Best insulation ?

[Ken Jr]

I have not posted for a long time now, so first thing is Hi
Im hopping for some input as to the best insulated egg to snowbird between Alaska & Ca In the fall & spring. We have made this trip many times with our BF
Camper & it did a great job down to -20° F but now we are thinking of going back to an egg. Would enjoy any thoughts

[Ken Jr]

Just looked at my sig pic I no longer have that BF 5th wheel.
I was not referring to it at cold temps. That trailer was cold in the summer lol
I do have a 1970 trails west campstear project that could be super insulated
for just going back & forth AK to Ca. Just thinking. Ya I know look out!

[floyd]

leave Alaska early and go back late!

[Ken Jr]

Originally Posted by floyd

leave Alaska early and go back late!

Lol

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Ken Jr

Just looked at my sig pic I no longer have that BF 5th wheel.
I was not referring to it at cold temps. That trailer was cold in the summer lol
I do have a 1970 trails west campstear project that could be super insulated
for just going back & forth AK to Ca. Just thinking. Ya I know look out!

Reflectix is a good insulator and it is easy to install.
Be sure you insulate well inside the storage area under the benches.
How about a cover for the pop-up section made from something like packing blankets.
Maybe curtains made from the same material.
We have found that the windows are the worst for cold as they cascade cold air. We made removable window covers from Reflectix.
For convenience you could cover the walls and ceiling with foam backed carpet, or better yet Reflectix and Ozite.
Once insulated a Buddy heater will run all night on one canister and keep the whole rig warm.
Consider placing a solid foam board with aluminum foil on one side(Tuff-R) under your mattress. foam backed carpet on the floor would help too.
You could even put the Tuff-R under the trailer as well...
The stuff held up well in my first pole building shop and was very effective!
In fact it might work very well for the inside of your TrailsWest since it so square with flat walls, and the Ozite would glue very well to it.

http://www.ozite.com/dfiles/inout_carpet.pdf

[Ken Jr]

Thanks Floyd, All really great Idea's, but I'm wandering if there is an egg brand
That already has really good insulation from the factory

[Steve Outlaw]

Originally Posted by Ken Jr

...I'm wondering if there is an egg brand that already has really good insulation from the factory

The Oliver Elite series uses two layers of Reflectix; one on the inside of the outer hull and the other on the outside of the inner hull. There is also a dead air space between the two hulls. All the plumbing and valves are between the hulls, none are exposed to the outside air and the space they occupy is warmed by the furnace and the water heater. They have installed tank heaters on owner request. The trailer also has the capability of optional twin 30 pound propane tanks. Dual pane windows and an air conditioner with heat strips are standard as well.

[Kevin in Denver]

Here's a photo of what Casita uses vs. the "double shell" of the Lil' Snoozy.

Seriously, even though it's not much insulation, it's adequate for these tiny spaces.

The worst thing that happens is window sweating. Also, the edge of the mattress will mildew because it causes a cold spot that causes condensation that doesn't dry out quickly enough.

[Jon in AZ]

Besides Oliver, the best insulated eggs are the newer Bigfoot 2500 series trailers. Starting mid-2000's they were all built with additional insulation, thermal windows (a biggie, as others have said) and enclosed holding tanks.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Jon in AZ

Besides Oliver, the best insulated eggs are the newer Bigfoot 2500 series trailers. Starting mid-2000's they were all built with additional insulation, thermal windows (a biggie, as others have said) and enclosed holding tanks.

Best choice! Also if your truck can take it, a BigFoot slide in would be even warmer than their trailer.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Ken Jr

Thanks Floyd, All really great Idea's, but I'm wandering if there is an egg brand
That already has really good insulation from the factory

Whatever you buy then... Get a roll of Reflectix and make window covers since the windows are a major source of cold and condensation.

[Ken Jr]

Originally Posted by floyd

Best choice! Also if your truck can take it, a BigFoot slide in would be even warmer than their trailer.

We just sold our BF 3000 slide in, was great camper but the cab over bed
Became a problem for us as we got younger. My Truck is A Dodge 2500 diesel

[DonnaMarie]

Originally Posted by floyd

Whatever you buy then... Get a roll of Reflectix and make window covers since the windows are a MAJOR source of cold and condensation.

Hi Floyd! How did you make those reflectix window covers if you don't mind my asking. Thank you! You're sure right...they are cold!

[Steve Outlaw]

Originally Posted by floyd

Whatever you buy then... Get a roll of Reflectix and make window covers since the windows are a MAJOR source of cold and condensation.

Not in the Oliver...

[Larry,C]

Here is an idea of how to put reflectix on the windows. I built frames around the windows and put roll up shades for day and we put reflectix in at night.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Steve Outlaw

Not in the Oliver...

Yes some trailers have double pane windows which could cause a controversy over the word "major" so I took away the caps .
Thermopane windows are nice (and better than single pane in cold weather) but still not as efficient as a properly insulated wall.
I believe you will find that the Oliver, like other fiberglass trailers is tight enough that it requires some venting to reduce the condensation which will form on the windows and their aluminum frames.
If you ever stay in your Oliver in 20 degree weather, simply place your hand at the bottom of the window when the furnace is not cycling.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by DonnaMarie

Hi Floyd! How did you make those reflectix window covers if you don't mind my asking. Thank you! You're sure right...they are cold!

Mine are simple. I simply bought a roll of reflectix and use a pair of scissors to cut the covers to friction fit into the frames.
This was easy and works well but there may be better ways...
Like to cut them large enough to cover the frame and all and use velcro to fasten them (on a Scamp)
While we did fine for twelve years, our winter trips to Florida made the covers practical. They are nice but seldom used.
Another nice thing is that they block light for times when we stay close to a bright street light.

[Ken Jr]

Originally Posted by Larry,C

Here is an idea of how to put reflectix on the windows. I built frames around the windows and put roll up shades for day and we put reflectix in at night.

That looks wonderful thank you

[Ken Jr]

What's the coldest temp you & your egg have camped? And how did it do?

[Larry,C]

We have camped down to 15 degrees but we did have electricity that night. We weren't winterized and I don't have the factory furnace. We used the strip heater and a cube heater under the bed with the lower compartment doors open. It was 62 in the trailer in the morning. I think the additional insulating properties of the wood on the walls and ceiling help also. The next day the fitting on the P trap under the shower started leaking but I think it was caused by an impact with an ice ball on the interstate. Gave me an excuse to install a Hepvo valve to eliminate the P trap.