Advice for first time rv buyers
Hi, We are seriously considering the fulltime rv lifestyle for our family. We have four children and two big dogs. We will need to live in our toy hauler for the next 2 1/2 years while my husband fi...
Forum Discussion
A Keystone toy hauler is not the best insulated toy hauler out there. And just to clarify that, I am referring to the quoted R-values, which I will explain later. Additionally, like others have stated, you are going to have to do some things beyond the norm to avoid frozen water lines, like drop a light bulb in the basement area and get some skirting. Dual pane windows will help a lot, but note that eventually they will lose their seal and condensation will appear between the panes.
Getting the whole family and dogs living in an RV is another thing that I have no knowledge to direct you on. I have a teenager, and I definitely wouldn't want to be stuck in there for months on end with her!...LOL, seriously. But you know your family better than we do, so that's your call.
Back to the 4-season RV part - This is a subject I have done much research on. Last I checked, Keystone was quoting R-31 for their floor and roof. You will want to check what they are quoting currently. Know that there is only so much insulation that can go into an RV, and the R factors don't tell the whole story, but they help differentiate some between better and best.
Nowadays, manufacturers are using either fiberglass or foam insulation, but most are using fiberglass. In addition to that, they are installing reflective foil insulation, which is usually a foil-backed bubble wrap with pretty high R values. The value varies with the type of foil insulation. So they are adding the R-value of the foil insulation and the foam or fiberglass to get an overall number. But remember - reflective foil isn't the same as fiberglass or foam as far as being a physical barrier. It primarily acts to reflect/deflect the inside temps back into the inside, and the outdoor heat/cold back to the outdoors.
I hope that helps you. :)
Getting the whole family and dogs living in an RV is another thing that I have no knowledge to direct you on. I have a teenager, and I definitely wouldn't want to be stuck in there for months on end with her!...LOL, seriously. But you know your family better than we do, so that's your call.
Back to the 4-season RV part - This is a subject I have done much research on. Last I checked, Keystone was quoting R-31 for their floor and roof. You will want to check what they are quoting currently. Know that there is only so much insulation that can go into an RV, and the R factors don't tell the whole story, but they help differentiate some between better and best.
Nowadays, manufacturers are using either fiberglass or foam insulation, but most are using fiberglass. In addition to that, they are installing reflective foil insulation, which is usually a foil-backed bubble wrap with pretty high R values. The value varies with the type of foil insulation. So they are adding the R-value of the foil insulation and the foam or fiberglass to get an overall number. But remember - reflective foil isn't the same as fiberglass or foam as far as being a physical barrier. It primarily acts to reflect/deflect the inside temps back into the inside, and the outdoor heat/cold back to the outdoors.
I hope that helps you. :)
