Everything you need to know about insulating your campervan
Eager to begin converting your van? Insulation may not be the most exciting aspect of the build, but trust us when we tell you it’s one of the most crucial! We assume that the majority of people intend to take their van somewhere warm for summer or perhaps into the mountains for winter. Either way, without proper insulation, we guarantee there will be a moment when your campervan becomes a sweltering sauna or the cold causes you to lose feeling in your feet, and you’ll wish you took this phase of your van conversion seriously. Additionally, if you don’t insulate your campervan now, it’ll be incredibly difficult to add insulation later. Proper insulation can make all the difference in how comfortable your van feels, so do yourself a favour and read on.
In this article, we’ll break down the benefits of insulating your van, the materials you can use, and why it’s a step you don’t want to skip in your campervan conversion.
Why Insulation Matters Most
Insulation for your campervan is vital for:
- Temperature Control: The primary benefit of insulation is its ability to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your van. Insulation acts as a barrier to heat and cold, keeping the inside of your van cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. We’ll go into this in more detail in a separate article.
- Noise Reduction: Whilst on a road trip, it’s not uncommon to spend the night under less-than-ideal conditions. Whether you’re pitched outside a fuel station during a long drive or exploring a busy city, insulation will help to make sure you can get a good night’s sleep anywhere. Even driving can be noisy, and so you’ll be glad for that extra soundproofing while you’re listening carefully to your favourite podcast. In our experience, wind is the primary cause for lack of sleep while living on the road, and insulation was our saviour once again.
- Condensation Control: Living in your campervan means committing to a life in close proximity, and when the temperature fluctuates inside your van (which it regularly does), condensation will form on any exposed metal. If this happens continuously over a long period of time, it can result in rust and mildew – two horrors of vanlife. Insulation can prevent this.
- Energy Efficiency: And if you weren’t already convinced by the first three incredible powers of insulation, here’s another. Insulation can make your campervan more energy-efficient! This is important if you’re using a small heater or air conditioning unit. Where insulation brings a more stable temperature in your campervan, you’ll then reduce the energy needed to maintain that temperature, making your van more eco-friendly and cheaper to run.
Types of Insulation Materials for Your Campervan
Now that you understand why insulation is important, let’s talk about the best materials for the job. There are a few options to pick from:
1. Reflective Insulation
Reflective insulation is a great all-around option for vanlife. It works by reflecting heat away from the van in the summer and keeping warmth inside during the winter. This type of insulation is lightweight, easy to install, and ideal for areas such as the roof, floor, and sidewalls. It’s particularly effective when combined with other materials, such as loose-fill insulation. Alternatively, you can get our Thermal Van Liner, which combines reflective insulation with a cross-linked closed-cell polyethylene foam.
2. Loose Fill Insulation
Loose-fill insulation is great for filling the gaps in your van, but it is also an excellent companion to the Thermal Van Liner. Layers are vital to effective insulation, and this combination will be difficult to beat.
Our 50mm Dacron loose-fill insulation is extremely versatile, lightweight, and easy to work with. It is suitable for all vehicle applications and will not absorb moisture, does not support mould growth, and does not shed. It regulates temperature and moisture, so it helps keep your van dry and cozy.
For eco-conscious van lifers, sheep wool insulation is a fantastic option. It’s natural, sustainable, and works well in a variety of climates.
3. Thermal Van Liner
Our Thermal Van Liner is the ultimate insulation solution that combines a reflective layer and a flexible foam layer. This, and the adhesive surface, makes it the easiest insulation to install.
The floor doesn’t need to be as thick, nor does it need the adhesive surface, so Gold Underfloor Insulation is perfect for insulating the floor of your campervan.
4. Foam Board Insulation
Another popular option for campervan insulation is foam board insulation. This material is highly effective at blocking both heat and sound. It comes in rigid panels that can be cut to fit your van’s contours, making it perfect for areas like the floor, walls, and ceiling. Although a slightly more affordable option, it is usually thick and rigid, making It more difficult to install.
5. Spray Foam Insulation
If you’re looking for a seamless and efficient insulation solution, spray foam insulation is a great choice. It’s applied directly to the metal surfaces of the van and expands as it dries, filling every gap and crack. Spray foam provides excellent thermal and sound insulation, but it can be a bit tricky to apply on your own, so you may want to hire a professional to install it.
| Type of Insulation | Material | R-Value (Thermal Resistance) | Pros | Cons |
| Reflective Insulation | Aluminium foil with air gaps | 1.0–3.5 (depending on the setup) | – Lightweight – Reflects heat effectively – Easy to install – Moisture-resistant – Affordable | – Low R-value on its own – Needs air gap to work effectively – Less effective in cold climates |
| Loose Fill Insulation | Synthetic, Recycled Plastic, or Sheep’s Wool | 3.0–4.0 per inch | – Easy to install in hard-to-reach spaces – Good for soundproofing | – Could settle over time, reducing effectiveness |
| Thermal Van Liner | Foam with thermal reflective material | 2.0–4.0 per inch | – Flexible and easy to handle – Lightweight – Helps with condensation and temperature control | – Limited thermal performance – Can trap moisture if not installed properly |
| Foam Board Insulation | Polystyrene, Polyurethane | 3.6–5.0 per inch | – Good thermal insulation – Easy to cut and install – Lightweight and affordable – Good soundproofing | – Can absorb moisture unless sealed properly – Flammable (unless treated) – Rigid, difficult to fit into tight spaces |
| Spray Foam Insulation | Polyurethane (open/closed cell) | 6.0–7.0 per inch | – High R-value – Expands to fill gaps and cracks – Excellent moisture resistance – Great soundproofing | – Expensive – Requires professional installation – Can off-gas during application – Difficult to modify once applied |
How Much Does Van Insulation Cost?
The cost of insulating your campervan depends on the system you choose and the quality of the materials. It will also depend on the size of your van. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from £150 to £800. When it comes to insulating your vehicle, you get what you pay for. Insulation is a smart investment for any van conversion, and it’s important to get it right the first time, as it will be difficult to change later on.
At The Campervan Shop, we offer an Insulation and Sound Deadening Kit that will supply you with everything you need for optimal insulation performance, specific to the size of your van.
| Type of Insulation | Estimated Cost per Square Foot | Installation Costs | Total Estimated Cost (for Van Conversion) |
| Reflective Insulation | £0.40–£1.20 | DIY installation (minimal cost) | £80–£240 (for a small to medium-sized van) |
| Loose Fill Insulation | £0.60–£1.60 | DIY or professional (if blown in) | £160–£480 (depending on amount and professional installation) |
| Thermal Van Liner | £1.20–£2.40 | DIY installation (minimal cost) | £120–£400 (depending on the van size and material used) |
| Foam Board Insulation | £0.80–£2.40 | DIY installation (minimal cost) | £160–£480 (for a small to medium-sized van) |
| Spray Foam Insulation | £1.20–£2.40 (open-cell), £1.60–£3.20 (closed-cell) | Professional installation required (~£1.20–£2.40 per sq ft) | £640–£2,000 (depending on van size and professional costs) |
Conclusion: Don’t Skip the Insulation
Insulating your campervan is a crucial step in creating a comfortable, liveable space on the road. Whether you’re looking to stay cool in the summer, warm in the winter, or just want to reduce road noise, insulation will make your van a much more pleasant place to spend time. So, if you haven’t started insulating yet, now is the time to get it done!
Product Links:
7mm or 10mm Thermo Van Liner – 1m Width x Variable Lengths – The Campervan Shop
Gold Underfloor Insulation – 1m width x variable lengths – The Campervan Shop
Insulation and Sound Deadening Kit –
Campervan Insulation and Sound Deadening Kit | SWB, MWB, LWB, LWB Maxi – The Campervan Shop
