Van insulation - did we actually decided which was best?

[HarryMann]

remember hi-fi speakers which used to have it stuffed inside?

Yes, mainly TL (Transmission Line) speakers used it (cost, upper end of the Hi-Fi markey)

The idea is to alter the speed of sound in air, and also add standing wave damping, thus reducing the length of the transmission line, which in a Cambridge R50 of the early 70's would be 7 to 10 feet physically. In an IB (infinite baffle) sealed box type, it also effectively increases the (acoustic) size of the enclosure.
NB. Over-packing is counter-productive, it has to be 'teased-out' to the correct optimum density.

Could be good, fireproof I should think (and toxic smoke proof too I hope)... but would it retain moisture, maybe not if not had natural oils washed off in processing (or had sizing added)

[dugcati]

I'm not convinced by the fireproofing theory.... think about how much is in there already that is gagging to burn.. curtains/all that timber in the units/that lovely carpet that is ALL over the inside of the van/seats/sleeping bags and blankets/clothes/tissue paper/ food packaging and cardboard not to mention the bomb called a petrol tank underneath the van and the other wannabe bomb called your gas cylinder oh and if you've had it converted it the engine lpg tank too....... where I'm coming from is a bit of polly in the walls is nothing compared to what is there already

If a standard van goes up it's gonna go blinking fast and the fumes of what is in there are already deadly - especially on an old van

[HarryMann]

where I'm coming from is a bit of polly in the walls is nothing compared to what is there already

So true, like any home, the answer is to have sufficient alarms and notice of fire....quick and unfettered egress from anywhere you might happen to be and then maybe a means of short-term fire-fighting to hand.

[Nicola&Tony]

What about the stuff you put in lofts.
The Foil with bubbles in (Thermawrap)

Both of the previous posts that I put links to, involve the use of Thermawrap, but different methods of using it.

Tony

[mikestef]

re;sheeps wool,I saw a good video on youtube of a guy showing you how to insulate a van with it,its ALOT nicer to use than fibreglass,I am sure it would be fine to use in a campervan and if you have a vapour barrier covering the whole lot there would be no chance of condensation getting through.How does it compare in price to the fibreglass?..Stefany

[andisnewsyncro]

where I'm coming from is a bit of polly in the walls is nothing compared to what is there already

So true, like any home, the answer is to have sufficient alarms and notice of fire....quick and unfettered egress from anywhere you might happen to be and then maybe a means of short-term fire-fighting to hand.

With regards to fire proofing, I got a bottle of this stuff http://www.paco-systems.co.uk/flamertd.html when I relined my roof. It says it's good for timber, fabrics and all sorts. Tested it out with a gas torch and it stands up well so I've given everything a good coating with it.
Andi

[HarryMann]

Goodness, that reads like there's a 'magic molecule' or anti-matter in it

[dugcati]

Goodness, that reads like there's a 'magic molecule' or anti-matter in it

ouch my eyes - RADIATION ALERT!

[dugcati]

.........With regards to fire proofing, I got a bottle of this stuff http://www.paco-systems.co.uk/flamertd.html when I relined my roof. It says it's good for timber, fabrics and all sorts. Tested it out with a gas torch and it stands up well so I've given everything a good coating with it.
Andi

I'm liking this idea - they quote on the site:-

FLAME RETARDANT' TREATMENT LASTS for the useful life of the material treated. Unaffected by years of walking (on carpets) or sitting (on furniture) or wearing (of clothes) and will withstand multiple chemical dry cleansings

Does it have an odour? I know a lot of things like this can often have a lasting smell once applied....

[andisnewsyncro]

Goodness, that reads like there's a 'magic molecule' or anti-matter in it

ouch my eyes - RADIATION ALERT!

I did get offered some asbestos sheets from a local power station refit, but thought "what the heck, why not spend the money on the magic fluid"

Does it have an odour? I know a lot of things like this can often have a lasting smell once applied....

I haven't noticed any lasting smells (other than the pair of us and the dog after a nights camping ) from using this, and it seems to go a long way, comes with a trigger spray handle thing and gave it all a good coating. Overspray on windows just wiped off. Being of a slightly paranoid disposition it seemed like the ideal thing to try. I've sprayed it onto bare timber & fabrics, it dries in and hasn't discoloured anything and it's pretty cheap too.

[1664]

So back to the original question - a superlative sound and thermal insulating material would be nice. I'm past caring whether it bursts into flames while I sleep or not. Asbestos sounds quite good, I smoke therefore asbestos dust is irrelevent - besides, I've been in the building industry all my life and have probably inhaled enough to drop a horse already. I'm eering towards thermowrap if only because kingspan don't bend..................

[dugcati]

Asbestos sounds quite good, I smoke therefore asbestos dust is irrelevent

when all said and done for me Rockwool in sealed bags and a vapour barrier probably tops the charts

[AngeloEvs]

I'm thinking of waxoiling the body panels too but may consider bonding insulation to the the trim panels and pillars. May have to bring the trim panels out a tad. The problem I find during the winter is that the front cab area of the van undermines any insulation in the back. The areas around the door steps, battery boxes, etc are difficult to insulate and the temperature in these areas just plummets in winter.

[VWlewis]

The problem I find during the winter is that the front cab area of the van undermines any insulation in the back. The areas around the door steps, battery boxes, etc are difficult to insulate and the temperature in these areas just plummets in winter.

So perhaps a well insulated body bag (I mean sleeping bag ) is the best solution!

[AngeloEvs]

Two! And about 2.4Kw of heating, thermo mats on the windows and loads of rugs on the floor......then I'm toast!. Amazing at how good the furniture is for providing insulation, open a cupboard door and its freezing inside them, don't need the fridge at all!