Challenges in the camper van
Van conversions and life on four wheels are becoming increasingly popular. More and more free spirits are opting for a nomadic lifestyle, free from fixed residences and always ready to discover new horizons. While some live permanently in their converted vehicles, others use their van for extended trips. The growing interest in the vanlife community makes it clear that the conversion of a van today must not only be suitable for occasional trips, but also for comfortable, permanent living.
Particularly important here is the van's insulation, which must ensure a pleasant interior climate both in cold temperatures and in hot climates. In addition to heat insulation, moisture protection and sound insulation also play a key role in making the camper comfortable to live in over the long term.
As interest in van life grows, so does the awareness of sustainability. Many vanlife enthusiasts value environmentally friendly and resource-conserving materials that are not only functional but also healthy.
in dialogue with:
Rebecca Worbs & Ricardo Brüning
We spoke to the two van life experts, who have been living in their van for over a year and a half and have already converted two vans themselves. Rico is a trained carpenter and civil engineer and Becca has a degree in film and media design and together they share a passion for van life.
"Even as children, we spent a lot of time in camper vans, which inspired us to lead a nomadic life as adults too. Our second van, a Citroën Jumper named "Justus"We have specially developed the insulation for long-term journeys in different climatic conditions - from cold winters to hot summers. We opted for sheep's wool for the insulation in order to implement a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution in our van."
Why insulate a van with sheep's wool?
Reliable insulation is crucial for van conversions, especially when you are exposed to different extreme climatic conditions - be it extreme heat or freezing cold.
Rico and Becca faced precisely this challenge. In their first van, the Armaflex insulation turned out to be inadequate due to the insulation thickness at high temperatures. They were looking for a more suitable alternative for the conversion of their new camper van and their choice fell on sheep's wool. Because in addition to improved insulation performance, Rico and Becca recognised many other advantages of the insulating material, which make the conversion of the van and life in the van more pleasant.
ADVANTAGE 1
Natural material with good properties
The renewable raw material sheep's wool is mainly composed of keratin, a fibrous protein that is also found in human hair and nails. This protein gives the wool its strength and elasticity. Sheep's wool also contains lanolin, a natural fat that makes it water-repellent. Lanolin protects the wool from moisture and pests and ensures that it remains resistant to external influences.
"In the beginning, the sheep odour was a little more intense, which is of course normal for this type of insulation material. But after about a month, and with regular ventilation, the odour is barely noticeable. So you don't have to worry about your van smelling like sheep all the time," says Rico about the natural material sheep's wool.
ADVANTAGE 2
Moisture regulation in the van
A major advantage of sheep's wool as an insulating material in campers is its ability to absorb and release moisture without losing insulation performance. This is particularly important in vans, where moisture is created by sleeping or cooking. Sheep's wool can absorb and release up to 33 % of its own weight in moisture: Ideal for vans that are exposed to changing climatic conditions.
Thanks to its capillary properties, the moisture absorbed in the sheep's wool is transported away and can dry out. This ensures that the insulating effect remains stable even at high humidity levels. While other insulation materials often have a Deviation from 15 % to 20 % for the Insulation performance this amounts to ISOLENA sheep's woolInsulation only 5 %. This ensures that the thermal insulation performance remains constant even in damp conditions.
"Moisture regulation is a great thing, especially in winter. Because through the heating, we still have dry air again at the end of the day, and the insulation can release the moisture it has absorbed back into this dry air."
ADVANTAGE 3
Healthy indoor climate in the van
Sheep's wool convinces as a building material thanks to its extremely low emissionsand thus actively contributes to a healthy indoor climate. The emission values of the sheep's wool insulation are far below the legally prescribed limits, which is particularly important for use in enclosed spaces such as vans.</span
As sheep's wool does not emit any harmful substances or impair indoor air quality, it is ideal for interior design. This is confirmed for ISOLENA products by the natureplus® eco-label, which is awarded exclusively to low-emission and tested building materials.
ADVANTAGE 4
Equipped for extreme temperatures
Another reason for Rico and Becca's decision in favour of sheep's wool insulation was that, in extreme climatic conditions of -30°C to +40°C are on the road. In their first van, which was insulated with 19 mm Armaflex, they quickly reached the limits of the material.
Rico explains: "We travelled a lot in Portugal, in temperatures of up to 34 degrees. The van turned into a real sweltering hell. We sometimes sat awake until two or three in the morning because we had to leave all the doors and windows open to let in at least a little cooling so that we could even think about sleeping."
With the 60 mm thick ISOLENA clamping felt, they were able to solve this problem and are now equipped for extreme temperatures: "We want to be out and about in the camper in cold and hot weather. That's why we simply need a bit more efficient insulation, and sheep's wool is ideal for that."
ADVANTAGE 5
Soundproofing for more privacy in the van
One of the outstanding properties of sheep's wool insulation is its excellent Acoustic insulation effect (rated sound absorption coefficients of 0.3-0.9 αw depending on the product). This not only ensures Quiet indoor climatebut also protects privacy in the van.
Thanks to its special material properties, sheep's wool has both a thermal and acoustic insulating effect. This is particularly useful on campsites or in the city. favourablewhere Disturbing external noise occur frequently.
"It sounds completely different. The sound insulation is also simply brilliant - Even rain, which normally drums on the roof, cannot be heard", reports Rico.
ADVANTAGE 6
Environmentally friendly and sustainable van conversion
For the two adventurers Sustainability a decisive factor in the choice of insulation material. Sheep's wool is a more renewable and renewable raw materialwhich, compared to synthetic alternatives, has a Low ecological footprint leaves behind.
"We live a very conscious lifestyle and attach great importance to ethical standards. This applies to our everyday life, to the clothing under our Nalumana fashion label and, of course, to our choice of van insulation. Another important aspect for us was that sheep's wool does not cause any environmentally harmful disposal problems at the end of its life cycle, but can be broken down naturally," explains Rico.
ADVANTAGE 7
Simple and safe installation
A major advantage of sheep's wool is the Easy handling during installation. Unlike other insulation materials, sheep's wool requires neither special tools nor protective clothing.
"It was very, very easy. You don't need any fancy tools either. You can cut the pieces really well with large scissors. Or simply with your hands on the size tearyou want and then insert it into the open areas on the bodywork," says Becca, describing the uncomplicated installation. "We simply inserted the sheep's wool behind the substructure - it was done really quickly."
Rico and Becca needed the following for the installation two days. The flexible nature of the sheep's wool makes it easy to insulate hard-to-reach areas such as corners or curves of the van. Because Wool regulates the moisture itselfThis eliminates the need for a vapour barrier, which speeds up the installation process.
ADVANTAGE 8
Protective barrier against pests and mould
ISOLENA's sheep's wool offers protection against pest infestation thanks to the unique, biocide-free Ionic Protect®-Wool protection process resistant to moths and insects. This process protects the wool in the long term and does not use any chemicals at all. This is both environmentally friendly and beneficial to health, which is important because you sleep and live in the van, in a confined space with the insulation.
The process makes the wool fibres indigestible for moths and other pests. As they no longer see the wool as a source of food, they stay away from it. The sheep's wool becomes more robust and is therefore predestined for use in the van.
In addition, sheep's wool remains moist even when Mould resistantas their protein fibres prevent mould growth.
ADVANTAGE 9
Natural fire protection
When fitting out vans Fire protection in connection with the electrical and heating systems plays an important role. Cables must be laid correctly and protected against short circuits, as sparks are a frequent cause of fire.
Materials such as sheep's wool, which can withstand high temperatures, offer additional safety alongside heat-resistant cable sheathing. Sheep's wool only melts at temperatures of about 560°C to 600°C and does not go up in flames directly. This means that no toxic gases are released in the event of a fire and the wool extinguishes itself as soon as the source of the flame is removed.
This is how the ISOLENA Klemmfilz the fire protection classification D-s2, d0. This means that it is flame-retardant, produces very little smoke and does not drip in the event of fire.
"In our van, cables and lines run through the insulation material. Should a short circuit occur, we don't want everything to go up in flames straight away: We have tested the sheep's wool: Even if you hold a lighter to it, it doesn't ignite, but only chars slightly."
Tips for installing insulation in the van
Now that Rico and Becca have successfully transformed their van Justus into a cosy oasis of well-being, they share their experience of working with insulation. They share a few insights with you so that you know what it really takes to keep the heat and cold out and make the van cosy all round.
TIP 1:
THIS IS HOW YOU TIGHTEN hard-to-reach places
It is recommended for areas that are difficult to access, such as above the driver's cab or on sloping surfaces, Spray adhesive to use. Rico and Becca used Spray adhesive from Würth both on the van surface and on the sheep's wool to securely fasten the insulation:
"That worked really well. I spray the adhesive on it, let it flash off very briefly and then press the sheep's wool against it once and it holds immediately. It doesn't fall off any more."
TIP 2:
Rely on ventilation instead of a vapour barrier
An open construction method and Sophisticated ventilation ensure that moisture is removed instead of building up inside. Since 2021, permanent ventilation has been required in accordance with TÜV regulations in order to reduce dangerous carbon dioxide that is produced when breathing, heating and cooking.
Rico explains: "You can't completely wrap the sheep's wool, but you have to make sure that it is permanently ventilated. Correct ventilation was easier to implement than we thought. Now the circulation ensures that the moist air can escape."
When installing in a van No vapour barrier necessary. Sheep's wool Regulates humidity independentlyby absorbing it and releasing it again. In most cases, a vapour barrier is even counterproductiveas it could hinder the natural exchange of moisture.
TIP 3:
Well-considered substructure
For clean processing of the sheep's wool insulation in the van, a Well planned substructure crucial. Rico and Becca opted for a lightweight but stable solution: 12mm thick multiplex slats.
In places where no substructure is possible - behind the cupboards, for example - they used a Jute net.
Rico says: "The jute net is super practical. It keeps the sheep's wool exactly where it belongs and at the same time allows enough air to retain its natural properties."
The two also emphasise how important it is to Drainage slots in the van to leave free. These ensure that condensation is drained from the bodywork and should never be blocked. If they are blocked, water can accumulate and cause damage in the long term.
TIP 4:
bet on mass for class
One surprise was the weight of the sheep's wool, which Rico and Becca initially underestimated. Almost 80 kg of sheep's wool however, bring advantages: a Improved thermal insulation and improved sound insulation.
Rico: "I didn't even think about it. When we weighed it, it was just under 80 kg. We had previously insulated with Armaflex, which has a similar thermal conductivity, but the three times higher density of the sheep's wool now provides significantly better insulation values - against both cold and heat. This additional weight therefore has a clear advantage: better insulation in every respect."
Which insulation is right for my van?
For the perfect van conversion, Rico and Becca opted for the ISOLENA Klemmfilz. On the side walls 29 m² insulated (= 4 packs). On the ceiling they have 10.8 m² (= 1 pack) Sheep's wool insulation processed.
"I recommend using 60 mm thick sheep's wool for the sides. You have less space available on the ceiling, where the thickness should be 30 mm," Rico shares his experience.
To attach the ceiling insulation, they used STYLIT jute and filled cavities with Ioser insulating wool from ISOLENA to fully insulate even these hard-to-reach areas.
"As it is now, we think it was a really good decision to use sheep's wool as insulation. It feels pleasant and soft to work with and is very comfortable overall. So far we are very satisfied."
Rico and Becca
Sure, Van Justus is compact and supposedly only for two people designed. But now 19 passengers are travelling with them: In addition to Becca and Rico 17 sheep quasi-permanent guests in the van - Only in the form of super-fluffy wall and roof insulation that turns Justus into a rolling cloud of sheep.
And rumour has it that the sheep even whisper the odd insider tip for the best grazing spots 😉.
All tips and tricks in the video
In this Video Becca and Rico not only show how they built the substructure of their van, but also how they used sheep's wool as insulation material.
They explain step by step, Which materials they have chosen and Why - and provide valuable Tips and tricks for installation. They go into important details such as how to cut and fit the sheep's wool correctly and how to lay it optimally. They also talk about the challenges they have overcome during installation and give tips on how to avoid typical mistakes.