In short
Insulation is not just sticking foam—it combines thermal material, vapour barrier, and thermal bridge sealing. In the workshop we calculate thickness by use and zone.
Before you start
- Finish windows and hatches before roof insulation.
- Dry bodywork after rust treatment.
- Decide on extra sound deadening in wheel arches.
- Accept that thickness eats interior millimetres.
Thermal and vapour layers
We use rock wool or fibre on walls, reflective where it helps, and different treatment on floor and roof. Vapour barrier sits on the warm side to keep condensation off steel. Alexis marks vent paths and never blocks drains. Spray foam is for specific projects only—not the only answer. Each layer adds millimetres that later affect furniture fit.
Critical zones
Wheel arches, pillars, and door frames are thermal bridges. Reinforcement and deadening go there first. Post-hatch roof needs continuous insulation. Floor gets rigid base over insulation in our camper floor system. Sliding and rear doors are treated without jamming mechanisms. In Girona winter users validate real-world comfort.
Sound deadening
Butyl sheets and mats cut empty panel resonance. They do not replace thermal insulation but improve motorway comfort. We apply in phases before closing panels. Roof weight excess is not worth it—we balance. Clients from bare vans notice acoustic change the first door close after this phase.
Panelling integration
We leave battens for later lining. Cable routes and electrical access are reserved before walls close. Belcampers does not sell loose rolls—insulation is in prep quote. DIY material without plan often gets dismantled when the electrician arrives.
Common mistakes
- Insulating over damp steel or active rust.
- Using thin DIY foam everywhere.
- Blocking factory drain holes.
When to bring it to the workshop
Too hot or cold on the road? Request professional insulation at Belcampers.
FAQ
What thickness do you recommend?
Depends on van and winter use. We set it in the project, not one universal number.
Insulation before or after floor?
Floor and walls are coordinated; camper floor has its own layer per our floor guide.
Sources & references
- Vehicle insulation technical guides — European manufacturers
- Manual de Reformas de Vehículos (MITMA)