Rubber meets the Road

[NHG99D]

https://www.facebook.com/dwellersunited/posts/1052664721452956

Rubber meets the Road, I have a 1999 Dodge 3500 !! (my first Dwelling van!!)

I've never done a conversion before so I'm looking for some help (I'm sure some of my question will dumb but I really want to get this right and make it work!!)
1) what is rattletrap sound deadening and is it really need if my van doesn't have much road noise to start out with ?
2) in a youtube vid I saw some on put Styrofoam in between the metal wall and the reflextex. is this need does it help?
3) if Reflextex good enough for insulation or is there something better I also have a roll for the household (pink) insulation should I use that as well??


if there's any advice and hints/tips you can give me I'm open and willing to learn!!!

Safe Travels and may your gas gage always be on full!!

 

[WriterMs]

Hi, NHG, and welcome!

If you go to the section of the Forum for Insulation, you'll find tons of discussions. Most seem to recommend polysoi (and you'll read why reflectix is not a preferred material). Here is the link to show the various threads that discuss various insulation possibilities:

https://vanlivingforum.com/Forum-Insulation

 

[highdesertranger]

welcome NHG. like WriterMs said try the insulation sub-forum. reflex as almost no insulation value and household insulation holds moisture, so stay away. highdesertranger

 

[BradKW]

Hi NHG!

When you insulate your van with polyiso it will provide soundproofing...rattletrap and similar are just to deaden vehicle noises. If you're happy with it as is, no point in using that.

Probably the most useful thing to do is learn to use the Search function in top right of page...you will find more information than you have time to digest

 

[Theadyn]

Hi and Welcome!!

 

[johnny b]

In the Home Depots, Lowes, Menards, etc. there are other foam board insulating products that are NOT Polyiso. Be sure to look closely at the labels.

Polyiso  (Polyisocyanurate Insulation) is the best bang for the buck. Quality, 'closed cell' foam board.

Things to avoid are any "Open Cell" foam products--ie.--DON'T use 'Great Stuff' single can spray foam as filler---it WILL absorb and hold water, rusting out your van. Same for the pink fluffy wall fiberglass insulation--holds water (condensation).

 

[Almost There]

Reflectix has it's own specific uses so don't rule it out arbitrarily.

It does however, have to be installed correctly or it's useless and a waste of money. If it's not installed with an air gap between it and the van exterior it will provide nothing in the way of heat reflectivity.

I used it to help keep the interior of the van cool during hot weather since I didn't expect to be in cold weather at all!

So far it seems to be doing what I wanted it to do.

I used a layer of 5/16 bubble wrap (the thickest I could buy), glued it to the reflectix panels that were cut to fit, then used aluminum tape to tape the panels to the ribs etc.