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3M Thinsulate (SM600L) Acoustic & Thermal Insulation (Walls & Ceiling)
3M Thinsulate (SM600L) Acoustic & Thermal Insulation (Walls & Ceiling)
Regular price
$65.00
Sale price
$65.00
Regular price
SKU:SM600L-5
3M Thinsulate SM600L is our go-to insulation for camper van walls, ceilings, doors, wheel wells, ribs, and hard-to-reach cavities. Designed specifically for vehicle interiors, it provides thermal and acoustic insulation in one lightweight, flexible layer—helping keep your van warmer, quieter, and more comfortable without adding unnecessary bulk.
Its hydrophobic fibers resist moisture, mold, and mildew, while the flexible material conforms easily around curved sheet metal, wiring, and irregular spaces. It’s easy for DIY builders to cut and install, produces no irritating off-gassing or barnyard odor, and is completely vegan and cruelty-free. The white fiber side attaches to the van’s sheet metal, leaving the durable black scrim facing the interior.
SM600L is sold by the linear foot from a 60-inch-wide roll, with each linear foot covering 5 square feet. *Note: the material will arrive pre-cut in 5-15 foot sections. Use the quantity guide below to estimate how much you’ll need for your van.
Complete your van insulation system: Use 3M Thinsulate AU4002-5 beneath the floor, then add Low-E Reflective Insulation over the wall and ceiling Thinsulate to cover exposed metal ribs and create a continuous radiant barrier. Each material has a job: SM600L for walls and ceiling, AU4002-5 for the floor, and Low-E across the interior.
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Why choose 3M Thinsulate SM600L?
One material. Two jobs.
3M Thinsulate SM600L helps keep your van warmer, quieter, and more comfortable. It’s lightweight, moisture resistant, and easy to install.
VLO-approvedThe only insulation we’d use in our own vans
Won’t hold moisture
Hydrophobic fibers resist mold and mildew
Easy for DIY installs
Cuts, tucks, and conforms to odd spaces
Made for moving vehicles
Lightweight and designed for automotive use
No off-gassing or odor
No chemical fumes or barnyard smell
Vegan + cruelty-free
No animal fibers—and no sheep involved
Quantity guide
How much 3M Thinsulate does your van need?
Choose your van and window layout. We’ll do the math for walls, ceiling, doors, wheel wells, and cavities.
Walls + ceilingSliding + rear doors
Wheel wells + cavitiesFloor not included
We recommend
55 linear feet
VLO range: 50–55 LF
275sq. ft. coverage
3cans of 3M 90 spray adhesive
What’s a linear foot? The roll is 60 inches wide, so each linear foot covers 5 square feet. Quantities are planning estimates; confirm your selected size in the product options above before adding to cart.
Before you install
Compressed now. Full loft later.
What arrives in the box is only the beginning. Thinsulate is designed to recover after installation.
A note from 3M + Vanlife Outfitters
SM600L is compressed for shipping and may look closer to ¾–1 inch thick when first unpacked. Install it compressed—it will gradually recover and may take several weeks to reach its full 1.65-inch loft.
In the box¾–1 in.
→
Full loft1.65 in.
How to install 3M Thinsulate
From roll to road-ready.
The broad surfaces move quickly; the finishing work is in the doors, ribs, wheel wells, and small cavities. Follow the full VLO walkthrough for measurements, prep, adhesive technique, and hard-to-reach spaces.
Read the complete installation guide ↗Exact templates aren’t necessary. Use sharp fabric scissors, then tuck the extra material around obstructions.
Coat the clean sheet metal and white fiber side with 3M 90 spray adhesive; wait about 10 seconds.
Bond the white side to the van metal. Keep the black scrim facing the interior.
Use fish tape or wire to pull unglued pieces through ribs and other hard-to-reach spaces.
Install it throughout the van.
Cover the walls, ceiling, doors, wheel wells, ribs, and structural cavities.
Plan on a day.
Many builders report insulating an entire van in a single day.
Easy to revisit.
Thinsulate can be removed later for wiring changes, modifications, or repairs.
At a glance
Product details
The essential specifications for planning your insulation order and installation.
- Roll width
- 60 in. / 5 ft.
- Coverage
- 5 sq. ft. / linear ft.
- Full caliper
- 42 mm / 1.65 in.
- R-value
- R-5.2 at full loft
- Material
- Polyester + polypropylene
- Orientation
- White side to sheet metal
Your complete insulation system
Use the right material for each layer.
Thinsulate does the heavy lifting in the cavities. Low-E covers the metal ribs and controls radiant heat, and the floor gets its own thinner Thinsulate.
- Thinsulate SM600L is glued to the sheet metal, walls and ceiling.
- Low-E goes over Thinsulate to cover ribs and thermal bridges.
- AU4002-5 lies loose beneath the plywood floor.
Outside
3M Thinsulate SM600LThermal + acoustic layer
YOU’RE HERELow-E Reflective InsulationRadiant heat + ribs
Shop Low-EInterior paneling
Under the van
3M Thinsulate AU4002-5Loose lay, about 1 in. at full loft
Shop floor ThinsulatePlywood subfloor
3M Thinsulate SM600L FAQ
Questions van builders ask before insulating.
Clear answers about coverage, R-value, moisture, sound control, installation, and choosing the right insulation layers.
Does 3M Thinsulate help reduce road noise?
Yes. SM600L provides acoustic as well as thermal insulation. Its fiber structure absorbs sound energy and helps reduce road noise, ambient noise, and resonance inside the van.
Is 3M Thinsulate waterproof and mold resistant?
Thinsulate uses hydrophobic fibers that resist moisture absorption, mold, and mildew. That makes it especially well suited to the temperature swings and condensation that can occur inside a vehicle.
Should I install Low-E reflective insulation over Thinsulate?
Low-E can be added as the continuous reflective layer over your primary Thinsulate insulation. It helps manage radiant heat and span thermal bridges. For best radiant-barrier performance, maintain an air gap where your build allows.
Is 3M Thinsulate safe to use inside a camper van?
SM600L is made from lightweight polyester and polypropylene fibers, does not have noticeable off-gassing or odor, and meets FMVSS 302 motor-vehicle flammability requirements.
Will Thinsulate push my wall panels outward as it expands?
No. Thinsulate expands only into the space available to it. Although its full nominal loft is 1.65 inches, it will not continue expanding against a fixed wall panel and force the panel outward.
What adhesive should I use for 3M Thinsulate?
We recommend 3M 90 spray adhesive for walls and ceilings. Spray both the sheet metal and the white fiber side of the Thinsulate for the strongest bond.
Can I use SM600L on the floor?
For the floor, we recommend 3M Thinsulate AU4002-5 instead. Its thinner profile and double scrim make it better suited to installation beneath a plywood subfloor.
Still not sure?
Tell us your van and build plan and we’ll point you in the right direction. Ask the VLO team ↗
Ready when you are
Build a quieter, more comfortable van.
55 linear feet selected · 3 cans of 3M 90 adhesive to plan on
About Vanlife Outfitters
Vanlife Outfitters started as a blog chronicling our founders' DIY camper van builds and has grown into a trusted one-stop shop for van conversion parts, curated by people who’ve built the vans and lived the vanlife ourselves. We only offer road-tested products we’d use in our own vans, and pride ourselves on fast shipping and world-class support. It’s not just about the gear - we provide expert-built guides, pre-purchase advice, and real support long after your order arrives. Built by vanlifers, for vanlifers, we’re here to help you build with confidence and enjoy the freedom of life on the road.
Customer Reviews
Google rating score: 5.0 Stars, based on 170+ reviews
Greg McCanless
I’m happy to give a shout out to VanLife Outfitters. These folks are an incredible example of how a company should conduct business. Although I’m building a truck camper, I have bought several things from VanLife outfitters and their customer service is bar none . I would never hesitate recommending VanLife outfitters to anyone whether they are building a van camper or boat. And I might add even a tiny home. Everyone that I’ve talked to have been nothing but incredible. In particular, Jason in technical support was an incredible blessing to me. I had a problem with the Aqua Hot Gen 1 heater I bought from them. It was not the heater fault, but something I did. Jason helped bird-dog the solution and together we got it fixed. He stuck with me, did research, and called me back several times to make sure that the problem was resolved. These people know the business, many have their on rigs, which gives them the best experience. Thanks you Vanlife Outfitters!!!!
Ian Snow
This company is amazing! Quick shipping, best price possible. Customer for LIFE! Thanks Vanlife!
Becky Hartgraves
My husband and I are doing our first vanbuild. As rookies, we have found Vanlife Outfitters to be a trusted resource for ease of product shopping and purchasing, video demonstrations, guidance and excellent customer service. They were particularly a great one-stop shop when building our electrical system.
jj hua
I ordered most of the parts for my sprinter conversion from them. They have absolutely the best customer service. I had issues with my fridge installation duing the weekend and eamiled their customer service for help. Both times, they emailed me back with the instructions/help I need on Sunday. Thank you and this is absolutely my go to place.
eric zagala
Spent lotsa money here, will probably spend more. High quality products, fast shipping and tremendous support. Excellent free resources, e.g. wiring diagrams, on the website. Highly recommend.
