Introduction

These mats cover the windows giving privacy but also importantly allow you to regulate the temperature in your van. The best van insultation mats are reversible and have an aluminium coating on one side and a plain (usually grey) material on the other. The different finish on either side is for a reason - the silver-effect aluminium reflects heat while the plain material absorbs it. If you want to keep the inside of the van warm (at night, in a cold climate) you put the mats up silver side in. If you want to keep the inside of the van cool (during the day, in a hot climate) flip the maps round so the silver side faces out. The mats are secured direct to the glass using suction pads.

The other advantage of having campervan insulation mats is the level to which they exclude light. In certain places (I'm thinking Norway in the summer) being able to darken the van is a huge bonus allowing you to get some sleep. Some light will penetrate if the suction pads are made of clear plastic but this is minimal compared to thin curtains.

As with everything else in a van conversion there are 2 ways you can go here. Buying the mats ready made or having a go at making them yourself.

Buying Or Making?

For this particular aspect a combination of both approaches can work really well. This is one part of the whole van conversion process which is relatively easy to undertake yourself if you want to. As always you need to weigh up the cost and time implications. It also depends on how many windows you are looking to cover!

Buying

For more complicated window shapes, in particular the front windscreen and the front doors a set of 3 standard cab window insulation mats can be bought from our online shop. For a T5 transporter this cost around £80 (costs may vary depending on the van make). Due to the shapes involved and negotiating things like the rearview mirror buying may be the best approach for the cab at least.

Making

For any other windows with straightforward shapes (square or rectangle) i.e. the rest of the van side windows and back doors, I'd recommend having a go yourself (But note we don't currently sell the material, only the pre-made cab window set of three).

You'll Need:

• A normal domestic sewing machine
• Reasonably strong thread polyester (if you have it industrial thread and needles would be great but are not necessary)
• Insulation material
• Hemming material
• Eyelet kit
• Window suckers

Costs vary with some elements costing pennies and other things such as proper insulation material being pounds.  Purpose manufactured sheets of insulation material can be bought (elsewhere) and are not too expensive. 7 layer "Isoflex Thermo-Mat" comes in 1.55m widths at £12.55 per metre. To actually layer up material yourself would start to get pretty complicated but probably could be done.  An eyelet kit and window suckers can be bought online from all sorts of stores, chandlers, display equipment companies, stationers etc.  A 25 piece eyelet kit and 25 suction pads (enough for 2 side windows and 2 back windows) should cost around £20.  Hemming material should cost no more than a couple of quid for around 5m and polyester thread is again, fairly cheap for a spool at £1 or £2.

Obviously you need to calculate the lengths and amount of everything required based on the windows to be covered.  Always include a reasonable contingency.

Measure the van windows and give yourself some overlap to make sure the windows are completely covered. Cut out your mat shape. Sew the hemming material round the edge of the mats. This is where the simpler the window shape the easier the mat will be to sew. Rounding the corners a little adds to the finish and helps them fit more snugly against the van windows but you could just leave them square. Measure the mat back up against the window and mark where the suction pads should go. Remember that they need to be in full contact with the glass to work so don't put them too close to the edge of the mats. Using the eyelet kit, punch out the eyelet holes and clip in the brass hoops. Fit in the suction pads and you are good to go.

Questions

Q: Should I go for insulation mats or curtains for a campervan conversion?

A: I'd recommend mats and curtains - Curtains give the quick solution to privacy and in certain places are more than adequate for blocking out light. The mats however are infinitely superior from a heat as well as a light point of view.

Q: Where can I buy window insulation mats?

A: Unfortunately we don't currently sell material on its own but you can Buy pre-made window insulation mats from us by clicking here now (they're worth it!)