Self installing underbody insulation?

AuthorSP

Senior Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2021
Messages
250
Location
Portland
Has anyone done their own spray foam or otherwise insulated the bottom of their trailers, similar to what ETI does?

I'd like to look into this for options and best practices. I want to plan it so that I can access pipes and such afterwards if needed.

Thanks for any help.
 
I don't know if this is the best possible approach to a DYI insulation project....but this video might provide some ideas:


The underside of Slim's Trillium would be very similar to an Escape.
 
There are a few forum members that have insulated underneath. Maybe they’ll pipe up or you can search the forum.
 
I don't know if this is the best possible approach to a DYI insulation project....but this video might provide some ideas:

The underside of Slim's Trillium would be very similar to an Escape.

Thanks, that looks like a pretty good option, though I'm not liking the idea of drilling into the fiberglass...
 
There are a few forum members that have insulated underneath. Maybe they’ll pipe up or you can search the forum.

I did a couple of searches on "insulation" and "foam" without any luck. Finding the right key words is tricky.
 
Has anyone done their own spray foam or otherwise insulated the bottom of their trailers, similar to what ETI does?

I'd like to look into this for options and best practices. I want to plan it so that I can access pipes and such afterwards if needed.

Thanks for any help.

Wear clothing you were about to throw out, spraying the gaps gets messy.

I’m sure the total spray foam insulation by Escape is going to perform better, but I also wanted access in the event of a maintenance issue.
The one inch panels were for the gray and fresh tanks. I did add tank heaters before putting the tank panels on, which thankfully I’ve yet to use.
 

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Search for member Ron in BC

He's done some sheet insulation, and his post had photos, as I recall. Others have used sheet insulation and attached with construction adhesives.
I've considered doing it....but nah.....not conducive conditions if it's that cold out to be out & about.
What I have done is place a sheet of 1/2" foam floor mat down the middle aisle. It insulates some, and is soft on the foot and water impervious.
 
Last edited:
Yes, mine is third on the list of posts previously listed. "Adding underfloor insulation."

I've done it on both my 19 and 21. It makes the area where you walk warmer.

Very easy to do and no holes are required to be drilled in the f.g. except for the front "safety straps." I took a belt and braces approach. Not only are they a friction fit, probably wouldn't fall out, but I used panel adhesive and metal pipe strapping as backup.

Looks like someone on youtube copied me. :)

Ron
 
Saw the name of the topic and thought, "Hmm, insulation that self-installs? What's next?" :D
 
Watched the Slim Potatohead video. :nonono:

He's dead wrong about the need to add a protective plastic under it. Mine have done everything from Alaska to Baja and only picked up very minor divots.

Drilling into the floor definitely isn't required.

Ron
 
As usual I am off the wall and think outside the box. I had occasion to seal up the floor to wall gaps on our metal building. I used a foam gun and canned foam from a very reputable company called Wildlife
Control Supplies. Their foam gun( economy model) small crevice tubes and their cans of foam worked well for me. After spraying the foam in place and letting it set up, it’s easily and accurately trimmed with a Havalon Knife. If you consult their website and search “Foam” you will not only learn about their products but also get specifications on volumes and colors. Hope this helps. Never hurts to learn about another world that’s out there.
Iowa Dave
 
I started a project to insulate the water lines that cross under the floor and it turned into adding 2" blue foam board under most of the trailer. I used Loctite PL Premium FAST GRAB Polyurethane Construction Adhesive, which doesn't eat foam. Hard to find but Locktite PL Premium Max also works.

While I did put a coat of black latex paint on most of it, all of it has survived a couple of years of travel.
 

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