Camperize Your Van
With the proper insulation and a blueprint - anything is possible!
Retrofitting vans into a sustainable and affordable lifestyle is becoming increasingly popular! You see all kinds of homes-on-wheels while traveling throughout the Okanagan. Have you been thinking about taking the plunge but don’t know where to start? We have broken down some of the key points to get you started!
Pick Your Van
The first step to start your nomadic life is to choose your caravan! You have probably seen different shapes and sizes of retrofitted camper vans. Living in a bus sounds fun, but is it going to fit your lifestyle?
You should consider these factors:
- Will you be working on it yourself?
- What is your budget?
- How much space do you need?
- What comforts will you want?
Think long-term when you consider these. You may want to factor in a new addition to your family or what types of weather you will be traveling through. These are vital to budgeting your project effectively.
Plan an Ergonomic Layout
With your camper frame chosen, it’s time to start ergonomic interior designing. With limited space, every surface will have to be utilized efficiently. You can draw your dream design to build blueprints or you can buy pre-made drawings. This might seem like a daunting task, but once you have an idea of your needs, it will be a piece of cake.
These are important to consider:
- Who will be living in the camper?
- Will you want natural light?
- Would you like a shower?
- Are you cooking inside?
Write down all of your needs on a piece of paper and organize them into your camper. Get creative with storage space and use every surface effectively. This step will set you up for success when you start insulating and sealing your caravan.
Types of Insulation
Insulation is crucial for a comfortable environment and often the most overlooked step. Each section of your van will benefit from different types of insulation to regulate radiation and conduction heat.
Insulating your camper doesn’t just stop at the frame. You can use reflective insulation to cover your windows in the summer months and protect against radiant heat.
How to Insulate
With your van fully stripped to the inner frame, we recommend using spray foam insulation to ensure complete coverage. This type of insulation provides the highest R-value, provides sound dampening, and will create a vapour barrier to prevent condensation.
Using batt insulation is ideal for reducing any thermal bridges from the ‘ribs’ of your exposed van. A thermal bridge is the movement of heat across an object that is more conductive than the materials around it.
Don’t forget to ventilate your newly insulated camper van! There are various types of vents you can purchase. They help to control moisture and temperature inside your mobile home. Vents will help lengthen the lifespan of your insulation while keeping you cool.
Now that you have the basics, you can start to build your nomadic life. From an off-grid bathroom and kitchen to solar power for your lights and amenities! The options are endless and your imagination can run wild. Get creative and start living your dream - on the road.
Are you curious to join this mobile trend? Contact our experts today to discuss how we can help build your dream!