Should I insulate the hatch?

[Dean in Ct.]

So I'm about mid build on the tear I'm still calling My Depotless Home (as I haven't had to darken their doors yet) and the walls are 1/2" MDO with a layer of 1" foam insulation. Roof is Luan then 1" foam then another Luan. The galley walls are insulated with the foam because it was really easy but I'm beginning to think about how to build the hatch. What are the pros and cons of insulating there?Seems like kind of a lot of work to add the foam and I'm not sure what the benefits would be. It's not an enclosed space much of the time... I would love to hear your thoughts!
I will update my build thread soon, roof is mostly on and I'm running wires right now. I must say for a forum that loves pictures so much you guys sure don't make it easy! (Waaaa Waaaaa Waaaaa! I'll get the hang of it)
viewtopic.php?f=50&t=49965

[Mauleskinner]

I insulated the wall between the galley and the sleeping area...figure there's no real need to insulate the galley itself, since it's open a good chunk of the time.

Only thing temperature sensitive in there is what's in the cooler, which is already insulated.

David

[ssrjim]

I insulated the wall between the galley and the sleeping area...figure there's no real need to insulate the galley itself, since it's open a good chunk of the time.

Only thing temperature sensitive in there is what's in the cooler, which is already insulated.

David

ditto....

[Lgboro]

I agree with the reasons it won't make much difference for insulation, but it would add a lot of strength if properly installed in a sandwich with the right glue.

[toypusher]

Adds some sound deadening and it helps keep things cooler in the galley (or warmer I guess depending on the weather) when traveling. Especially on longer trips with the sun beating on it. I always close the hatch at night and it does add a bit more insulation and reduced noise.

JMOYMMV!

[Oldragbaggers]

+1 what Kerry said. We took a road trip to Florida in April and kept 2 coolers in the trunk while traveling. The inside of the trunk got so hot during the day that we had to replace the ice every single night. I am insulating mine because it will (I hope) help prevent so much heat buildup in the galley which means not only will the ice in the cooler last longer, but the other foods stored in the galley (like breads, fruit, whatever) won't get so hot. Also for the sound deadening effects at night when the galley is closed and you're trying to sleep.

[aggie79]

I insulated both the bulkhead wall and hatch.

Where we live, there aren't too many trees and it is hot most of the year. The insulated hatch when open keeps a lot of radiant heat from the galley area. (We now have a pop-up canopy that also helps in that regard.)

We also close our hatch at night and this provides "double" insulation.

Take care,
Tom

[jimqpublic]

Consider hot sun, parking lots while in transit, bread, and bananas.

I say insulate it.

[PKCSPT]

I wish mine was, or if it is there was more. It is one of the few things I might try to add. Even though the hatch is open most of the time and we have lots of trees up here it still might help the cooler stay cool when it is closed and sitting in parking lots or going down the road. I also go winter camoing once in awhille.
My little guy has that space where the galley stops, most people don't like it but I actually do.

[T&CLongmire]

I insulated mine, had left over 1" foam. Nothin else to do with it. I do feel it made a big difference on the life of my ice at Lake Cleburne, it was hot, ice lasted better.

[planovet]

I insulated the wall between the galley and the sleeping area...figure there's no real need to insulate the galley itself, since it's open a good chunk of the time.

Only thing temperature sensitive in there is what's in the cooler, which is already insulated.

David

ditto....

Same here...