Hey Team! Awesome suggestions down below. A lot are asking about conduit, I shot an update video talking about the conduit we did run, and also addressed some other concerns: th-cam.com/video/lSFKsuMRAGk/w-d-xo.html The main reason we didn't run conduit for evvverything, is because that would mean 3 runs of pipe everywhere. For one, that wouldn't all fit as I would have to cut out the metal crossmembers of the van. or run the conduit on the outside of the walls, which is not something I wanted to do. with that many 90% turns and the pipes being crammed full, I doubt we would have any luck pulling out old and adding in new. I did run a couple sections of basically empy pipe, for us to run future wires. Biut the plan is if any wire stops working for some reason... (we might have bigger problems then) but lets say it does, then that wire is then useless and I would need to run a wire through the cornes of my cabinets like in a boat. The plan is to have roughly 95% of the wiring fixed, and 5% floating and changeable. Hopeflly that makes sense. Usually repairs need to be done to the appliances and the connections, not the physical wires themsleves. Unless you screw them on accident 😬
We used several different types of insulation when we rebuilt our motorhome. We really like all the benefits of the spray foam - especially the significance sound deadening. Love how involved Janelle is in the videos now!
The green foam product should provide a green card to hold up to the foam for comparison. Great video. Really rad of you to give that guy a shout out at the end. You guys are awesome people!!! It really shines through in your videos
I just have to say: I just found your channel, and I'm binge watching! This is a whole new level of youtube. Your filming, editing, and you guys just being you. Awesomness! 👏👏👌✌🤙🙌
We did that and it didn't help. We used automotive harness and you still can not pull wires through it and running electrical conduit would be counterproductive as you would have to mount it on top of the framing.
I'm not even building a van, or really every plan to haha. Just a fellow outdoor filmmaker but I always find myself watching all of these episodes! Great series guys!
Super helpful. I’m planning on spray foam for all the reasons you listed but also for adding structure to the panels. I’m thinking the foam will make the roof rigid enough to walk on. I’ve seen talk of “oil canning” effect is the stuff is improperly applied but watching this vid makes me confident I’ll be able to do it myself. I’m thinking I may run some form of conduit in the wall for the wire runs so i can get at the wires post foam. Anyway, thank for documenting.
We usedFoam it Green and had similar problems. We found shaking the container often remedied the issue. Also if you need to replace/repair wiring/pipes in the foam you can go back and dig it out albeit slowly.
Love you guys. I don't think you will regret foaming in the wires and pipes. I'd have put in a few conduits in the foam that you could pull wires through later, but your way is great.
What I've learned: DON'T do it myself. Thx guys! It's the same lesson I learned about 30 years ago....insulating my crawl space, first house. That was followed by....Drywall: it's not a trade, it's an ART form. Remember: You NEVER learn...by having someone else do the deed. You ALWAYS learn something when you (try to) do....even if it's only, "never again".
A smart person learns from others mistakes (removes involving yourself to fail , allowing others to fail for you) An average person learns from his mistakes and a fool makes the same mistakes over and over.
Jason Hughes you’re so right but, that’s because most people don’t understand it at all. Cold outside moisture trying to get out, hot inside(air conditioned) moisture trying to get in. Vapour seal required in and out side. Reflectix good at reflecting uv, how much uv in a van almost none. 🤙 stay well
Millan Ferende you probably right it maybe applied as a vapour seal and work(why would your spend money on such an expensive vapour seal) but, it’s not the way they sell it. It’s in the name re-flec-tix and it’s a lie. The reflection is worth nothing inside the van. Stick it on the outside and it’ll work very well reflecting the suns radiant heat. And they definitely DONT tell you to do that! They pulling the wool over your eyes and winning. As I say very very few people really understand. Thermodynamics is my business.
Hey guys, enjoying the videos! I have used half a dozen or more of these kits myself in tiny homes. Mostly touch and seal which appears to be what your last kit was? Like yourself I am always super picky about temps and following all the instructions. The only time I have had the issue you were having is when I didn’t fully depress the handle because I was trying to finesse it to avoid over filling, or when one tank was empty. It’s a mixing issue for sure which may have been the result of what I mentioned or simply a faulty valve in one tank. I have had a bad tank valve before as well. Just my experience, hopefully it’ll help someone out. Cheers!
I do not know if this is a voluntary gesture, but in my opinion you should have left access to your network of electrical wires and pipes, in case one day there is a glitch and you have to open a section of wall
What types of glitches do you forsea in the wiring? As for the pipes, all the joints are in areas than can be easily accessed by scraping away some foam. It's not as permanet as it looks.
@@Levi_Allen For my part, I spent all my faille in a flexible black pipe attached to my carossrie with tyrap. The space where my pipes passes is missing foam, I left a gap of one inch.
15:50 Problem with spray foam is that if any welding is needed on your van they will refuse to do it till all foma has been removed from the area. Also if the mixture isn't right of the foam you have a toxic and disgusting smell from the foam. Guess it comes down to, foam if you're never worried about ever doing something to the van and board if you think that you will need to work in there again.
I'm not too concerned about others welding my van, as that's something I do, but yes foam would have to be removed from repair areas and then added again.
Nice DIY and product review/comparison video - thanks! Would wonder if putting wiring into some kind of conduit tube that got sprayed...and connect all wiring to some kind of "access box" not sprayed? Making for ease of future access?
So many being negative here about your wiring and plumbing runs... it is foam, not concrete. Go look at brand new rigs, they are full of foam, especially underneath. if you need to open her up somewhere to get at something it is not so bad. Pretty sure some type of thinners or solvents will melt it as well.
I was considering foam insulation even having it professionally done but I just saw a video where they say that it adversely affects the outside skin of the van because of the way it cures and contracts or expands. Has anybody heard anything like this it was an RV company and he said they tried three different mixtures so to speak and even had the company that makes the stuff come out and they still had the same problem.
@@Levi_Allen with more research in apparently it's got to do with the heating up during the curing process and they suggest doing it a little at a time as in layers. I appreciate your response
I can telling you from doing spray foam myself before, you were holding the nozzle too close to the van walls/ceiling! But great job that you kept at it and learned! Home depot's is way better than the other stuff!
Here's my take on spray foam in vans. Only spray in the ribs and crossmembers. Why? These areas that are the most difficult to insulate and protect from condensation. The rest, like flat side and roof panels are easy to insulate with either fibre or rigid foam.
I plan to do mine too..Only $300+ at Lowe's for the canister kit..btw..what does the silver stick on patches do? Is that some kind of rattle-trap type covering? I've seen many van builds use it but not sure if if it really adds any damper or not...especially when just placed in various locations..thanks!
If the foam mix isn't right it can cause health problems. Hopefully you guys won't have any problems. How many miles on the engine? I have a 05 Sprinter with 216000
A and B urethane is an Exothermic reaction never gets hotter than the sun on your van. DIY is cheaper. Dow is the only show in town and NO I’m not connected. Professionals charge more to get out of bed. Well done.
SAY WAIT!: A super cheap greatly overlooked free insulation material for what you might use to stuff into cavities in a van is used poly fill-pillow filling that you can fairly easily get for free from people's warn discarded sofa's are often found next to apartment dumpsters OR the Foam From the discarded Seat Cushions-New foam is Very expensive but this foam is FREE and should also sound deaden some! The cushions often have zippers or just cut the seat open. To cut foam to desired size and shapes, I use a hack saw taken out of it's holder, holding the blade loose in hand and saw back and forth although it does not work as quick and precise as an electric meat knife, it works ok. Don't use fiberglass insulation that goes in house attics, I think the loose fibers would get into your lungs no matter what. Also note that the stuff in used sofa's have been covered and protected by the outer fabric so it's usually in pretty good shape. Because any soft pillow pads or pillow backs can be full of the stuff. Just cut open with a knife to find out and take what you want before the garbage company crushes the sofa. Of course you'd want to give it a quick close scan smell with your nose on it in case it has pet urine but really most apartment deter pets by either not allowing pets or they charge a lot to have them. Manufacturers make the poly basically from plastic bottles and it's fluffy and no one is allergic to it and it doesn't make you scratch and it doesn't absorb water and although it isn't as good of an insulation as foam, it does insulate by holding the air in it's fiber fluff pockets. Of course you can buy it new in bag at hobby departments but it can be kind of expensive and why buy new when you can get for free and save the environment from more new plastic?! What could be cheaper? Thanks for your videos!
Well Simply because: I care about making people’s lives better and our planet and share a great tip trick that I learned works Really great for free if we would open our minds to using a used product. I put some work into typing out what I learned and to leave no unanswered questions about it. Why would I be a fool and leave it only on one video where it will get buried under new comments instead of putting a little more effort into sharing it on other insulation videos. I feel like my suggestion will get drown out as it has to compete against insulation companies being advertised and promoted to make a profit. Take care
You don't seem to have insulated the floor? That needs doing too, otherwise nasty cold floor and escaping heat. Nice to see what spraying two-part foam is like (messy!). I used Reimo's 'karrimat-style' flexible foam sheet which is easy to fit and avoid voids with, solid enough to use underfloor. One-part foam in some tricky bits, then carpet. Not as good U-value, but it's worked well. I didn't put in a full vapour barrier and probably should have, but have had no rust issues in 17 years so far (not living in it, just trips up to a month, which helps a lot I guess).
With spray foam your trying to achieve a very specific chemical reaction. So unless your prepared to to take every variable into account expect troubles. Foam tanks should be at least moderately insulated themselves, air temp, van temp in side and outside, ideally the desired temps should be achieved out side of the sun to insure a constant temp, the humidity in the air. Depending on where you live this could be a limited number of day even hours. If that seems insanely hard it's because it is. So finding a TRUSTWORTHY spray foam company is usually the right call.
What did you find the easiest to use when cutting back the spray foam to meet your walls? I am using the HD foam kit on mine this fall. Thanks for the videos and inspiration.
@@Levi_Allen just over in New Zealand. Don't need much of it - (could fit all in an envelope) be great if I could get a sample of each type, including the green and blue where it did and didn't mix properly, also where you ran out at the end of the tanks. Would be some great information for the community.
@@sevenchannelsound didn't get any samples back sorry. To minimize to risk of outgassing, I would use single component foams, or a professional with a proper dosing pump machine. (Not just out of 2 cans). Dap make a large single component, but unfortunately it is double the price of cans. I will do another foam video in the near future with different techniques to spray it.
Armaduras Medievales - I used it in my van. Still in early stage of super slowly converting. Using the infrared heat sensor, seems like no different than non treated. It’s expensive. You can make your own using acrylic latex paint and micro glass beads (from aircraft supply store- the beads are so small the stuff looks like baby powder. I’m wondering if I need to spray another mil on. The hot rod auto crowd says the lizard skin type product works on firewalls. My jury is still out. But make your own and save a bundle if you dare!!
Hey Levi, great video! Just a heads up, respirators can't create a proper seal on us bearded men, rendering them nearly useless at protecting against small harmful particles.
Hi, thank you for this, I’m not going anywhere near spray foam. I just know it would be a disaster for me 🤓. I have used the cans previously to fill small gaps and if it wasn’t so useful I wouldn’t go near it. Just out of curiosity, is there any outgassing from the foam?
Coming along strong now!! Somebody else touched on this below, but you’ll need to adjust the currents in your cabling to account for them being direct burial now rather than open air. Not a criticism and I’m sure you’ve got it in hand.... but wouldn’t want you causing a fire!!!
Dow foam material panels thin and overlapped like dragon plates is very simple and allows for Simple install. Vapor barrier--are you kidding. It is a van not a light bulb. Easier to tent the van for a few nites.
Airplane insulation guys don't bother with moisture barriers as they discovered there's no point. They say you can't do it 100% so forget it. Focus on breathable materials that will drain and dry out thru drain holes.
Is that green or is that blue? You should have totally dubbed Bert and Ernie for you guys right there and then inserted the Three Primary Colors song. Would have been perfect.
1/ I saw the pop cans and bags and was like, cool they are in #Canadastan. Then I see the hats you wear, and your name --- are you Tijo's brother (The Arcane Bear), because I am sure I remember his brother's name being Levi when I was chatting online with him and his (your??) mom about some crypto and life/hockey stuff 18 mths ago!!!!
Spray foam is a terrible sound deadener. It is an air barrier and that is about it. Google mass barrier. But it will still be better than a empty shell. The other thing is that wire amperage capacity is based on free air surrounding it. You need to reduce the amperage because they are now encased in foam. Ask a home electrical inspector about that. DO NOT USE HEAT TAPE THAT IS COVERED BY FOAM. Heat tape isn't designed to be covered by foam and foam isn't designed for heat tape temperatures.
The heat tape was actually recommended to be in foam. Thanks for your considerations, but we won’t need to reduce any amperage. Ran a lot of 12awg instead of 16awg. Being in 1” of foam is hardly a concern. It actually deadened the sound of the road and the sound inside a lot. The metal doesn’t have as much surface area to rattle, and inside there is less reflective surfaces for sound to bounce. That combined with our rattle trap has made a massive difference.
Froth kit is good stuff But if it goes off ratio thats when you can get the smell from it not curing. If you get a professional to do it they are using a 100000 dollar machine. The guy has a license and does it everyday . It wouldnt be off ratio . And if was they would instantly see that and remove it fix there machine and come back. Ive sprayed 8 years and has only happened once because of issue with machine. Spraying in vans you can really only spray around 1-2 inches trying to stay with in ribs. No chance of spraying to much in one pass. Unless installer was terrible at his job witch would be super hard. That being said , you did a good job . Got the hang of froth kit but a lot different then the real thing...
Hey Team! Awesome suggestions down below. A lot are asking about conduit, I shot an update video talking about the conduit we did run, and also addressed some other concerns: th-cam.com/video/lSFKsuMRAGk/w-d-xo.html
The main reason we didn't run conduit for evvverything, is because that would mean 3 runs of pipe everywhere. For one, that wouldn't all fit as I would have to cut out the metal crossmembers of the van. or run the conduit on the outside of the walls, which is not something I wanted to do. with that many 90% turns and the pipes being crammed full, I doubt we would have any luck pulling out old and adding in new. I did run a couple sections of basically empy pipe, for us to run future wires. Biut the plan is if any wire stops working for some reason... (we might have bigger problems then) but lets say it does, then that wire is then useless and I would need to run a wire through the cornes of my cabinets like in a boat. The plan is to have roughly 95% of the wiring fixed, and 5% floating and changeable. Hopeflly that makes sense. Usually repairs need to be done to the appliances and the connections, not the physical wires themsleves. Unless you screw them on accident 😬
We used several different types of insulation when we rebuilt our motorhome. We really like all the benefits of the spray foam - especially the significance sound deadening. Love how involved Janelle is in the videos now!
The green foam product should provide a green card to hold up to the foam for comparison. Great video. Really rad of you to give that guy a shout out at the end. You guys are awesome people!!!
It really shines through in your videos
Takes guts to tackle that job. Well done guys. Happy travels everyone. John
Really enjoy your videos Levi. Helps me feel peaceful and relaxed, you've got such a great laid back and helpful personality!
I just have to say: I just found your channel, and I'm binge watching! This is a whole new level of youtube. Your filming, editing, and you guys just being you. Awesomness! 👏👏👌✌🤙🙌
to compensate for wire access could run the wires through some sort of tubing
We did that and it didn't help. We used automotive harness and you still can not pull wires through it and running electrical conduit would be counterproductive as you would have to mount it on top of the framing.
I’m thinking the same, possibly pex tubing or something with a smooth bore
I just uploaded an update video showing where we did run some pipe, you can see it in the pinned comment.
Tubing=conduit. I wire houses and when wires are exposed, they need to be in conduit. Same thing here.
@@johntatman1436 Thank you for stating that. Was there a possibility of drilling slightly bigger holes in metal chassis?
Thanks for sharing your experience with the products.
I used Tiger Foam, had some minor issues, but it was user error on my part. When I had the both tanks opened equally it worked very well.
Also, the Tigerfoam won't sustain a flame. Had to grind some bolts off from spinning rivnut and the sparks scorched the foam but didn't ignite it.
I'm not even building a van, or really every plan to haha. Just a fellow outdoor filmmaker but I always find myself watching all of these episodes! Great series guys!
Me too
Super helpful. I’m planning on spray foam for all the reasons you listed but also for adding structure to the panels. I’m thinking the foam will make the roof rigid enough to walk on. I’ve seen talk of “oil canning” effect is the stuff is improperly applied but watching this vid makes me confident I’ll be able to do it myself. I’m thinking I may run some form of conduit in the wall for the wire runs so i can get at the wires post foam. Anyway, thank for documenting.
We usedFoam it Green and had similar problems. We found shaking the container often remedied the issue. Also if you need to replace/repair wiring/pipes in the foam you can go back and dig it out albeit slowly.
Love you guys. I don't think you will regret foaming in the wires and pipes. I'd have put in a few conduits in the foam that you could pull wires through later, but your way is great.
We did actually, up two of the walls have conduit
@@Levi_Allen Yay!!!
Thanks for the video! I think I'll have this part professionally done!
What I've learned: DON'T do it myself. Thx guys! It's the same lesson I learned about 30 years ago....insulating my crawl space, first house. That was followed by....Drywall: it's not a trade, it's an ART form.
Remember: You NEVER learn...by having someone else do the deed. You ALWAYS learn something when you (try to) do....even if it's only, "never again".
It's not an art form it's chemistry. Do the math, tally the variables, understand this is freaking hard, repeat steps 1 and 2, then give a go.
A smart person learns from others mistakes (removes involving yourself to fail , allowing others to fail for you)
An average person learns from his mistakes
and a fool makes the same mistakes over and over.
For the wire situation, I saw one build that ran flexible conduit before insulation so that wires could be pulled through later.
We actually ran some conduit vertically in several sections
How to get van builders to argue... talk about insulation.
Jason Hughes nah, the builders are usually pretty level headed. Van video watchers on the other hand... 😆
Jason Hughes you’re so right but, that’s because most people don’t understand it at all. Cold outside moisture trying to get out, hot inside(air conditioned) moisture trying to get in. Vapour seal required in and out side. Reflectix good at reflecting uv, how much uv in a van almost none. 🤙 stay well
@@johnathanball3344 But isn't reflectix a better vapor barrier than the plastic thing?
Millan Ferende you probably right it maybe applied as a vapour seal and work(why would your spend money on such an expensive vapour seal) but, it’s not the way they sell it. It’s in the name re-flec-tix and it’s a lie. The reflection is worth nothing inside the van. Stick it on the outside and it’ll work very well reflecting the suns radiant heat. And they definitely DONT tell you to do that! They pulling the wool over your eyes and winning. As I say very very few people really understand. Thermodynamics is my business.
Millan Ferende you haven’t a thing, oooo sorry a think, oooo what were we talking about? Certainly not thinking are we?
Hey guys, enjoying the videos! I have used half a dozen or more of these kits myself in tiny homes. Mostly touch and seal which appears to be what your last kit was? Like yourself I am always super picky about temps and following all the instructions. The only time I have had the issue you were having is when I didn’t fully depress the handle because I was trying to finesse it to avoid over filling, or when one tank was empty. It’s a mixing issue for sure which may have been the result of what I mentioned or simply a faulty valve in one tank. I have had a bad tank valve before as well. Just my experience, hopefully it’ll help someone out. Cheers!
Super nice of you to give that guy a shout out at the end :)
Great video, love your personality and your willingness to try it yourself.
A guy who reads the manual first... yea he is a keeper!
I enjoyed watching you. Thank you.
I think you had a good result. Your van is now well insulated for heat and cold.
loving the van build series!
Hey man! Two years since this vid, you still happy you went with spray foam? Any problems? Notice any rust coming through or anything?
Keep smiling Buddy !
Peace… Salam... Shalom... Namaste and Thank You so much for All that you are doing to Heal our Mother Earth 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ 🌷 ❤
I'm taking notes throughout! 👍 DIY has its challenges! Great share! It'll work! I believe!! 👍😎❤️
Held my attention beginning to end.
I do not know if this is a voluntary gesture, but in my opinion you should have left access to your network of electrical wires and pipes, in case one day there is a glitch and you have to open a section of wall
Yeah I think running conduit first is the best option. Then you can insulate it but still run and pull wire as needed.
What types of glitches do you forsea in the wiring? As for the pipes, all the joints are in areas than can be easily accessed by scraping away some foam. It's not as permanet as it looks.
@@Levi_Allen For my part, I spent all my faille in a flexible black pipe attached to my carossrie with tyrap. The space where my pipes passes is missing foam, I left a gap of one inch.
@@Levi_Allen I use this type of pipe : www.homedepot.ca/produit/gardner-bender-tube-flexible-de-1-2-po-par-7-pi-noir/1000150064
Nah, just scrape the foam away, reapply.
15:50 Problem with spray foam is that if any welding is needed on your van they will refuse to do it till all foma has been removed from the area. Also if the mixture isn't right of the foam you have a toxic and disgusting smell from the foam.
Guess it comes down to, foam if you're never worried about ever doing something to the van and board if you think that you will need to work in there again.
I'm not too concerned about others welding my van, as that's something I do, but yes foam would have to be removed from repair areas and then added again.
@@Levi_Allen Perfect, sound solution. Keep up the good work, awesome to watch.
Need to cover up all that steel since it conducts heat pretty good like home builders complain about wood conducting to much heat
Beards looking good man, keep it up!
Nice DIY and product review/comparison video - thanks! Would wonder if putting wiring into some kind of conduit tube that got sprayed...and connect all wiring to some kind of "access box" not sprayed? Making for ease of future access?
So many being negative here about your wiring and plumbing runs... it is foam, not concrete. Go look at brand new rigs, they are full of foam, especially underneath. if you need to open her up somewhere to get at something it is not so bad. Pretty sure some type of thinners or solvents will melt it as well.
I was considering foam insulation even having it professionally done but I just saw a video where they say that it adversely affects the outside skin of the van because of the way it cures and contracts or expands. Has anybody heard anything like this it was an RV company and he said they tried three different mixtures so to speak and even had the company that makes the stuff come out and they still had the same problem.
On vans if you go in too thick it will warp the metal for sure
@@Levi_Allen with more research in apparently it's got to do with the heating up during the curing process and they suggest doing it a little at a time as in layers. I appreciate your response
I can telling you from doing spray foam myself before, you were holding the nozzle too close to the van walls/ceiling! But great job that you kept at it and learned! Home depot's is way better than the other stuff!
They said in the manual to hold it that close ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
We had a customer ask for over sprayed foam for a 2000 sq ft house including the ceiling. We had to cut off all the excess 😂 with knives.
Here's my take on spray foam in vans. Only spray in the ribs and crossmembers. Why? These areas that are the most difficult to insulate and protect from condensation. The rest, like flat side and roof panels are easy to insulate with either fibre or rigid foam.
Yes, but these have better R values. And also protect better from condensation, as far as I'm aware.
I plan to do mine too..Only $300+ at Lowe's for the canister kit..btw..what does the silver stick on patches do? Is that some kind of rattle-trap type covering? I've seen many van builds use it but not sure if if it really adds any damper or not...especially when just placed in various locations..thanks!
Chris Reed chris - that is sound deadener. My guess is they had it in place from before. I don’t know that you need it with foam stuck to everything.
Thanks for being REAL!!! =)
If the foam mix isn't right it can cause health problems. Hopefully you guys won't have any problems. How many miles on the engine? I have a 05 Sprinter with 216000
Mine's is 199 500 love T1N's
A and B urethane is an Exothermic reaction never gets hotter than the sun on your van. DIY is cheaper. Dow is the only show in town and NO I’m not connected. Professionals charge more to get out of bed. Well done.
Ahh! I just got a FoamItGreen kit. Wish me luck :( haha.
SAY WAIT!:
A super cheap greatly overlooked free insulation material for what you might use to stuff into cavities in a van is used poly fill-pillow filling that you can fairly easily get for free from people's warn discarded sofa's are often found next to apartment dumpsters OR the Foam From the discarded Seat Cushions-New foam is Very expensive but this foam is FREE and should also sound deaden some! The cushions often have zippers or just cut the seat open.
To cut foam to desired size and shapes, I use a hack saw taken out of it's holder, holding the blade loose in hand and saw back and forth although it does not work as quick and precise as an electric meat knife, it works ok. Don't use fiberglass insulation that goes in house attics, I think the loose fibers would get into your lungs no matter what. Also note that the stuff in used sofa's have been covered and protected by the outer fabric so it's usually in pretty good shape.
Because any soft pillow pads or pillow backs can be full of the stuff. Just cut open with a knife to find out and take what you want before the garbage company crushes the sofa.
Of course you'd want to give it a quick close scan smell with your nose on it in case it has pet urine but really most apartment deter pets by either not allowing pets or they charge a lot to have them.
Manufacturers make the poly basically from plastic bottles and it's fluffy and no one is allergic to it and it doesn't make you scratch and it doesn't absorb water and although it isn't as good of an insulation as foam, it does insulate by holding the air in it's fiber fluff pockets.
Of course you can buy it new in bag at hobby departments but it can be kind of expensive and why buy new when you can get for free and save the environment from more new plastic?!
What could be cheaper? Thanks for your videos!
You spam this comment in so many places. Why?
Well Simply because:
I care about making people’s lives better and our planet and share a great tip trick that I learned works Really great for free if we would open our minds to using a used product.
I put some work into typing out what I learned and to leave no unanswered questions about it.
Why would I be a fool and leave it only on one video where it will get buried under new comments instead of putting a little more effort into sharing it on other insulation videos.
I feel like my suggestion will get drown out as it has to compete against insulation companies being advertised and promoted to make a profit.
Take care
Did your panels warp at all? :) Thanks levi! Big fan.
Yes! I’m VERY worried about bulging the thin aluminum skins on my cargo trailer.
I saw your van in New West a few hours ago! I recognized it too late before I could wave :(. I was in the big red ford with the white hightop.
I saw you for sure!
Beauty van
@@Levi_Allen Thanks! If you are in the area again I'd love to check out your build!
You don't seem to have insulated the floor? That needs doing too, otherwise nasty cold floor and escaping heat. Nice to see what spraying two-part foam is like (messy!). I used Reimo's 'karrimat-style' flexible foam sheet which is easy to fit and avoid voids with, solid enough to use underfloor. One-part foam in some tricky bits, then carpet. Not as good U-value, but it's worked well. I didn't put in a full vapour barrier and probably should have, but have had no rust issues in 17 years so far (not living in it, just trips up to a month, which helps a lot I guess).
With spray foam your trying to achieve a very specific chemical reaction. So unless your prepared to to take every variable into account expect troubles. Foam tanks should be at least moderately insulated themselves, air temp, van temp in side and outside, ideally the desired temps should be achieved out side of the sun to insure a constant temp, the humidity in the air. Depending on where you live this could be a limited number of day even hours. If that seems insanely hard it's because it is. So finding a TRUSTWORTHY spray foam company is usually the right call.
This makes alot of sense. Cheers
is a spray foam van safe to live in? hows the formaldehyde levels after it dries?
My question as well. Really no perfect solution. I'd probably use foan boards loosely fit so it will breathe.
Thanks Levi. I'm likin' your music too.
your miss is gold mate. 00:10 keep going already haha!
Is there a link to the Home Depot kit you used?? We’re getting our van ready for our honeymoon trip in fall! 🙂
is it still offgassing? I've heard nightmare stories about spray foam not curing in homes and then it needs to be removed.
Nope. It’s been installed for over a month now and no smell what so ever
@@Levi_Allen I'm so glad there were no issues with it! great job.
What did you find the easiest to use when cutting back the spray foam to meet your walls? I am using the HD foam kit on mine this fall. Thanks for the videos and inspiration.
A 8 inch hand saw that has some flex to it
"I'm being induced!"
🤣
Is rockwool a batting insulation?
Hey levi, great video. Can I grab a couple of small foam scraps from you to do a chemical analysis on... (check for outgassing). Cheers
Where abouts do you live?
@@Levi_Allen just over in New Zealand. Don't need much of it - (could fit all in an envelope) be great if I could get a sample of each type, including the green and blue where it did and didn't mix properly, also where you ran out at the end of the tanks. Would be some great information for the community.
@@brendontait6968So, this was a year ago . . . did you get outgassing samples? If so, where can I find the results?
@@sevenchannelsound didn't get any samples back sorry. To minimize to risk of outgassing, I would use single component foams, or a professional with a proper dosing pump machine. (Not just out of 2 cans). Dap make a large single component, but unfortunately it is double the price of cans. I will do another foam video in the near future with different techniques to spray it.
Did you guys ever consider Lizard Skin ceramic insulation? I don't see many vanlifers using that method but it sounds like a good option
Armaduras Medievales - I used it in my van. Still in early stage of super slowly converting. Using the infrared heat sensor, seems like no different than non treated. It’s expensive. You can make your own using acrylic latex paint and micro glass beads (from aircraft supply store- the beads are so small the stuff looks like baby powder. I’m wondering if I need to spray another mil on. The hot rod auto crowd says the lizard skin type product works on firewalls. My jury is still out. But make your own and save a bundle if you dare!!
Hey Levi, great video! Just a heads up, respirators can't create a proper seal on us bearded men, rendering them nearly useless at protecting against small harmful particles.
Nearly useless might be a bit of an overstatement, but yes. Effectiveness does go down. We touched on that in previous videos actually
well now I have never seen a painters hat that looked that good...lol
It’s truly a beauty
Hi, thank you for this, I’m not going anywhere near spray foam. I just know it would be a disaster for me 🤓. I have used the cans previously to fill small gaps and if it wasn’t so useful I wouldn’t go near it. Just out of curiosity, is there any outgassing from the foam?
how much did everything cost you guys ?
Great video! What bear baseball cap is that?
Mine! Go to Leftcoast.co/shop
Did you fill all the frame channels in with expanding foam before spray foaming?
I understand spray foaming metal can cause rust issues. Any concerns therr?
Another solid vid!
Breaking Bad the Levi Allen version
Let's VanKookz !
What is brand of second spray foam product you used?
I've been debating this tech? I'm using roll insulation, just b/c once it's in, it's in
Dude I am searching for the slider door video!!!
Slider door video?
How much did it cost? For comparison I had my garage ceiling done for $700
Cost was around 800
Could have run conduit for the ultra clean build. But looks good!
Coming along strong now!! Somebody else touched on this below, but you’ll need to adjust the currents in your cabling to account for them being direct burial now rather than open air. Not a criticism and I’m sure you’ve got it in hand.... but wouldn’t want you causing a fire!!!
All wiring is oversized : )
I don't think overheating will be a problem, esp if in conduit.
Good job! I did my first Patreon tonight! I am in Vancouver would awesome to get the sticker in person! Ryan A!
a solution to the wires possible future problem would be to run it on tubes, so if one fails you can take it off and replace it easy
As literally everyone, including me, has noted.
Dow foam material panels thin and overlapped like dragon plates is very simple and allows for Simple install. Vapor barrier--are you kidding. It is a van not a light bulb. Easier to tent the van for a few nites.
0:25 - whats the tool called? :D Does anybody know?
track saw!
@@Levi_Allen thaank you!
@@Levi_Allen Didn't think it was a track saw.. thought it was some portable variation of a miter.
Paint the roof white. Will help keep it cool in summer.
It will be covered in solar
So? Who care if it'll be covered in solar? If you paint the top in a solar reflective white paint, it makes it that much cooler.
Airplane insulation guys don't bother with moisture barriers as they discovered there's no point. They say you can't do it 100% so forget it. Focus on breathable materials that will drain and dry out thru drain holes.
Is that green or is that blue? You should have totally dubbed Bert and Ernie for you guys right there and then inserted the Three Primary Colors song. Would have been perfect.
I see your sticker and wonder if you're Adrian Bliss fans...
I see more of a light shade of green not blue
it's mint (color)
Janelle transitions to filmmaking ?
Why are you covering wiring and pipes in foam? What a nightmare to repair or change....
Why? Just scrape it away, reapply foam.
Good god, that looks like a royal pain in the ass. Thinsulate may be costly but it is a dream to work with. Easy to stuff in tight places too.
If a spray foam applied a sound deadening material seems pointless.
We had bought and applied sound defending years before we decided to spray foam
1/ I saw the pop cans and bags and was like, cool they are in #Canadastan. Then I see the hats you wear, and your name --- are you Tijo's brother (The Arcane Bear), because I am sure I remember his brother's name being Levi when I was chatting online with him and his (your??) mom about some crypto and life/hockey stuff 18 mths ago!!!!
Your wife is a doll,,, :)
Dry ice media blasting will remove it
First like, first view. I live for your videos man.
Congrats :)
perhaps a cellulose fill would save the van.
Spray foam is a terrible sound deadener. It is an air barrier and that is about it. Google mass barrier. But it will still be better than a empty shell.
The other thing is that wire amperage capacity is based on free air surrounding it. You need to reduce the amperage because they are now encased in foam. Ask a home electrical inspector about that.
DO NOT USE HEAT TAPE THAT IS COVERED BY FOAM. Heat tape isn't designed to be covered by foam and foam isn't designed for heat tape temperatures.
The heat tape was actually recommended to be in foam. Thanks for your considerations, but we won’t need to reduce any amperage. Ran a lot of 12awg instead of 16awg. Being in 1” of foam is hardly a concern.
It actually deadened the sound of the road and the sound inside a lot. The metal doesn’t have as much surface area to rattle, and inside there is less reflective surfaces for sound to bounce. That combined with our rattle trap has made a massive difference.
Spray foam. You've convinced me to use foam board.
They sell a gun for spray foam little pricey, gives you complete control. No mess
Confidence "inspiring"...good work
🙌🤙
First Comment 😍
Congrats!! :)
Great!
Froth kit is good stuff
But if it goes off ratio thats when you can get the smell from it not curing. If you get a professional to do it they are using a 100000 dollar machine. The guy has a license and does it everyday . It wouldnt be off ratio . And if was they would instantly see that and remove it fix there machine and come back. Ive sprayed 8 years and has only happened once because of issue with machine. Spraying in vans you can really only spray around 1-2 inches trying to stay with in ribs. No chance of spraying to much in one pass. Unless installer was terrible at his job witch would be super hard. That being said , you did a good job . Got the hang of froth kit but a lot different then the real thing...
The first section was all off ratio. But was put on thin so had easier time curing enough it doesnt smell hopefully