Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

If you don't ever camp in the winter, nor in the high heat of the deep south, is there any compelling reason to insulate a teardrop? Seems it is so much simpler to build without insulation, and I can't see the real need for me to insulate. But perhaps there is something I'm missing....

no. Many don't insulate... I did it because of temp extremes, cold and hot.... and it does make it quieter while inside.

It also makes it a bit stronger, but that is not really an issue with t/d trailers.. they are plenty strong if built correctly... with or w/o...

Boy, I think most on this forum would give a resounding yes to that question. If not for better efficiency in whatever your normal climate range is, than for the unpredictable exceptions whether at home or in travels. Lastly the biggest X factor is resale. Why limit yourself or potential market?

Just my opinion, but if you're building anyway, it's an added step that doesn't require a lot of effort compared to the payoff.

Scott G.

Ever roll your butt against a cold wall? But really you'll find the advice varied amongst builders. You may see two teardrops(one insulated, the other not) in the highest heat and the coldest cold right together and each owners is happy as a lark (never really seen a sad lark yet). If you climate is cold you're gonna have some kind of heat and vice versa for warm climates - we're only talking about a small space here.I sure someone will chime in with how many BTU's it will take. Our Auto that we tow with are less insulated that the tears that we tow and yet they manage to keep warm and cool with the appropriate equipment. To end - insulate if you want, it's up to you

starleen2 wrote: Our Auto that we tow with are less insulated that the tears that we tow and yet they manage to keep warm and cool with the appropriate equipment. To end - insulate if you want, it's up to you

I have been told the a/c units on the average large car in the 70-80 provided about the same BTU as your whole house home A/C unit.
So it ought to cool it !

starleen2 wrote:

Our Auto that we tow with are less insulated that the tears that we tow and yet they manage to keep warm and cool with the appropriate equipment. To end - insulate if you want, it's up to you

...'with the appropriate equipment’.... Those are the key words. Have you ever gotten into your car when it has been sitting outside in winter weather for several hours? Or, tried to touch the steering wheel of a car that has been in the summer sun?

Since many of us don't start out with heaters and air conditioners in our tears, a little building defense in the form of insulation may help. However, for most, that only makes a small difference as most of us use the 3/4" 'R5' rated Styrofoam. Our homes usually have 'R30' to ‘R40’ rated insulation in them, so, you can do the math there and maybe get a feel for what a difference it may make.

I'm told that the main reason to use a sandwiched wall (plywood/Styrofoam/plywood + a minimal stick frame) is for weight. However, for people who tend to overbuild (like me), the trailer could actually end up weighing more, as well as taking more effort and much longer to build. (If you decide on this method, check yourself by weighing your framework and walls often. It may bring you back to reality and help tame your overbuilding tendencies.)

In the end, it may just be a toss of the coin as to which is better. I think it may all come down to your own personal preferences and building tendencies as well as which method will work best for your build.

bobhenry wrote:

starleen2 wrote: Our Auto that we tow with are less insulated that the tears that we tow and yet they manage to keep warm and cool with the appropriate equipment. To end - insulate if you want, it's up to you ;)

I have been told the a/c units on the average large car in the 70-80 provided about the same BTU as your whole house home A/C unit.
So it ought to cool it !

He's right that an auto a/c unit or heater has the capacity to heat and or cool the average home!!!!!!! Why, because the vehicles we drive have lots of window area and are essentially uninsulated and that's what it takes to get the job done.

I'd insulate.

Cheers,

Gus

Personally I'm going to insulate. Where I live temperature swings day/night are often 40 degrees F or more. Insulation will smooth out these swings, reduce condensation, make the trailer more soundproof, and keep the walls and ceiling from being cold or hot if/when I touch them.

The only detriments to insulation that I can see are: more to do and purchase when building, and insulation has the potential to better hide water damage if everything isn't sealed up perfectly.

Kelleyaynn wrote:If you don't ever camp in the winter, nor in the high heat of the deep south, is there any compelling reason to insulate a teardrop? Seems it is so much simpler to build without insulation, and I can't see the real need for me to insulate. But perhaps there is something I'm missing....

On the sound proofing qualities of insulation. If you've ever been in bed with a screamer, you know what I mean. Scared the heck out of my wife first time she heard me.

Like Sharon said, it is a coin toss.

In the south, I think it is helpful to have the roof insulated to keep the heat down even in moderate weather, but a reflective roof - mill aluminum or white - may be more important than the insulation.

Tom

White definitely makes a difference in the hot sun... just feel the hood of a white car on a hot day (warm) and a black one (you won't touch it for long)..... even on a very hot day in the sun, my insulated white t/d is bearable inside until about 4 p.m. And the a/c does not have to work as hard.

It is also the reason I wear a white motorcycle helmet (having owned a black one when I was ignorant)..

My vote is for "definitely" insulation in the roof. And also in the walls where your skin touches it at night.

I didn't insulate the Giant Teardrop walls, but ended going back later and adding some.

Mike...

Kelleyaynn

In our area of the country I don't think a fully insulated coach is necessary.

To not insulate the roof and around the front curve would be foolish.

It's so easy to do, you've got a space between the roof sheathing and the ceiling liner you might as well fill it with something useful...insulation.

The rear, you've got enough "Dead Air Spaces" insulating you that its not worth worrying about.

Now for the side walls I just laminate a Foam Backed Rug directly to the side plywood.

The rug is helpful in the rear as well and on the ceiling. It gives things a nice quiet feel.

Is the rug on the side walls as good an insulation as the insulation in the roof?

NO, But is the insulation in the side walls as good as the insulation in the ceiling of your house?

NO.

Is Styrofoam in the side walls as good as a Foam Backed Rug on the side walls?

Don't know, nobody has ever done an "R" Value test on Foam Backed Rug.

I know that rug on the walls and ceiling is a finished surface.

And this;

Ever roll your butt against a cold wall?

Won't happen with a Rug on the wall.

Everybody has a different view on this topic.

Happy Trails

Len

Here's the pic of the wall insulation in the giant teardrop (same on both sides). I still have to finish it, which is the downside of adding insulation after the build is complete.

But it's nice... when you touch it, it's not ice cold.



Mike...

Steve_Cox wrote:

Kelleyaynn wrote:If you don't ever camp in the winter, nor in the high heat of the deep south, is there any compelling reason to insulate a teardrop? Seems it is so much simpler to build without insulation, and I can't see the real need for me to insulate. But perhaps there is something I'm missing....

On the sound proofing qualities of insulation. If you've ever been in bed with a screamer, you know what I mean. Scared the heck out of my wife first time she heard me.

Who were you in bed with?