While it’s easy to maintain temperature control when using a vehicle normally, a few more factors need to be considered when using a campervan conversion as a mobile home. To save on cost as well as maximise convenience, it’s useful to have an understanding of how an insulation system works so that you can keep a pleasant internal temperature year-round.

In this article, we’ll highlight a few concepts that can assist you in choosing the right insulation for your mobile home.

• Heat Resistance:
  Put simply, all insulation materials hold an R-value, which determines how resistant it is to heat conduction. The higher this value, the more effective the insulation material is at reducing heat transfer. R-value is impacted by both the material and thickness of your insulation, meaning both of these concepts are important when selecting a product to insulate your van with.
  
  
• Water Resistance:
  When insulating your campervan, choosing a material that will resist moisture and mold is essential to ensure its longevity. When selecting the wrong material, moisture is often trapped between the insulation and the van body, which can build up into larger issues down the line. Waterproof insulation solutions such as foam boards or polyisocyanurate foam can be used to reduce moisture in the insulation.
  
  
• Cost & Space:
  When choosing an insulation material, cost and space are two factors that will help you decide. While thicker materials may be preferable for their ability to resist heat and water, they’re often much more expensive and tend to reduce the internal space of your campervan significantly. It’s useful to decide early on what material you wish to use as there is often a balance that is struck between your vehicle's internal space and the cost of insulation.

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The Most Effective Insulation Materials

• Rigid Foam Board (Polyisocyanurate or XPS Foam):
  This option offers a high R-value per inch, meaning that you won’t lose a significant amount of space in your van. It is also water-resistant, which reduces the likelihood of mould building up within the insulation. Its rigidity does make it harder to fit around tight corners in the van’s interior, so some cutting is required to make sure the board can contour to your campervan’s shape.
  
  
• Spray Foam:
  If you’re looking for an effective insulation solution that can be installed quickly, spray foam is a great choice. Offering a high R-value, it’s a great way to effectively seal your campervan’s interior. However, it is also highly toxic during application, meaning that you may have to seek professional help in applying it.
  
  
• Sheep Wool:
  A naturally-derived solution that is a great choice for eco-conscious travelers, this insulation can absorb a high amount of moisture before it becomes saturated. While a more expensive choice, it’s a great option for those looking to avoid using man-made materials within their van.

Insulating your campervan is a highly personal exercise that allows for different methods to be utilised based on your own preferences and the requirements of your van.

You’re one step closer to the ultimate road adventure! Let’s get that van cozy and ready for anything, whether you’re chasing the summer sun or braving the winter chill. Hit us up at Two Mango Van Builds, and we’ll make sure your van is prepped to perfection. Trust us, once you’ve got your insulation sorted, there’ll be no stopping you. Get ready to live the dream! Contact us today.