Forum Discussion

Buffblazer's avatar
Buffblazer
Explorer
Jun 04, 2019

Pop up winter insulation.

Working on the pop up truck camper this summer to get it ready for October.

I’m going to purchase Reflectix for the canvas. I have read about how effective it can be at keeping warm in.

I also have seen that trying to get heavy duty Velcro to stick to canvas can be difficult. So I was thinking that I could cut cardboard panels out that fit the canvas area and staple the reflectix to it.

Does it make sense to staple the material to both sides of the cardboard? Is my assumption that it would be double insulated be correct or am I wasting material and should just do the side that is facing inwards.

Also should I install some under the bed to keep the heat loss from the cab over?

Any other thoughts on preventing heat loss? Was also going to do the windows down below.
Truck Campers
  • s1214's avatar
    s1214
    Explorer
    Jun 05, 2019
    I have a NorthStar 850 popup with the articpac. This is an additional layer that fits along the vinyl. I add a layer of Reflectex between the two fabric layers. This virtually eliminates condensation on the fabric sides. I still keep a vent cracked and put 2 inch foam over the windows and skylight.
  • larkyblast's avatar
    larkyblast
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2019
    We are shopping for a new winter camper and I've decided to go hardside, but I see a lot of people do really well with pop ups. We were looking at the northstar pop up with the polar package. Great unit.
  • maddog348's avatar
    maddog348
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2019
    Just finished such a solution for my pop-up (4WheelCamper) I was lucky. 4Wheel comes with 2' wide strip of 'soft' velcro where vinyl meets the roof. Full length of sides.

    Used 24" reflectix cut in 42" pieces for ease of handling [3 / side]. Covered 1 side with Buffalo plaid flannel [sewn to reflectix] Sewed strips of 'cat paw' velcro to upper edge of shiney side. Seems to hang well. Also feel will help keep heat down during HOT summer days. only a couple of minutes to hang. NO Sadly they must be removed to lower roof.

    TakeCare ~ TravelSafe ~ HaveFun

    PM me any ? ~~ Got pics can't stick 'em here.
  • Buffblazer's avatar
    Buffblazer
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2019
    I used it last year in October for my elk hunts here in Colorado at 10,000 feet. Heater worked great but I did have condensation issues. My roof vent is broken so I plan to replace that so I can leave it a little cracked.

    The main issues I had was the sheets freezing to the canvas in the corners and when being close to a window while at the dinette my back would get cold being close to the window with nothing between me and the outside but glass.

    I didn’t really have an issue staying warm in bed but I also had plenty of blankets.
  • ppine's avatar
    ppine
    Explorer II
    Jun 04, 2019
    Good idea.
    Some ventilation is required.
    In a small space like a TC, a small propane heater like a LIttle buddy or using a coleman lantern can heat up the space and help dry it out. Hell making coffee with propane will do the trick. No need to run it except for a short time, not while you are sleeping.
  • larkyblast's avatar
    larkyblast
    Explorer
    Jun 04, 2019
    Have you camped in it in the winter before? There is going to be a lot of condensation in my experience which would make the cardboard a bad idea.

    Definitely need insulation under the bed as this is your biggest trap for moisture and the cab over base is not well insulated. When I can afford it I am getting the fruli sleep system. Eliminates moisture under there by allowing air flow. I've heard that reflectix under the mattress works well as does a good closed cel foam. I use my down backpacking mattress in my camper but it gets damp.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Jun 04, 2019
    Your plans seem reasonable. It is just difficult to insulate a popup.

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