Protecting from the cold

When I built Kofifernweh I put a lot of thought into my insulation. I knew I would be spending a significant time in the cold, dark north, and I had to come up with something that would stand up to that.

In my research I searched all the Facebook groups for campervan builds that I could find but I came up against a problem. Just like in everyday life, everyone has their way of doing something and their way is, of course the right way. This meant that every way was the right way and, according to the responding comments, also the wrong way.

In the end I decided on this method: -

Every flat panel would have a board mounted to it. Floors, ceilings, and walls.

Every awkward, strut-ridden surface would be plugged with recycled glass insulation.

Every crevice would be plugged with expanding foam.

Here you can see the floor insulation going in, with wooden batons to reinforce it. This was later covered with 6mm plywood. All the insulation was vapour sealed with aluminium tape and a layer of reflectix was added on top of the floor and ceiling insulation. This vapour barrier would give me an additional level of insulation, and it would keep all the condensation I create from cooking and breathing away from the metal and thus prolong its life and delay rusting.

Each of the boards is 50mm (2 inch) and therefore gives me a good level of insulation power. The problem I have is the windows, so to do what I can I have blackout thermal covers for each window and reflectix for the cab, along with a thermal curtain separating the cab from the cabin. I have Bluetooth thermometer/hygrometer sensors throughout the van and one on the outside (housed in the wing-mirror casing) and by taking a look at the readings you can see how effective this insulation method is.

I know it’s far from arctic temperatures in this example, but fingers crossed everything holds out and continues to perform the way it has been. So far when it’s cold outside all I need to do to warm up is make a cup of tea or light a candle and even then, if anything it’s too warm in here.

I’m by no means an expert but I’ve learned a few things in the process. Kofifernweh is built not bought, and by learning every inch of the van I think I’ve learned where the heat is lost. Again, fingers crossed!

Much love

Dave