I recently came across some foam board that I thought I could use to insulate my van. Mostly trying to minimize how hot my gear gets under the california sun. Blokes on reddit suggested insulation is more to keep heat in than out as eventually even an insulated van will warm up. However, often the inside of a van is warmer than ambient temp.....

Anyways started wondering if installing a roof vent would be a better use of time and money. Any suggestions?

Maybe the people to ask would be those with caravans. They would have a similar problem.

You need 2 for it to work best. Supply at the front (could be window vent or roof vent) and extraction vent in the roof at the rear. Placing one vent doesn't work efficiently because you get pressure issues.

Insulation works both ways, keeps heat in and out. You need the correct insulation tho or condensation can lead to rusting. You also get a lot of heat gain through windscreens and windows which it's worth blocking.

All depends how much money you want to throw at it. You can buy kits for all the stuff above because van life has made a market for it.

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thedoor said..
I recently came across some foam board that I thought I could use to insulate my van. Mostly trying to minimize how hot my gear gets under the california sun. Blokes on reddit suggested insulation is more to keep heat in than out as eventually even an insulated van will warm up. However, often the inside of a van is warmer than ambient temp.....

Anyways started wondering if installing a roof vent would be a better use of time and money. Any suggestions?

My van comes preinstalled with foam in the roof space between the metal roof and the hoodlining as its a passenger van. It keeps the van cool and until reading this I had forgotten how much difference it makes. Here in WA it's pretty warm and I haven't noticed any problems.

If it's easy, glue foam panels to the roof. I have no experience with just vents, but I expect that radiant heat from the roof will be a problem that the vents can't resolve.

Not that it's the same thing, but I recently installed aluminium lined foam into my house's roof space and with a small gap between the tiles or roofing steel, it made a dramatic difference to the amount of heat that comes into the house where it is installed.

I suppose it depends on how worried you are about theft, but leaving the windows wound down just a little is as good as a vent.
You can also carry portable shade around on roof racks

I insulated the roof and walls but by far most heat comes through the windows via direct sunlight so you'll have to block that as well otherwise it will still get hot inside. I also have a roof fan (just one). I monitor the temp and even on a hot day in WA (38?C) inside doesn't get much warmer than outside temp. My surf gear is mostly stored in the bottom half of the van which also makes a big difference vs the roof, even with insulation.

Bonus, the van is so much quieter when driving because the insulation also greatly reduces the sound/noise levels.

I used earth wool in the wall cavities and for the roof as that's much easier to work with than panels. It doesn't hold moisture. The windows have been first tinted with 95% UV blocking film (can't do that on front windows though) and then aluminium/foam insulation sandwich panels. Works great for permanently blocking out any windows. For the ones that I didn't want to completely block out, I still need to make some blinds.

Also be mindful where you park, facing the rear to the sun vs. the massive windscreen also makes a big difference.

Max air fans are the best for air out mine is thermostatically controlled to come on after it hits 27c , 2nd max air fan or other vents helps also .

run fans off an auxiliary battery

insulation makes a massive difference

and as already mentioned windows /glass is your enemy !

Our is heavily insulated and includes 2 maxair roof fans plus 2 floor vents.
Keeps things cooler, drier, and better smelling.
(Our old unvented van occasionally smelled like that island where seals go to die)

www.amazon.com.au/Solar-Powered-Roof-Boats-Sheds/dp/B0842WYNYV/ref=asc_df_B0842WYNYV/?tag=googleshopdsk-22&linkCode=df0&hvadid=463881063774&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16713238809776368635&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9071859&hvtargid=pla-1340764590405&psc=1&mcid=c6709b2eb9db3b599620f7a48a771db9

Work well as they are active not passive and bring an air flow. More sunshine more heat more power faster fan up to max speed obvously.

Heavy black tint film on the windows, insulation on roof, install monsoon shields so you can leave the front windows cracked and if possible a roof vent at the back.

Put an Oakley sticker on your van or maybe some Neil Pryde or Billabong or Qucksilver stickers - That's Cool!