It's all well and good keeping the inside warm but on a hot summer's day it will be unbearable as dark colours tend to get up to approx 30 degrees centigrade hotter than a lighter colour. Having double sided foil wrap stuck the the metal work will reflect more of the sun's heat out therefore leaving a cooler place during the day while holding in heat over night.

[@Vandemonium]

Metal foil stuck to the interior metal of an insulated wall will have precisely no reflective effect whatsoever for the reasons described in the video. It must have an air gap else it simply doesn't do anything. But we never get more than a couple of weeks of really hot weather even in peak summer anyway. The insulation will also act to keep heat out.

[@valdimar70]

The thing that have to be kept in mind it is a car, not a house, what I mean by that is the house do not move but van do. When driven the van do vibrate and if wool is used then with time the wool is going to get compackt down and have gap on top. Most people take there skills from building houses and convert it to build van and do not think of the think about house is still but car is not ( usely )

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers. The amount of wool used is minimal and in fairly tight spaces where it is unlikely to compact much.

[@davidmathews8697]

Carpet underlay for floor insulation

[@silkyjones2626]

Whassup dude? More vids coming? I am having withdrawl pains.

[@LukesVanLife]

Really like your presenting. Your very natural on camera. U make it looks easy. :)

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you!

[@wildflowerwind6941]

There has to be a way to use a spray foam insulation over everything about an inch. Then just put up sheets of plywood. I had spray foam insulation put in my basement.

[@Vandemonium]

See my blog post at vandemonium.co.uk/build/vlog-6-winter-warmer/ re spray foam

[@dreamweaver4886]

Cold bridges and condensation! 😉😋

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you for your other message, the long one about security. I have read it but taken the liberty of erasing it from public view though, so as not to help spread awareness of the issue. Cheers

[@v.w.productions4834]

Excellent video! Just doing mine.

[@Vandemonium]

Excellent! Do chip in with your findings...

[@trwagner1]

makes you wonder why there are companies who make camper vans. Now, David, is there a measurement....custom made or custom camper van build? Not to challenge your build or your project, but you are working on the "skeleton' of the van in order to insulate the van for use as a camper van. What's the cost offset of doing it yourself and buying bare bones camper van? Or is that an option? Love watching you do this.

[@Vandemonium]

Not quite sure what you mean; are you querying whether one could buy a pre-insulated van and take it from there? No-one's offering that service as far as I know.

[@Kiwionwing]

How about snow foam /yoga mats under the vehicle glued up. Need glue /rubber /tar to hold in place. Well depends if you want to be in a Scottish winter

[@Vandemonium]

Too cold for me in Scotland!

[@wesclay6347]

The best insulation is a DEAD Air space, as it will not conduct the heat or cold, also use caution when cramming and shoving your fiber insulation as that will compact it and defeat the purpose of the Insulation.

[@Vandemonium]

Absolutely agreed. Fear not, I was as careful as I could be to leave the insulation loose and "teased out" as far as was practical and compatible with actually getting it up into the crevices.

[@bornfreefreedom4900]

Good works Your doing your going to be Very toasty In your Campervan You be fighting off them Fit young ladies When your Finished I recon You will have all Different ladies all over the uk and Europe You better get a Sign Saying " do not come knocking If my Van is rocking. 😜😜😜😜👍🚐

[@stephaniewilson3955]

Your woolly hat helps when you hit your head. (Sad voice of experience.)

[@leztravelvegan3483]

Hi David, I wonder if I can trouble you for some advice please. I have bought a Peugeot Expert H1L2 2016 so it's just like yours in size. Can I ask how many boards of cel you used and how much recycled plastic insulation in the cavities please? Just I don't want to over or under order. Loving your vlog and thanks for putting me onto the Greg Virgoe vlog too. Thank you in advance!

[@Vandemonium]

Blimey, it was three years ago so I’ve absolutely no idea now, alas.

[@leztravelvegan3483]

@@Vandemonium thank you anyway 😁

[@VanOnTour]

You know what it annoys me how people say the foil does not insulate. Insulation is all about trapping an air layer and the dual or triple layer foil bubble wrap does this. In my first conversion i insulated it using nothing but double layered foil insulation and doubled it up again. The difference compared to no insulation was impressive to say the least and I even used it in winter with no heating comfortably. Having said that I would now use Celotex/Kingspan coupled with loft insulation for the pillars and nooks and crannies then have the foil bubble wrap cover that for an insulative vapour barrier.

[@Vandemonium]

You can be as annoyed about it as you like but foil itself is not an insulator and whilst bubble wrap does have a measureable lambda value, it will only have any effective use if - as you have discovered - you use multiple layers. Merely doubling or tripling will still be negligible although yes, no doubt, better than none whatsoever. Celotex / Kingspan has a substantially better R value and is typically at least 25mm thick, so to match that you would need at least double that thickness of bubblewrap.

[@Nick23Wood]

POF is annoyed because the theory (Science is thought control) directly contradicts his own experience - foil coated bubble wrap (reflectix) insulates - try being in a van - cover half the roof with only foil and see the difference between the covered part and uncovered part. As he says it works, but Celotex will work better. If you want something thinner try yoga mat or camping mat (closed cell foam) sandwiched between two layers of reflectix, which will probably work almost as well, as insulation is only as good as the weakest part, and with that formulation it's easier to cover every inch. The Reason you insulate the floor is that you are going to have a metal plate at -10 degrees under your feet - forget the reflectix and use Aquastop (only 5mm thick - try B+Q) which is used between concrete and laminate flooring. Cheap, easy and it works :)

[@Vandemonium]

Science is measurable fact but let's not go down that alley. Firstly, let's not confuse "foil" with "foil-wrapped bubblewrap", the latter has two elements, each with their own properties. Together they will have a small effect on heat retention, hence why it feels warmer when it's used. Foil - just foil - will reflect radiant heat but isn't an insulator (insulation is resistance to heat transfer, as opposed to reflectance which is what the foil does) and that's what I stated, correctly, in the video. Bubblewrap, as I already mentioned, does indeed have an insulating value but it's absolutely tiny as a single sheet, as it is with a closed-cell foam mat, because it's so thin. Put together, then yes they will provide both a radiant barrier (if a decent air gap is left) and a small insulation layer. I've not said otherwise. Crucially though, they just don't insulate very well until you build up the thickness of the wrap. Thickness is vital to insulation, precisely how much so depends on the K-value of the material. Bubblewrap's K-value is rather worse than that of Celotex so you need lots more layers of bubblewrap to achieve the same insulation as a given piece of Celotex. Two or three layers of bubblewrap and foam mat may indeed be sufficient for your needs but it's way off being anywhere near as good as 25mm of Celotex or similar products.

[@rickfaulkner5147]

Did you see the pretty little stars on the van roof after bumping your head on the van door frame ?

[@Vandemonium]

:-)

[@krustykamper]

Well I built my van back beginning last year, and I have done my insulation pretty much the same as you and Gregg. I didn't have anyone to follow, I just came to my own conclusions about how it should be done. Now I've seen Greggs I'm quite happy with my decision. I'm not saying anyone else done it wrong, I just think our way is better. Bare in mind I'm mainly trying to keep heat OUT not in, as most of my travels are in hotter Climbs. Check out the slideshow on my channel if you want to see how I did mine. (campervan dog)

[@Vandemonium]

Excellent. Good to hear it works. Cheers

[@mwp1979]

You better be careful David.. If you keep hitting your head and hurting yourself then Health and Safety will require you to wear a Hard Hat...... :) Your doing a great job.Keep up the good work.

[@Vandemonium]

Haha, goodness only knows what they're going to think of my new mitre saw then... ;-)

[@annettefournier9655]

Well if the floor lets in the cold , a pair of battery powered warming socks and a Mylar blanket in your sleeping bag should do the trick. It's a very small space and won't be difficult to heat for the times you camp in cold areas. . Who knows. You may roast yourself out with your heating choice. 😉😉

[@Vandemonium]

It's so funny, people are getting very vocal about the insulation (or lack of) on the floor but they won't be sleeping in it and I won't be going to the Arctic. Plus I do have a sleeping bag that I took up Kilimanjaro so, as you say, I think I'm going to be fine :-)

[@stephenwhittier6439]

👍 thanks again !

[@nitramretep]

The "Loft" insulation is a problem when it gets damp...from the condensate that occurs in vans...metal and different temperatures inside and outside.

[@Vandemonium]

That's why there will be an impermeable vapour barrier placed on the walls which seals them to be airtight so no moisture from the van's air can get into the insulation.

[@davidmaxwaterman]

"Flecibile elbows"? Mine are quite flexible, lol :p

[@simonbloodworth5916]

Having just started watching this channel (as an avid follower of Cruising the Cut), I have just spent the day watching all of Greg's excellent Sprinter build videos. Do you think the Maxx Fan Deluxe fans that Greg retro-fits his Sprinter with at the end of his build series are a viable option/need for a Narrowboat as well, given your dual channel experience?

[@Vandemonium]

Depends on the curve of the boat roof, I suspect they wouldn't have a good seal.

[@roygardiner4002]

I would have gone for the basic spray foam in a canister for those enclosed pressings David.

[@Vandemonium]

Spray foam is good stuff but it's a bit messy, can bulge out the metal in cramped spaces if you're not careful and a lot of the cans of expanding foam are "open cell" which means they're just space-fillers not actually insulation.

[@traceykelly2603]

One advantage to the way David has done this is the insulation can be removed if you have to check a wire or a cable. Spray foam not so easy.

[@neil5978]

Oh my god the squeaky noises when you cut that stuff sent shivers up my spine, worse than using polystyrene :-)

[@Vandemonium]

Haha, I knew someone would say that! Sorry :-)

[@gafynowen558]

What exactly is the 'loft style I stuff you've used? Cheers, keep it up👍

[@Vandemonium]

See my blog post at vandemonium.co.uk/build/vlog-6-winter-warmer/ for details

[@woychck4]

Would spray foam work in this hard to reach hole ares?

[@Vandemonium]

In theory but expanded foam is messy to apply. Also, I've heard over time it can crack and fall off in the extreme heat of a metal van body (I've no proof this is true or not). Third, if you're not careful, the foam can actually push out and distort the metal in the very cramped spaces, and finally the proper insulation foam kits need to be applied at a higher ambient temperature than I have in winter right now :-)

[@susanwaltho4151]

Hi where can I get a pump shower please think all your vlogs are great

[@Vandemonium]

geni.us/Van_TravelShower

[@xcon3k]

Hi. Great video.. out of interest what's the music called you used at start of your work? I've heard it before somewhere and never been able to find out. Thanks in advance. Andy.

[@Vandemonium]

Hi. It's from the KZbin music library. I'll have to go and look it up.

[@xcon3k]

Vandemonium Ah brill ok thanks :)

[@iduswelton9567]

ture about the cold but there's low expansion spray foam that works as long as it's above 33° f

[@Vandemonium]

Ah, OK, well the stuff I've got wanted it a bit warmer (and so did I when doing the work!! :-)

[@globaljob8689]

Hi. Did you ever remove the locking mechanism before? I have some issue with it n trying to see how to troubleshoot why

[@Vandemonium]

The only thing I ever did with the door locks was in vlog 32 but it doesn't involve removing them.

[@suetaylor5186]

What are you going to get up to to need the sound deadening! Lol keep up the good work xxx

[@Vandemonium]

Haha, chance would be a fine thing ;-) It's really more of a resonant dampener than sound-deadener, I should have clarified I think...

[@chrisneedham5803]

Sue Taylor : yes!? I want him to hurry up and go camping now 🤔

[@CheckFred]

For your channels you should have used Insulation Beads and selotape (to cover holes :-) with a 12v tyre-pump to blow them all in via your hoover-hose :-)

[@Vandemonium]

You may mock but for a while I was indeed considering something very similar to this!!

[@CheckFred]

Dave .... I do believe you're getting Paranoid in your old age (You been partaking of that old Wacky-Baccy ;-) It was meant to be a serious comment. Glad you 'had' at least considered it (Something we've used in the building industry for donkey's years :-)

[@Vandemonium]

Ah. You put a smiley on it so I thought it was a joke. I remember having my house cavity walls filled in much this manner!

[@CheckFred]

:-) ..... I put them on most posts/replies/comments as too many people don't understand the #TIC Hashtag :-)

[@Vandemonium]

Hmm ... I had to work that out!

[@BigTom1289]

Have you checked how you change a rear bulb? A lot now you need to remove the light cluster, usually by removing bolts on the inside. If that's the case obviously don't cover them with insulation.

[@Vandemonium]

I must confess I foolishly have not but the insulation over that access hole at the back could be pulled out very easily if needed.

[@BigTom1289]

Vandemonium maybe check before you ply over 😉

[@Vandemonium]

I'm reaching for the van's Driver's Manual even now!

[@stevescet]

Have a look at Nina the Ambulance camper channel video 086 for a thermal test with insulation.

[@Vandemonium]

I'll take a look, cheers

[@davidmaxwaterman]

I suspect you need to revisit your explanation about covering foil - it totally depends on what you cover it with and how 'transparent' that is to IR.

[@davidmaxwaterman]

air gap, lol...love to hear the 'science' behind that...

[@Vandemonium]

Plenty to read about it on the web, I don't think I need to either revisit or justify it here. Foil shouldn't be covered if it is to reflect the radiant heat, there needs to be a gap.

[@TotallyScaleModels]

you are doing the insulation but could not see a wiring loom for electrics for lights etc. from what I have seen, most people do this before the insulation.

[@Vandemonium]

They do but in this case not necessary; there will be very little wiring needed in my tiny van.