How much insulation?

[Treenail]

I've got a box van, Uhaul-like, that will be home soon

The box is aluminum

I'm thinking that I'll use two 2" layers of foam for the ceiling. A 2" and 1" layers for walls and 1" foil on both sides for floor. Plywood or FRP for skinning

Is that enough insulation? I don't plan on being in sub zero environs but will likely be in warm areas.

There is plenty of cubic space in the box so I won't cramp myself if I went thicker

Thanks

Tom

 

[derjack]

Size doesn´t matter!

Look for the coefficient first! Different materials do not isolate the same. This takes some time ....

Look for the correct stuff > that does not seek for water and moisture. You get even moisture in death valley (over night).

Unless you are 100% perfect - wich nobody is - look for the weak spots and take care of them. Is is useless to isolate 3 inches when have standard windows!

In Europe we do mostly use so called Armaflex. Most people use 19 mm ~ less than 1 inch. That is 8€ per square meter. Not inflamable, doesn´t suck moisture, doesn´t burn well and is very easy to install, as it is available self sticky like.
Look:
http://www.derjackistweg.de/sieben3-aufbau-2017-tag-9-15/

 

[java]

I did my box truck with 1.75" in the walls, and 3.75" in the ceiling. Should have done the floor.... I didn't (yet Ill do it from under, but on top would have been better) its cold. So my construction is 1/8" alum, insulation, 1/4" ply. I use about .75 gallons (or a little less) running a 3500w webasto for heat with a roof vent open. Its toasty.

 

[Treenail]

Hi

Derjack...you're right. Insulating boxes is way more complicated than buildings. I've been reading and gathering for a while.

My conclusion, given the r-value/cost/ease of installation leads me to using rigid foam.

Java

Your build is one I've followed. Nice to have your input since our vehicles are similar

Tom

 

[derjack]

Hi

Derjack...you're right. Insulating boxes is way more complicated than buildings. I've been reading and gathering for a while.

My conclusion, given the r-value/cost/ease of installation leads me to using rigid foam.

Java

Your build is one I've followed. Nice to have your input since our vehicles are similar

Tom

A Box is probably easier, because walls are straight. I did not want to really finish my walls, isolation is done months, because I do want to sleep crosswise in the back. I know I am more or less alone with that approach but that gives me 2 feet more length over the total width of my interior! But I need 1,80 meter [~6 foot] for that, which is "my length" as well. So need ever single inch in every slight bend in the sidewalls ...
I recently worked on 5 little parts of plywood, all together less than half a square meter :Wow1: some hours. Rain outside. After 2h I notice a slide moisture on my armaflex covered walls. Rear windows wet, side windows wet.

btw: My Plan > I will get rid of the back doors on my type 2 ambulance! I will only use the lower part as doors for my trunk. The upper part will be fixed and closed with a tire carrier. Over the "lower part" will be a fixed bed construction (trunk to be only accessed from below and rear of the van).
So no isolation issues in terms of windows in the back 2/3 of my truck. A blackout thick curtain behind the A-Pillar. my 2ct

PS: You are the one who followed :wings: