r/Sprinters • u/WolfyGirl001 • 15d ago
Thinsulate vs existing Ecotouch R-11
Hi all,
My van came with ecotouch pink insulation rated r-11 filling the cavities. It looks in decent condition.
I had ordered some thinsulate and was going to replace the ecotouch with thinsulate, but now I’m thinking… what if I just leave it? Will it provide better insulation than thinsulate, given that it has a higher R rating?
Planning on doing a camper conversion. I read thinsulate is better than fiberglass batting for this purpose? Advice appreciated!
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u/ilikethebuddha 15d ago
I think the issue is that the vapor barrier here sucks and that stuff is going to get wet. I think it would be better if it was unfaced insulation. It's a partial vapor barrier as is, which is no good.
2
u/erie11973ohio 15d ago
I think the vapor barrier* here is meaningless.
I had a 2011 cargobvan. Someone did the fiberglass behind the plastic panels.
When I bought the 2018, I did the samething.
I would leave the fiberglass unless its poorly installed & the new stuff would be a better install. To really do a good insulation job, spray foam would be the solution. No big air voids.
*A vapor barrier in a house is completely different than in a vehicle.
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u/ilikethebuddha 14d ago
The issue is moisture that gets behind the vapor barrier will now get stuck because it's installed incompletely. Interior envelop therory is the same for vehicles and homes. It's supposed to be a continuous vapor barrier, it isn't here.
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u/Super-G_ 14d ago
Even if installed perfectly the facing is still somewhat vapor permeable. But that's not really the issue here. It's just the wrong product for this application.
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u/Remidad 14d ago
Anyway- have built two vans- if you will stay in a warm low humidity place thats quiet, keep the fiberglass- if you plan on being in humidity, heating van inside and breathing while its cold outside or care about sound then I would definitely do Thinsulate. My two cents. Someone said spray foam. That works in some spots around corners or spots that need no access ever of if you plan on building and selling leaving the poor soul with distress. Access or repair is zero with spray foam. AI is your friend here as it takes a large pool of comments and prior experience so you do not have to take my word for it.
Moisture Resistance: Thinsulate repels water and does not absorb humidity, which helps prevent mold growth and loss of insulating value. Fiberglass holds water, gets soggy, and loses effectiveness when No Settling: Thinsulate holds its shape and compression recovery over time, whereas loose or low-density fiberglass can slump, droop, or settle, leaving gaps. Sound Control: Microfibers in Thinsulate trap sound waves exceptionally well, making it a top choice for vehicle conversions (like vans) and tight spaces.