Car & Van Insulation

An empty van is a thin metal box that drums on the highway, bakes in the sun and goes cold overnight. Kool Wrap van insulation kits pair sound deadener with 10mm foil-faced Van Liner so the panels stop ringing and the heat stops moving through them.

Van Insulation – Cooler, Warmer and Quieter on the Road

An empty van is a thin metal box that drums on the highway, bakes in the sun and goes cold overnight. Kool Wrap van insulation kits pair sound deadener with 10mm foil-faced Van Liner so the panels stop ringing and the heat stops moving through them.

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The three-layer van insulation system

Good van insulation deals with three problems: panel vibration, heat moving through the metal, and radiant heat from the sun and road. Each layer handles one of them.

  1. Sound deadener on the metal. Self-adhesive high-mass sheets stop thin panels ringing and drumming. Each sheet is 50 x 32cm, around 2mm thick and 3kg per square metre.
  2. Closed-cell foam over the panels. The 10mm Van Liner slows heat moving through the walls and roof, and it doesn’t soak up water.
  3. A reflective foil face. The Van Liner’s foil face reflects radiant heat. Seal every join with aluminium foil tape so the foil layer stays continuous.

Walls, roof and floor: what goes where

SurfaceSound deadenerInsulationNotes
FloorCover 100% of the floorYour floor insulation or underlay, then the subfloorIf exhaust heat comes through, fit a 5mm heavy duty heat shield to the underside
WallsCentre of each panel, about 20 to 30% coverageVan Liner over the full panelTape every join with aluminium foil tape
RoofCentre of each panel, about 20 to 30% coverageVan Liner over the full panelWork in manageable sections overhead
Doors and
wheel arches		Outer skins and arch tubsVan Liner where the trim clears itCheck window and lock mechanisms still move freely

For exhaust heat through the floor, see our 5mm heavy duty heat shield.

Which van insulation kit fits your van?

Every kit includes Kool Wrap sound deadener, 10mm Van Liner and a free application roller.

KitVan typeSound deadenerVan Liner
Kit 1Small van and 4WD3.84m²10m²
Kit 2Standard wheelbase, medium roof5.8m²15m²
Kit 3Long wheelbase, low roof5.8m²15m²
Kit 4Long wheelbase, medium roof5.8m²20m²
Kit 5Van type to be confirmed7.7m²20m²
Kit 6Extra-long wheelbase, high roof7.7m²25m²

Need more? The Van Liner comes in 1.0m x 5.0m rolls, and car sound deadener comes in 4, 12 and 24 sheet packs.

Condensation, noise and heat

Condensation forms when warm, moist air inside the van meets cold bare metal. Covering the metal with closed-cell foam and taping the joins cuts down the cold surfaces where moisture forms. Ventilation still matters, especially if you cook or sleep inside.

Noise drops because the deadener stops the panels resonating, and the foam liner absorbs some of what’s left. Heat control works both ways. The liner slows heat getting in on a hot day and holds warmth in on a cold night.

For roof or wall areas you won’t cover with Van Liner, foil bubble insulation blocks up to 95% of radiant heat. Tape its joins to keep the moisture barrier intact.

Installing van insulation yourself

Most owners fit a kit themselves with scissors, a sharp knife, the supplied roller and a degreaser. Strip the panels, clean and dry the metal, apply the deadener, then the Van Liner, and tape the joins. Our step-by-step van insulation guide covers walls, roof and floor.

Van insulation guides

Van insulation FAQs

Does van insulation stop condensation?

It reduces it. Closed-cell foam doesn’t absorb water, and covering the cold metal with a foil-faced liner cuts down the surfaces where condensation forms. Tape the joins with aluminium foil tape and keep the van ventilated, especially when cooking or sleeping inside.

How much quieter will my van be?

Most of the drumming and road noise in an empty van comes from large, thin metal panels vibrating. Sound deadener stops that vibration, and the foam liner absorbs some of the remaining noise. The result depends on the van, the tyres and how much of the van you cover.

Can I install a van insulation kit myself?

Yes. The deadener and Van Liner are self-adhesive and cut with scissors. You need a degreaser, scissors, a sharp knife and the supplied roller. A professional fitter makes sense if you’re also having the van lined and fitted out.

Which kit suits my van?

Pick by wheelbase and roof height. Kit 1 suits small vans and 4WDs, and Kit 6 suits extra-long, high-roof vans. Our kit table lists the sound deadener and Van Liner coverage in each kit. If you’re between sizes, call 1300 44 33 34.

Do I need sound deadener as well as insulation?

For a quiet van, yes. They do different jobs. Sound deadener stops the metal panels vibrating. The Van Liner insulates against heat and cold. Every Kool Wrap van kit includes both.

Will it fit my van?

Yes. The deadener and Van Liner cut to fit, so they suit most vans, including the Toyota HiAce, Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter and Renault Trafic.