IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONTHS

Converting Cargo Trailers into TTTs

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby MtnDon » Sat Dec 07, 2013 5:43 pm

Why do you think there is any difference in the r factor of foam if it is installed above or below the floor,I would think it isnt location sensitive , as far as top or bottom or at least I haven't read it on any instructions from Dow.


Let me hazard an opinion. The difference in bottom or under the floor insulation vs top of floor insulation is simply the steel crossmembers. When the insulation is below the plywood floor and between the frame side rails and crossmembers, the steel can still conduct heat from the hot side to the cold side. Aluminum too only aluminum is better at heat transfer than steel. Placing the foam insulation completely on one side or the other of any metal frame is best. It could be top or it could be bottom. It is the same for walls. The best insulated homes have all their insulation (rigid sheet foam) on the exterior of the wall studs. Makes a great air barrier too. If I build a new house that's how it will be built; 2x4 wall studs and 5 or 6 inches of XPS or polyiso foam on the exterior.

A compromise for our trailers, IMO, would be to infill the spaces between the frame members with rigis XPS foam and seal those with foam in a can or even polyurethane glues. The idea is to air seal the joints between foam and metal. Then on top of the interior plywood floor place an inch of foam with a final top layer of something harder than foam; this plywood, laminate flooring, vinyl sheet flooring... Or maybe cover the floor with the interlocking foam floor squares and no foam. Or foam too.

Several inches of foam on the top floor would also be as effective as far as insulation value as all foam under the frame. That will make the trailer taller though if the headroom is to be maintained. In our case we do not want to get that interior headroom to be less than 6'1", 6'2" preferred. Our interior is to be a no slouch zone. At least for us.


Have you ever looked at a home roof on a frosty morning. When conditions are right the frost remains where the rafters are and melts off in between rafters. It is the reverse of what happens with insulation between the steel/aluminum frame or wall studs. The roof between the rafters is warmer than where the rafters are.
Our 6x12 deep vee nose cargo trailer camper conversion... viewtopic.php?f=42&t=58336

We have a small off grid cabin we built ourselves in the NM mountains; small PV solar system; 624 watts PV, Outback CC & inverter/charger ... http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.0
User avatar
MtnDon
2000 Club
2000 Club
 
Posts: 2200
Images: 24
Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2012 10:57 pm
Location: New Mexico

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby Rainier70 » Sat Dec 07, 2013 7:38 pm

Those black tuna look like speed machines. Fun!

I usually find some place close, but higher up in the mountains. And Yes, it is also all about going to good places to fish and hike rather than just getting away. I am kind of addicted to some of our local fishies, even in the fall and winter. :FNP

Image

Gets kind of cold some of the time though. :o
Last edited by Rainier70 on Sun Dec 08, 2013 9:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
Rainier70
1000 Club
1000 Club
 
Posts: 1083
Images: 244
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2013 4:35 am
Location: Southeast Idaho

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby Rainier70 » Sat Dec 07, 2013 7:41 pm

So on doing the foam insulation under the floor, would you guys cover it with something like the fiberglass board stuff or leave it open?
User avatar
Rainier70
1000 Club
1000 Club
 
Posts: 1083
Images: 244
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2013 4:35 am
Location: Southeast Idaho
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby MtnDon » Sat Dec 07, 2013 7:57 pm

I like what someone suggested to me: coroplast signboard material. Lightweight and probably sturdy enough.
Our 6x12 deep vee nose cargo trailer camper conversion... viewtopic.php?f=42&t=58336

We have a small off grid cabin we built ourselves in the NM mountains; small PV solar system; 624 watts PV, Outback CC & inverter/charger ... http://countryplans.com/smf/index.php?topic=2335.0
User avatar
MtnDon
2000 Club
2000 Club
 
Posts: 2200
Images: 24
Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2012 10:57 pm
Location: New Mexico
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby Tx River Rat » Sat Dec 07, 2013 7:58 pm

MtnDon
I agree with you .
Now putting the insulation on the bottom between the cross members is the same as what is usually done on the walls and ceiling. That seems to do a sufficient job of insulating the trailers. Making fun of a person doing that and saying the only way is insulation on top, isnt right.
Every thing is a compromise between cost labor efficiency of what we do. If sealing completely from the bottom is what you want to do , put in the ridged and then foam the crossmembers and frame ,no transfer spots that way . Would I do that , probably not, the ridged between the steel will do what I want.You can seal it on top or bottom and it will work both ways.
Ron
PS Personally I am thinking of trying the insulating paint additive top and bottom :lol: That way I have to be right
Tx River Rat
2nd Teardrop Club
 
Posts: 514
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:46 pm
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby Prem » Sat Dec 07, 2013 8:16 pm

Rainier,

Beautiful trout! And you have a nack for good photography. :pictures:

Prem
My goal...

_____________________________________________
...is to live in a trailer.
User avatar
Prem
Gold Donating Member
 
Posts: 3222
Images: 144
Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:25 am
Location: State of Jefferson (Oregon side)
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby Prem » Sat Dec 07, 2013 8:22 pm

:thinking: I had to recarpet my rental last month and ever since then I've been considering getting a piece of commercial-grade carpet, cutting it to fit my CT's interior and gluing Ensolite camping pad material to the back and then just laying it on the floor without fastening it in any way. I could even Velcro (verb) it together as two pieces so that it could just be taken outside and shaken out to get rid of debris. Of course, I'll need a dehumidifier and a small electric heater also.

;)
My goal...

_____________________________________________
...is to live in a trailer.
User avatar
Prem
Gold Donating Member
 
Posts: 3222
Images: 144
Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:25 am
Location: State of Jefferson (Oregon side)
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby OverTheTopCargoTrailer » Sat Dec 07, 2013 8:49 pm

:FNP
Last edited by OverTheTopCargoTrailer on Thu Dec 12, 2013 10:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
OverTheTopCargoTrailer
1000 Club
1000 Club
 
Posts: 1628
Images: 0
Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2011 8:53 pm
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby Tx River Rat » Sat Dec 07, 2013 9:15 pm

Over
how did you insulate your walls and roof? If I feel like it is going to be a problem I can insulate around the beams. Besides that there is some folks I wouldnt want to pull there shoes off in my trailer :? .
Seriously everyone has priorities about what they want in a trailer and that is the fun of doing your own. Losing height isnt a thing I am willing to lose. There are to many other ways to accomplish what I want in insulation for my floors.
I guess it just gets down to this ,the way you built your trailer and what was important to you isnt the same things that will make me happy with my build.
Ron
Tx River Rat
2nd Teardrop Club
 
Posts: 514
Joined: Tue Nov 27, 2007 7:46 pm
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby Rainier70 » Sat Dec 07, 2013 9:45 pm

I am okay with a little heat loss on the uninsulated beams. I still have throw rugs etc. 98% insulated is better than 0%.

That is the beauty of us all doing own builds. I can make those judgement calls to have some compromises that work for me. You can do yours your way. No, mine won't be absolutely perfectly insulated. I am not living in it full time, and I don't mind burning a bit more propane when I am in it. There are many ways to accomplish our individual goals. Thanks for sharing your build and ideas.
User avatar
Rainier70
1000 Club
1000 Club
 
Posts: 1083
Images: 244
Joined: Wed Jan 30, 2013 4:35 am
Location: Southeast Idaho
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby roadinspector » Sat Dec 07, 2013 11:35 pm

Prem wrote:You guys are thinking all wrong. :roll: Here's the fix:

Hook up trailer to tow vehicle and drive to a warm climate for the winter. :icedtea:

The other option is just to fly there and rent a hammock. :relaxing:

Prior proper planning prevents having to insulate. :R

Life is short. Most "sheet" we own is just a ball and chain.


Prem!

I really like your plan!! :beer: :relaxing:
Earnest
Dadgum it! I cut that board 5 times and it's still too short!
2001 quad-cab Dodge Cummins 3/4 ton camper special, 16x7x7 CT work in progress toyhauler, 01 HD Ultra Classic, 98 HD Heritage Softail, 88 HD 1200 Sportster. viewtopic.php?f=42&t=51510
User avatar
roadinspector
500 Club
 
Posts: 599
Images: 127
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:33 pm
Location: Texas
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby OverTheTopCargoTrailer » Sun Dec 08, 2013 12:11 am

:lol:
Last edited by OverTheTopCargoTrailer on Thu Dec 12, 2013 10:02 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
OverTheTopCargoTrailer
1000 Club
1000 Club
 
Posts: 1628
Images: 0
Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2011 8:53 pm
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby Prem » Sun Dec 08, 2013 12:48 am

Earnest,

You hop a plane to Mexico City, then another to Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca on the Pacific side. Take a taxi to Zipolite and voila! Order shrimp or dorado. Rent an (uninsulated) bamboo bungalo or just a hammock with a locker. US$600 will last you three weeks, maybe four.

:thumbsup:

Prem
My goal...

_____________________________________________
...is to live in a trailer.
User avatar
Prem
Gold Donating Member
 
Posts: 3222
Images: 144
Joined: Thu Aug 21, 2008 11:25 am
Location: State of Jefferson (Oregon side)
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby roadinspector » Sun Dec 08, 2013 9:23 pm

Prem,

Sometimes it really sucks to be me or at least being allergic to sea food! :( They got any good beef? :D With those prices, no wonder folks like to retire down there.

Earnest
Dadgum it! I cut that board 5 times and it's still too short!
2001 quad-cab Dodge Cummins 3/4 ton camper special, 16x7x7 CT work in progress toyhauler, 01 HD Ultra Classic, 98 HD Heritage Softail, 88 HD 1200 Sportster. viewtopic.php?f=42&t=51510
User avatar
roadinspector
500 Club
 
Posts: 599
Images: 127
Joined: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:33 pm
Location: Texas
Top

Re: IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONT

Postby OverTheTopCargoTrailer » Sun Dec 08, 2013 10:36 pm

Earnest

I thought its illegal for any good Texan to leave the state for more
Then 10 days per year ..... Sorta like desertion
After all Texas is the greatest place in the world .....
What you want is all available in Brownsville

If you got a little more money go to Padre Island.

You name it , they got it in TEXAS !!
User avatar
OverTheTopCargoTrailer
1000 Club
1000 Club
 
Posts: 1628
Images: 0
Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2011 8:53 pm
Top

PreviousNext

Return to Cargo Trailer Conversions

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 4 guests