RV/Van Life Insulation R-Value Calculator
Created by: Liam Turner
Last updated:
Calculate the thermal performance of your van or RV insulation. Determine total R-value, heat loss rates, and heating/cooling capacity needed based on your insulation type, thickness, and the climate where you'll be camping.
What is an RV/Van Life Insulation R-Value Calculator?
An Insulation R-Value Calculator helps van builders and RV owners determine insulation effectiveness and heating/cooling requirements. This tool calculates total R-value, heat loss, and recommends insulation strategies based on your climate and build specifications.
Whether you're building a van from scratch or improving your RV's factory insulation, this calculator helps you understand thermal performance and plan for comfortable living in any climate.
Understanding R-Value and Heat Transfer
R-Value: Thermal resistance rating - higher is better
Heat Loss Formula: BTU/hr = Area × ΔT ÷ R-value
Recommended Minimum: R-5 walls, R-10 ceiling for 3-season use
Four-Season: R-10+ walls, R-15+ ceiling for extreme temperatures
Frequently Asked Questions
What R-value insulation do I need for a van or RV?
For vans, aim for R-5 to R-10 in walls and R-10 to R-15 in ceiling/floor. Factory RVs typically have R-3 to R-7. Four-season living in cold climates benefits from R-10+ walls and R-15+ ceiling. Higher R-values retain heat in winter and block heat in summer.
What's the best insulation type for van conversions?
Closed-cell spray foam offers highest R-value per inch (R-6 to R-7), seals air gaps, and adds structural rigidity. Polyiso rigid foam (R-6 per inch) is DIY-friendly. Thinsulate works in irregular spaces. Wool is natural and breathable. Each has trade-offs between R-value, moisture handling, and installation difficulty.
How does insulation R-value work?
R-value measures thermal resistance - how well a material resists heat flow. Higher R-value means better insulation. R-values add up when layering materials. A wall with R-4 insulation plus R-1 paneling equals R-5 total. Doubling thickness doubles R-value.
Should I insulate the floor of my van or RV?
Yes, floor insulation prevents heat loss to cold ground and reduces heat gain from hot pavement. Use 1-2 inches of rigid foam (R-6 to R-12) or reflectix under flooring. Floor accounts for 15-20% of heat loss. Insulated floors also reduce road noise.
What about thermal bridging in metal vans?
Metal framing conducts heat, creating 'thermal bridges' that bypass insulation. Address this by covering framing with foam or using continuous insulation layers. Spray foam excels at filling gaps around metal. Without addressing thermal bridging, you lose 15-25% of effective R-value.
Does reflective insulation (Reflectix) work in vans?
Reflectix reflects radiant heat effectively but has low R-value (R-1 to R-2) by itself. It works best with an air gap facing a heat source. Use in windows, as a radiant barrier under solar panels, or as a layer with other insulation - not as primary insulation.
How do I prevent moisture and condensation with insulation?
Use vapor barriers on the warm side of insulation, choose closed-cell materials that don't absorb moisture, ensure proper ventilation, and leave drainage paths at the bottom of walls. Wool insulation naturally wicks moisture. Spray foam creates its own vapor barrier.
How much heating/cooling capacity do I need based on insulation?
Calculate heat loss: Area × Temperature Difference ÷ R-value = BTU/hour needed. A well-insulated van (R-10 average) in 0°F conditions needs roughly 3,000-5,000 BTU/hour. Poor insulation (R-3) might need 10,000+ BTU/hour, requiring more propane or electric heating.
Sources and References
- U.S. Department of Energy - Insulation R-Value Guide
- Havelock Wool - Van and RV Insulation Best Practices
- 3M Thinsulate - Automotive Insulation Technical Data
- Owens Corning - Building Insulation Performance Data