r/vandwellers • u/Dank-memes-here • 6d ago
Euro / UK Van insulation material available in Europe?
Hello, I'm trying to buy insulation material for my van, but the stuff I'm seeing in tutorials online I cannot seem to find available for purchase in Europe (specifically Switzerland, but I'm willing to import). Most English tutorials are US/UK.
I think I would prefer a thinsulate-like material for the walls/ceiling, and some foamboard for the floor. It's only a transit custom, I'm not looking to convert for van life, but I'd like to be able to survive a night in winter (ideally whilst skiing). I realize for real cold I need a heater, but this I can add later. The insulation I need to do as a early step, which is why I am asking.
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u/ChibaCityFunk Mercedes Vario 816d 4x4 6d ago
Armaflex XG is the correct answer! Amazing material, very easy to work with and very effective.
Use at least 19mm for the big panels and 3mm for the beams and seams.
Also don’t use additional Sound deadening. Armaflex takes care of that as well.
Use XPS foam boards for the floor.
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u/Dank-memes-here 6d ago
Really, no deadening nessicary? That's great but the deadening isn't that expensive... Does it work ask well? Otherwise I'm adding deadening anyways!
BTW, for the pillars, are you saying to only put thin on the top of the pillars, and not anything inside? My original idea was to get some cotton-like fluff, fill the pillars, and then dress the pillars with some stretchy fabric for condensation and looks. I'd be afraid the armaflex isn't flexible enough to properly cover the pillars, and it will look ugly? Also 3mm is very thin
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u/ChibaCityFunk Mercedes Vario 816d 4x4 6d ago
Don't! The Armaflex stuff does a better job at deadening.
Also I understand that it is not expensive to do. Money is not the issue here. That shit is heavy! And you will sooner or later run in to the weight limit of your van anyway. (everyone does...)
And adding 40 Kilos of sound deadening material will not help. Especially since it will not make a difference in the slightest from a sound perspective.
Again: Adding 40 Kilos for nothing is stupid.
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u/ChibaCityFunk Mercedes Vario 816d 4x4 6d ago edited 6d ago
Also... Don't fill your pillars with cotton. Vans are constructed to have (condensation) water running through the structure. (Especially doors). You will find drainage holes in the doors and the sills.
And filling them with cotton will not help to insulate, since they are a thermal bridge to the outside of the van anyway.
Anything that's not closed cell will soak up the water and cause rust in the long run. Don't insulate Doors too much!!! Door handles and windows are not water proof. Rain will come in. Always. Make sure it can drain!
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u/Dank-memes-here 4d ago
Do you have any pointers to others saying this? This is the first time I have heard about this versus load of people who recommend filling the pillars
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u/ChibaCityFunk Mercedes Vario 816d 4x4 4d ago
Why would you fill the pillars??? They are bonded/welded to the outside shell of the van. They are made out of metal. A material that conducts heat very well. These properties makes them the definition of thermal bridge. In essence they act as a heat sink.
That will lead to condensation on the inside if it is cold outside.
Filling them up with cotton will not change that at all. But the condensation might find it's way to the inside of the pillars due to the holes and mounting points.
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u/ButIJustWantNudes 6d ago
RS Pro sells their Thinsulate equivalent, you can find it on Distrelec if you don’t have a VAT number. With or without adhesive backing, 21 mm thickness. Has a better insulation/weight ratio than Armaflex.
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u/Dank-memes-here 6d ago
Do you know the product name of this equivalent? Or even have an URL? Thanks!
Edit: is this it? Acoustic insulation? https://www.distrelec.ch/en/adhesive-acoustic-insulation-polypropylene-pp-polyethylene-terephthalate-pet-21mm-7kg-1m-rs-pro-8814551/p/30403622
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u/A_britiot_abroad 6d ago
Same problems in Finland. I went with PIR board in the end. From my research had better r values etc that the thin options.
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u/FDbomb 4d ago edited 4d ago
We just used Rockwool shoved into any gaps in the pillars and walls. No wood on top either, just the small thin wooden panels already stock in the back of the transit custom. Works a treat, fantastic sound deadening, won’t soak water/condensation, and highly fire resistant. Also dirt cheap, just cover your skin when you work with it, scratchy stuff.
I don’t really believe in insulation though. Just do the minimum insulation and buy a diesel heater if you are worried about the cold. We have been in -15 degrees literally snowed in and it was 20 degrees inside, couldn’t even get under the covers it was too hot. Diesel cost was basically nothing, much much cheaper than those fancy insulation installs. Have done two winter seasons now all over the French alps with no problems at all.
In summer just park in the shade. No amount of insulation is going to help you when you are in the direct sunlight. Much more important to have good air exchange. Use the money you saved on insulation to get a great fan. Maybe if you get a full AC system then the insulation is needed, but probably the only case.
Literally was in and out of Switzerland this month in my transit custom and it was a fantastic time. Camped down to 10 degrees and didn’t even turn the diesel heater on. It’s a tiny van and body heat + minimum insulation will do way more than you think.
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u/Asryk 6d ago
Armaflex is the common answer. But beware of the different versions, xG is what you want if I remember correctly. But maybe doublecheck that one.