How to INSULATE Your Van Conversion

How to INSULATE Your Van Conversion - The Right Way

Рет қаралды 12,004

Күн бұрын

If you found this video enjoyable, let me know by hitting that like button!
I have no affiliation with any of these companies, and everything I'm using I paid for myself.
The three ways that heat transfer occurs are:
Conduction - Objects in direct contact
Convection - Gases and Liquids in motion
Radiation - Electromagnetic waves
All of our insulation choices then need to address one or more of the above. Also, a key issue within van insulation is the presence of moisture through condensation. While a vapor barrier solves this issue within residential applications, it fails in vehicle applications due to tighter physical constraints and the inability to create a perfectly airtight space. So my insulation strategy accepts that we need to manage moisture and use materials that resist or inhibit bacteria and mold growth. We also want to insulate for sound as much as possible to help ensure a good night’s sleep in a busy parking lot.
My Key Sources:
faroutride.com/insulation/
/ humbleroad
• Hemp wool vs Sheep woo...
• FULL DIY VAN BUILD fro...
• What We Know (and Don'...
The Products I talked about:
My bomb window shades: vanmadegear.com/
Havelock Wool: havelockwool.com/van-insulati...
Timestamps:
00:00 - Who This Video Is For
02:38 - Three Methods of Thermal Transfer
03:55 - Different Materials for Different Areas
05:13 - Moisture in Vans
07:00 - Wool for Moisture Management
08:15 - Spray Foam Insulation Considerations
10:10 - Recycled Denim Can Mold
10:54 - Thinsulate Insulation Options
12:10 - Sound Absorption
12:35 - My Ted Talk on Wool
13:50 - What Materials I’m Using and Where
16:52 - Van Made Gear Window Coverings
18:40 - The benefits of Off-Camera Lighting
19:40 - Arcteryx Thorium AR Hoody
20:40 - That’s a Wrap
__________________________________________
Van Essentials 🛠: kit.co/ErikDPhoto/van-essentials
My Camera Gear 🎥: kit.co/ErikDPhoto/my-video-ge...
Music Sourced from 🎧: artlist.io/

Пікірлер: 46

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

😔 Well, I feel like quite the numpty. 🤦 It just dawned on me as I was cutting up my foam board that it was "pilling" or balling up into chunks as you cut it... which Polyiso shouldn't do, and yet my boards were... well that's because I bought polystyrene foam boards by mistake. It's not the end of the world, these are still mold and pest resistant, but they are only rated to R3.8 vs R6. If I could find any in-stock near me I'd probably switch, but sadly everywhere seems to be out of stock. 😭

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

I think you can actually witness in real time me losing my mind. Once I get to my window coverings, it's all on the table. 😅

@lizstraw8041 2 жыл бұрын

Best explanation I have heard yet!

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

🥰🥰 Thanks! Glad it helped!

@maryannel89 2 жыл бұрын

I remember that spray foam stain debacle! 😂 You seem a bit traumatized by that incident 🤔 Is havelock fire resistant? Also, loving that Arc'teryx jacket! She's so beautiful 😍

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

Merino Wool is naturally fire resistant! 🤯 One of the video sources I link in the description actually shows trying to light it on fire in a comparison vs hemp wool. Oh, that sprayfoam mishap. 😭 Every time I put on that stained wool Hoodie I shed a tear.

@GirlsGuide2Packing 2 жыл бұрын

OMG This was my favorite video so far! I looooved all your little jokes and commentary and accents and playfulness in this one. And I’m definitely sold on all the wool. Just bought a bunch of cashmere pants for my Utah winter… same benefits as wool, right?

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

So after some quick research, it looks like cashmere also wicks moisture and both are antimicrobial, however evidently Merino has Lanolin which can cause allergies in some, but is the key element in Merino's anti-odor properties that cashmere lacks. But on the plus side, cashmere has more loft/insulation for it's equivalent weight vs Merino, and it's smaller fibers make it softer to the touch. 😍

@1truthseeking8 2 ай бұрын

What about *V.I.P.* ? Vacuum Insulation Panels? @@ErikJohnson2020

@sassybackpacker1526 Жыл бұрын

I'm a huge merino wool fan for backpacking, and you're speakin' my language! Getting ready to insulate my van, thanks for the great video!

@3jhe 2 жыл бұрын

I like your presentation style and the way your mind works. Definitely subscribing!

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

Well I'm glad somebody out here appreciates it! 😌

@jessmatthewson7775 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Eric for this information ... as someone who's allergic to wool I'll probably be going with the thinsulate option in spite of the pricing... I'll also be doing a significant amount of time in Florida for beach time so keeping cool...a relevant issue. A thought to consider for the windows is interior ceramic coating... a total boss for thermal assist. Just do it 😎

@mitchandprince 2 жыл бұрын

"My Ted Talk on Wool" 😂😂😂😂😂😂

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

Right?! lol

@EcoNeato Жыл бұрын

Very educational and entertaining, thanks!

@ErikJohnson2020 Жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@brianchetelat6601 2 жыл бұрын

Haaa it's all good on the mic. : )

@PresidentBust 2 жыл бұрын

lol You really got distracted there for a while with that light lol. The wool stuff is very interesting. Im trying to decide on insulation myself. Still in planning phase. I think spray foam meets all my needs. The only down side i see with it is the permanent nature of it. There's no resale of my van that isn't to another van dweller. With wool. Well its always possible to make it look less like a camper van. Thought would i ever take that effort? Probably not. Im in a location where temperatures never go below 0C. The heat is more likely the issue in summer. I know this next point makes so little sense. .. it also feels like spray foam covers up all my hard work!!!

@KA9DSL 11 ай бұрын

I installed R-13 insulation inside my side and rear car doors, that was a big game changer. (it added to the quietness) Then the usual top, side and floor insulation.

@adhdphotography 10 ай бұрын

ADHD at its finest ! 🤣 but in a serious note, probably the best educational videos/channel ive found on youtube. thanks eric

@JCGible 3 ай бұрын

Funny stuff. Thanks

@brianchetelat6601 2 жыл бұрын

Erik, I heard that, if not careful used, the expanding foam can actually cause the van's outer skin to bulge. Evidently it's that strong but I don't have personal experience with it, just something I've heard.

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Brian! You're totally right about expanding foam possibly damaging or "denting" the outer shell if you use too much. It can also block your door lock's and handle's ability to actuate if you aren't careful and leave enough space.

@brianchetelat6601 2 жыл бұрын

@@ErikJohnson2020 Oh and one last thing on this, thanks for the illustration regarding the different types of Thermal Transfer because it's important that folks who are converting vans know this.

@user-cw4ru9hd5u Жыл бұрын

Do you have a video of how to insulate the van

@barrytimm5497 Ай бұрын

The problem with poly-iso is that its insulative properties DECREASE as the temperature drops - the opposite of what you want it to do. XPS is a better floor insulator for most of us.

@ErikJohnson2020 Ай бұрын

That's not something I've heard before. Do you know how much it decreases and at what temperatures?

@ErikJohnson2020 Ай бұрын

Holy cow! You're right! At 75°F polyiso has an r-value of 6/in, but at 15°F it drops all the way down to 2/in! I'm lucky I accidentally bought polystyrene foam then!

@GirlsGuide2Packing 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite part was at 20:28 😂

@greatness2898 2 жыл бұрын

Got my van. Gonna copy you for insulation O_O Also, what’d you do for the floor? Like in this video bc I don’t have anything down yet

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Greatness! I actually made a 2 part series on my van floor insulation and support structure. At the end of the second part I talked about what I would have done differently, if you were interested. Thanks for leaving a comment though!

@granitfog 2 жыл бұрын

Regarding the hood reaching to the nose, I suspect some stoned designer wanted to put goggles over the eyes, but the higher-ups nixed the goggles but forgot to shorten the material. Regarding insulation, I am surprised to see only one van converter use Lizard skin. It reaches all those ares insulation may not, and it covers those heat bridges like the beams. I am considering lizard skin first, then kilmat, then probably wool everywhere. I wonder about the floor, being the lowest point where pooling can occur, leaving the space between ribs open will promote ventilation and avoid water pooling and rusting. I am thinking about putting cork sheet over the beams as additional barrier for heat bridging, BTW: is the transit high or medium roof?

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

LOL, I'm sure the hood is designed to fit a variety of sporting helmets, I just wish they gave you a vertical drawstring to help cinch up the extra material when you don't need it 99% of the time. Yeah, George at Humble Road used Lizard Skin on the underside of his most recent build as a form of rust protection and a tiny bit of extra insulation, however if you're considering adding it to the inside of your van and predominantly as a form of insulation I think you can find a lot more cost effective and efficient forms of insulation - not to mention the time involved to apply it. Now, there might be something to be said about spraying it on the inside of the floor since we do expect all the moisture to drain and collect down there until it's able to evaporate, so you could be on to something!

@granitfog 2 жыл бұрын

@@mrgcav Thanks

@johntatman9168 2 жыл бұрын

With a bit of research you will find wool will easily mold and mildew. Not sure where you got the info that says differently. Wool does retain insulating ability when wet but it is also slow drying. Mold will grow on the surface of anything that remains wet, metal, wood, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, stone etc.

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

Hi John! As I mentioned in my video I linked several of the main sources for my info in the description of the video, but you can also google the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of wool in comparison to the other build materials you are considering. Best of luck in your research!

@DaiHGowerWales Жыл бұрын

Really good info content. I feel your funny bits (bear grylls , impersonation voices etc etc) are maybe distracting from the content. Which is a pity as it's otherwise really good info keep that up.

@johnfitbyfaithnet Жыл бұрын

When you install solar panels on a van with an air gap between, doesn't that keep the van cooler with the shade? Do they block radiant heat

@ErikJohnson2020 Жыл бұрын

The air gap between the solar panels will help reduce heat in the summer, but will do nothing to help keep the van warm in the winter. Also, it does nothing to reduce the issues of water condensation when you warm the inside of the van.

@lynhill100 2 жыл бұрын

Did you consider tyvec for insulation?

@ErikJohnson2020 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for commenting! 🥰 So the issue isn't the vapor barrier itself, it's the inability to make the insulated wall completely airtight because the vans have holes all throughout to drain water, so air and moisture is getting in, and it'll just be harder to dry out because you've limited airflow with the Tyvec.