Less Heat Loss – More Comfort: Interior Insulation put to the Test

Is interior insulation really worth it?

How much difference does interior insulation make? To find out, we tested our SCA 212 pop-up roof at the independent SGS Institut Fresenius cold chamber at –10 °C — once with and once without insulation.

The result: With insulation, heat loss is up to 30 % slower. So for anyone camping in cooler seasons or during winter, the extra insulation is definitely worth it.

How We Tested

The SCA 212 roof was gradually cooled from room temperature down to –10 °C. The test measured how long it took for the interior temperature to match the surrounding air — once with, and once without, interior insulation.

The result was clear: With insulation, it took several hours longer for the inside to reach the same temperature as outside. At the same time, the temperature inside remained more evenly distributed — a clear sign of the insulation’s effectiveness.

Results at a Glance

With insulation: noticeably slower temperature drop
Without insulation: significantly faster heat loss
Finding: up to 30% slower heat loss with insulation

Note: during prolonged frost, even the insulated version will eventually reach the same temperature as outside — the –10 °C test represented an extreme scenario without any heating support.

Why We Test This Way

SCA roofs are regularly tested under real-life and extreme conditions — from the wind tunnel test and safety checks to comprehensive climate tests. Thorough, systematic, and independent — that’s what SCA stands for.

This consistent and in-depth testing approach is part of our commitment to quality. The recent cold test conducted at the SGS Institut Fresenius once again confirms: Our tests deliver facts — not assumptions.

Our Recommendation for Your Gear

If you love camping in autumn or winter, we recommend combining a few essentials:

• Interior insulation for pop-up roofs (find it here)

• Weather protection cover (available here)

• An auxiliary heater and a cozy, high-quality sleeping bag

With this setup, you’ll stay comfortably warm inside your van — even when it’s freezing outside.

Questions & Answers about Interior Insulation & Roof Accessories

Why Is Interior Insulation Worth It?

Interior insulation measurably reduces heat loss and helps maintain a more consistent temperature inside the roof area. Especially on cool nights, it keeps the interior comfortable for much longer.

Do I Need an Extra Cover, or Is Interior Insulation Enough?

You don’t need both — one is enough. It mainly depends on your vehicle type:

• For camper vans, interior insulation is ideal.

• For urban vans, a weather protection cover is recommended.

Combined with an auxiliary heater and a good sleeping bag, you’ll be perfectly equipped for cold nights.

How Cold Can It Get with the Insulation?

It’s ideal for milder nights in spring and autumn. The test at –10 °C was intentionally an extreme scenario without any heating support — under real camping conditions, the insulation provides noticeably greater comfort.

How Difficult Is the Installation?

Our insulation liners and covers are custom-made to fit each SCA roof and can be easily attached or removed — no tools required. You’ll find more details on the respective product pages.

Do the Interior Insulations and Covers Fit Every SCA Roof?

Yes. All products are precisely tailored to each specific roof model — ensuring a perfect fit, optimal sealing, and a clean, seamless look.

Conclusion

If you’re traveling during the colder months, interior insulation makes a noticeable difference. It measurably reduces heat loss, keeps the interior climate pleasant, and significantly increases comfort.

Important: Insulation doesn’t replace a heater — but it does make the key difference between feeling chilly and feeling cozy.

SCA Roadcrew