Love your comment “we’re getting started”. George makes me as a fan viewer feel so included, as if we’re good friends. From your comment I’m guessing you feel the same.
maitilda mcintyre Yes that’s how I feel. He has so many of my own traits for which I often got ridiculed but have served me well. He’s inquisitive, critical, imaginative, meticulous, exacting, driven and funny to boot! I would love to work beside him just to hand him his tools, ha ha. Even though I’m happily married, that wouldn’t go over so well with my hubby! 😉😂
This note is a little late to the game but for anyone watching, you can cut Thinsulate very easily with a cheap rotary cutter from the Walmart fabric department. When I insulated my van, I tried scissors and boxcutter as seen here. After reading about the rotary cutter, I could not believe how easy it was. Like an exacto knife on paper.
I had the same thought, but see you beat me to it. Unlike a knife, you don't slide it (it rolls), so instead of pulling the fibres it cuts them. While I haven't tried thinsulate, it worked great on rubber backed carpet tiles. They came out as straight as factory edges, while the knife-cut edges would be more likely to fray.
I know from viewing your videos that you put a lot of thought into things, but that diagram mapping out the weight distribution, perfect, nice start. I loved that.
👍 i only used one tool to do my van build. A 5 pound sledge. Made everything install so easy. Quickly too! Course...finished product looks like crap...but hey...my dog approves. Just a little curvy humor for frivolity. 😝
You have totally inspired me... I do not have a van but have been seriously considering and I don't have $100,000... I would much prefer to build a beast to my own specifications... I have the skills but I'm dumb as a brick when it comes to lay out or even selection of the proper than... I love how you explain the details of materials and their application please more detail as I'm seriously considering purchasing a van and working it out
Great video. ..again. Did you know that Thinsulate was originally a sound proofing material ? Found its way into outdoor clothing and marine thermal insulation later. I got this straight from the tech folks at Thinsulate. I use it too. Best to double layer it. ..white sides in. And never crumple it up for example by forcing it tightly into recesses. Like lots of insulators it's the trapped air that does a lot of the work. Packing it tightly effectively creates a thermal bridge. It's not cheap but it's the dogs whatsits for both functions. Happy travels everyone. John
@@HumbleRoadhey Legend, just started your videos from the start so I don't miss anything. I've heard you say this a few times but my intution tells me that the practice of reflecting across an air gap is for replacable air, by this I mean you are reflecting energy away from your insulated layer, the energy instead superheats(to above outside temperatures) a layer of air between ceiling and roof skin which must then removed by convection and vented to the outside and consequently replaced with ambient air. If you are putting reflectix under immovable air (or thinsulate as you see it as air) this air becomes superheated (albeit slowly because it's inside thinsulate) and can't escape which changes the transfer properties of the air: [less convective, more inductive] which causes a steep temperature gradient across both sides of thinsulate making it work harder. I think the reflectix below this would have marginal benefit in the van. Transferring insulation first principals to vans there are still ways you could win: I think if you could preserve a thin layer of movable air betwen roof skin and reflectix (maybe by a loose honeycomb or even rubber runners) and you use a fan to force this air out in summer, you would be able to do away with the need for a large volume of air you are told must sit on your reflectix. What would achieve this easier though is to just make sure there are solar panels covering the entire roof and then a silver layer on the exterior of the roof skin. Or if you want to go full NASA do both. Hit me up I can give you some ideas for configurations you could build some test boxes at Humble Labs R&D. You really are the Blogfather of vanlife.
Sooo happy. Off we go!!! Enjoy yourself, but be careful, we can't have you getting injured. Can't wait for the one!! I can't see Joan using that electric knife at Thanksgiving!! LOL.
And having seen collided vans, the steel/fire wall into the cabin will be kept, but will be strengthened, and a have a horizontal hinge so the upper part may be put down. When going stealth we are wary of car thefts. We will not waste any more money on swivel seats and we will keep the double shot gun seat. The cabin is like a separate room, when we are not on speaking terms (one day she may tell me why). I am also a naval architect and what you have to consider in a small boat is that when you look up from whatever you are doing, you are not locking eyes with somebody staring at you.
I used a giant pair of fabric scissors for my polyester insulation, which is similar, but a bit thicker and stiffer than the thinsulate. I could cut it by sliding the scissors through the material, so it was pretty quick. They have to be sharp though. The scissors have been very useful for many other things too. I was shocked at the weight of the click lock vinyl I used, about 220lbs/100Kg total. In hindsight I would have chosen something else, even laminated wood would be lighter. But not as waterproof...
I have lived with a cold floor in my van for weeks at a time. I have decided to spend more of the overall weight there. It's a quality of life issue. If you have a nice warm floor, you be smilin'
Humble Road are you putting in a diesel hydronic water heater? I realised after heating the water you could run the pipes under the floor, even if it’s just the isle. And possibly a heated towel rail. I’ve done only water heating with mine, so feel like I haven’t used its potential.
How much spare height do you have? I used a layer of 1"/25mm XPS foam which completely covered the floor. It will surely do the same job as the mass loaded vinyl, insulate, provide a thermal break and absorb noise BUT it weighs 0.13lb per square foot. The only disadvantage is it is thicker, but probably insulates better too.
We have had a van life for 40 years and I am now starting on the fourth conversion. So this time we are not wasting any space or money on insulation. For us it has never been something we missed after the first one which we did insulate. We live in Norway and even in the mountains at -25C or -10F we have not missed insulation. When we live in south of Spain or the balcans, we do not miss it either. The van cools down faster at night whithout it. We have stopped installing air-condition too. A diesel heater like webasto in the winter will suffice. As an old soldier I can say that it is not the temperature which is the problem, but the humidity. On manouvers in -30C, in a tent, you do not want to get humid, in an army crap sleeping bag. When it is to hot, we hang a blanket on the sunny side of the van and pour water on it, an hour before bed time. We have spendt a lot of time covering the windows when we go stealth, so no windows anymore. We have had vans without showers and others were we have over-focused on large shower cubicles. It has been a waste of space. So in this one we will have a washbasin with a shower curtain glued around the edge , with a ring in the top which is lifted to the ceiling. For water we will use a 20l/5 gallon can of tempered water and a small 12v drainage pump. This will be stowed away and used rarely. A spong bath is great. A garden watering can with tempered water is great for the ladies hair, and it is a bit romantic to give as helping hand. On the other hand some use the term "privy" for the toilet, and we have found that privacy for the toilet is important, because sometime one is using that facility while somebody else is trying to sleep. If you spend the whole days inside, you should probaly look for an appartment. In cities we are out and about and on campsites we have a pergola with chairs and table outside. The design will consider that couples are seldom both A or B, so a sitting arena should be away from the bed. And we will NOT have any solar panels. Gas is great.
About to start the floor in our new 2020 Transit. I’d love to wait until you’ve done a Transit George, but we are itching to get started! Ordered our 4 x 8 sheets of cardboard from Grainger yesterday, starting next week on the Noico sound deadening work.
I enjoy the attention to detail re weight and where deployed along the van. George I would hope you do same w roof. Having two maxx fans leaves me wondering how much solar it will allow. Sketching this out would help me understand the trade offs necessary for that all important “roof space”, for electric production vs cooling vents. Looking forward to more ... Cliff
Cliff I've seen a few other vans which mounted solar on a significantly elevated framework. It was so 'elevated' that the MaxAir fan fit underneath ! That way there was max area for solar panels. That's what I plan to do.
Yes, Cliff, the weight distribution is my 2nd biggest concern right after safety of materials, i.e. off-gassing, mold, etc. I have an idea up on the roof that I am not quite ready to divulge. Still discussing the particulars with a certain company.
Humble Road & Team, I like spray insulation as it covers throughly - so you know there won't be condensation, as interior air cannot touch the inside metal skin. But I've heard the spray stuff is unhealthy - is that true ? Or is it safe given time to degas ? ( if so how much time? )
I'm glad to enjoy the adventure with you via the web (and dream). You make me smile and sometimes laugh. I had to chuckle when you mentioned your little pea brain. A few weeks ago I was talking to my granddaughter and I said something about my little pea brain. She looked at me and questioned what I meant and explained it's just a saying people use sometimes. Good luck with the build. Looking forward to the next installment :-)
Thanks for the smiles. When I saw the subject I thought "I hope he knows about Rattletrap" Duh, I'm just plain ashamed of myself, thought I was watching a regular channel. :-) Take care my friend can't wait for next upload.
Oh my Humble...what a joy to watch your videos! That creeper scene made me laugh at the end of a challenging mod day. Thank you! 😂 as always I wait with baited breath to see what products you choose for a build. Would a Roxul “knife” have cut the thinsulate? I am currently finding that many household (lower toxicity) don’t work very effectively with my vintage trailer especially when faced with heat build up in our hot summer weather here in Ontario...yes it melts the igloos! Lol. Are you planning a road trip with the new beauty so your fans can oooh and ahhh over both of you? 🙏
Yes, Mishu I am very sensitive to the various health and environmental certifications on the products I choose. If I still own this van upon completion, I will definitely bring it to certain RV Shows for preview. What fun!
Hi George, I was hoping to see "the rest" of your video as to how you insulated the floor of the van. I can't seem to find it. However, what I know so far is, you are going to mount your 80/20modules through the heavy vinyl FIRST and then continue insulating after. Can you please point me to the follow-up video after this one? I appreciate all of your videos. If I hadn't paid cash for my new 2023 MB 144 Sprinter AWD Crew van last month, I'd be calling you to book an appointment. Alas, I am unable to afford your wonderful talent at this time. In no way do I expect to ever duplicate what you do, but I'm willing to learn! Thank you
Yeah another episode. Love that sink you shared. Also TWO max air fans. I’m so excited to see how this build progresses. Will you be using lizard skin on this build?
Thank you Maitilda. I am so glad I found that sink! High quality handmade and affordable. The two MaxxAir fans are part of a larger ventilation system I'm working on. Instead of lizard skin, I opted for the sheet vinyl. IMHO, it serves as a thermal break, noise and vapor barrier. A lot of bang for the buck!
Your the first Ive seen to talk about a thermal break in the van world but you have so many windows that I bet aren't double glazed which will be a much bigger heat loss than any thermal breaks....
Jayme, in my previous van build videos, I have spoken about window coverings made with mass vinyl. Cut to fit tightly and magneted in place, I expect them to act as a solid wall. We shall see! Thanks for watching. Hope you stick around. :)
Would be interesting to see a thermal loss/gain and air infiltration comparison between the finished product of your approach versus a closed cell spray foam approach.
Funny you didn't mention moisture retention. Which is one of the primary reasons for my design. Unless you apply the spray foam in outer space, you will have voids and moisture getting trapped. No way can the foam be applied absolutely perfectly.
@@HumbleRoad There seems a lot of pathways for heat to travel across the boundary with the patchwork insulation method. We install an awful lot of spray foam here and and the installation is near perfect. Are you concerned that a void abutting the bare metal will allow entrained moisture to condense and corrode the metal over time? My current mindset is that a combination of your complete attention to craftsmanship coupled with spray foam would be my ultimate van conversion - given my current knowledge.
Humble Road Blinded by the Light Song by Manfred Mann Blinded by the light Revved up like a deuce Another runner in the night Some silicone sister With a manager mister Told me I got what it takes She said "I'll turn you on sonny to something strong Play the song with the funky break" And go-cart Mozart Was checkin' out the weather chart See if it was safe outside And little early-pearly Came by in his curly-wurly And asked me if I needed a ride The calliope crashed to the ground
Would putting the MLV on the bottom trap moisture in there? Some people on Reddit suggested a rubber mat on the floor might do that. Was thinking a rubber mat might also be similar to MLV but maybe less dense and more absorbant as far as sound goes?
I chose the thinsulate for several reasons. The least of which is it's 5.2 R-value. It's easy and safe to work with, it doesn't off gas like just about everything else. Lightweight and non flammable. It's hydrophobic so it retains less than 1% of it's weight in water molecules. I will also be using heavy mass vinyl. 1/8th inch Insulative, thermal break, sound deadener and vapor barrier, all in one sheet. It's one pound per square foot! I said it was heavy! I am also dreaming up a way to circulate air inside those walls.
A bit off your speed and style, but, have you ever looked into the possibilities of installing a stowngo (full seat folds into a floor bin) seat into the promaster vans.
Loving your videos! I am actually postponing my purchase to watch your build😇 very entertaining! Do you prefer white over the beautiful silver/grey? I love the grey, but concerned about the heat. My van will mostly be in Florida, Coastal Alabama. Thanks again for awesomely entertaining content😇
I like all the colors. If you are in a hot sunny climate, choose lighter colors. It makes a difference. Primarily in Florida? You are going to need "full time" air conditioning and good ventilation. Identify what features are important to you. See my Class B Exploratory Series and download my checklist. It's a good exercise, you might surprise yourself!
Please add more details like the R-value of the materials used for insulation and whether your method used in installing the materials reduces or maintains the R-value. (For the newbys out there, materials with a high R-value resist heat conduction. Compared to radiation and convection, "conduction is the most common form of heat transfer and occurs via physical contact. Examples would be to place your hand against a window or place metal into an open flame." [Carlos Gonzalez, MachineDesign])
Hi Jennifer. The Thinsulate has a R value of 5.3. However, I am using that heavy mass vinyl I have talked about. I can't find a R-value for that since it is used primarily as an acoustic sound deadener. I am using it because it will provide sound deadening, vapor barrier and thermal barrier. Think how a wetsuit works to keep you warm in the water..
Raymond, I started to do a real world day to day comparative video on the three van choices for van life. But then this build took over my life and I haven't been able to do anything else. I'm not kidding! :-)
Hi George, thanks for your videos. I noticed that you didn't include a vapor barrier with your insulation. Could you tell me your thoughts on a vapor barrier as I'm just about to insulate my van. Thanks
I have all that info covered in the videos. You will just have to watch them all! 😃 Basically, I don't believe in "sealing up" the whole van, it's impossible. Then you have made the situation worse. I believe in total and complete breathability. My whole van, every square inch, can breathe. With two maxi Air fans, I exchange all the air in the coach several times a minute.
@@HumbleRoad Thanks George, I am working my way through them all now! There's many. Seems to be 2 camps atm, none vapor barrier camp and the vapor barrier camp...Still figuring out which one is best. If one does go vapor barrier, they will have to fix the external trim mounting holes because that lets rain water in and it would never escape, yes I know you have a vid for that problem too, I need to get that gasket and give it a go. cheers!
As I already said; one single uninterrupted PEX tube from the fresh tank (45gal) to the pump. Espar water heater. Galley sink, indoor and outdoor showers. Toying with several fresh fill ideas as well as low point drain. Grey tank (35gal) centered undercarriage. Fresh tank to have 8" marine clean out hatch in top of tank, accessible under futon. Every part of the system accessible to end user.
Will you be employing a helper with your install, Sir? I would gladly offer my services but I live in Lexington, Ky. I Enjoy your videos and stay healthy-your working on my van, lol.
At this point, I am solo, which is fine, this is only one van. When I am working on a few of them at the same time, then yes, I will have a really cool facility with people in Humble Road jump suits moving about like ants. I think I watch too many movies...
Greetings George. been watching your vids as you know - with great enthusiasm too - top work there! I'm about to start my conversion (the van, not me personally - bit too late for that) and I see a few conflicting thoughts on insulation. Should it be internal metal skin -> thinsulate ->reflectix -> heavy mass vinyl -> cladding of choice (as per this vid) - OR the heavy mass vinyl on FIRST -> thinsulate ->reflectix ? The reason I ask is that here in the UK we have some thick rubber vinyl stuff thathas a peel-off self adhesive backing designed to go straight onto the inner skin of the van (dodo mat super liner is one example). what say you?
getting ready for a build. What is the vinyl product on the floors? Can source the other items needed but would like to find the vinyl flooring and up the half walls. thanks
I have the front captain's chairs swiveling to face one another with a dining table in between with a small "chandelier" above. Do you honestly think I would neglect a softly lit cozy dining area?! C'mon, Bob romance is not dead! :-)
Good stuff here! Well thought out! I'm planning two Murphy beds (31 x 75 each) with a little floor space down the middle when beds are down. By day, they will have a desk under one side and storage/sofa under the other.
I am hesitant to use a power mechanism. My design approach is one of simple, elegant and long lasting. I certainly considered all the various methods of incorporating these functions and settled on the futon/couch arrangement. With a murphy bed, you don't have the footprint allocation you get with my design. I have a 45 gallon fresh water tank sitting right under the couch on one end and a 3 foot wide bedding drawer under the other side. Where would you put those items with a murphy bed?
In my design. I would have simple but strong hinged beds that fold down onto a desk/counter/storage area on one side and onto part of the kitchen on the other side (not the the sink and stove, just over the frig and more storage). The two "units" would be offset slightly with the drivers side unit being slightly more to the rear of the van. This allows for the sink and stove behind the the driver and bathroom (toilet/shower combo no bath sink) at the back. On passenger side the space at the back would be "garage". There would be no upper cabinets in my design but instead shallow cabinets built onto the bottom of the beds. When the beds are up (during the day) all that storage is exposed. AND because the beds would be slightly higher off the floor when accessing id have pullout step stools built into the lower cabinetry in front of the wheel wells. My husband and I are short so cabinet heights, depths can be lower slightly. I hope this makes sense. Its been rattling around my brain for some time now.
I haven't driven the van since applying the Noico, but the before and after knock test is quite telling. Imagine hitting a tympani and then again, but this time with your palm pressing the drum skin. (I played percussion in school)
Deborah, I just recently purchased a rotary cutter from JoAnn Fabrics. Holy Moly! What a difference! You are absolutely correct, the rotary cutter was amazing. I will be mentioning that in an upcoming video, it was that good! Thank you for your suggestion.
@@HumbleRoad Be *extremely* careful, they are razor sharp and you could cut your finger off before you realize you ever cut yourself. Always lock it closed when not in use. I've used them when putting down linoleum tiles for price fit and they're great. Good luck with all you do!
I have spent countless hours over the past 3 years researching and selecting components and materials for my van builds. I make no secret about what and why, but that’s as much as I can give. The rest is what makes a Humble Road van. Good luck!
Hi George, is it not iseful to put a anti moisture membrane over your insulation? I prefer to not having to do it but lot of people tell me it’s needed. So with your experience i wonder why you don’t ... thank you! Greatings from Belgium
Hallelujah ......we’re getting started!
It's about time, right?
Love your comment “we’re getting started”. George makes me as a fan viewer feel so included, as if we’re good friends. From your comment I’m guessing you feel the same.
maitilda mcintyre Yes that’s how I feel. He has so many of my own traits for which I often got ridiculed but have served me well. He’s inquisitive, critical, imaginative, meticulous, exacting, driven and funny to boot! I would love to work beside him just to hand him his tools, ha ha. Even though I’m happily married, that wouldn’t go over so well with my hubby! 😉😂
Edith Prutz ditto!
I didn't know you could put the rattled trap in spots. Very cool.
This note is a little late to the game but for anyone watching, you can cut Thinsulate very easily with a cheap rotary cutter from the Walmart fabric department. When I insulated my van, I tried scissors and boxcutter as seen here. After reading about the rotary cutter, I could not believe how easy it was. Like an exacto knife on paper.
I did watch a video on that made by Artistic Adventurer Van. I will certainly give it a try.
Kevin H yep, that was my thought too (:
Kevin H, Thanks for the advice. Do you make videos, too? If not, please do.
Is it just a manual cutter or electric?
I had the same thought, but see you beat me to it. Unlike a knife, you don't slide it (it rolls), so instead of pulling the fibres it cuts them.
While I haven't tried thinsulate, it worked great on rubber backed carpet tiles. They came out as straight as factory edges, while the knife-cut edges would be more likely to fray.
I used to insulate Navy Destroyers and we used cheap dollar store SERRATED STEAK KNIVES to cut 2’x4’ insulation panels 1” - 4” thick.
I know from viewing your videos that you put a lot of thought into things, but that diagram mapping out the weight distribution, perfect, nice start. I loved that.
Thanks Dani. I have always been a visual person, so seeing those numbers placed in the space made it super easy for me.
Dani Adams yess I’ve seen vans were all the weight is on one side water tanks appliances and storage cabinets.
Can you please share a link to the pdf of that weight diagram?
Solid👍🏼 That 3500 is a beast. Looking forward to the Olympic sized pool.
I am having a problem with the pool. Can't find a diving board I like…
:-D
You are Awesomely SMART..... and humble, of course! Love your sense of humor! I always impatiently wait for your next video!
Fiskars fabric scissors are amazing for this stuff!
I really appreciate seeing the "under garments" you are putting on the van & "how" you are doing it! Thanks so much for sharing!! Be safe..Judie
Under garments! I never looked at it that way!
:-D
LOVE the sink and sloped drain feature.
I like your attention to weight conservation...it helps reduce overall weight to improve mpg efficiency and cargo capacity
Great start and I so appreciate the time you give in explaning your moves. I really look forward to these vids.....Thank you very much
Thanks, Ed. You had a nice cameo in the Tennessee video :-)
It's all about the details isn't it. That's going to be one comfy abode when you are finished with it!
👍 i only used one tool to do my van build. A 5 pound sledge. Made everything install so easy. Quickly too! Course...finished product looks like crap...but hey...my dog approves. Just a little curvy humor for frivolity. 😝
Thank you for sharing. I look forward to following your tips as soon as I purchase a van.
You have totally inspired me... I do not have a van but have been seriously considering and I don't have $100,000... I would much prefer to build a beast to my own specifications... I have the skills but I'm dumb as a brick when it comes to lay out or even selection of the proper than... I love how you explain the details of materials and their application please more detail as I'm seriously considering purchasing a van and working it out
So excited for you George!
Mass Load Vinal. In my car audio days we use to refer to it as my 100lb supermodel.
So just like real life she's added some weight over the years. 🤪
There is a toilet that uses plastic bags.... automatically tying each new bag after it's use. That's the best method I have seen.
I am familiar with that product. Consider the ease, or lack of ease in procuring additional bag cartridges, they are proprietary.
Weight distribution diagram? I knew there was a reason this is my new favorite channel! 😀
House 2 Van there's nothing like a good diagram to put your mind at ease..
🚐🚐🚐....and it's on! Yay!
Great video. ..again. Did you know that Thinsulate was originally a sound proofing material ? Found its way into outdoor clothing and marine thermal insulation later. I got this straight from the tech folks at Thinsulate. I use it too. Best to double layer it. ..white sides in. And never crumple it up for example by forcing it tightly into recesses. Like lots of insulators it's the trapped air that does a lot of the work. Packing it tightly effectively creates a thermal bridge. It's not cheap but it's the dogs whatsits for both functions. Happy travels everyone. John
I count the fibrous white side as air space when layering it with Reflectix. What a combo!
@@HumbleRoadhey Legend, just started your videos from the start so I don't miss anything. I've heard you say this a few times but my intution tells me that the practice of reflecting across an air gap is for replacable air, by this I mean you are reflecting energy away from your insulated layer, the energy instead superheats(to above outside temperatures) a layer of air between ceiling and roof skin which must then removed by convection and vented to the outside and consequently replaced with ambient air. If you are putting reflectix under immovable air (or thinsulate as you see it as air) this air becomes superheated (albeit slowly because it's inside thinsulate) and can't escape which changes the transfer properties of the air: [less convective, more inductive] which causes a steep temperature gradient across both sides of thinsulate making it work harder. I think the reflectix below this would have marginal benefit in the van. Transferring insulation first principals to vans there are still ways you could win: I think if you could preserve a thin layer of movable air betwen roof skin and reflectix (maybe by a loose honeycomb or even rubber runners) and you use a fan to force this air out in summer, you would be able to do away with the need for a large volume of air you are told must sit on your reflectix. What would achieve this easier though is to just make sure there are solar panels covering the entire roof and then a silver layer on the exterior of the roof skin. Or if you want to go full NASA do both. Hit me up I can give you some ideas for configurations you could build some test boxes at Humble Labs R&D. You really are the Blogfather of vanlife.
I definitely look into B+ Vans as we are keeping our home for a home base once we get started to see how it goes.
LOVE your videos! I’m definitely going to be learning a lot through this build...pretty stoked to see it happen!
I can't wait to watch this. Until later...
So excited to follow along and learn! Taking notes!!
Thanks!
man you make a clean rv. i wish i had the time to build. i learned from the best! blessings!
Might have been a himia instead of a hernia. Hard to tell since they both are a pain in the tuckus. Another great video.
Sooo happy. Off we go!!! Enjoy yourself, but be careful, we can't have you getting injured. Can't wait for the one!! I can't see Joan using that electric knife at Thanksgiving!! LOL.
You're fun to watch and smart!! Glad you are starting the adventure..or maybe I should say the process.
When I think about every single detail, all at once…it's an adventure! Thank you for supporting me.
And having seen collided vans, the steel/fire wall into the cabin will be kept, but will be strengthened, and a have a horizontal hinge so the upper part may be put down. When going stealth we are wary of car thefts. We will not waste any more money on swivel seats and we will keep the double shot gun seat. The cabin is like a separate room, when we are not on speaking terms (one day she may tell me why). I am also a naval architect and what you have to consider in a small boat is that when you look up from whatever you are doing, you are not locking eyes with somebody staring at you.
You research and find the best products, TY. Following at the edge of my seat, lol. Thinsulate 👍👍
Keep up the great work - I look forward to your updates! You've got a fan in New Hampshire!
looking good! Keep up the good work, and stay humble!
Quality supplies & quality install
I used a giant pair of fabric scissors for my polyester insulation, which is similar, but a bit thicker and stiffer than the thinsulate. I could cut it by sliding the scissors through the material, so it was pretty quick. They have to be sharp though. The scissors have been very useful for many other things too.
I was shocked at the weight of the click lock vinyl I used, about 220lbs/100Kg total. In hindsight I would have chosen something else, even laminated wood would be lighter. But not as waterproof...
I have lived with a cold floor in my van for weeks at a time. I have decided to spend more of the overall weight there. It's a quality of life issue. If you have a nice warm floor, you be smilin'
Humble Road are you putting in a diesel hydronic water heater? I realised after heating the water you could run the pipes under the floor, even if it’s just the isle. And possibly a heated towel rail. I’ve done only water heating with mine, so feel like I haven’t used its potential.
How much spare height do you have? I used a layer of 1"/25mm XPS foam which completely covered the floor. It will surely do the same job as the mass loaded vinyl, insulate, provide a thermal break and absorb noise BUT it weighs 0.13lb per square foot. The only disadvantage is it is thicker, but probably insulates better too.
Thank you George!
I’m so excited about this build. Can’t wait to see the end result. I really like your ideas! Yes, the ones from your pea brain!
:-D
We have had a van life for 40 years and I am now starting on the fourth conversion. So this time we are not wasting any space or money on insulation. For us it has never been something we missed after the first one which we did insulate. We live in Norway and even in the mountains at -25C or -10F we have not missed insulation. When we live in south of Spain or the balcans, we do not miss it either. The van cools down faster at night whithout it. We have stopped installing air-condition too. A diesel heater like webasto in the winter will suffice. As an old soldier I can say that it is not the temperature which is the problem, but the humidity.
On manouvers in -30C, in a tent, you do not want to get humid, in an army crap sleeping bag.
When it is to hot, we hang a blanket on the sunny side of the van and pour water on it, an hour before bed time. We have spendt a lot of time covering the windows when we go stealth, so no windows anymore. We have had vans without showers and others were we have over-focused on large shower cubicles. It has been a waste of space. So in this one we will have a washbasin with a shower curtain glued around the edge , with a ring in the top which is lifted to the ceiling. For water we will use a 20l/5 gallon can of tempered water and a small 12v drainage pump. This will be stowed away and used rarely. A spong bath is great. A garden watering can with tempered water is great for the ladies hair, and it is a bit romantic to give as helping hand. On the other hand some use the term "privy" for the toilet, and we have found that privacy for the toilet is important, because sometime one is using that facility while somebody else is trying to sleep.
If you spend the whole days inside, you should probaly look for an appartment.
In cities we are out and about and on campsites we have a pergola with chairs and table outside.
The design will consider that couples are seldom both A or B, so a sitting arena should be away from the bed. And we will NOT have any solar panels. Gas is great.
Fantastic video! Lots of useful information to be had here.I love the humor mixed in also. Only wish there were links to the products you mentioned.
Thank you! I do link much of this stuff on my website: humble road.tv
About to start the floor in our new 2020 Transit. I’d love to wait until you’ve done a Transit George, but we are itching to get started! Ordered our 4 x 8 sheets of cardboard from Grainger yesterday, starting next week on the Noico sound deadening work.
Best of luck!
Informative, clever, and as always entertaining.
Reeeeemarkable! Thanks, Humble Road!
I enjoy the attention to detail re weight and where deployed along the van. George I would hope you do same w roof. Having two maxx fans leaves me wondering how much solar it will allow. Sketching this out would help me understand the trade offs necessary for that all important “roof space”, for electric production vs cooling vents. Looking forward to more ... Cliff
Cliff I've seen a few other vans which mounted solar on a significantly elevated framework. It was so 'elevated' that the MaxAir fan fit underneath ! That way there was max area for solar panels. That's what I plan to do.
Yes, Cliff, the weight distribution is my 2nd biggest concern right after safety of materials, i.e. off-gassing, mold, etc. I have an idea up on the roof that I am not quite ready to divulge. Still discussing the particulars with a certain company.
Humble Road & Team, I like spray insulation as it covers throughly - so you know there won't be condensation, as interior air cannot touch the inside metal skin. But I've heard the spray stuff is unhealthy - is that true ? Or is it safe given time to degas ? ( if so how much time? )
I have been waiting for this video few weeks! Nice work!
George, you rule! Love the videos!
love love love your videos!!!
Welcome back!
I'm glad to enjoy the adventure with you via the web (and dream). You make me smile and sometimes laugh. I had to chuckle when you mentioned your little pea brain. A few weeks ago I was talking to my granddaughter and I said something about my little pea brain. She looked at me and questioned what I meant and explained it's just a saying people use sometimes. Good luck with the build. Looking forward to the next installment :-)
I like it ...... a lot !!!
Thanks for the smiles. When I saw the subject I thought "I hope he knows about Rattletrap" Duh, I'm just plain ashamed of myself, thought I was watching a regular channel. :-) Take care my friend can't wait for next upload.
Nice of you to say. :-)
Oh my Humble...what a joy to watch your videos! That creeper scene made me laugh at the end of a challenging mod day. Thank you! 😂 as always I wait with baited breath to see what products you choose for a build. Would a Roxul “knife” have cut the thinsulate? I am currently finding that many household (lower toxicity) don’t work very effectively with my vintage trailer especially when faced with heat build up in our hot summer weather here in Ontario...yes it melts the igloos! Lol. Are you planning a road trip with the new beauty so your fans can oooh and ahhh over both of you? 🙏
Yes, Mishu I am very sensitive to the various health and environmental certifications on the products I choose. If I still own this van upon completion, I will definitely bring it to certain RV Shows for preview. What fun!
Hi George,
I was hoping to see "the rest" of your video as to how you insulated the floor of the van. I can't seem to find it. However, what I know so far is, you are going to mount your 80/20modules through the heavy vinyl FIRST and then continue insulating after. Can you please point me to the follow-up video after this one? I appreciate all of your videos. If I hadn't paid cash for my new 2023 MB 144 Sprinter AWD Crew van last month, I'd be calling you to book an appointment. Alas, I am unable to afford your wonderful talent at this time. In no way do I expect to ever duplicate what you do, but I'm willing to learn! Thank you
Keep watching my videos. I’ve done several more explaining how the floors are insulated. I made some changes since this video you’ve watched.
Keep watching my videos. I’ve done several more explaining how the floors are insulated. I made some changes since this video you’ve watched.
Nice bike :) Cant wait to see more of your build :)
I'll tell my son you like his bike. I stopped riding many years ago.. Thanks for watching!
Humble Road Sure :) Its a sweet ride :)
Love you. Your vids are informative and very funny. 😀
The video preview looked like you had a can of gas. 😂
Get yourself an electric rotary cutter for cutting through Thinsulate. It cuts clean like a hot knife through butter. You'll never go back.
This is an old episode. I have one now and you’re right, it’s great! But be very careful with that trigger!
Yeah another episode. Love that sink you shared. Also TWO max air fans. I’m so excited to see how this build progresses. Will you be using lizard skin on this build?
Thank you Maitilda. I am so glad I found that sink! High quality handmade and affordable. The two MaxxAir fans are part of a larger ventilation system I'm working on. Instead of lizard skin, I opted for the sheet vinyl. IMHO, it serves as a thermal break, noise and vapor barrier. A lot of bang for the buck!
George, you do make me laugh.great video as always 👍
Great info - but ! A major distraction in the background called - the Bike :)
That is my son's Yammy. I stopped riding a long time ago. I have wonderful memories to lean into.
I decided to subscribe within 30 seconds
Now that's someone who makes decisions! Thank you!
Your the first Ive seen to talk about a thermal break in the van world but you have so many windows that I bet aren't double glazed which will be a much bigger heat loss than any thermal breaks....
Jayme, in my previous van build videos, I have spoken about window coverings made with mass vinyl. Cut to fit tightly and magneted in place, I expect them to act as a solid wall. We shall see! Thanks for watching. Hope you stick around. :)
ahh ok, sounds good :)
Would be interesting to see a thermal loss/gain and air infiltration comparison between the finished product of your approach versus a closed cell spray foam approach.
Funny you didn't mention moisture retention. Which is one of the primary reasons for my design. Unless you apply the spray foam in outer space, you will have voids and moisture getting trapped. No way can the foam be applied absolutely perfectly.
@@HumbleRoad There seems a lot of pathways for heat to travel across the boundary with the patchwork insulation method.
We install an awful lot of spray foam here and and the installation is near perfect.
Are you concerned that a void abutting the bare metal will allow entrained moisture to condense and corrode the metal over time?
My current mindset is that a combination of your complete attention to craftsmanship coupled with spray foam would be my ultimate van conversion - given my current knowledge.
Has June seen what you do under the vehicle after inhaling the left over adhesive fumes? 😂😂😂
Just another kooky weekend on the Humble Road! :-D
I love your content. I can't wait to see more. Move over Bob Vila.
MANAGERMR. Why does that sound so familiar? Black Crowes? Ugh! I can't place it, but I know that song!
Humble Road
Blinded by the Light
Song by Manfred Mann
Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
Some silicone sister
With a manager mister
Told me I got what it takes
She said
"I'll turn you on sonny to something strong
Play the song with the funky break"
And go-cart Mozart
Was checkin' out the weather chart
See if it was safe outside
And little early-pearly
Came by in his curly-wurly
And asked me if I needed a ride
The calliope crashed to the ground
AHRRRRG! Of course! How could I forget that! It was part of my youth!!!
Would putting the MLV on the bottom trap moisture in there? Some people on Reddit suggested a rubber mat on the floor might do that. Was thinking a rubber mat might also be similar to MLV but maybe less dense and more absorbant as far as sound goes?
Looking good G-man, you definitely know your sh*t. I think your brain is more like a garbanzo bean than a pea. Looking forward to next video.
Thanks Eagle! You know I'm a little Italian from Northern New Jersey. How about we agree my brain is more like a cannellini bean…
:-D
'Just subscribed.
Now yer gunna make me watch ALL your other videos so I won't miss a thing. ;>
I like the way you think! Thank you and welcome aboard!
You’ll love every one. I watch them multiple times. Love the info and George is amazing.
looking at you remind me of Al Pachino.
LOL!!! I love your videos. But.....you so crazy. LOL. It's the roller cart for me.
Great stuff and so addictively entertaining. I'm curious about the choice of thinsolate for the insulation
I chose the thinsulate for several reasons. The least of which is it's 5.2 R-value. It's easy and safe to work with, it doesn't off gas like just about everything else. Lightweight and non flammable. It's hydrophobic so it retains less than 1% of it's weight in water molecules. I will also be using heavy mass vinyl. 1/8th inch Insulative, thermal break, sound deadener and vapor barrier, all in one sheet. It's one pound per square foot! I said it was heavy! I am also dreaming up a way to circulate air inside those walls.
A bit off your speed and style, but, have you ever looked into the possibilities of installing a stowngo (full seat folds into a floor bin) seat into the promaster vans.
Haven't considered that.
Loving your videos! I am actually postponing my purchase to watch your build😇 very entertaining! Do you prefer white over the beautiful silver/grey? I love the grey, but concerned about the heat. My van will mostly be in Florida, Coastal Alabama. Thanks again for awesomely entertaining content😇
I like all the colors. If you are in a hot sunny climate, choose lighter colors. It makes a difference. Primarily in Florida? You are going to need "full time" air conditioning and good ventilation. Identify what features are important to you. See my Class B Exploratory Series and download my checklist. It's a good exercise, you might surprise yourself!
Why doesn't this have 300k views?
I ask myself the same thing, Nadine! Tell all your friends and family, maybe we can get there! ;-)
Please add more details like the R-value of the materials used for insulation and whether your method used in installing the materials reduces or maintains the R-value.
(For the newbys out there, materials with a high R-value resist heat conduction. Compared to radiation and convection, "conduction is the most common form of heat transfer and occurs via physical contact. Examples would be to place your hand against a window or place metal into an open flame." [Carlos Gonzalez, MachineDesign])
Hi Jennifer. The Thinsulate has a R value of 5.3. However, I am using that heavy mass vinyl I have talked about. I can't find a R-value for that since it is used primarily as an acoustic sound deadener. I am using it because it will provide sound deadening, vapor barrier and thermal barrier. Think how a wetsuit works to keep you warm in the water..
Love the "beard" on your mask lol
So as not to put the cart before the horse hahaha could you give me your opinion on a selection of vans pros and cons
Raymond, I started to do a real world day to day comparative video on the three van choices for van life. But then this build took over my life and I haven't been able to do anything else. I'm not kidding! :-)
Hi George, thanks for your videos. I noticed that you didn't include a vapor barrier with your insulation. Could you tell me your thoughts on a vapor barrier as I'm just about to insulate my van.
Thanks
I have all that info covered in the videos. You will just have to watch them all! 😃
Basically, I don't believe in "sealing up" the whole van, it's impossible. Then you have made the situation worse. I believe in total and complete breathability. My whole van, every square inch, can breathe. With two maxi Air fans, I exchange all the air in the coach several times a minute.
@@HumbleRoad Thanks George, I am working my way through them all now! There's many. Seems to be 2 camps atm, none vapor barrier camp and the vapor barrier camp...Still figuring out which one is best. If one does go vapor barrier, they will have to fix the external trim mounting holes because that lets rain water in and it would never escape, yes I know you have a vid for that problem too, I need to get that gasket and give it a go. cheers!
The B E S T . . . . 💟☮️
#1K+. Thanks for sharing
The journey starts. I'm waiting to see the item most "van life" people ignore, actual plumbing.
As I already said; one single uninterrupted PEX tube from the fresh tank (45gal) to the pump. Espar water heater. Galley sink, indoor and outdoor showers. Toying with several fresh fill ideas as well as low point drain. Grey tank (35gal) centered undercarriage. Fresh tank to have 8" marine clean out hatch in top of tank, accessible under futon. Every part of the system accessible to end user.
Oh, and no city water connection. Fill your tank, use your tank. That's the best way to keep it clean.
Will you be employing a helper with your install, Sir? I would gladly offer my services but I live in Lexington, Ky. I Enjoy your videos and stay healthy-your working on my van, lol.
At this point, I am solo, which is fine, this is only one van. When I am working on a few of them at the same time, then yes, I will have a really cool facility with people in Humble Road jump suits moving about like ants. I think I watch too many movies...
Greetings George. been watching your vids as you know - with great enthusiasm too - top work there!
I'm about to start my conversion (the van, not me personally - bit too late for that) and I see a few conflicting thoughts on insulation. Should it be internal metal skin -> thinsulate ->reflectix -> heavy mass vinyl -> cladding of choice (as per this vid) - OR the heavy mass vinyl on FIRST -> thinsulate ->reflectix ? The reason I ask is that here in the UK we have some thick rubber vinyl stuff thathas a peel-off self adhesive backing designed to go straight onto the inner skin of the van (dodo mat super liner is one example).
what say you?
I do a different mixture in walls versus ceiling. IMHO, layering is most important.
@@HumbleRoad thank you George. Time to get creative!!!
Cool here we go, I've got my coffee God I'm glad I'm here you would weigh too.hahahahah ByeBye until next time.
getting ready for a build. What is the vinyl product on the floors? Can source the other items needed but would like to find the vinyl flooring and up the half walls. thanks
Heavy mass vinyl
Not to late to decide on a Murphy bed vs futon, providing a place to eat also.....ha.
I have the front captain's chairs swiveling to face one another with a dining table in between with a small "chandelier" above. Do you honestly think I would neglect a softly lit cozy dining area?! C'mon, Bob romance is not dead! :-)
Good stuff here! Well thought out! I'm planning two Murphy beds (31 x 75 each) with a little floor space down the middle when beds are down. By day, they will have a desk under one side and storage/sofa under the other.
Humble Road What about a power drop down bed?
I am hesitant to use a power mechanism. My design approach is one of simple, elegant and long lasting. I certainly considered all the various methods of incorporating these functions and settled on the futon/couch arrangement. With a murphy bed, you don't have the footprint allocation you get with my design. I have a 45 gallon fresh water tank sitting right under the couch on one end and a 3 foot wide bedding drawer under the other side. Where would you put those items with a murphy bed?
In my design. I would have simple but strong hinged beds that fold down onto a desk/counter/storage area on one side and onto part of the kitchen on the other side (not the the sink and stove, just over the frig and more storage). The two "units" would be offset slightly with the drivers side unit being slightly more to the rear of the van. This allows for the sink and stove behind the the driver and bathroom (toilet/shower combo no bath sink) at the back. On passenger side the space at the back would be "garage". There would be no upper cabinets in my design but instead shallow cabinets built onto the bottom of the beds. When the beds are up (during the day) all that storage is exposed. AND because the beds would be slightly higher off the floor when accessing id have pullout step stools built into the lower cabinetry in front of the wheel wells. My husband and I are short so cabinet heights, depths can be lower slightly. I hope this makes sense. Its been rattling around my brain for some time now.
Can you notice a difference in the sound from the rattle trap material? I would think the thinsulate would dampen the sound.
I haven't driven the van since applying the Noico, but the before and after knock test is quite telling. Imagine hitting a tympani and then again, but this time with your palm pressing the drum skin. (I played percussion in school)
George, what brand of seat swivels?
Since this video was produced, I've settled in on swivels from Alpine.
A carpet knife might make cutting the Thinsulate easier.
LOL! OK, Electric knife for the win.
A quilter's rotary cutter would have been useful to cut the thinsulate. :-)
Deborah, I just recently purchased a rotary cutter from JoAnn Fabrics. Holy Moly! What a difference! You are absolutely correct, the rotary cutter was amazing. I will be mentioning that in an upcoming video, it was that good! Thank you for your suggestion.
@@HumbleRoad Be *extremely* careful, they are razor sharp and you could cut your finger off before you realize you ever cut yourself. Always lock it closed when not in use. I've used them when putting down linoleum tiles for price fit and they're great. Good luck with all you do!
Would you consider posting links to the products you use?
I have spent countless hours over the past 3 years researching and selecting components and materials for my van builds. I make no secret about what and why, but that’s as much as I can give. The rest is what makes a Humble Road van. Good luck!
Hi George, is it not iseful to put a anti moisture membrane over your insulation? I prefer to not having to do it but lot of people tell me it’s needed. So with your experience i wonder why you don’t ... thank you! Greatings from Belgium
IMHO, good airflow will always win over moisture.
To thermal bridge or not to thermal bridge…. That!
💜
What are the dimensions of the thinsulate rolls and where do you get it?
I am working on a build, where can you buy this rolled Thinsulate sir?
How do you insulate the places you can't get insulation into? do
you ever use expandable foam in those places?
No foam. Strips of Thinsulate and fish sticks.
@@HumbleRoad Fish sticks?
www.energyavenue.com/Greenlee/540-12?keyword=&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5vb-BRCRARIsAJBKc6J054M2mnhqWOYdIU_0XAEWOmH39-XKXZ7qAhubvywwH-Tl8RHqRAEaAs7-EALw_wcB
do you know what this is ? YES A HERNIA ,WAITING TO HAPPEN
You got that right!
Buying a Van, obviously.
Good luck! Stay on board, every step will be discussed. -_-