OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

[revorunner]

Thanks for the update Overthetopcargotrailer. What are the coldest temps you plan on using your CT in? I think your idea of more insulation is the way to go. The more the better in my opinion. That mat should work quite well if its going to be under your bed.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

I will have to experiment around a little with the heating mat. I read about another mat that they can heat up to 175 deg.
I'm trying to avoid installing it onto a cement tile board due to the extra 100 lbs , I'm thinking to maybe install with a dimmer switch and then at maybe 1/2 to 3/4 power or so it will stay under 125 deg. They also have some smaller mats 2x 3 ft for around $79 each. I'm almost done removing the cabinets and will start with the insulation panels soon. I'll keep you guys posted as to how well it works..... BUT I am very hopeful

Jerry

[roadinspector]

Jerry,

Please do. This is interesting.

Earnest

[Dirtclod]

OTTCT, I actually thought about doing just that .. radiant floor heating for the trailer I am building but thinking it would have same issues that you have run into. Wood above the coils absorbs too much heat and tile or concrete board too heavy.

How about just running this stuff under the bed mattress itself kinda like some popup campers have. Like this: http://electrowarmth.com/12vbunkwarmermattresspad.php

Please let us know how it works out for you.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

It's a lot cheaper then the floor heater, just happens I bought the floor mat first.

I will try to install without the tile and use a dimmer to reduce power and then go from there
As I'm redoing the insulation now, I guess it may be 2 plus weeks till I get around to that option

Jerry

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Here we go , I have decided to remove all the cabinets and install a 2nd layer of insulation on the floor, walls & ceiling. The first is just not working to my satisfaction because the metal ribs under the plywood transfer too much heat or cold. IMHO the foam inside the walls is not worth bubkus !


With the old insulation I was picking up approx 10 deg over the exterior temperature. With this new lawyer I'm hopeful that I will be able to pick up 25-30 deg. My design goal is to be able to camp out in 25 deg F and be able to maintain 50 deg F inside without any additional heating other then ambient heat from my body, tv, fridge & inverter.

Currently also the 5,000 Btu ac is barely keeping up with the cooling load in full sun at 95 deg exterior temp, this upgrade should also have the same effect as upgrading to 8,000 Btu estimated, but for the exact same power of 500 watts.


In the next few days I will test the insulation and will see how it goes, I still have a small section of about 20-30 sq ft to install, hopefully tomorrow.


The foam board is from Dow Corning and has a R4 value for 3/4" thickness. Cost is around $15 per 4 x 8' sheet. Worst case I will have to install another layer - but may wait to do that in my next trailer.

photo 1-4.JPG (90.06 KiB) Viewed 3225 times

photo 1-4.JPG (90.06 KiB) Viewed 3225 times

I have posted some bugger pictures on my blog as they were to large to upload here




http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

[revorunner]

Now were talking. The more insulation the better. That should keep things nice and toasty. Like you say OTTCT , the more the insulation the less the power consumption.

[Shadow Catcher]

Two suggestions. I am also a big fan of Anderson Power Poles and used a lot of them. However the prospect of plugging and unplugging the SureSine was not what I wanted to do when on shore power and if you forget to... so I used a 30A DPDT switch, center off. I also used Power Poles for the solar panels.
One other suggestion check out Flexride http://www.ucfamerica.com/flexiride.html With them you can change the spindle/arm and they are adjustable for height by removing the spindle and shifting it. I have a Dexter but may eventually change it.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Hi Shadow Catcher

I am also a big fan of of Anderson Power Pole connectors ... but for solar panels
Aren't you sworn to use MC4 connectors, anything less is Heresy

Insulation update. This morning 5 am I checked the internet 39 deg ....
I ran out to the trailer & checked the inside temperature also 38.8 deg S*****T DID the insulation fail ?
I wanted to kill myself...
as I went back inside I noticed frozen water in my yard, YAHOO SUCCESS
The real temp was 31 outside and 39 inside trailer - with nobody or anything inside.

Right now it's 38 inside trailer and 45 outside. But the cargo door & other spots are not done yet.

Will update more latter after some more testing.
I can already see if there were 2 layers of 100% - total of R8 everywhere , you can heat with a match & cool with a ice cube.

5,000 btu a/c with 100 deg exterior sun would still kick ass :-))
you can't get insulation that good in a MB van or something else unless it's sprayed foam.


http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Dont know why this form makes some pictures go sideways ?
so just turn your head 90 deg till you hear a crack

photo 1-5.JPG (85.82 KiB) Viewed 3132 times

Here is the corner post that is a big hole, I installed a 2" x 3" and will put the smurf board around it like sheetrock

photo 2-6.JPG (102.53 KiB) Viewed 3132 times

Just a few strips left to go & the rear cargo door will be supper sealed,
click on picture to get bigger view

photo 3-2.JPG (84.17 KiB) Viewed 3132 times

You guys just need to send me some gas money for North Dakota

[Mark519]

Jerry
If you are talking about 22" ground clearance you must be going with spring axles? I do think the Ultrafab 30" jacks would be the choice for 22" clearance.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

I'm guessing about the 22" ,
because the trailer hitch normally on carmate is 20" and I'm asking for the
For dexter torflex -22.5 deg neg so that should add 2" at least.

They seam to have issue buying the jacks
So I may need to do them myself.

Jerry

[Mark519]

If hitch is 20" then you would need to subtract 6" for frame?

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Hi guys

I'm sorta of depressed these days as its a real hassle to order a new
Trailer. I wanted a minor dexter axel change change from 22.5 up
To 22.5 deg down and to get the never adjust elec brakes. That makes
Each axel about $45 more expensive .... WTF ... They wanted $440
More for $90 extra cost - it's actually less work as they don't need to
Adjust brakes.

Then they wanted $320 labor for 1 hour to install 4 side vents
business must be really good or customers must be real stupid.

Yada yada.... It just goes on & on.

On a good note , the second layer of insulation is kickIng Butt
Last night it was 30 deg & I had the interior nice and warm
In 12 hours I used 3.4k of electric - about 10,000 But temp was 60 deg
Inside the trailer - it's also only 3/4 done.
For the 24 hours I used 4.0 kw

At this rate 1 gallon of propane would last 9 days
A 20 lb bottle would last about 40 days :-))
I'm pretty sure usage can be further reduced with more
And better insulation. As I'm Planing for the next trailer

If the greedy blood sucking trailer salesman are willing ?

[bdosborn]

business must be really good or customers must be real stupid.

Most people wouldn't have a clue what materials cost and wouldn't know where to look for prices. I have the same problem with car parts, it seems now that most repair shops charge way more for parts than I can get them for.

I guess that's why we do our own work....

Bruce