Van Radiant Barrier Install

One thing we found out very quickly was how much heat is absorbed by the Van when sitting in the sun. To help mitigate this issue we will install a Radiant Barrier as part of the insulation system in our Family Friendly Ram ProMaster Camper Van Conversion.

A Radiant Barrier is a great addition to any Van Conversion as it will give benefits in both Summer and Winter by reflecting heat radiation. In the Summer it will help to slow down heat gain, then in the Winter, it will help slow down heat loss. It really is win-win!

Installing A Radiant Barrier In Our Camper Van

Thermal Acoustic Insulation

Unlike most, we will NOT be using Reflectix as our radiant barrier. Instead, we will be using a Radiant Barrier which has heat shielding as well as some soundproofing and insulation qualities (Thermal Acoustic Insulation).

This Heat Sound Deadening Insulation Mat from Uxcell is made up of 10mm thick PE closed cell foam with reinforced aluminum foil on one side and a peel and stick self-adhesive layer on the other. Installation is easy and mess free. The closed cell foam will help prevent thermal bridging and the aluminum foil will reflect radiant heat (both ways depending on the ambient temperature). This product as part of our Camper Van Insulation System in conjunction with our Noico Butyl Sound Deadener Mat Installation should help make the van quiet and comfortable.

 

Installing Radiant Heat Shield Sound Proofing Insulation In Our Camper Van – How We Did It

With its peel and stick self-adhesive backing, this Thermal Acoustic Radiant Barrier was extremely easy to install in our camper van. Let’s take a closer look.

Tools and Materials Used

• Thermal Acoustic Insulation from eBay
• Utility Knife
• Shop Scissors
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Shop Rags
• Silver Aluminum Foil Tape

Cleaning The Panels

A quick wipe down with a Shop Rag and some Light Solvent then the panels are ready to stick on the Heat Shield.

Cutting The Heat Shield Mat

This stuff cuts so easy with either a Utility Knife or Shop Scissors. Just make sure you have a new blade in your knife.

Simple Peel-N-Stick Installation

Installation is super easy, just peel back the paper backing and stick it in place. You need to be really careful to get it right as there are no second chances, it is super sticky!

Taping The Seams

We taped all join seams with Silver Aluminum Foil Tape.

Where To Install Heat Shield Radiant Barrier Insulation

We installed the Radiant Barrier on all the same areas we installed the Butyl Sound Deadener Mat, with the exception of the floor as it already has a layer of Car Insulation Thermal Sound Deadener

• Roof
• Walls
• Doors
• Wheel Wells

Verdict – How Well Does The Radiant Barrier Work To Keep Heat Out Of The Van?

Using the van between each section of the build is a great way to really appreciate the benefits all your hard work pays. Adding this layer of Thermal Acoustic Insulation from eBay has definitely paid off!! Before, on warm days when the sun is out, the van would quickly heat too much hotter than the ambient temperature. Now, the van stays cool for much longer, and with the windows cracked it stays quite comfortable. Once we get the Roof Vent Fan installed, it will be perfect for keeping the van comfortable in those warm sunny morning sleeping efforts.

What’s Next

Roof Vent Fan

Ventilation is key in making your van a comfortable space. So, installing a Roof Vent Fan is for sure the next priority project. The weather has turned. Now the days are warm enough to consider cutting a hole in the roof of the van.

Auxiliary Battery System

We recently built a DIY Portable Solar Generator to give us some temporary power in the van until our permanent system is in place. The permanent battery storage will be two 6 volt batteries wired in series to make a 12v system. The most difficult part will be mounting the batteries as we plan on having them sub mounted under the van.

Fridge Cabinet

We are going to need cold drinks when we are out on our adventures. And, with summer rapidly approaching this is becoming a high priority. The plan is to build a side storage unit with framing to hold our small but functional Dometic CF-25 fridge securely in place.

Lastly;

If you have any questions. Post a comment below or reach out on one of our social channels, we would be happy to help.

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Thanks for reading, and remember to always take the road less traveled!