Insulation Cost

[benwortman]

First post!

I have been reading the forum for a week now and I am totally pumped to start a CT conversion. I am sort of on the fence as to buying one that is somewhat finished and a bare bones one.

To start off, can anyone give me a rough estimate on what it costs to insulate a 7x16 trailer if you do it yourself with the sheet insulation? I tried to search for this answer, but could not turn anything up. Also, is it something that could be done in a weekend?

More than likely, I will get a 7x16 and try to do the conversion myself, but if it is not that much more to get it insulated from the factory, I might just have them do it.

I will be using it to haul 2 atv's and of course camp when I get there.

Does anyone camp in a CT that is not insulated? I am guessing that it could not be much over 70 degrees or it will be too hot in the daytime.

Thanks

Ben

All the pictures on the forum are really inspiring!!! (inspiring me to spend too much money)

[jwhite]

It's cheaper if you do it, and then you know that it was done right.
I guess you could get by with 1 layer of insulation,but I used 2 layers of the blue foam insulation from lowes and that gave me 1inch thickness and I cut it to fit tight and then used duct tape to seal any gaps, if you use the spray foam to fill in any space make sure you use gloves because it will stick to your skin and is a pain to get off.
I am willing to bet the factory slaps it together fast and will leave gaps and spaces knowing you will never see there shotty work.?

[GarArnett]

You can calculate the cost pretty easy by figuring the total square feet of the walls and ceiling to determine the total sq ft of insulation needed. it comes in 4x8 sheets = 32 sq ft per sheet and divide that into the total sq ft to be covered. The cost on Lowe's website for 1/2" 4x8 is $8.68. I figured it up on my 6x10 trailer with 6' height and not including the rear doors which won't be insulated probably, came up with needing 6 sheets, for a cost of $52.08 for 1/2" thickness. Of course, I'm doubling that to $104.16 for 1" thick. Compare that cost to what the manufacturer charges, and I'm sure you will save quite a bit by doing it yourself. I haven't done it myself, but I see no reason why it can't be done in a weekend.

[drcurran]

Just finished insulating my 6 X 12 and it cost about $150. 1" solid foam from Home Depot.

[digitek718]

Probably overkill, but Im gonna insulate with 1'' foamboard as well..about 18-19 bucks at home depot for a 4x8 sheet..

[8ball_99]

I'd do it your self.. My first trailer I had the factory do it.. Terrible job.. I ended up getting a refund for the insulation after I sent them pictures of all the gaps.. It ended up working in my favor since I got a full refund and it only took about 75 bucks and some time to fix.. Second go around I just did it all my self from scratch..
Something else to consider.. On my second trailer I used two layers of insulation. It gave me a higher R value and ended up costing about the same. The price difference between 3/4 foam and 1" was pretty high. I used a layer of that foil bubble insulation and then followed by a layer of 3/4 pink foam.. The good thing about that bubble wrap stuff is its great at reflecting heat. So it being up against the aluminum skin of the trailer should do a lot more then just foam would.

Only downside is its a little more work hanging two layers. I think it was worth it though trailer seems to do well holding its temp.

[benwortman]

Thanks for all the info. I looks like I should do it myself. Now I just have to decide what all the options I "need" will be. More than likely I will get a basic trailer and add things as I go. Although I will probably have windows put in by the factory.

Ben

[CaptD]

What's the best tool to use for cutting foam board insulation?

[Pyrofish]

What's the best tool to use for cutting foam board insulation?

I installed 2" insulation in mine and tried various methods. The one that worked best IMO was one of those breakable-blade razor knizes. The blade is around 6" long. Just extend it out, and use a metal straight edge. The first cut was on the mark and about half way through, the second cut was deeper to the other side. Then you let it fall and cut any of the backing that didn't get a clean cut.

If there's a better way, I'd like to hear about it. I have yet to do my walls, but this way works just fine. And the razor knife was only $3 at Lowes... sooo

[drcurran]

For my 1" foam "stuff" I used a regular utilty knive and it almost makes the cut all the way through, bend it and make the final cut from the other side. I really think the other type of knife would be better, extend the blade and only one cut. (Knife with the blade that you break of small sections)

Dan

[jwhite]

I used a long bladed kitchen knife that has the seratted edge, take a long board and you can use that as a guide.
You don't have to cut all the way through but about half way then just bend the foam board and it will break all the way,Also if your doing 2 layers you can cut and break the foam board and then fold them together and then cut off the rest of the board you don't need so they both are the same size and together.
with the long blade you can cut through 2 layers of foam with no problem if you need.
It helps to have a large area like a 4x8 sheet of plywood as a work table.
It goes pretty fast the only thing that took more time for me was I have a slant front roof at the vnose and it took more time with those cuts but the walls and ceiling go fast.
I used grey duct tape to seal everything esp if I had a small space or gap.
There is a good bit of waste that you can piece together and fill.

[8ball_99]

lol I cut mine on my table saw.. To me it was easier and faster. You don't need to cut all the way through the foam with a razor knife though.. You score it then snap the foam like sheet rock.