DON'T make my INSULATION MISTAKES! | Van Build #03

This is part one of my insulation oddyssee and things are not going great. First the delivery takes it's time, the wood insulation is much harder to work with than initially thought and I discover a leak in the van! But worst of all are the foam insulation panels; the van is curved so it's a huge amount of work to bring them into the right shape to fit the walls. Also this creates a lot of trash and I feel terrible about that... There are defenitely a lot of lessons being learned and maybe even some character built.

What I used this episode:
*Tools*
Special insulation knife (Dämmstoffmesser)
Sharperner rod
Folding rule
Electric drill
Jigsaw
GLOVES
Crosscut saw
Miter saw

*Materials*
SteicoFlex 80mm (Wood insulation)
Bachl PUR insulating panels (25mm, 40mm & 80mm)
Battens (25mmx45mm)

-------------------------- Links -----------------------------

-------------------------- Music -----------------------------

Music by LAKEY INSPIRED

Intro song by Silent Partner

-------------------------- About -----------------------------

I've been living in my 1979 Mercedes-Benz James Cook Campervan for two years now. I loved that van, but it was itching me to do my own conversion; alone and without any experience. I sold my old van and started my very own van conversion!
In this Van Build series I will take you along my journey of building my own home on wheels. I will do everything from insulation, cladding, and furniture to the water and electric system. And all that while I'm learning how to do these things on the way. I will go through many hours of work, frustrating moments and defeats in order to achieve the experience of creating things with my own hands. I hope you're enjoying this series and maybe you can even learn something from my ideas & mistakes. - Lenja

#vanconversion #insulation

[discoveringlockenest]

Lenja! What a great tasking you have taken on! You are doing a marvelous job. There is so much to learn, so many ways to approach things, and for your first built I think you are doing great! Just keep going, note the things you’re not happy with, evaluate all the input and suggestions you get and go the way you feel best and in the end you will have accomplish something that few ever do! You built your home! If it has flaws, that’s part of the personality that you share with your home!

[sanderschat]

Respect for just doing it!!
It will be a building journey with good und bad times.
The rewards are great and all for you to enjoy when done.
Thanks for sharing.

[TheKingjames]

After finishing your video, I do have some suggestions and comments. First. If you plan on doing anymore super messy projects, use rolls of plastic to cover the bottom of the van. Then when you're done you can just roll it all up and toss it with significantly less clean up. Second. Always wear gloves and/or glasses, itll save your hands from many cuts and possibly save your eye/s one day. I've learned the hard way on that over the years lol. Third. I really enjoy your editing of the Steps, it's really cool. Fourth. I know all of this is stressful on you what with the time constraint and all, but you have to believe in yourself (I believe in you!). Itll be hard and sometimes you'll just wanna lay down and cry, and that's ok. Us weird primates need to sit down and have a good cry every once in awhile lol.
If there was anything I could do to help you, I most certainly would. Unfortunately I live on the other side of the ocean and all I can offer is advice and words of encouragement. Well that should conclude my ramblings, hope they are of some help. Looking forward to next week! Good luck Lenja!

[Dronerangerspro]

I started with rigid foam types and it was a disaster for me. I then decided to go with Havelock wool and I cannot believe the difference in putting it in and the sound deadening properties it provided. I also already had a situation where I had to remove it for a wiring issue and it was no big deal. So glad I went with it. I wish you luck and success in your build!

[rogermccaslin]

I read down in the comments that you were done with the insulation so this might be a little late but if you have more to do I have a couple of tips for the spray foam.

First, as you figured out higher temps help the foam expand and cure. Second, those one part spray foams are moisture cured. They generally rely on moisture in the air but you can help it along with a spritz of water to provide the needed moisture. The added moisture really drives the cure. Just a light mist on the surface can do wonders for the cure, both in terms of time and expansion.

Also, as a caution, don't spray too much into an enclosed cavity. The intial expansion will "cap off" the underlying liquid foam and will preclude it from curing properly. Spray a layer, let it expand and cure, the spray another layer.

[brianrussell]

Easy to get overwhelmed doing all that work

[paulaarchuleta]

Greetings from Califoria, your doing a Great job so far.

[jwrappuhn]

Don't get discouraged Lenja, just keep on truckin girl, you'll get there, great vid.

[Dronerangerspro]

I went through the same frustrations and still struggle, but it sure is worth it when you have your cozy rig to enjoy!

[cam-bo]

Deadlines and expectations can be tough, but you're doing a pretty great job. I'm impressed at how you are figuring things out and getting it all sorted.

[michaelvaughn]

A $35 electric knife would make this much faster .

[WereReallyRelayCamping]

Silver foil on the foam sheet is not primarily a vapour barrier its an infrared(IR) reflective barrier. best left on, but nothing really lost taking it off. loving your videos and your van, I hope you get many happy miles and smiles along the journey.

[wearemilesfromnowhere]

We've just finished installing sheep's wool insulation in our van build and are amazed with the results so far. Thanks for posting this video. Best wishes!

[ProjectAmber]

I've just stumbled onto your channel, love it!
Your video style, can do attitude and comedy moments are great to watch.
Keep it up, I'm looking forward keeping up with your build 👌👍

[johntatman]

Every part of a van build is tedious and can be frustrating and we've all had to deal with it. Since you're just starting I would like to tell you it gets better but the better part will be a ways down the road. You're doing a great job and it's impressive to see the work skills you have. The old saying "when you're going through hell just keep going" certainly applies but you'll get there.

[williamdavis]

Insulation part is the worse in my opinion. It's messy and it sucks, but in the end it sure makes for a warm home. Stick with it, it will be worth your efforts.

[fibranijevidra]

It is so rare German people have a chanel in English. So, you have a subscriber now. Hope to see some info about registering it as a csmper. I wish you all the luck with your project.

[pierrefpv]

Thanks for your video, I hadn't thought about the temperature for the spray foam. I will have to rethink my own approach to insulating our van.

[MLEmadethis]

Living vicariously through you ✌️✨🙌🏼❤️

[volb]

8:57 men I felt that loll don't give up girl. I want to built a van too in a couple of years and I'm ganna be just like you. No experience and alone building it. You have no idea how this is inspiring and motivating. It might be hard but I see that it's possible to be done. Thanks so much for being an exemple!! 😉👍🏾