Optimizing Camper Van Insulation with Thermal Imaging and Window Tint
One of the biggest challenges of camper van living is managing interior temperatures, whether it’s keeping cool in the summer or staying warm in the winter. Recently, I got my hands on a thermal imaging camera for my iPhone, and I decided to put it to the test while working on improving my van’s insulation. The results were eye-opening and confirmed some of my suspicions about where heat was entering (and escaping) the most.
Using Thermal Imaging to Identify Heat Loss
Thermal imaging cameras allow you to see temperature variations in real time. In my case, bright yellow areas indicated the hottest spots, while darker areas showed cooler zones. Here’s what I found:
- Rear Windows: Surprisingly, the tall rear windows (which are tinted) were among the coolest areas in the van. This shows how effective tinting can be in reducing heat penetration.
- Side Windows: The untinted side windows were a different story. The thermal camera revealed they were letting in a significant amount of heat, with temperatures reaching nearly 50°C (122°F)! This made it clear that proper tinting or insulation was needed.
- Cab Area: The front driver and passenger windows also showed substantial heat penetration. This was expected, given their exposure to direct sunlight.
- Fiberglass Roof: The uninsulated section of the roof (especially near the shelf area in the front) allowed heat to pour in. In contrast, the insulated sections remained much cooler, proving the importance of good roof insulation.
- Roof Vent: One of the most shocking discoveries was just how much heat was entering through the roof vent’s plastic lid. In winter, these same hotspots would become cold zones where heat escapes.
The Plan: Improving Insulation and Tinting
Armed with these insights, I decided to take action to better control the van’s internal climate. My plan included:
1. Installing a Custom Insulated Panel
One of the worst heat spots was the back right ¾ window, so I decided to make a dedicated insulated panel for it. The plan was to:
- Use thick insulation foam to block heat.
- Add reflective foil on both sides to further deflect heat.
- Secure the panel neatly behind the cabinet.
2. Upgrading Window Tinting
While I had previously tinted some windows, the colors didn’t match perfectly, and some areas had better coverage than others. To fix this, I:
- Ordered 5% limo tint for all side and rear windows to create a consistent and darker shade.
- Applied a lighter tint to the driver and passenger windows to reduce heat while staying road-legal.
- Ensured the windscreen had a factory green tint, which helps keep things cooler than a standard clear one.
3. Refining the Installation Process
Since I was replacing old tint, proper preparation was key. I made sure to:
- Thoroughly clean the windows using glass cleaner and microfiber cloths.
- Use nail polish remover to clear away any residue from the previous tint.
- Purchase pre-cut window tint from a reliable eBay supplier to make application easier.
4. Addressing Heat Management for Summer Travel
With plans to travel through southern France, Spain, and Portugal in the summer, I knew I needed to maximize every possible cooling strategy. By improving insulation, darkening the tint, and eliminating unnecessary heat entry points, I aimed to create a more comfortable living space—even in scorching temperatures.
Final Thoughts
The thermal imaging camera provided valuable insights into my camper van’s insulation weak points, helping me make informed decisions about upgrades. With a new insulated panel, proper window tinting, and better roof insulation, I’m hopeful that my van will stay much cooler in the summer and retain heat better in the winter.
If you’re looking to improve your camper van’s climate control, I highly recommend using a thermal camera to identify problem areas before making upgrades.
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