Insulating TD Sides

[fseider]

I'm still trying to decide if I should insulate the sides of my 4X8 TD (new build) or to just make it with 3/4 ply. If I insulate I supect I'd go with something like 1/4 ply - 3/4 foam board - 1/8 ply. The roof and floor will be insulated either way I go.

Does insulating the sides make a difference, enough to warent the extra work? The work / additional cost is not an issue. We live in PA, and we are only looking to extend our camping season a bit as compared to tent camping. No hardcore blizzard camping here; spring, summer and fall only.

How effective is an insulation sandwich over 3/4 ply? Is it just a fun thing to do or is it worth it?

Thanks in advance

[bobhenry]

Mine was 1/2 osb sides and I battened with 1x4 inside then 1/4 luan inside and 1/4 luan veneer outside. The 3/4 void beside the 1x4 battens is filled with 3/4 blue foam board. The 3/4 void allows you to install carlon 1/2 deep electrical boxes for your wiring. Then you can wire the TD just like a house. I strongly suggest some type of conduit in the walls leading to the boxes. Makes wire changes and additions so much simpler.





Insulation also keep the heat infiltration down in july camping !

[reiltear]

Hi!

3/4" plywood has an R value of slightly less than one. Various types of rigid insulation have R values from 3.8 to about 8 per inch, so with 3/8"(1/4"+1/8") skin and 3/4" insulation you will probably get at least R-3.5, minus or plus, depending on the windows and the rest of the construction.

A definite improvement, in my opinion. At the same time, depending on where you camp and the energy sources available there it may be a lot cheaper and less labor intensive to buy an electric heater.

Hope this helps

[Toytaco2]

I used the insulated walls - 1/4" outer ply with 3/4 framing and 1/8 inner ply - and rigid pink foam. Don't forget that you'd most likely have to construct your doors in the same way. Personally I prefer that setup, but, it definitely takes a lot longer to plan, design and construct the walls. If you are in hurry to get it done and benefits of insulation are not that important to you, then I'd go with the 3/4 ply walls. You could probably have them (and the doors) cut out and ready to go over a weekend.

[Lgboro]

Camping in many areas of the US (re:southeast coastal all the way to Texas coast. deserts, etc.) is miserable without air conditioning much less with no insulation. Unless you will not be camping in hot and humid or cold areas I would think that insulation would be worth the effort and expense.

[len19070]

If I build a 4' wide trailer I use a 3/4" solid side covered inside with a "Foam Backed Rug" for a few reasons.

The main reason is that 46.5" for an inside dimension is narrow enough, I see no need to make it any narrower just to accommodate a thicker wall.

But the thicker framed wall is insulated

You may say, Yes...what is its "R" factor? About "R"7 if 1" Styrofoam is used.

What is the "R" value of 3/4" Plywood covered with a foam backed rug?

Nobody knows, but I'll bet its real close to "R" 7.

But the framed wall is lighter

Really, I'll bet 2 sheets of 1/4" plywood, all the framing lumber, nails/screws, glue and Styrofoam weigh almost the same as a sheet of 3/4" plywood.

Now, on a Wider than 4' build where I have the width I'll use a stick built wall 2" wide and really Pack it with insulation.

JMO

Happy Trails

Len

I also on a 4' build insulate the roof and front wall with 2" of insulation.

If you compare it to the way your house is supposed to be insulated, R30 in the Ceiling and R11-13 on the side walls, Or about 2 1/2 to 1.

I think on a tear its comparable.

Especially when you consider having a window/door in the side wall.

Not only does a window NOT have an R factor...But its a conductor for cold/heat.

Its like wearing a good Goose Down parka...with a 15X12 hole in it

I'm not saying don't insulate. Just, What is insulation, and where is it more efficient??

JMO

Happy Trails

Len

[Darren]

I didn't insulate and have a terrible time with condensation. Next build will be insulated.

[NWsage]

Our TD has an insulated top, but the sides are not insulated. They are 3/4" plywood. I've gone camping twice this fall where the nighttime temps dropped below 40F. The sides had lots of condensation, but the ceiling didn't. I wish our trailer had insulated sides. Suanne

[doug hodder]

For those of you that have condensation problems, do you crack the top roof vent at night? Doug

[ssrjim]

Our TD has an insulated top, but the sides are not insulated. They are 3/4" plywood. I've gone camping twice this fall where the nighttime temps dropped below 40F. The sides had lots of condensation, but the ceiling didn't. I wish our trailer had insulated sides. Suanne

That is the issue and it will rot out your sides, Your body puts off moisture. Absolutely insulate your tear.

[NWsage]

For those of you that have condensation problems, do you crack the top roof vent at night? Doug

Doug, Our tear doesn't have a roof vent. But, I do crack the windows on the doors, as well as the galley hatch as there is a screened pass-through, for air circulation. Suanne

[Tripmaker]

My roof is insulated but not the sides. The bottom is insulated with 5" foam and a 3" memory foam topper. I sleep with the windows and vent open to eliminate condensation. Fresh air is also nice for breathing. In colder weather a good sleeping bag will out perform the insulation in a camper. If I built another TD I would not insulate. Those are my thoughts, but you know what they say about opinions.

[4123]

When I recently restored our '47 Modernistic, I insulated the top and sides.
I covered the insulation with 1/8 inch mahogany paneling. We slept in it once in sub freezing weather and after about 30 minutes inside, it was quite comfortable.
I remember, when it was not insulated, if you accidentally touched the side wall with an arm or leg, it felt like an ice-cube! And, you could see your breath!

[OzarkWonder]

I insulated my ceiling, 2) 3/4" thick blue foam but not my wall (3/4" plywood).

I open my vent and crack my windows to sleep, no condensation.

Compared to a tent, 3/4" ply wood is gobs of insulation.

[dwgriff1]

I insulated everything, including the kitchen shelves (for different reasons), and have never had condensation and I have slept in the tear in single number cold weather.

Unless you are building a barge, 3/4 plywood sides are a bit over kill.

dave