IDEAS ON HOW TO INSULATE THE FLOOR FOR CAMPING FALL MONTHS

[BMosely]

I had the same issue on my build as I will use it more at freezing temps vs. Shorts weather. My answer is insulating paint. I have used it in commercial applications with great success. For the do it yourself crowd you can now buy the ceramic beads and mix it into any paint that you want. I used a porch and floor enamel with the insulation and it works great. You would think that I would write down information for future use, but I did not. Google insulating paint and it will pop up quickly. Mix the gallon of paint in a 5 gallon bucket for proper mixing and understand that your gallon will grow into 1.4 gallons when done due to the volume of the beads.
Paint away and go home. I would almost consider using this vs. Wall insulation due to the ease of install if you rent a spray rig. 10 minutes, put sides back on and done. Maybe $40.00 if I recall correctly.
No cold feet at 30* so far.

[astrotrailer]

I sealed the plywood bottom of my 5x8 trailer and then put in some 2 x 4 wood cut down to the same depth as the steel tubing supporting my floor.
I cut rigid 2 inch thick foam to fill all the spaces between the wood and steel. I filled any cracks with expandable spray foam. I covered
it all with fibergrass reinforced plastic so the whole bottom is covered. I used silicone caulking under the edges of the FRP.

I insulated the side walls with 1 inch rigid foam behind the plywood. I covered the floor, fold down back ramp and side walls with 1/2 inch
closed cell foam covered with carpeting. The ceiling has 1 inch rigid between roof supports and the whole top is covered with 1 inch closed
cell foam.

I installed the smallest Atwood furnace available. It draws 2 amps when on. I have a pair of 220 amp-hour batteries in the tongue box powered
by three 80 watt panels and a SunSaver MPPT solar controller. The furnace is a two stage so all combustion products stay outside. I have now
problem winter camping inside. The insulation prevents any problems with condensation. Click on my album to see pictures of the furnace
installation.

The insulation makes for a quite trailer so I don't here voices outside or the wind. It help keep the trailer more comfortable on warm
sunny summer mornings. I do astronomy and can sleep in until about 11 am after going
to sleep about 4-5 AM.

[Shadow Catcher]

When we tent camped we used a 1" Thremarest mattress, open cell foam between two layers of what started out as surplus May West life preserver material. Open the valve and it self inflates. Very comfortable in very cold weather. I am sure our 5" foam mattress is more than enough insulation.
We have two Kelty Car Tarps that fit Kedar rail on the top of Compass Rose. Very little weight very flexible in how they can be erected.

[BC Dave]

I used 1-1/2" ridgid pink foam cut to fit between exterior steel floor joists attached using foam glue; held in place with a 2X4 and jack while glue dried;(this takes a while to install) with foam adhesive (tube stuff; note temp rating )on my 6X10 CT. I'v used it for over 3 years in all seasons to -20C in winter with a heater. It made a great, noticable, difference on keeping the floor / trailer warmer. in small spots and voids I used spray foam to fill gaps.

We should all be concious of the toxic fumes of burrning foam or rubber; as in the interlocking foam pcs; if therer were ever near heat or fire close by, or sudder to think, inside.

cheers BC Dave

[Accordnc]

I want to use my CT during the fall months because that is the best time to go because it is not to hot and not to cold yet. But I notice when I used it last the floor gets colder and I have carpet for the floor but I need to think of a way to insualte under the trailer but make it safe enough to be able to drive down the road on trips and not worry of it falling out. So any ideas out there for me?

We used foam puzzle mats on the inside to insulate the floor. It made it much warmer (and softer) and avoided any of the concerns related to external insulation. It's held up well to wear and tear too. I do suggest cutting off the "interlocking" sections at the external borders.

I plan on adding some to our "real" toy hauler as well.

Here's an example - http://www.amazon.com/We-Sell-Mats-Anti-Fatigue-Interlocking/dp/B001EJPGPA/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

How are these mats at clean up as I would be using them with big 4x4 atvs in mud and snow but I know my wife would like the idea of warm feet.

[DriverOne]

I want to use my CT during the fall months because that is the best time to go because it is not to hot and not to cold yet. But I notice when I used it last the floor gets colder and I have carpet for the floor but I need to think of a way to insualte under the trailer but make it safe enough to be able to drive down the road on trips and not worry of it falling out. So any ideas out there for me?

We used foam puzzle mats on the inside to insulate the floor. It made it much warmer (and softer) and avoided any of the concerns related to external insulation. It's held up well to wear and tear too. I do suggest cutting off the "interlocking" sections at the external borders.

I plan on adding some to our "real" toy hauler as well.

Here's an example - http://www.amazon.com/We-Sell-Mats-Anti-Fatigue-Interlocking/dp/B001EJPGPA/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

How are these mats at clean up as I would be using them with big 4x4 atvs in mud and snow but I know my wife would like the idea of warm feet.

You could add a sheet of luan (sp) and cover it with polyurethane or linoleum...

[Accordnc]

I have purchased some high end 1/4" vinyl glue down floor tiles that I originally was gonna put in until I realized the warm foot prob the wife would appreciate and I don't care

[DriverOne]

In that case, may I suggest a plastic sheeting liner and some IO carpeting? That way you could remove the carpeting to clean it, and no dirt or oil would saturate into the foam.

[Rainier70]

I know that some on here have insulated their floors from underneath and then sealed the bottom with frp etc.

Are there any that left that foam layer open? I am wondering if the foam not sealed with frp etc would allow moisture to escape, or if it would collect and trap more moisture from a wet road etc. Also how much gravel road damage does the foam sustain between the joists?

Anyone not seal theirs that wants to share how their floor insulation is holding up???? What kind of foam board did you use? Pink, blue, white etc?

Thanks!!

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

[Prem]

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

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

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

Prior proper planning prevents having to insulate.

Life is short. Most "sheet" we own is just a ball and chain. Freedom is just a single word for no assets eating you financially and requiring you to stay home and work for them.

Life can be/should be a beach at times.

Click here --->https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1295&bih=647&q=zipolite&oq=zipolite&gs_l=img.3..0l10.2367.5255.0.9715.8.7.0.1.1.0.95.546.7.7.0....0...1ac.1.32.img..0.8.568.2WPVDNuv4L8#facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=58ZC37skfbZiiM%3A%3BVzrM1Pj9QlkgSM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.mentalwanderings.com%252Fphotos%252Fzipolite%252Fimg_0314.JPG%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww.mentalwanderings.com%252Fphotos%252Fzipolite%252Fimg_0314.html%3B500%3B375

[Tx River Rat]

Over the top
I also dont get it.
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 havent read it on any instructions from Dow.
As far as it not being proven , look at the other build forums , that is the normal way to build a sub floor ,seems to work well for the majority of folks on here.
I will do a little more work installing my foam before I will have less height inside my trailer. I just have to do it once,and the head knocking will be a continual thing for the life of the trailer .
Ron

[Hiflyer]

I cork floored my trailer as the floor is solid aluminum

Made a massive difference, although I do also have the grey carpeted foam tiles from lowes that I'll try this winter.

[Rainier70]

Hubby is tall. Installing insulation on top of the floor isn't a good option for us and our build.

The foam pieces on top might work, but I think they would be a pain for getting stuff in the cracks. I camp in dirty places and frequently carry dirt bikes and other messy things.

Flying south sounds nice, but when I only need to get out of the smoke from local field burning for a day or two, it seems a bit extreme and expensive.

Thanks for the replies though.

[Prem]

Well Rainier, it's not just about getting away from the field burning for a few days. It's about all the things to do instead of staying home. Here's just one fun thing to do---Barilete (black tuna):



I did the math. It's way cheaper than staying home and heating the house.