Forum Discussion
westend
Aug 18, 2017Explorer
I said all this because there seems to be almost a singular focus on how well an handles the cold, and no discussion about how it handles the heat. I think this is because there is a general consensus that, if a RV designed to handle the cold well, it will also be good for the heat. While this is true to some extent, I think the complete ignorance of radiant heat, which is he main source of heat in the summer on RVs, has lead to a misunderstanding that a good cold weather RV is best for summer heat as well, and this is simply not the case.If you are a builder, you should know that R-factor is a resistance to the transfer of heat and cold.
Considering all the above information, my question then is. Are there Travel Trailers that are specifically design with a focus on use in a hot climate where there will a lot more radiant heat then conductive heat to deal with?
One large problem with RV's is that the Mfg's skew the R- ratings by tossing in a foil bubble wrap and add the large rating number into the mix. Since the bubble wrap is never installed to meet the high rating, i.e. installed in a cavity with no convective loss, it is a marketing gimmick.
What I did with my trailer is probably not what you want to do but maybe it's insightful: I gutted the whole thing from the inside. I packed in as much extruded insulation board as I could friction fit in the cavities. From the wall cavities, I then installed a 4 mil vapor barrier. Inboard of that vapor barrier is 1/4" fanfold extruded insulation. This latter layer removes any conductive transfer through the wall studs/exterior skin. Paneling was laid across the frame and secured with finishing nails and screws. I pretty much did the whole trailer like this--wheel wells, ceiling, floor.
I also eliminated a good bit of window glass and replaced what glass is left with Low-E sliders or a stationary panel. The roof was painted with a white acrylic coating. I replaced the RV furnace with a non-electric propane heater, surrounded with masonry. The furnace is piped for combustion and make-up air in the stack.
The result of all my work is a trailer that is easy to heat and cool. If I leave windows open to catch 70f night air and close everything up in anticipation of a 90f day, the interior temps at noon will be 75f.
I haven't done a lot of Winter camping but if it is like previous trailers I've upgraded, parking in average MN Winter temps of 10f, will mean 30 lbs. of propane/wk for heating. Water heating and cooking, which vary by number of occupants (as do door openings), will add to the propane bill, maybe an additional 20 lbs/wk.
You are probably not looking for all the work of a gut out and repack. Just try to find a trailer with solid insulation, thermal windows, and an efficient air conditioner/heat pump. Using some type of shade cloth in Summer and skirting in the Winter will add a lot of comfortability.
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