Insulation

I am guessing you own the unit and haven't or want any payments. We recently made a "BAD" purchase as the insualtin rating was not what we expected. We bought a different unit with the upgraded floor and walls. I believe about an R-9 is about all that can be achieved in the walls. While slide toppers, shade, extra insulation on the windows etc. may help, I believe you will be disappointed in the overall outcome of trying to renovate to upgrade insulation. This is my opinion only and live in Arizona and use our unit year round traveling in all different types of climates. We have been as cold and windy as 18* to a high of 115* while in the coach and we fairly comfortable but the unit was smaller and more manageable. So There ya go, I would think about parking in the shade full time or maybe it is a good time to treat yourself to a new or newer unit. Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !

erw1988 wrote:
But we're moving to Texas next year and want to be able to retain cool inside the trailer as much as possible. Is the best way to do this just to park under a tree or canopy, away from the sun for much of the day, and put tint on the windows,

Yes. The best way to keep the inside cool is to keep the heat OUT.
I'm presently thinking about checking into high quality IR blocking film for the windows of mine.....since they are single pane and not tinted.

I already have "pillows" stuffed in the overhead vents.

Yeah, we were looking at spray foam. I suppose it's still an option -- I just don't want to have to bother with the full body suit and gas mask. But if that's what I gotta do, that's what I gotta do. Donn's comment about the ROI not being there for replacing the insulation, whatever the option, is kind of sticking with me.

Look into spray foam insulation, some of what I have looked at has a higher R factor than others, it may be what you are looking for since you only have 2 inch walls to contend with.

Damn, alright. Thanks for the reality check, y'all. Then that would bring me to another question: what's the best way to retain heat and cold inside the trailer? Winter living in Oregon (in the Portland area anyway) isn't too big of an issue for us. I'll just put a skirt around the thing and make sure any air leaks are plugged. But we're moving to Texas next year and want to be able to retain cool inside the trailer as much as possible. Is the best way to do this just to park under a tree or canopy, away from the sun for much of the day, and put tint on the windows, while running a window shaker? (We're going to have shore power in the summer and there is no AC installed in the trailer right now.)

Your gap between the walls is probably one 2 inches at best. No way to get a house R rating in that space.

Typically RV's are built inside out. Meaning the walls are built instaled to the floor, wiring is strung theough the walls, insulation is pushed into the cavity and siding is stapled on. Unlike S&B houses with 2X4 walls RV walls are 2X2. There is usually very little room for insulation. If you really want to increase insulation it is going to mean using a product with higher R value than typical fiberglas insulation. What ever you do, the ROI is not there.

Hi,

I think your goal is noble but probably impossible to do.