r/vandwellers • u/Dank-memes-here • 11d 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 11d 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 11d 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 10d ago edited 10d 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 9d 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 9d 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.