Insulation

After literally freezing our asses off in the tin can during the desert winter trip, next up on the install list is insulation. This was an interesting process. Not only did I want it well insulated and sound proofed, but I had to plan for walls at this point as well.

I opted for multiple layers and styles. First, anywhere that it would fit went the classic paper backed pink stuff. The concern with using fiberglass in a van is that the jostling and whatnot from driving around and moving it all of the time will shake fiber glass loose which translates to itchy skin and other discomforts. But, the R value and the sound proofing qualities of it are awesome. So I devised a plan to use it, but seal it completely in with Celotex and HVAC ducting tape.

First I placed all the insulation paper side facing the interior. I used duct tape to temporarily secure it where it wouldn’t stay in place on its own.

Then I sealed the seams between the paper as much as possible using more standard duct tape.

Then came the Celotex. I opted to insulate right over the large backside windows. It will help with privacy, stealth camping, building the furniture, and less curtains! It came in two foot strips from the Depot. Again I used regular duct tape to secure it in place. Van or UFO cockpit?

Then came the wonder of HVAC ducting tape. This stuff is amazing and I used it to seal every conceivable seam I could find – be it Celotex to Celotex or Celotex to vehicle frame. There is really no way for the fiberglass to get out now and the walls haven’t even gone in yet!

Finally, I reused the foam insulation baord I ripped out of it initially to finish the ceiling up. It was already cut to shape and I would have had to use the same thing there anyways. Again, I secured it with duct tape temporarily until ceiling panels go up.

The fiberglass isn’t going anywhere. The Celotex provides an additional, quality layer of insulation and, with the help of the HVAC tape on the seams, creates a vapor barrier as well which is critical to prevent rusting, mold, etc.

Insulation Costs

Now for some walls…