Insulation question

[GrootVardo]

I am purchasing an angled teardrop from a small builder. When I asked about insulation, he first refused, then said he would insulate the top, which was done. The sides are 3/4" plywood and not framed other than the four corners. How do I insulate this, especially going around window and door, or is it needed? I plan to stain and seal the interior. (I have paid for trailer, but I do not have it yet as it is not finished yet)

 

[Alloy]

Expanded polystyrene with a foil warp provides the best bang for the buck but it will hold water. Extuded polystyrene is what I use for flat surfaces.

 

[GrootVardo]

I would have to then cover that with wood again and add more weight (and expense) to the trailer. (The trailer does not have brakes so I cannot go over 600 lbs according to Toyota (though it can tow up to 1500 lbs). I looked into it and brakes are not available for the trailer size axle and hubs). And, still I wouldn't know what to do with the gaps around the window and door.

 

[luthj]

XPS sheets with lightweight carpet glued to one surface would work. You could also use FRP panels glued to the foam for a bit harder interior surface. That should be pretty lightweight and provide decent insulation value. If judicious application of adhesive is used, the trailer would also be a lot stronger.

 

[old_CWO]

Over on the teardrop builder forum, there are many users happy with just what you describe: foam insulation on top and 3/4 plywood walls. Give it a try first and see what you think, especially if you are trying manage weight. Based on the quoted weight I am assuming this is a small trailer (4x8?) so a good sleeping bag and your body heat might just be enough.

 

[billiebob]

I am purchasing an angled teardrop from a small builder. When I asked about insulation, he first refused, then said he would insulate the top, which was done. The sides are 3/4" plywood and not framed other than the four corners. How do I insulate this, especially going around window and door, or is it needed? I plan to stain and seal the interior. (I have paid for trailer, but I do not have it yet as it is not finished yet)

It is tiny. How cold are you planning to camp in it. If there are no gaping gaps body heat will keep you warm. Insulation is overkill.
I camp 3 seasons in mine, the roof is a translucent panel. I'm thinking of adding a Propex heater but not insulation.
I prefer multiple sleeping bags.

 

[GrootVardo]

Thanks billiebob. While I do not plan on camping in snow and cold area, I have been surprised by snow before, like camping in Mammoth Lakes area in mid-June and waking to snow. But your info helps. Me and my dog, I suppose I will be opening a window for fresh air...

 

[Teardropper]

Teardrops (or squardrops like yours) need lots of ventilation. People put out a lot of moisture. Without good ventilation and no insulation, you'll get a lot of condensation on the interior walls.

Hang on, we'll get to insulation in a bit.

You can eliminate most of the condensation problems with a roof vent fan (and two screened windows). You don't need to run the fan very often but you'll want to crack it each night. You can eliminate all of the condensation issue with a ceiling vent and wall insulation. Either way, you need two screened windows to crack.

So each night you need a draft coming through the windows and out the vent. Having teardropped for sixteen years –with a teardrop without insulation in the walls and with– I'm a big believer in insulated walls. They are much better but not for what you would think –its the condensation issue.

Insulating a teardrop after it's constructed isn't going to be an easy project unless you just want to glue foam on and that doesn't seem the direction you're headed. What I would recommend is to use the heck out of your new camper this summer and see if you have a problem. Then maybe consider adding carpet to the walls or something along that line.

Just make damn sure he's putting a roof vent fan in.

Tony

 

[billiebob]

On the super tight insulated box.... which some Teardrops now are..... It promotes an unhealthy environment.

100 years ago the box bed was popular in Scotland. It took years to discover that closed little box which trapped moisture caused TB, Tuberculosis. Once Canada started "gentrifying" the north and creating settlements to stop the nomadic life of the Inuit those tiny homes we crowded them into created Canadas TB Crisis. The most important housing development in the past 40 years is the Heat Recovery Ventilator. The better insulated, smaller, tighter a box is, the more it needs an open window.

 

[GrootVardo]

Thanks guys. I do have a vent in the ceiling/roof, a window, and a screen door.