Best Insulation System Ever for Ultralight Van Builds

In this video I describe an insulation system that addresses both heat and noise. It is a layered system where different layers work together to deliver a system that is very light weight. Ultralight insulated wall/ceiling panels are a byproduct of the system.

Noico 80 mil Butyl car sound deadening mat
3M Thinsulate™ Acoustic/Thermal Insulation SM600L (20' x 60")
Pro Select R-Matte Plus-3, 0.5 in. x 48 in. x 8 ft. R-3.2 ISO Rigid Foam Board Insulation
Utility Panel (Common: 0.106 in. x 48 in. x 96 in.)
Marathon MAR1010 Grey Heather Tweed 54" Van Wall Panel Fabric

[bgzwlz]

I’m confused! Not exactly sure how infrared light in created, but online it said that infrared light doesn’t travel through metal, so I’m not sure how it would bounce off the reflective layer on the rigid foam and out of the van through the metal exterior?

[JonathanLeys-xd]

What's the reason that you glue the black side of your Thinsulate to the van metal, as appose to the white side?

Also, in your wall insulation steps, at what point do you do your rough wiring?

[angeljia]

Hi Pete, excellent videos! I especially love the fiberglass floor. It’s one of a kind and brilliant! I have a question for you: why didn’t you use lizard skin ceramic insulation? It’s lightweight and seems to produce good results. Thanks!

[danthesquirrel]

Shouldn't the metal van wall stop infrared light making reflective surfaces unnecessary? I can see where on a window covering they make sense. If a van is exposed to full sun in a hot place while boondocking a person could hang weighted sheets off the roof rails and hold down with magnets which would reflect heat and put an air gap between the van and the heated material reducing conductive heat transfer. To avoid AC I plan on having those sheets and also staying in touch with weather forecasts so I can drive to somewhere 15 degrees cooler before the heat wave arrives.

And the sound deadening material is pretty heavy and adds extra labor and expense and is not necessary for boondocking or camping. Exterior panels near supports are not going to vibrate thus don't generate much road noise. Some people just cover their wheel wells and then use a little bit of material to add mass to the center of big metal panels without supports thus slightly reducing road noise where it makes the most economical sense. Maybe the walls, floor and roof in the drivers cabin make sense but most people in cars can live without it.

[Andreee]

I didn't get how you fix the EPS/XPS panel to Thinsulate .. only with spray glue? Or do you cut the panels exactly to stay pressed in the wooden frame? Or something else? Also considering that Thinsulate doesn't have to be compressed, not to lose its properties. Thanks 😊

[aarongarmon]

I’m worried that the adhesive on your velcro isn’t rated for the heat it will be exposed to.

[somekatontheinternet]

Thanks for this info - can’t believe I’m one of the first subscribers - I’ll check out your other videos right away - daughter is just starting a ford transit connect xlt build - it’s tiny -

[longdogt]

Excellent ideas! I will use your ideas with my future van!

[psunaminami]

how is the ifrared getting through the metal walls of the van?

[jacbox]

I am so impressed with your build. I've been watching all your videos! If you ever want to sale your van. Let me know!!! Your doing everything right! Size and weight are my priorities.

[wildcards]

I know this is a clickbait title, but if you want the best insulation system ever, you need to define your metric. by environmental impact, you would use cork. Its renewable, fire resistant, hydrophobic, carbon negative and has an R value of 4 per inch. if you want the best by pure R value, vacuum panels at R60 per inch or aerogel at R20 per inch. you can get 8mm aerogel thermawrap blanket effectively R5.5. Aerogel is 99.99% air. It is 4 times more insulating than thinsulate. You can buy 40x3ft roll for $1200. its hydrophilic, easy to work with and you can use it to cover windows while still allowing light in. With that said I applaud you on your thoughtful system. Some good ideas there!

[jonmustang]

Very nice, love the demo of the logic behind the layers :)

[greg.jacobs]

Lots of great ultralite ideas, Just the kind of ideas I have been looking for to keep the build weight down. I have been looking at Promaster 1500's because they tend to be available at a lower price but building them out with all that extra wood adds to much weight.