Trying to decide whether to include insulation in build sheet

[KathC]

Hello Escape Owners

I have ordered an Escape 17B, and I'm trying to make an informed decision on whether to include the insulation in my build sheet. I have decided against the spray foam under the floor based on opinions in the forums.

I don't plan on winter camping, but could easily be in a situation where I could be in temperatures slightly below freezing. In my current trailer (a "fur-lined" Casita) I was quite comfortable in that temperature range, as a small heater easily kept it warm enough. I'm doubtful whether that synthetic carpet on the walls of the casita provides any significant insulation, but it never accumulated any apparent mold. Window condensation only seemed to be a real problem while I was cooking or boiling water, and I could easily fix that with a short use of the vent fan and a quick wipe of the windows, and continued use of the heater.

So, I welcome opinions, especially if someone has been lucky enough to do a side-by-side observation, with and without insulation. Is there space in the wall construction for enough insulation to make a significant difference in R-value (if that's even measurable in these trailers).

Also, if condensation on the Escape wall material has been an issue that would be helped by insulation, that would be good to know.

Thanks for any input you can provide. I hope I put this in the appropriate category.

Kathryn

[GRINGOandTICA]

Insulation keeps things cool too, if you use AC.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by KathC

Also, if condensation on the Escape wall material has been an issue that would be helped by insulation, that would be good to know.

I wouldn't know, sorry. The only ETI build I've owned has the extra insulation. But since it's best done during the build, I'm glad I went ahead and chose the option.

The one thing I absolutely LOVE is the dual pane windows. Dealing with drippy single pane windows in my Scamp was AWFUL.

[Kountrykamper]

The double pane windows are worth the option price. The whole package also helps keep down on exterior noise.

[Jim Bennett]

I have always maintained that if there was only one option I got, it would be the added insulation and dual glazed windows. Not only do they keep the heat out in warm weather, and the heat in during cold temps, it adds a good bit of sound insulation.

Plus, it is one of the few options that would be near impossible to add later.

[Loren & Cathy]

If there is one option that you should get, it should be the insulation package. You take a trailer on trips and you can go from Summer to Winter conditions at any time of the year. And as others have said, it is extremely difficult to add later. Loren

[steve dunham]

Having camped in below zero F temps in both a Scamp and a Casita , I would get the insulation package just to get the thermopane windows . Waking up to a wet pillow from window condensation is not my idea of fun.

[Dave Walter]

I have the spray foam insulation, extra insulation on walls and dual pane windows. I find the trailer cozy warm in cold weather, cool in hot weather and very quiet inside. To me the extra $$ for these features was well spent.

[cpaharley2008]

Did all in both my Escapes and will do it again in my next...protects the interior as well as the exterior, underneath.

[Ruthe]

I'm pretty sure the extra insulation helps in both hot and cold weather, but what's just as important to me is how quiet is in inside the trailer and I do think that is because of the insulation. If we were looking, I wouldn't buy a used trailer that didn't have the insulation and double pane windows.

[KathC]

Hello helpful people!
Thank you all so much for the quick replies! I'm sold on the insulation and windows.

One last question: I know that the seals on a couple of my home double pane windows have been compromised, causing condensation between the layers. Has this been a problem? I wonder if a lot of bumpy miles might put the seals at risk. (I may ask this question in a separate thread as well, but I'll keep watching this one.)

Kathryn

[cpaharley2008]

I'm aware of only one window in one unit that had an issue and I'm sure it is covered under the 2 year warranty.

[Mary F]

Hi, Kathryn. We got the insulation and double paned windows in our 21, as much for the Texas heat as for any winter cold. (We also skipped the spray foam on bottom.) Even though I see you're already convinced, I thought I'd chime in since we live in your area. FWIW, we have low-E glass, double paned windows in our 11 year old house and have had no condensation issues (seal failures) like we experienced in our previous house - so I'm thinking/hoping the technology has improved in the past 25 years. Have fun with your new trailer!

[kstock11]

We had one window in our 19' that "leaked" and Escape sent us a new one and paid for the replacement. But then, in my own home, we had 19 Anderson windows that went bad that were replaced under warranty, so we won't complain about this one window.