1st Hello and Q re adding insulation after TD is built

[mikeschn]

Take your time... as I recall, I have until the end of the year!

Mike...

[Joanne]

Hello -

I'm a fairly new member and I've got a question for all you experts, but first here's some background (you all know so much about building that I thought I ought to make it clear that I don't, lol):

I have (or will soon be picking up) a basic TD built by someone else. I didn't build one myself because I didn't have the space (apartment life isn't conducive to garage necessary endeavors) and because my self building things knowledge is limited to very basic woodworking (e.g. I can use a table saw to cut mostly straight lines; I can use a hammer and nails; I can drill little holes with drill bits and then put slightly larger screws into those holes.)

I looked around this site (and many of your sites which show picture by picture the process you took to build your TDs) for a long time thinking about building a TD from the ground up (cost effective and it'd have been a good learning experience). If I'd had the space, I could see how to build the floor, sides, shelves, I might have been able to figure out windows and doors... but bending the wood to get the nice curved shape and joining everything together without many nail holes (which I assume would lessen the water repellent abilities of the TD) was beyond me... and it was all a moot point anyway because I don't have the space for a long term project.

So, I bought this TD for its light weight (my tow vehicle is not very strong) and because I can sortof build my own TD by customizing the galley and other things (like adding a solar panel and battery for 12v lights (I do a lot of "dry" (e.g. no hookups) camping).

The one thing I think I need to add that I don't know how to do is some kind of insulation. However, I have two problems:

1. I need to keep the TD light.

2. I don't know anything about insulation from how to apply it to what types there are.

From looking at other posts on the sight having to do with insulation, I found something that said the roof is the most important part to insulate (the floor already has a foam mattress) and that a "foil, bubble, foil" type of insulation would be the most light weight.

So, I have two questions:

1. What is "foil, bubble, foil" insulation?

2. How do I get it onto my TD?

Any comments would be appreciated!
Kathy

p.s. Here's my TD with the galley popped out so you can see what I'm starting with.

Kathy,

That looks like a really nice tear. You will have a lot of fun with it. Glad to see another gal around here.

Take care,
Joanne

[doug hodder]

Kathy...one advantage to some insulation, or at least an air barrier is that it cuts down on condensation on the interior roof of the tear...I can't tell if you have a ceiling vent or not...if so...it's not so much of a problem...if you only have the windows....it might be a good idea....hot air/ body heat is going to rise above the window opening and when it hits a cool roof, with no insulation....it's going to form condensation....I insulated mine...not so much for the heat...but to give me a place to run the wiring and cut down on the moisture...a lot of it depends on your climate also....might be an idea to check with some local RV guys....just my thoughts on it....Doug

[alaska teardrop]

Kathy - Here is some good information to compare the different types of insulation & barriers. www.uaf.edu/coop-ext/publications/freep ... -01454.pdf and www.uaf.edu/coop-ext/publications/freep ... -00259.pdf But Gee, Southern California? Might be with Bufordt on that one! A good sleeping bag and keep that nice wood interior. Your new teardrop looks really . Fred - the worlds' farthest North teardrop builder.

[GeorgeTelford]

Hi

There are 3 basic reasons to add insulation;

1. To keep the cold at bay, if you inulate the heat you do generate is minimised.

2. In Hot weather to keep the heat out and minimise the need for cooling

3. Condensation, temperature differentials mean that without insulation the water in the atmosphere will settle on a cold unisulated surface.

I see what Burford is saying regarding the ventilation (be it window or any other method) of course this is a compromise, but to let all the heat escape because a little is going to escape through ventilation anyway?

[BufordT]

From the pic's I've seen rainael has a nice trailer. The ceilig is already done and looks good form the one pic that you can make out the ceiling on.

Why would you want to either rip that out and start over or cover it up and then cover it up again.

I'm not against insulation of the roof. I think that's a good idea. Warm air rises.i Doesn't go sideways.

The walls are a different matter. I just can't see spending the time, money or effort insulating the walls. Even if you are doing it for sound. You still have to leave the windows open. And if you leave the windows open. What comes inside the tear? Sound, noise.

That's why I've always like the old plans for these trailer. The original builders used Common Sense. Kept them simple.

That's why I like Harpers's plans. Simple. I'm a simple man and like simple stuff. Got to remember this is all my opion and everyone has one. We'll just agree to disagree.

Bufordt

[toypusher]

Buford,

ON the noise coming in the window. I have a vent fan and I just open that a little and close the windows and the noise level drops about 50 or 60%. That is with full insulation. I have never slept in an uninsulated tear.

[rianael]

Toypusher: I've always wanted to live in the Redondo/Hermosa beach areas, but I never end up moving there because the traffic to where I work (at various times century city and downtown LA) is just too miserable. Thanks for your advice - I might have to try the thin plywood because I really like the wood look. I don't want to look too cobbled together! I can NOT wait until I actually get my hands on my TD. Thanksgiving cannot come soon enough!

Joanne: Thanks for the welcome. I definitely noticed that most of the people on this site are guys! : )

Alaska Tear: Thanks for the informative websites - reading through them made for a nice lunch hour! You are right, I'm in Southern California so for the most part insulation would not be an issue (heck, how many years have I survived in a tent?), but I do want to start travelling all over the U.S. so I could hit some cold areas, and it can get mighty cold here (snow) in the desert or up in Kennedy Meadows where I go often.

BufordT: I agree that the wood interior is nice. I really like the light blond tone of the wood and I don't really want to cover it up looks wise, but my mom has been going on and on about how I am going to freeze or roast b/c it wasn't insulated and I started to think that I needed insulation on the roof at least. And, as I said above, I do want to travel to other climates : ) So, we'll see how it works out. I have to go get the TD over thanksgiving and then I can test it out and add insulation with all these great suggestions if need be.

[goldcoop]

Rainael-

How about attaching (on the interior) 1/2" thick colored Ensolite (or some other closed cell foam) with either double sided tape or velcro for a less permanent solution, or glue it in for a permanent solution.

Then there are automotive insulation/sound panels that are self adhesive (these are usually black or silver).
eastwood co.



Would kinda like being in a padded cell! LOL!

Just some thoughts!

Cheers,

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