How much 3M Thinsulate do I need for my van build?

The amount depends on your van model, wheelbase, roof height, and how much of the interior you plan to insulate. For full wall and ceiling coverage, Campervan HQ recommends approximately 35–60 linear feet for common Sprinter, Transit, and ProMaster configurations. 

How many square feet is a roll of 3M Thinsulate?

AU6002 is sold by the linear foot and comes from a 60-inch-wide roll, giving you 5 square feet per linear foot. The minimum order is 5 linear feet. 

What size Thinsulate do I need for a Sprinter?

Recommended amounts vary by configuration:

• Sprinter 144 Low: 35–40 ft
• Sprinter 144 High: 40–45 ft
• Sprinter 170: 50–55 ft
• Sprinter 170 Extended: 55–60 ft 

How much Thinsulate do I need for a Ford Transit?

For common Transit configurations:

• Transit 148: 40–45 ft
• Transit 148 Extended: 55–60 ft
• Transit Mid Roof: 45–50 ft 

How much Thinsulate do I need for a Ram ProMaster?

Recommended amounts include:

• ProMaster 136: 35–40 ft
• ProMaster 159: 40–45 ft
• ProMaster 159 Extended: 45–50 ft

What is 3M Thinsulate AU6002?

AU6002 is a non-woven polyester and polypropylene acoustic insulation designed for automotive applications. It uses a double black scrim to contain and protect the fibers and is one of the thicker 3M Thinsulate acoustic insulation options. 

What is the R-value of 3M Thinsulate?

Campervan HQ lists AU6002 at approximately R-5.45 per inch (RSI 0.96). The material itself is approximately 1.73 inches thick. 

Is Thinsulate good for camper van insulation?

Yes. 3M Thinsulate is particularly well suited to van conversions because it combines thermal insulation, acoustic absorption, low weight, flexibility, and moisture resistance in one material. It can conform to the irregular cavities found throughout a van. 

Is Thinsulate better than wool insulation?

There isn't one insulation material that is best for every build. Thinsulate and wool offer different advantages. Thinsulate is lightweight, moisture resistant, flexible, and provides both thermal and acoustic performance. Wool is a natural insulation option that some builders prefer for its material composition and sustainability characteristics. Your climate, build priorities, available space, and installation preferences should guide the choice.

Thinsulate vs. Havelock Wool: Which should I choose?

For builders prioritizing low weight, moisture resistance, conformability, and acoustic control, Thinsulate is a strong option. Havelock Wool may appeal to builders specifically looking for a natural wool insulation product. Campervan HQ offers both options so builders can choose based on their build requirements. 

Does 3M Thinsulate absorb sound?

Yes. Acoustic performance is one of the key advantages of Thinsulate. Its combination of fine and thicker fibers helps absorb sound, particularly in the middle-to-high frequency range, helping create a quieter vehicle interior. 

Is 3M Thinsulate waterproof?

Thinsulate is not a waterproof barrier, but its hydrophobic fibers provide strong resistance to moisture, mold, and mildew. Campervan HQ notes that AU6002 has exceptional moisture resistance and does not require an additional waterproof layer for the insulation itself. 

Does Thinsulate absorb moisture?

Thinsulate's hydrophobic fibers resist moisture rather than readily absorbing it. This makes it particularly useful in camper van environments where condensation and changing temperatures can be concerns. 

Does Thinsulate help prevent mold and mildew?

3M Thinsulate's hydrophobic fibers resist moisture, mold, and mildew growth, helping minimize the potential for odors and moisture-related issues within the insulation. 

Is Thinsulate fire resistant?

AU6002 meets the FMVSS 302 requirement for fire resistance in automotive insulation applications. 

Is 3M Thinsulate easy to install?

Yes. AU6002 is lightweight, compressible, and conformable. It can be cut to fit van cavities and is designed to be easier to handle than many other insulation materials. 

Where should I install Thinsulate in my van?

Common applications include van walls, ceilings, doors, pillars, headliners, and instrument panels. For a typical camper van conversion, focus on filling exposed cavities while accounting for wiring, windows, vents, and other components. 

Do I need Thinsulate on the floor?

Thinsulate AU6002 is primarily recommended for walls, ceilings, doors, pillars, and similar applications. For van floors, a dedicated low-profile flooring insulation solution may be more appropriate to preserve interior headroom.

Should I use a radiant barrier with Thinsulate?

For hot-weather builds, we recommend considering a radiant heat barrier on the van's metal walls before installing Thinsulate. A radiant barrier and insulation address different types of heat transfer and can be used together as part of a broader insulation strategy.

What is the difference between 3M Thinsulate SM600L and AU6002?

Both are 3M Thinsulate products used in van insulation applications. SM600L has a single scrim, while AU6002 has a double scrim on both sides. The double scrim helps contain the fibers and provides a cleaner, more manageable installation.

What is the difference between Thinsulate and foam board insulation?

Thinsulate is flexible and conformable, making it well suited to the curved and irregular cavities inside a van. Foam board is rigid and can provide effective thermal insulation where its shape and thickness work with the build. The right choice depends on the location and priorities of the installation.

Can I compress Thinsulate?

Thinsulate is compressible, but installation should account for the material's intended loft and available cavity space. Avoid unnecessarily compressing the insulation when planning your wall and ceiling installation.

Is Thinsulate insulation lightweight?

Yes. 3M Thinsulate is made from lightweight polyester and polypropylene non-woven fibers, making it an attractive option for van conversions where controlling overall vehicle weight matters. 

Should I buy Thinsulate by the foot or buy a van insulation kit?

If you're insulating a common van configuration, a pre-cut Thinsulate kit can simplify installation. Campervan HQ kits are designed around specific van models and include pre-cut pieces for the open cargo cavities. Buying AU6002 by the linear foot gives you more flexibility for custom layouts and non-standard applications. 

Can Thinsulate be used in RVs and overland builds?

Yes. AU6002 is a universal insulation material that can be used in camper vans, RVs, trailers, and overland builds, provided the material quantity and installation requirements match the project. 

What should I consider before ordering Thinsulate?

Measure your available insulation areas, identify the van configuration, determine which cavities you plan to insulate, and account for your desired installation method. For a standard van, Campervan HQ's model-specific Thinsulate kits can simplify the process.