insulation not there at all??

[Steph3910]

I purchased a motorhome this year it was made from a VW transporter van. It was sold as a camper but i have found it has no insulation and cannot be slept in. The temperature inside is like an oven and it got up to 49 c. The dealers response is tough and try opening a window. I have had it 3 months I had a Maxx Air vent fitted to try to resolve the situation but this hasn't helped and the installer said there is no insulation in the van. What can i do?

 

[Coolcats]

You Guys are not correct many converters do add insulation, my T5 Camper had insulation and soundproofing I had a T6 with soundproofing and insulation not a camper but a comfy day van. I had both panel insulation/Soundproofing and lambs wool.

Over this is the Carpet that is mentioned I think that before people say VW Transporter conversions do not have insulation need to look at the Market place. Personally I would expect a Camper to have some.

Go and have a look at conversion web sites an I do believe most if not all will mention what they do.

 

[Diabalo]

Going by post 10 the OP said the cost was approx 3 times 10-15 grand so North of £30,000. That's a lot of dosh for a self build conversion. A link to the dealer and the advert with the description would help.

 

[Billylou]

Think I said…

“I don’t think many VW Campervans are insulted”

 

[Reallyretired]

Think I said…

“I don’t think many VW Campervans are insulted”

This one is, and with some reason.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Tonks]

Mine is insulated, but I was astonished to find out fairly recently that VW Californias aren't! On that basis I think you'll find it hard to get your money back.

Last weekend, sat out in full sun for days at the Retro Festival, mine got to 39deg inside the van even with the side door open, when there was no breeze getting inside it. The hottest I've known it get was at an airshow when it had been closed up all day (but with screens up and all the windows covered). It was 42 degrees inside when I got back to it, and I had to sit outside with all the doors open, while it cooled down enough for me to face the drive home. The air conditioning is being fixed on Thursday!

 

[Sapper520]

Our Sunlight hasn’t got any insulation in either of the cab, sliding or back doors, and that’s a lot of area.

 

[chaser]

He/she seems to have gone, what a shame, would have been interesting to have seen more of this van and what happens next.

 

[Odd-no-more]

It has given us something to think about. Most UK motorhomes do not have good insulation, when I was looking at them even to large suppliers have a winterised option. Is it because most users only go away in the warmer months? I know we have never been away when it's cold, even though we are warm inside if it's too cold to go out I don't see the point

 

[Sapper520]

It has given us something to think about. Most UK motorhomes do not have good insulation, when I was looking at them even to large suppliers have a winterised option. Is it because most users only go away in the warmer months? I know we have never been away when it's cold, even though we are warm inside if it's too cold to go out I don't see the point

Sunlight is a German conversion, so it’s not just UK converters.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Abgs]

My 21 plate Hymer Grand Canyon S, Mercedes Sprinter has just slightly more than b@gger all insulation. Lots of chatter about this on the German and French forums. Bearing in mind that a fully specced 4WD version of the GCS is now around £120K it's pretty outrageous. I'm slowly taking it all apart and putting the interior back together properly including actually attaching the wiring loom to prevent chaffing and short circuits....

So far I have insulated the front doors, sliding door, rear doors, the headlining over the cab, the under bonnet and part of the bulkhead. The difference is immense. Just these areas along account for around 40% of the exterior facing parts of the van.

Next job is to remove all the fridge, rear cupboards, bed and water tank and do that area. I think that will have a huge impact as it was just too hot in the 40 deg this summer.

The saving grace is that I have a pop-top which acts as pretty good insulation over the ceiling space, The non-pop top versions suffer from condensation in the winter and water running into, and shorting out the control panels!

It doesn't really bother me as I was aware that the GCS had this issue before I bought it and I also like taking things apart and modifying / improving them. I reckon that it will cost me somewhere in the region of £600 for the full soundproof and insulation job.

There is a guy in Germany who has posted up a full strip down of the interior on a 6 month old GCS. He has then rebuilt it with proper insulation and soundproofing. He reckons that although its a shoddy product for the money it was still cheaper to do that than have a Sprinter van built to the same spec.

 

[Sapper520]

My 21 plate Hymer Grand Canyon S, Mercedes Sprinter has just slightly more than b@gger all insulation. Lots of chatter about this on the German and French forums. Bearing in mind that a fully specced 4WD version of the GCS is now around £120K it's pretty outrageous. I'm slowly taking it all apart and putting the interior back together properly including actually attaching the wiring loom to prevent chaffing and short circuits....

So far I have insulated the front doors, sliding door, rear doors, the headlining over the cab, the under bonnet and part of the bulkhead. The difference is immense. Just these areas along account for around 40% of the exterior facing parts of the van.

Next job is to remove all the fridge, rear cupboards, bed and water tank and do that area. I think that will have a huge impact as it was just too hot in the 40 deg this summer.

The saving grace is that I have a pop-top which acts as pretty good insulation over the ceiling space, The non-pop top versions suffer from condensation in the winter and water running into, and shorting out the control panels!

It doesn't really bother me as I was aware that the GCS had this issue before I bought it and I also like taking things apart and modifying / improving them. I reckon that it will cost me somewhere in the region of £600 for the full soundproof and insulation job.

There is a guy in Germany who has posted up a full strip down of the interior on a 6 month old GCS. He has then rebuilt it with proper insulation and soundproofing. He reckons that although its a shoddy product for the money it was still cheaper to do that than have a Sprinter van built to the same spec.

I’d be interested in the products you’ve used to soundproof and insulate your doors….It’s on my list when I’ve got time to do it.

 

[Abgs]

I’d be interested in the products you’ve used to soundproof and insulate your doors….It’s on my list when I’ve got time to do it.

I just followed the advice on this site and used the same products.

Van Insulation & Soundproofing

When treating a typical van or camper you must use a number of different products to achieve an excellent final result. Many camper van projects start life with very limited luxury, however the interior can be improved dramatically with the application of good sound deadening and insulation. We...

www.deadening.co.uk

The doors now close with a nice clunk, like a Mercedes car, rather than tinny rattle! The stereo is also sounds much better.

 

[VXman]

So, does a modern 'motorhome' (i.e. your typical Ducato based white box by Autotrail. Swift, Burstner, Hymer etc) have insulation? Is is part of the construction of the body work? The rear wall/roof on my Burstner feels quite thin and I am surprised at how much sound comes through the walls at night. However, it does keep toasty warm in the winter with the heater on. Is there somewhere that shows the construction of motorhome walls, roofs, floors? - Just interested in how it wall works.

 

[funflair]

So, does a modern 'motorhome' (i.e. your typical Ducato based white box by Autotrail. Swift, Burstner, Hymer etc) have insulation? Is is part of the construction of the body work? The rear wall/roof on my Burstner feels quite thin and I am surprised at how much sound comes through the walls at night. However, it does keep toasty warm in the winter with the heater on. Is there somewhere that shows the construction of motorhome walls, roofs, floors? - Just interested in how it wall works.

A modern white box as you describe has walls floor and roof made from foam sheets clad with aluminium or fibreglass on the outside and fibreboard or aluminium on the inside, the foam core has thermal insulation properties as well as performing a mechanical function, I am not so sure that manufacturers go to the trouble of insulating the cab doors on a coach built though, a lot of A class of course don't have cab doors so no problem there but our A class has a fibreglass habitation door and that has insulation although I added a bit more for sound deadening as much as anything (I just like fiddling really)

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[DJT]

This sounds like a wind up to me.

And me!!

 

[Swifter]

it is 21 c outside it was 25 inside.

What more can you expect ? That sounds right to me .

 

[tacr2man]

The big problem with van conversions is the amount of thermal bridges .

 

[funflair]

And me!!

Why is it a wind up? seems like they have highlighted the lack of thermal insulation in some van conversions and surprised and educated some funsters at the same time, maybe next time somebody looks at a PVC they might remember this and ask about insulation saving themselves a lot of hassle.

 

[Beer O'clock]

it was purchased from a dealer as a motorhome. when he was spoken to he told us that the lack of insulation is not a reason to reject the vehicle and we should open a window.?? It has been up to 49 C inside and even today when it is 21 c outside it was 25 inside. The Maxx Air Vent I had fitted doesn't help

I would suggest as you have purchased the vehicle from a dealer you read the terms and conditions of sale on your purchase invoice to see what terms you have agreed to. Then note down all conversations and visits to the dealer and what has been said by them. The cost of the Maxx air vent invoice etc. Then take advantage of a 20 min free consultation with a local solicitor who specialises in contract law to see where you stand. This may lead to instructing them to make initial contact via letter on your behalf. Your solicitor may also recommend contacting Trading Standards. This dealer may have previous... with them.. l would make no further contact with the dealer until the above is done. The vehicle is not fit for purpose and his comments to rectify the problems are completely wrong. They are trying to tell you it's your problem. I think you will find consumer law is on your side and hope you receive the right outcome. It might take time but the fight will be worth it.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Beer O'clock]

I purchased a motorhome this year it was made from a VW transporter van. It was sold as a camper but i have found it has no insulation and cannot be slept in. The temperature inside is like an oven and it got up to 49 c. The dealers response is tough and try opening a window. I have had it 3 months I had a Maxx Air vent fitted to try to resolve the situation but this hasn't helped and the installer said there is no insulation in the van. What can i do?

I have posted a reply with my opinion of you going forward with this issue. I would strongly recommend as someone else has mentioned that you join FUN. People with knowledge that are willing to help you.....

 

[PhilandMena]

So, does a modern 'motorhome' (i.e. your typical Ducato based white box by Autotrail. Swift, Burstner, Hymer etc) have insulation? Is is part of the construction of the body work? The rear wall/roof on my Burstner feels quite thin and I am surprised at how much sound comes through the walls at night. However, it does keep toasty warm in the winter with the heater on. Is there somewhere that shows the construction of motorhome walls, roofs, floors? - Just interested in how it wall works.

Some data from my 2011 Autotrail Excel Brocher. This level of insulation was bog standard at the time with Autotrails, I beleive.

INSULATION & STRENGTH Full Vinyl Underfloor Protection ●● ●● Laminated Wall Construction (Full Thickness = 40mm) ●● ●● Laminated Floor Construction (Full Thickness = 45mm) ●● ●● Part Laminated Roof Construction (40mm) ●● ●●

 

[Beer O'clock]

Sunlight is a German conversion, so it’s not just UK converters.

Yes part of the Edwin Hymer Group..... Hymer launched a Merc based 4 x motor home some time ago. From memory MLT.... This is a £100k plus unit. Have seen a link showing a customer taking his to a convertor for fitment of sound deadening mat and full insulation in voids. Not forgetting sorting out cabinets opening while driving on roads not off road. The cost 3000 Euro. For the owner l can only imagine that Hymer were not interested in rectifying these faults. Not a good look for such a brand..... German build quality?

 

[L' Hobo]

Why is it a wind up? seems like they have highlighted the lack of thermal insulation in some van conversions and surprised and educated some funsters at the same time, maybe next time somebody looks at a PVC they might remember this and ask about insulation saving themselves a lot of hassle.

I too believe it was, probably, a insulation company trying to drum up business?

If not, why the reluctance of the OP to show picture, and details, of vehicle?

It did highlight though, the need to check insulation on ALL vehicles especially if the base vehicle has very little payload.

 

[chaser]

To me, I wouldn't say a windup, more buyers remorse, we don't know how long he has had this van or even what it is apart from vw van, could be anything, sounds like he has rushed into buying the dream without considering the nightmares, getting hot inside is what anything with windows will do , unless the dealer actually said it's insulated I can't see how he can blame them , vans are what they are and if he had done some homework he would have seen this.
Wish he had stayed with us so we could have had a few more details.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Figaro]

Well I'm amazed converters of pvc's, even big brand names, can sell camper Vans with little or no insulation. VW California, Hymer Grand Canyon etc. It's certainly an eye opener to me.
I hope the OP can get some redress, but if it's common practice then maybe they'll struggle legally.
As funflair says it's something for anyone considering one of these vans to keep in mind.

PS it didn't strike me as a wind up

 

[Lenny HB]

My 21 plate Hymer Grand Canyon S, Mercedes Sprinter has just slightly more than b@gger all insulation. Lots of chatter about this on the German and French forums. Bearing in mind that a fully specced 4WD version of the GCS is now around £120K it's pretty outrageous. I'm slowly taking it all apart and putting the interior back together properly including actually attaching the wiring loom to prevent chaffing and short circuits....

So far I have insulated the front doors, sliding door, rear doors, the headlining over the cab, the under bonnet and part of the bulkhead. The difference is immense. Just these areas along account for around 40% of the exterior facing parts of the van.

Next job is to remove all the fridge, rear cupboards, bed and water tank and do that area. I think that will have a huge impact as it was just too hot in the 40 deg this summer.

The saving grace is that I have a pop-top which acts as pretty good insulation over the ceiling space, The non-pop top versions suffer from condensation in the winter and water running into, and shorting out the control panels!

It doesn't really bother me as I was aware that the GCS had this issue before I bought it and I also like taking things apart and modifying / improving them. I reckon that it will cost me somewhere in the region of £600 for the full soundproof and insulation job.

There is a guy in Germany who has posted up a full strip down of the interior on a 6 month old GCS. He has then rebuilt it with proper insulation and soundproofing. He reckons that although its a shoddy product for the money it was still cheaper to do that than have a Sprinter van built to the same spec.

Interesting as Hymer use to claim the insulation on their PVC's was best in class if that's the case it makes you wonder what the rest are like.

 

[Spriddler]

To me, I wouldn't say a windup, more buyers remorse, we don't know how long he has had this van or even what it is apart from vw van, could be anything, sounds like he has rushed into buying the dream without considering the nightmares, getting hot inside is what anything with windows will do , unless the dealer actually said it's insulated I can't see how he can blame them , vans are what they are and if he had done some homework he would have seen this.
Wish he had stayed with us so we could have had a few more details.

Quite agree. Naivete and buyer's remorse. Clearly a newcomer not knowing what to expect. The fact that the OP would like better insulation is a wish and not a fault with the vehicle. It's a buyer's responsibility to assure themselves that the vehicle's design is suitable for their intended use. Same goes for checking that it has sufficient payload, fresh water capacity, number of seat belts, length of the beds etc. etc.
Anyway, since we don't even know what it is in spite of asking many times and the hit 'n run OP has had their free advice and bu**ered orff we can keep guessing until the cows come home without getting anywhere.

 

[chaser]

I have just had a quick look at some VW campers on eBay and on none is insulation mentioned, that's not to say they haven't got any but I don't think it's something you could complain about after.

 

[Sapper520]

I just followed the advice on this site and used the same products.

Van Insulation & Soundproofing

When treating a typical van or camper you must use a number of different products to achieve an excellent final result. Many camper van projects start life with very limited luxury, however the interior can be improved dramatically with the application of good sound deadening and insulation. We...

www.deadening.co.uk

The doors now close with a nice clunk, like a Mercedes car, rather than tinny rattle! The stereo is also sounds much better.

Contacted the company (quick reply), looks like it will cost me about £130 (delivered) for the materials, and my time. All are self adhesive, so simply cut and stick.

Just waiting for them to respond to a follow up question, but think I’ll be ordering soon.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Swifter]

Calling this a wind up and the suggestion it’s an Insulation company looking for business seems a bit paranoid in my opinion.
A bit of digging on the internet , and you can see this person has been into motorhomes and RVs for some time . They appear to have owned a travel trailer and a old American school bus .
Why are some funsters always so suspicious ?
No surprise newbies don’t join as full members when people accuse them of making things up!