Tabula Rasa Part 3–Insulation for the NV200 Camper

In this video, I show how I’m adding sound insulation to my NV200 camper, along with a little extra thermal insulation. The materials used in the video are listed below.

My goal was to reduce the transmission of road noise into the Nissan NV200 and to reduce any condensation on the steel panels during cold weather. I chose NOT to make a perfectly insulated van because that works against you in the warm weather. When it’s hot, inches of insulation will trap the heat and radiate it out all night. If you have an air conditioner that might be the way to go, but if you are relying on the cool night air, thick insulation will make it stuffy inside. The insulation has silvered mylar on both sides with the inner side providing some rejection of radiant heat (the outer layer is against the steel and does nothing. As far as the winter goes, the closed-cell foam will keep the van slightly warmer, but more importantly, it will keep moisture from accumulating on the steel panels. Under two sleeping bags and an electric blanket, I’ve now been out when it was 10F and it’s TOO warm. I can’t imagine weather cold enough to require more insulation.

Materials used in this video

Push Pin Removal Tool: https://amzn.to/31jhywl

Kno Knoise 80 mil Sound Deadener (you will need two for what was shown in the video, three if you do the floor too): https://amzn.to/36UBwP4

Rolling Tool to make sure the sound deadener has good contact with the surface. Press down hard and roll every square inch: https://amzn.to/36TPelc

Heat Reflective Closed-Cell Foam Insulation (Ez-Cool brand, one package will do it): https://amzn.to/2GMuDEO

4-Way Stretch Carpet: https://amzn.to/31k0Z3d

Reflectix Tape: https://amzn.to/2SabUbG

3M 90 High Strength Adhesive (it’s a couple bucks cheaper at Lowe’s, than on Amazon): https://amzn.to/37WsylO