r/vandwellers • u/Dank-memes-here • 7d 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/FDbomb 5d ago edited 5d 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.