TL;DR: Where can I source a 24"x24" insulator/pillow for the NL cab over escape hatch?My wife and I took our 2007 NL TC out last weekend. We had a few new "experiences" (read issues) that I am working through. I'm not going to put them all down in this thread so I can get each one answered more efficiently.The temperature was nice during the day (mid-40's as a high) but did dip a bit at night (mid to low 30's). She complained about being cold, so I suggested bumping the heat up a notch or two. Well, that meant turn it half way up to her. I didn't realize until I was sweating like crazy. We ended up using a whole propane bottle (mostly that night). As you can imagine, that resulted in a lot of moisture/condensation in the air. The cab over sky light/vent is not insulated and as a result made a nice rain feature that night. :SDoes anyone have a source for a 24"x24" insulator/pillow? Camco makes a 14"x14" insulator that would be perfect if it were bigger. https://www.amazon.com/Camco-Insulator-Skylight-Reflective-45192/dp/B0024E6QX0

You have some easy options. the easiest is two layers of reflectix. you cut one piece to fit the curvature of the skylight and the second to fit the opening just above the shade. this creates an insulated airspace between the two pieces. I use a top layer of reflectix on the skylight and a square cut piece of 1" closed cell foam above the shade fitting the hatch opening.

When running the furnace with you and her inside, you really need to keep some ventilation inside, be it a roof vent open or a window. That condensation is not only where you can see it but where you cannot (on the backside of the wallboard and will eventually rot your unit.I use Relflectix on my windows and roof vents. Just cut to size and apply.

X3 on Relflectix, cheap and lightweight. Works for hot and cold conditions. Lowe's and Home Depot have it in different widths and lengths.

I know all about rot and that is a big concern. My wife is allergic to mold and couldn't step foot in many of the TC I fould. I wasn't trying to address that here as it would muddy the question. If I insulate the vents, it should help keep the temp up and reduce her urge to spike the thermostat. I can use the window or range vent to exhaust air periodically.

We went to a fabric store and bought a piece of 2" closed cell foam and the wife made a cover for it. works just like the 14x14 ones the camping stores sell.

SkyLight insulator | Good Sam Community

20 Replies

bkenobi
Explorer
Nov 29, 2018
Cold surfaces collect condensation. isolating cold surfaces should reduce condensation by keeping the other surfaces warmer. Isolated areas could produce trapped condensation so the removable vent pillow will be made with a terry cloth (absorbant/washable cover). It will only be used when needed and removed when home and oil heater in use.
PR_Connection
Explorer
Nov 29, 2018
I open roof vent in bathroom and above bed a small amount and crack both windows on either side of upper bed. Turn the heat to 65 and done. Minimal condensation on side windows and zero on roof vents. The flow of air out of the roof vents prevents moisture from forming as water droplets on cold surfaces. As soon as air flow is restricted u will have condensation and it will accumulate on cold surfaces.......typically where we breath the most hot air.....at night in the bed!
Buzzcut1
Nomad II
Nov 28, 2018
bkenobi wrote:
The cover on mine isn't transparent so not much benefit. I'm going to make a pillow and stuff it up there. 24x24x3" foam and a terry cloth pillow case. I'll put a 24x24 piece of Reflectix above pillow since that's how Camco does it. I bought a roll of Reflectix this morning and will have enough for the vent and under the matress. I might have enough left over to make some screens for the truck side windows too.

the second biggest heat leak is the door. this is what I do in the winter. Refletix attached by velcro
bkenobi
Explorer
Nov 28, 2018
The cover on mine isn't transparent so not much benefit. I'm going to make a pillow and stuff it up there. 24x24x3" foam and a terry cloth pillow case. I'll put a 24x24 piece of Reflectix above pillow since that's how Camco does it. I bought a roll of Reflectix this morning and will have enough for the vent and under the matress. I might have enough left over to make some screens for the truck side windows too.
dtappy3353
Explorer
Nov 28, 2018
would a piece of Plexiglass work with screen tabs to hold it in place? This method may act as a thermo-pane window. Plus....you get benefit of the light coming through instead of dark. Just a thought.
jimh406
Explorer III
Nov 28, 2018
ticki2 wrote:
Check under the reflectix in cabinets and under bed often , it has a tendency to trap condensation .

Thanks, but we don’t have a condensation problem at all with this RV. Never had.
ticki2
Explorer
Nov 28, 2018
jimh425 wrote:
We use reflectix as well. The pieces for all windows, vents, and skylight are easily stored away.

I've lined the compartments, under bed, and cabinets as well at their outer walls.
Check under the reflectix in cabinets and under bed often , it has a tendency to trap condensation .
jimh406
Explorer III
Nov 28, 2018
We could feel cold along the edge of the mattress before. The mattress doesn’t fit tight. We don’t feel the cold in that gap any more. We figured we might as well do it. I know there are others here who do it as well with other materials. Every bit you do keeps the heat from running as much. Reflectix comes in larger rolls, so we went for it while we were at it.
bkenobi
Explorer
Nov 28, 2018
Does under the matress really make a difference? The matress seems like a pretty good insulator already.
jimh406
Explorer III
Nov 28, 2018
We use reflectix as well. The pieces for all windows, vents, and skylight are easily stored away.

I've lined the compartments, under bed, and cabinets as well at their outer walls.