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How to Prep for Spray Foam Insulation in a Cargo Van

Written by Jacob Stacy | Sep 24, 2025 12:00:00 PM

You prepare for all kinds of projects in life -- from painting a house to remodeling a room -- and insulating your van is no different.

Just like you'd cover furniture and tape off trim before painting, you'll need to do some prep before spray foam insulation can be applied.

Prepping your cargo van, Sprinter, or camper van for spray foam insulation
ensures a smoother installation and a better end result. At RetroFoam of Michigan, we've worked with van owners from across the country who bring their vehicles here to get closed cell spray foam insulation. 

Some of those owners like to do their own prep work beforehand, and that's exactly what we're about to cover.

The Best Way to Insulate a Cargo Van

When it comes to insulating a van, you have options:

While DIY can be tempting, spray foam insulation provides the best performance. Closed cell spray foam creates a continuous air seal, helping regulate temperature and reduce drafts. It's also the material most van lifers and contractors prefer for long-lasting comfort.

However, spray foam insulation is best left to the professionals. DIY spray foam kits can be messy, inconsistent, and difficult to apply properly. Foam board insulation is a second-best DIY option, but it requires precise cutting, sealing seams with caulk or tape, and still won't provide the same air seal as spray foam.

If your goal is to create a comfortable work or living space, spray foam insulation in your van is the top choice.

How to Prep for Spray Foam Insulation in a Cargo Van

Prepping your van before installation is a lot like prepping a room before painting -- remove, cover, and protect.

Here's how to get started:

1. Clear Out the Cargo Area

  • Remove all seats, bedding, shelving, or storage in the cargo space.
  • Take out any stored items, such as jacks or spare tires.
  • Strip down wall, ceiling, and floor paneling if it will be insulated.

The goal is to expose the bare metal where the spray foam will be applied.

2. Tape Off Important Areas

Use blue painter's tape to carefully cover areas that should not be sprayed:

  • Metal ribs or studs
  • Lights and wiring
  • Weather stripping
  • The inside of the doors and the first few inches on the exterior edges

This step prevents overspray and protects your van's function and appearance.

3. Create a Partition Between the Cab and Cargo Area

The front seats don't need to be removed, but the area should be sealed off from the spray zone.

Use 1-mil plastic sheeting and tape to create a partition behind the seats. This protects the cab from overspray and keeps the work area contained.

Why Proper Prep Matters

Prepping for spray foam insulation in a van may sound simple, but it's time-consuming.

Done right, it can take several hours. Skipping or rushing through prep increases the risk of overspray, uneven coverage, or wasted materials.

The good news? If you don't want to handle the prep work yourself, RetroFoam of Michigan does it for you as part of the installation.

How to Get Spray Foam Insulation for Your Van

If you're ready to make your van more comfortable, RetroFoam of Michigan can help.

Our team specializes in insulating cargo vans, Sprinters, and camper vans with closed cell spray foam.

Fill out the form on our website to request a free consultation
or give us a call at 866-900-3626 to get started.

Key Points:

  • Prepping for spray foam insulation in a cargo van is similar to painting a room -- clear the space and protect key areas.
  • Closed cell spray foam provides the best insulation performance for vans, creating an air seal that controls temperature and comfort.
  • DIY spray foam is messy and inconsistent, while foam board is a second-best option but requires precise fitting and sealing.
  • Prep steps include removing items, taping off lights and ribs, and partitioning the cab from the cargo area.
  • RetroFoam of Michigan handles prep and installation if you'd rather leave it to the pros.

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Spray Foam Insulation for Cargo and Sprinter Vans

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