Is insulation worth it for a Texan

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

Are we talking Texas cold or Minnesota cold ?.

Yeah, that's the point. Texas cold, since the OP specifically mentioned it. We've had cold snaps here where it can get down to freezing, but they don't last long, and have never caused an issue when we camp. For those who've never wintered in South Texas, you've no idea how mild it is. Right now outside where we are staying in the Rio Grande Valley, it's 72 and sunny, and it still hasn't recovered from the cold front that came through the central US a few days ago. Normal high here is low 80s this time of year.

The thermal windows and insulation work very well for us, but we just don't see the need for the spray foam. In Minnesota, I think the spray foam is a no brainer.

[steve dunham]

We had 28 below zero last Sunday morning , we had 39 deg above zero this Tuesday afternoon . The same in November , it was in the 40 's and 50's the week before deer season then on Saturday of the same week ( deer opener ) we had 4 below zero and snow.
In a matter of a couple of days the spray foam + heat pads would have gone from useful to useless. For people who live in a climate or travel in areas that do not experience such huge temperature swings or extreme cold , the spray foam and heat pads may well be worth the money.
I am not questioning the wisdom of anyone who purchased this option but for us it may have limited value. It gives me something to ponder over the looooong Winter.

Happy Holidays to all
Steve D

[float5]

Originally Posted by The Quilting Lady

We've added tons of stuff to our build sheet and didn't think we needed the insulation since we live in the south. Now I am wondering if it would help. Anyone have any advice on this!

One could easily make the point that the more one camps in Texas or other hot weather states, the more one needs insulation and spray foam. Believe Dennis from Escape said that the spray foam helped immensely in Texas with keeping heat from getting in from underneath the hot surfaces below the trailer. Since most people camp in warmer months and those in the north rarely use their trailers for many months during winter, the possible use all year in Texas includes the very hot weather months, when all of the insulation you can get helps. Spray foam and insulation may help those up north for some extra days of camping but they can help campers in Texas all year.

[Loren & Cathy]

In February of 2013, we went to Texas to see the Casitas and then slipped down to Corpus Christi. We ended up on this island where people were camped out right on the beach which was pretty neat. In talking to one camper, his comment was that you wouldn't want to be here in a few months from now. Loren

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by float5

Believe Dennis from Escape said that the spray foam helped immensely in Texas with keeping heat from getting in from underneath the hot surfaces below the trailer.

I suppose it could help a little if you camp on concrete that's been in the sun all day, but once you've set up, that surface is in the shade and that heat will dissipate. Hard to compare though, since you'd need to spend time in two trailers, one with foam and one without, at the same time and place.

[Greg A]

I'm with you Robert. Heat coming through the floor we haven't experienced in AZ in any brand trailer. We don't camp much on concrete here as in hot climates they shy away from building campgrounds or parks with concrete pads and use desert dirt or gravel. I wouldn't get the spray foam initially, because if for some reason you decide it's needed for your situation, it is an easy after market add.

[rbryan4]

That was our rationale Greg. We could add the under foam later if needed, but the windows and walls were another matter.

[float5]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

I suppose it could help a little if you camp on concrete that's been in the sun all day, but once you've set up, that surface is in the shade and that heat will dissipate. Hard to compare though, since you'd need to spend time in two trailers, one with foam and one without, at the same time and place.

I think he was talking about moving place to place, too, but any insulation will help keep the heat out of the trailer whether bottom, top or sides. Just as cold comes in through the floor in colder weather, insulation underneath would help keep heat from coming in in hotter weather.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by float5

I think he was talking about moving place to place, too, but any insulation will help keep the heat out of the trailer whether bottom, top or sides. Just as cold comes in through the floor in colder weather, insulation underneath would help keep heat from coming in in hotter weather.

Any insulation we can get , we get . Works heat or cold . Also noticed a few pieces missing on bottom , thinking it could be damage to trailer if not for the insulation . Easy to spot repair if needed . Pat

[Jim Bennett]

I am not getting the spray foam or heat pads. I am not at all convinced that it does that much good. Why insulate a floor way better than the walls and ceiling are. I do believe it does some good, but not all that much.

That said, I may put a thin layer on later, once I have done all mods. It will look a lot neater, and be just as effective. A bit of labour, and minimal expense, and all will be good. A 1" layer would be up to R6.

I too am of the same mind as Robert. I would think that the heat gain from the ground in warm locations will not be all that great, is it would dissipate in the shade of the trailer. Even when moving, the convection currents from the wind would minimize any gain from the road. Of course, this is purely speculative on my part, but I bet there is merit to my thinking. It would be great to see some comparisons, and easy to do, just measure the temp of the floor surface of two trailers side-by-side at a rally, with and without the spray foam.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by float5

Just as cold comes in through the floor in colder weather....

Cold does not come in, instead heat leaves. The resultant though is the same.

[float5]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Cold does not come in, instead heat leaves. The resultant though is the same.

Yes, I thought about you when I posted that but I posted it anyway!!

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by float5

Yes, I thought about you when I posted that but I posted it anyway!!

LOL..... Gosh, I fell honoured, thanks..... I think!

[Mike & Donna]

What I would suggest is the thermal windows and insulation are Must Haves? Seems like everyone agrees that's a no-brainer. The main discussion is whether or not to add the spray foam insulation. So look at the places you would like to camp and go from there.

For me, I always have cold feet so I want the floor to be as warm as possible in winter so I am getting the spray foam even though I live in the warm climes of Texas. We do plan on camping in weather with temps in the teens and twenties.

Also from a monetary perspective if you are at the top of your budget then scratch the spray foam as you can alway add it later when your finances allow for it. As for the windows and insulation it's buy it now or never.

[float5]

Actually, we should make clear that when someone insulates they are usually doing two things with houses or trailers: sealing places where the "wrong" air can get in, and insulating. Both. To keep the "right" air in and the wrong air out is part of it.

[MacMan]

Originally Posted by The Quilting Lady

We've added tons of stuff to our build sheet and didn't think we needed the insulation since we live in the south. Now I am wondering if it would help. Anyone have any advice on this!

We live in Bandera, Texas and have a 5.0 with insulation. I am very glad I got the insulation. Right now we are in Big Bend (actually we are in Lajitas) and over the past couple days the night temps have dipped to below 30 degrees. Additionally, we were in Jasper this past summer and the temps were also below freezing a few nights. My advice, get the insulation: it also helps with the AC when you use it.
Mac Man

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by float5

Actually, we should make clear that when someone insulates they are usually doing two things with houses or trailers: sealing places where the "wrong" air can get in, and insulating. Both. To keep the "right" air in and the wrong air out is part of it.

one for Me ,one for Linda . Hate cold floors . Pat

[H46Driver]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

That was our rationale Greg. We could add the under foam later if needed, but the windows and walls were another matter.

I think you've hit on a very logical "for Texas" answer - get the windows and walls now - spray foam later if you miss it or after you're done doing mods underneath. If no mods desired, what the heck, it won't hurt to have it!

[Bobbito]

When camping with our 21 in weather at or even near freezing the floor is cool enough with our spray on foam. It would be a lot colder without. Even when camping at Black Canyon by Santa Fe in September we found the floor cool (temp around 38 F at night)


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[cpaharley2008]

The foam may help with those nasty pests from entering the tailer escaping the heat down there, also it protects the tanks and other plumbing and undercarriage components, several members had road debris bounce up and take a chunk of spray foam while protecting the tanks from damage.