Using Alubutyl AND Armaflex? Not a good idea..
The first time you convert your camper, things will never run perfect and with every step you will probably have a steep learning curve. We would also not have made some of our decisions again, looking back now. One of these decisions is to use Reckhorn abx Alubutyl, together with Armaflex. Why? Let’s take a closer look at both materials…
If you like to use Armaflex, check out our detailed article on differences and prices of the 3 common Armaflex types.
Why use Alubutyl?
The question is: What do we want to achieve with Alubutyl? Especially when converting campers, the answer is usually: noise-insulation. Freely swinging sheet metal surfaces do considerably increase the noise level inside the camper, so that the sound of rain can be annoying in the long run and conversations and other sounds outside of the camper can be heard very well in the inside.
Does Alubutyl help to insulate against sound? Yes it does! The material makes a very clear difference and is a super sound insulation. In the linked article we have collected some more information on Reckhorn abx Alubutyl.
The more important question is: Do you insulate your camper against heat and cold and above all: How do you do that?
Do you plan to insulate with glass wool (or similar), polystyrene boards and (hopefully) a finish with a vapour barrier? There are several reasons why we did not choose this type of insulation, but in case you choose this method: Alubutyl is great and will help you to improve the sound insulation in your camper considerably! If that is the case: Get it here and support us :-). *
For our Iveco Daily Campervan conversion, however, we have opted for insulation with Armaflex XG. If you are looking for Armaflex anyway, we have put together a list of the cheapest ways to buy Armaflex and which version is right for you.
Armacell Armaflex XG is (optionally) self-adhesive and is pressed onto the outer walls of the vehicle in a similar way to Alubutyl. For the anti-drumming, we have first glued on Alubutyl and then Armaflex XG for insulation ontop. Unfortunately this was unnecessary!
Armaflex on Alubutyl a necessitiy?
Although alubutyl is very effective in its sound-absorbing effect, Armaflex itself has a similar effect. Both are good sound-absorbers, and Armaflex also provides good insulation, depending on its thickness. In practice, if Armaflex is used and glued over the previously applied Alubutyl, the added value of sound insulation is negligible. Using both materials together is therefore practically superfluous or costs unnecessary money and brings much additional weight.
…so when do you need Alubutyl in your Campervan?
But when should you use Alubutyl at all? Basically, Alubutyl is great if you don’t use Armaflex as insulation. Depending on your requirements, you can also be fine without any insulation. This could be the case, if you do not want to reach a certain interior temperature, e.g., if you just like to do short weekend vacations in summer. Even if Alubutyl is not cheap, a medium-sized van reasonably covered with Alubutyl sheets costs only a fraction of a complete Armaflex insulation.
If you have decided to use Alubutyl, we can recommend you to pay close attention to the price. The cheapest 2 options were at our time:
