How to Insulate a Camper Van Conversion Using Thinsulate Insulation

Choosing which type of insulation to use was one of the toughest decision; there is no perfect solution, therefore we went with the solution that was the best compromise for us.

THINSULATE PROS

Light weight
Very good sound insulation
Easy to apply
Removable
Hydrophobic (do not absorb humidity)

THINSULATE CONS

Expensive
Average R value

Installation Overview:

As much as the decision to go with Thinsulate was difficult, the installation was an easy task:

cut thinsulate to size (using kitchen scissors)
apply 3M 90 spray adhesive to the van wall & on the white face of the thinsulate
wait 30-60 seconds for the adhesive to become tacky
press the thinsulate against the wallThat’s all!

Step 1: Material Needed for This Project

Thinsulate (3M SM600L), 70 linear feet

Note that we have the Ford Transit High-Roof, Extended-Length; you might need less than 70 linear feet if insulating a smaller van!

3M 90 spray adhesive, QTY = 4

All the links for the products above are here: http://faroutride.com/thinsulate-installation/

TOOLS:

A good pair of scissor

Step 2: Overhead Storage Above Driver & Passenger Seats

There is about 1.5″ gap between the van ceiling & overhead storage, that’s perfect to insert some Thinsulate in there. We did not use adhesive since the gap is about the same as the Thinsulate thickness.

No need to completely remove the overhead storage; we slightly lowered it a few inches to fit the Thinsulate as seen in the next steps

Step 3: We Removed Both Foam Pieces on Each Side of the Overhead Storage

We used vise-grip and raw power to remove the pins (they were not damaged in the process and we were able to reuse them)

Step 4: Then, We Removed the Four Screws (total) Under the Left-side and Right-side Handles

Step 5: We Unsnapped the Three Pins in the Center of the Overhead Storage

Step 6: It Is Now Possible to Lower the Overhead Storage a Few Inches and Install the Thinsulate

Step 7: CEILING

The challenge with the ceiling is to work against gravity. However it proved to be fairly easy for 2 people. We won’t go in details here, because there is not much to say…

Step 8: WALLS

Large cutout were filled with Thinsulate.

We also filled the van cavities where possible.

Step 9: SLIDING DOOR

The plastic panel must first be removed.

The panel is fastened with several push pins. They are fairly easy to remove with a flat screwdriver, or you can do it with a push pin pliers. (Pulling the tab will “unlock” the push pin)

Step 10: Plastic Sheet

Since the sliding door is exposed to exterior elements, there is a plastic sheet to protect the door mechanism. The plastic sheet can be removed simply by pulling it; the goo should remained glued to it for later re-assembly.