There are a myriad of products people use to insulate their vans including polyiso, wool, XPS, EPS, fiberglass, reflectix, and/or foam. Our prior Sprinter van build we used Polyiso boards ( to see a video of “how to insulate” a van with polyiso boards, click the link below). With our second Sprinter van build, we chose to use sheep’s wool. It is a matter of personal preference as to which is right for you, so I listed some product options here.
→»A video of us insulating our van with polyiso boards can be found by clicking here. «←
Polyiso Insulation Boards- 3/4” – SHOP NOW
These are the boards you will glue (with glue below) directly onto the metal of your walls and ceiling. There can be foil on one or both sides of the boards. Make sure foil faces outwards. The sheets come in varying thickness from 1/2” to 2”. You can layer them on top of one another to your desired thickness of insulation to keep you comfortable. Two 3/4” boards can be layered to acheive R10 value. They are more rigid than XPS or EPS boards, but can still be cut to shape easily (we used a stanley blade to cut to shapes needed).
Havelock Sheep’s Wool – SHOP NOW
Havelock sells 100% sheep’s wool in 2” thick, rectangular batts. They can easily be cut with scissors to make smaller pieces for all the nooks and crannies. Each batt has an R7 value. You can layer them if you have the space to do so. I love wool because it has no harmful chemicals and is easier to squeeze into small and odd shaped areas/cavities than the polyiso boards are. *I like the wool so much I asked for an affiliate link, so if you want to order wool please use the link on this page* 🙂
3M Spray Adhesive- Hi Strength 90- SHOP NOW
This is the spray adhesive glue that we used to glue our polyiso boards directly onto the metal walls and ceiling of our van. It is industrial strength and resists moisture and mildew to prevent any mold from happening. Highly recommend.
3M Spray Adhesive Super 77- SHOP NOW
Similar to the 3M 90 Spray above this, Super 77 is a strong spray adhesive that can be used to glue insulation boards directly onto the metal. It is a dollar or 2 cheaper than the 90 spray.
Nashua Premium Foil Tape – SHOP NOW
We used this foil tape to cover metal places in the van that were difficult or impossible to cover with Polyiso boards. We used this tape on both of the wheel wells, in the ceiling grooves before covering the ceiling, and across the bridges on the walls after filling them with spray foam. It has foil on both sides of the tape, and serves as a great sealant to help prevent moisture/mold/mildew.
Great Stuff Gaps and Cracks- SHOP NOW
This is a spray foam that we used to fill all of the small areas between polyiso boards. All of the gaps and cracks, and inside all of the bridges on the walls and ceiling that were hard to reach places. It expands to seal and insulate any remaining exposed areas. You will most likely need a lot of cans to do this part accurately. Honestly, Home Depot (click) seems to have the cheapest price for it by a significant amount. ($3/can at Home Depot).
When used properly, reflectix is a great way to reflect light/temperature. We used this specifically to cover the glass of all our windows when not using our windows. Simply cut to the exact shape of each window to act as both insulation and privacy. Some choose to cover their entire interior of their van with reflectix.. if you choose to do this be sure to leave a small air gap between it and the wall to maximum effectiveness.
Kilmat Sound Deadening – SHOP NOW
Sound deadening sheets help make your vehicle’s ride a bit quieter. It helps to reduce road noise, rattling and vibrations that often occur in large vehicles such as vans. Comes in a variety of thicknesses and can order as many square feet as you need.
Sound Deadening Installation Roller – SHOP NOW
Makes installation of sound deadening sheets easy and effective. (like the Kilmat listed above this product)
Maxx Air 4500K Plus- 14” Ceiling Fan – SHOP NOW
A cieling/roof fan is a must while living in a vehicle. Insulation is only capable of doing so much for temperature control. This fan has multiple settings, including both intake & exhaust (blowing air either out or into vehicle as needed) as well as a rain sensor that automatically closes when it senses rain. 10 fan speed settings and remote control. Most importantly, it is 12volt.
Maxx Air 7500K Ceiling Fan – SHOP NOW
Similar to the fan above this one, except it can be left open in the rain. 10 fan speeds, remote control, 12 volt. It is the exact same size on the interior as the 4500k above, but the 7500k fan is slightly larger on the exterior roof to accommodate for rain protection while it is open. We have used both models and they are both wonderful.
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Kelly Nicole Travel 