Do I need to insalate the walls?

[danlott]

Since your real concern is condensation I still do not think you need to insulate your walls. Proper ventilation is the key as a few people have pointed out.

Here is a quote from another threard on insulation. http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=26598&start=15

My first teardrop was totally insulated and once we had condensation on the walls because the roof vent was closed (heavy rain) but the windows were open. The second teardrop is only insulated on the roof and galley hatch. I haven't yet had condensation on the walls or ceiling but I always open a window and crack the roof vent. Both teardrops are identical in size and shape. This suggests to me that proper ventilation is the key to preventing condensation. Insulated walls are quieter and somewhat warmer/cooler than non insulated. Is insulation worth the extra pounds? Only you can decide. Danny

Danny has built 4 teardrops now, all have been fairly close in design and size. He fully insulated his first build, but has not insulated the walls on the last 3 builds. He does state that insulated walls are quiter and somewhat warmer/cooler than non insulated, but to prevent condensation you need good ventilation. By the way good ventilation is also needed to breath, which is where the moisture for the condensation is coming from.

Dan

[2001gs]

thank you everyone!


thanks Bob I may take you up on the invites, How can i find your 4X7 build?


Fred

[bobhenry]

http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=38489

Here is a link for ya Fred !

The hull liner type insulation panels are on page 6 and 7

[suckerpunched]

3/4 inch ply has a R value of 0.94 ,,,3/4 inch fiberglass is 3. My tear has 3/4 inch ply walls and floor with an insulated ceiling and bulkhead. Have camped with temps in the teens and had condensation( and frost) electric blanket kept me warm tho. Above 90 degrees, needed a fan to circulate air. Guess it depends on your building skills, budget, and patience. I didn't have much of either of the three but I'm happy with what I built
Happy camping........TC

[2bits]

I built a woody TD with only 3/4" plywood walls and doors with an aluminum roof with insulation in the roof and a 1/8" plywood headliner, Insulated the roof because heat rises, and I was concerned with condensation and rain noise. I left the windows cracked and never got much condensation at all, heat and cooled perfectly. The high switch on my AC broke and running the AC on low was plenty in TEXAS heat. I would do it again in a heartbeat. It's a tiny camper, not a house. I think some people just overengineer. I may not insulate the roof on the next one, and just router and stain the roof spars.

[Lgboro]

I am not using any plywood in my build - foam insulation is much, much lighter than plywood and is extremely strong
when made in to a light sturdy sandwich wall. I don't sleep well and need all the quiet I can build into a teardrop. Not
to mention the heat and humidity of the coastal plain of North Carolina where I live. I chose to build in 1 1/2 inches
insulation on all surfaces and expect my Petcool will be more than sufficient to heat and cool my 4 x 9 tear even in
extreme temps.