Silver Sword - Very Basic Build

[KCStudly]

Remember to test it like you use it. Unless you were inside the cabin contributing to the heat, your time to temp loss will not be the same... although I admit that it does not look promising.

I suspect that the generous window count and lack of insulation are working against you.

[Martiangod]

Have to remember, 1/2 and 3/4 is not very thick insulation.
Aluminum window frames transmit a ton of cold in, and anywhere there is a breach in the body will transmit cold.
I'm thinking of pulling my window inner frames and installing a gasket as a thermo break as the inner aluminum trim frame touches the exterior window frame and my inner frames were a 1/2" layer of frost.
For cold weather there will be offseason changes you will need to make, bubble wrap over windows in winter to raise there R value. Stuff any unused spaces to cut down on air space. Throw a piece of carpet in on floor, maybe even an extra piece of SM insulation under it.
Your hatch is probably the weakest part of the shell for cold transmission. and you can get or make pop in insulation squares or inflatable ones to block 14" x 14" roof vents.

Places I found on my recent venture cross country were, water heater, RV Fridge, and Water fill. They were all breaches in my highly insulated box on wheels. The next problem was dead air space areas, under bed, under seat storage areas, these places get cold, but the heat cant get in there, felt like an arctic wind blowing as cold " WANTS " to get to warm.
Hanging an extra blanket as a skirt for the bed helped a lot.
Cold is an obstacle for camping, but you can mitigate it as much as possible so outing are enjoyable

[Kharn]

With your hasp locks, I'd strongly suggest locking them in the open position before going to sleep. You wouldn't want a prankster to lock you into your tear in the middle of the night.

[Cantputt]

With your hasp locks, I'd strongly suggest locking them in the open position before going to sleep. You wouldn't want a prankster to lock you into your tear in the middle of the night.

Thanks for the thought, now I just have to remember to do that. If I get caught in I can always go out my escape window. What a site that would be.

[Cantputt]

Did pretty good last weekend with the new insulation. The piece I cut at the last minute to go under me while sleeping was a good move. That foil facing felt like I was sleeping on a heating pad!! And I love my monster Gander Mountain, canvas outer, flannel lined, thick as can be, -20 rated sleeping bag. Need to figure out a new heat source. My buddy heater puts out too much heat.

[Martiangod]

Looks like hulla fun.
Glad she's starting to perform in cold, foam under mattress is always a winner
Does buddy heater have a high low setting or just run?

[Cantputt]

Looks like hulla fun.
Glad she's starting to perform in cold, foam under mattress is always a winner
Does buddy heater have a high low setting or just run?

Yes it has a variable low to high. It is just a gas valve. You fire it up on high and after the ceramic plate glows red you turn it down. On the lowest setting it sputters and makes some noise, makes me feel like it is not burning as cleanly as it should(probably fine). Even on low it puts out more heat than I need. I have to turn it on and off meanwhile my temp goes up and down. I want to figure out something else so it just stays an even comfortable temp.

[dodgedartgt]

I realize this thread has been dormant for a long time, but it kept crossing my mind recently. Fortunately I was able to find it.

You were disatisfied with how the trailer held, or rather didn't hold the heat during cold weather camping. I'm thinking outside, quite literally, the box!

I know you added some measure of insulation inside, and it had a positive effect. But how about also adding a "blanket" or "quilt" over the outside of the trailer. Something you can literally throw over it like a car cover. Polyester batting, like used on quilting is quite inexpensive, combined with some sort of cover, large tarp for instance. Another even cheaper possible source would be old sleeping bags from yard sales.

Arrive at your campsite, pull out the cover and set it up. When leaving, just roll it up and toss it back inside. It would make sense to have it reach all the way to the groung to act as skirting, like on a mobile home.

Just a thought I wanted to share,
Mike (wishing for cooler weather) in FL