If you’re looking to improve the interior durability, comfort, and appearance of your work van, you’ve probably considered lining the walls—but what about the ceiling? In this blog, we’re walking through the unboxing of DuraTherm Ceiling Liners for GMC Savana & Chevrolet Express Vans, showing you what to expect and why this upgrade is worth considering.

At Upfit Supply, we don’t make these liners—but we do install and distribute them. So we’ve handled them firsthand and know exactly what you’re getting. Whether you’re outfitting a single vehicle or building out a fleet, this ceiling liner kit can help transform your cargo space.

What’s in the Box?

Let’s start by addressing the sheer size of the packaging. The DuraTherm Ceiling Liners for GMC Savana & Chevrolet Express vans arrive in a massive box, roughly six feet long and four feet wide. Because of its size and shape, the kit must ship via LTL freight, not standard parcel carriers. That’s important to plan for—especially if you’re expecting residential delivery, as it could come with added liftgate or residential service fees.

Inside the box, you’ll find:

  • Insulated ceiling panels (precision cut)
  • Hardware pack attached to a red ribbon in a clearly marked corner
  • Optional diamond plate ceiling sills
  • Joiner strip (included if the kit has multiple ceiling panels)
  • Plastic push-in clips or self-threading screws, depending on the van model
  • Install literature and QR code for detailed instructions

Key Features of the DuraTherm Ceiling Liners

The DuraTherm Ceiling Liners for GMC Savana & Chevrolet Express Vans are built with function in mind. These are not just decorative panels. Here’s what makes them a smart investment:

  • Dual-layer construction: Each panel has a plastic outer shell bonded to a layer of thermal and acoustic insulation.
  • Reflective foil backing: Helps regulate cabin temperature in extreme heat or cold.
  • Vehicle-specific design: Precision-cut to fit your exact van’s make, model, and wheelbase (155-inch or 135-inch).
  • Scored cutouts: Designed to align with factory lighting or optional aftermarket lighting systems.
  • Quick installation: Attaches using push-in clips or self-threading screws, depending on the van model.
  • Color options: Available in white or textured grey. We used white in our install to brighten the van’s interior.

Panel-by-Panel Breakdown

When we unboxed the kit, the first thing we noticed was the reflective insulation on the back. That’s the part facing the roof—not visible after installation—but it plays a crucial role in reducing heat gain and blocking out noise.

When flipped over, you see the smooth white or textured gray finish, depending on the version you choose. While the gray panels are more popular for hiding scuffs and adding durability, we went with white this time to test how it brightens up the workspace inside the van.

Each panel is scored in key areas, allowing some flexibility for curved rooflines or to accommodate cutouts—such as factory-installed lights. These scores also make it easier to make clean adjustments if your van has additional components or foam inserts on the ceiling.

Optional Ceiling Sills – Should You Add Them?

One of the best additions to this kit is the optional ceiling sills. These are diamond-plate aluminum strips that sit between the top of your wall liners and the bottom edge of your ceiling panels. They do more than just look sharp—they:

  • Bridge the gap between wall and ceiling panels
  • Prevent material separation over time
  • Add a clean, professional finish
  • Are pre-drilled and come with the necessary self-threading screws

We definitely recommend adding them to your order—especially if you’re aiming for a seamless, professional-looking upfit.

Why Choose These Ceiling Liners?

Let’s take a moment to talk about why you should install DuraTherm Ceiling Liners for GMC Savana & Chevrolet Express Vans in the first place. The benefits go far beyond visual upgrades:

1. Protect Your Vehicle
The main job of these panels is to absorb impacts from tools, ladders, cargo, and anything else that might shift in transit. Without liners, your van’s factory sheet metal ceiling is exposed and vulnerable to dents and dings.

2. Improve Insulation and Acoustics
Thanks to the bonded thermal foam and reflective foil, these liners help regulate temperature and reduce echo or road noise. If you’re spending long hours in your van—or using it as a mobile workshop—you’ll notice the difference immediately.

3. Enhanced Aesthetics
Whether you’re showing off a clean upfit to clients or just want a more professional, finished look, ceiling liners tie the entire cargo space together.

4. Easy Installation
The kit comes with pre-drilled holes, labeled hardware, and simple QR code instructions. You don’t need to be a professional installer to make this work.

Installation Considerations

Before you get started with installation, here are a few key tips:

  • Have a second person help. These panels are lightweight (about 30 lbs total) but awkward to handle solo.
  • Start with the front panel. If your kit includes multiple pieces, attach the front ceiling liner first, then use the included joiner strip to connect rear sections.
  • Watch for scoring. Some cutouts and bends are necessary to conform to your van’s ceiling curvature.
  • Use proper fasteners. The GMC Savana and Chevy Express typically use push-in clips, but check your hardware pack to confirm.
  • Don’t skip the ceiling sills. They truly elevate the final appearance and longevity of your liner system.

Final Thoughts

After thoroughly unboxing and handling the DuraTherm Ceiling Liners for GMC Savana & Chevrolet Express Vans, we’re confident these liners are one of the best ceiling upgrades you can add to your van. They’re well-engineered, vehicle-specific, and offer real protection and performance improvements.

Whether you install them alone or as part of a full liner package—including walls and doors—they’re going to extend the life of your vehicle, improve your working environment, and boost the resale value of your van.

You can find this product and more at Upfit Supply, where we make it easy to get the right components for your van—fast, accurate, and hassle-free.Explore more van upfit solutions at UpfitSupply.com. We’re here to help you build a van that works as hard as you do. Check out the full Unboxing DuraTherm Ceiling Liners for GMC Savana & Chevrolet Express Vans video here.