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

[rianael]

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.

[toypusher]

Can you post pics of the ceiling inside? That would help alot. Foil-bubble-Foil insulation looks like the space blanket that has been around for years. Home Depot and Lowes both sell the stuff (at least here). It is only 1/4" or so thick and can be stapled or glued in place. Also, it can be cut with a pair of scissors! Nice tear, from what I could see. Where did you get it and what does the galley look like when in?

Almost forgot - Welcome, and congratulations on the new teardrop!

[BufordT]

For what it's worth. I know that I'm the lone one here. I won't insulate it at all.

We've had this discussion over and over again. My belief and I can't prove it, Why insulate when you have to sleep with the windows open anyway?

The original trailer didn't have insulation.

Just my opion and others will see if different.

Bufordt

O yea. Welcome aboard.

[madjack]

let me add a big ol' howdy and welcome to the board(from outta the closet...as it were) some further pics would help( ya know we love da pics) and there are many ways to do what ya want...and Buford...I know we all overbuild and I have been giving lottsa thought to what you say about overbuilding

madjack

[rianael]

TOYPUSHER: This really nice guy named Clint who used to be a millwright who lives in Klamath Falls, OR built the TD. The galley is just a shelf so far but I plan to add a rolling shelf for my cooler and a few cupboards for pots, etc. I have MANY, MANY galley ideas from looking at all the diff TDs out there!



I don't have a picture of the inside roof yet becuase I don't have the TD in my own possession yet. I put the pics Clint sent me in my personal galley. I may have to "re-ask" this question when I have more pics!

I LOVE the idea that I can just cut the stuff with sissors! Now THAT is about my level of expertise!

Question though: If I staple/glue the insulation onto the inside, is there a simple way to cover it up so I'm not staring at what I imagine is a bright silver as I sleep? And will Home Depot/Lowes know what I mean when I say "foil, bubble, foil" insulation or does it have some more technical name?

BUFORDT: When I go pick up the TD over Thanksgiving, I will be driving it home as is, so I will test it out without insulation on the way. I appreciate hearing your point of view.

MADJACK: There are a few more pics in my personal gallery but until I get the TD, I don't have anymore.

[madjack]

as far as covering it so you are not having to look at it, just get some fabric/vinyl/naugahide and staple it over the folibubblefoil...simple. Let me point out something Buford said...Never sleep in a fully sealed up TD...you have a limited volume of air and the CO2 build up can make you sick or even kill...terrible way to end a camping trip...always leave a means of positive ventilation (ie, window/roofvent)
madjack

[rianael]

So THAT's why BufordT said you always had to leave the window open anyway! I just thought that he was a typical guy who put off a lot of heat so he needed the fresh air, lol.

Thank you VERY much for the safety tip. It isn't something I knew.

[toypusher]

rianael,

I don't know the exact name that HD or Lowes calls it. Just go to the section that has insulation and you will see it. It comes in rolls of 24" or 48" wide. Like I said before, it looks like a space blanket. Just shinny aluminum look. I think that Madjack hit it about right with his suggestions. You could use almost any fabric and probably just use glue to hold it in place. If you want to try a little woodworking you could always use 1/8" plywood for the inside. Maybe some of the wall paneling that is used in bathrooms would be nice. I have seen a tear with that sort of paneling that looked just like denim fabric. Sorry, I don't have a picture of it to show you. I have confidence that you will figure something out and make work for you. Just keep asking the questions and someone here, I'm sure, will come up with a suitable answer for you.

EDIT: Just realized that you are in LA. I was stationed there with the US Air Force from 1978 - 1990. We lived in Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and San Pedro. It's a small world!

[mikeschn]

If I was designing a teardrop for 60 below 0, I would probably use 1 1/2" of EPS insulation.

I would probably insist on a forced air furnace. You know, one of those 12,000 btu units like I had in the Baja Benroy, and like I have in the Lil Diner.

I don't expect to sleep in 60 below zero weather, but here in Michigan, I do want to be ready for some cold weather.

Yes, you have to be able to overcome the cold air that you suck in thru the open windows. I think a furnace can do a better job than my lungs!

Mike...

P.S. Don't forget, Buford lives in FL!

[toypusher]

Mike,

A furnace will help keep the hunmidity in check also!

[mikeschn]

Tis is true!

Mike...

P.S. Kerry, what is the next step we need in the Generic Benroy plans?

[toypusher]

Have look it up I guess! You must be feeling alot better now to be talking about the Generic again. Certainly hope so!

[mikeschn]

Yes, I'm feeling better. Today especially... I made tremendous strides with the ice on my neck.

I couldn't believe, on the way home from work I was actually thinking the guy in the truck in front of me was going too slow. When I suddenly realized what that meant, I was so happy that my back and neck was improving.

Yes I am ready to get back to the Generic Benroy. I know we are so close to the end... Let get this wrapped up and published so folks can start building it...

Mike...

[angib]

We don't get cold anything like you guys do, so I'm out of my depth with lots of this.

Nevertheless, if I were ice fishing, I'd want the insulation and plenty of it - and never mind keeping warm, it's not melting the ice I'm sitting on that's strikes me as really important.....

Andrew

[toypusher]

Mike,

I will email you with a few things. I maybe tomorrow, though.