lining the walls

[Socal Tom]

So I have a 5x8 TD, based on the Generic Benroy plans. Walls are 3/4 plywood, roof is R10 plus insulated. I had it out last weekend, and the overnight lows were in the low 30's outside, and it got down to 50F, with the vent cracked, and stayed above 55F with the vent closed all night. Not horrible temps, we were toast under the covers, but the walls were really cold and the were covered with condensation in the am. ( The outside air was really dry and I like to run a humidifier when I sleep). The thought occured to me, that I could hang some blanket type material from the walls, and it would provide a litte insulation, as well as providing a bit of protection from teh cold /wet walls during the night.

I'm considering using fleece material. It wouldn't need hemming, and with a few button holes could be hung pretty easily from knobs or 3M connectors, and can be thrown in the wash if it gets dirty. Before I put time and money into it, I thought I would see what the group thought of the idea?
Thanks
Tom

[Tinbasher]

How about using RV carpet glued to your walls?

[Socal Tom]

How about using RV carpet glued to your walls?

I could see peel and stick carpet used. It would probably insulate better than the fleece, but that carpet collects dust, and it would be tough to clean. Fleece can get thrown in the washer and dryer and be clean as new Plus with the fleece, I could leave it home on warm trips.

[kayakdlk]

I have seen where many builds used marine hulliner. A thin carpet (or blanket like) material that provides some warmth when touching the walls

example http://www.perfectfit.com/15593/154092/Marine-Carpet-and-Hulliner/Hulliner-and-Headliner-72.html

[celticquetzel]

I not sure of the insulating value of just fleece. How about some layers. Perhaps window insulating fabric. I know you can get it from Joanns. It's already layered, and you could cover it with whatever fabric you want to show. Even a removable washable cover.

[GuitarPhotog]

I covered the interior of my trailer with marine Hull Liner (sorry, lost the link), but mine's over 1" styrofoam insulation. Since the hull liner is so porous, I don't think it would offer much insulation value, and might trap moisture. The hull liner I used is made from recycled plastic bottles, so won't support the growth of mold or mildew.

<Chas>

[Rainier70]

If you camp in cold temps, I think I would be inclined to do a sandwich of insulation on the walls. Such as glueing a layer of foam board and then a thin skin. Maybe even carpet or hull liner glued to the foam.

The second thing I would suggest is that you open vents at night. Even just one person puts out a lot of water vapor. Add another person and a humidifier and you really have a lot of moisture in there.

[Socal Tom]

I appreciate the comments. I normally camp in sunny Socal, so I only have a few nights a year where its "cold". I agree insulation would be more effective, but I'm just looking at a quick, and inexpensive improvement. I'm not expecting to be cold enough to need more than that.

I'm was hoping you all might point out some "gotchas" I didn't think of with this plan. Fleece is pretty warm when I wear it, so I think it will do a decent job of keeping the cold from the walls off of me, and its thick enough that it should cut down on any drafts, from my less than perfect door alignment. Every other time I've used the TD, we had to crack the vents and open the windows to keep it cool enough to sleep without sweating.
Thanks
Tom

[Rainier70]

I was thinking that it wouldn't take much to put even a 1/2 inch of insulation behind whatever fabric/carpet you decide on. Should help to keep you cooler also. Good luck, I would love to see what you decide on.

[kayakdlk]

Some gotchas

1 - Lots of cheap fleece is made of cotton. Holds moisture

2. Fleece collects dirt, fibers, sticks, leaves etc (All normal camping litter) and it is usually bear to get them off. We wear fleece coats all the time camping but have to wash them sometimes more than once to get them clean again after every trip. It you are not gluing it on and it is removeable then maybe it would work.

I suggest you try it and then report back how well it worked

[Woodbutcher]

What about sewing a bumper that is removable like they use to put in baby cribs. It could easily be tied in place. That would allow it to be removed for cleaning and warm weather.

[BobBash]

I agree that 1/2" rigid insulation would be a good idea . If installed over the entire interior walls it would prevent thermal bridging & act as a vapor barrior . It would also add to the comfort level in very warm temps, reduce outside noise & be relatively inexpensive to purchase ................

[JuneBug]

What about sewing a bumper that is removable like they use to put in baby cribs. It could easily be tied in place. That would allow it to be removed for cleaning and warm weather.

Perhaps the fleece (or other fabric insulation) hung from the walls in the area of greatest condensation would also do a good job of capturing the moisture (condensation), in the same way that a tent liner works. Take it out in the morning, it will dry very quickly, and be ready for another night of use.

Be sure and check the bottom of your mattress for moisture; condensation can occur there as well, since it has been next to a cold floor.