Ensolite Alternatives??

[hudman]

Hello everyone!

I'm new to this forum and new owner of a Triple E Surfside. it's an empty shell right now and we're looking forward to making it our own. At this point, I can't seem to find a lot of info on a GREAT Ensolite alternative that's reasonably cheaper.

Polyethylene seems to be fairly priced. Anyone had any luck with this stuff or anything else worked well?

Any input is greatly appreciated or direction to a great thread on the topic.

Chuck
ps. Will start posting picks of the reno shortly.

[Nelmes]

I used Reflectix and covered it with UV stabilized outdoor carpet. It worked well and carpet hides the seams. Buying two covers plus the adhesive to put both on added up.

I have also seen spray foam used, but the labour after to shape it seems too large to attempt.

[hudman]

Thanks Nelmes!

I was wondering if anyone had tried 'spray foam' with success as well. Seems like that would be tricky on getting consistent coverage.

I'll check out the reflectix stuff online shortly.

Thanks again!

[hudman]

Anyone hear of Polyethylene closed foam as an alternative? Any luck?

[WADDYWOODSTOCK]

I used reflectix glued on with 3M spray adhesive and contact cement.

[David Tilston]

Why not use Ensolite:
Ensolite IUO Peel and Stick --- 1 yard (13.875 sq ft) - RAAMaudio Inc.
or
Ensolite IUO --- 1 yard (14 sq ft), Glue On version ( I recommend the PS version for most installs as far easier to work) - RAAMaudio Inc.
with
V&S Spray Adhesive, used for regular Ensolite or other glueing needs, do not use it on PS Ensolite or BXT II, not needed - RAAMaudio Inc.

Paint it with a good vinyl paint, with a big fluffy roller. Should end up like elephant skin. I just might try it on Humpty Dumpty.

[hudman]

I like the look of the reflectix on the lower half of the shell interior... carpet the sides, then 'hardwood' the floors and I'm up and running there! Thanks for the pic!

David-I'm totally into the ensolite thing, as it is the best, and thanks for the links! I will probably go with that unless I hear of something else comparable. Do you know what thickness I should be looking for with Ensolite in our camper?

Is Ensolite pretty much a closed foam product, ie polyethylene? I only ask this as I found a place that sells 50ft rolls of it for aruond 120 delivered. IF not, then Ensolite it is and thanks for the help on the topic!!

[hudman]

...and thanks for the pointer on painting with the roller, and a "good vinyl paint"

[WADDYWOODSTOCK]

Here is floor with reflectix then sub than wood laminate

[hudman]

That is money!! Looks great!! Definitely doing that for the lower half. Great job!!

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by chuckbam

Do you know what thickness I should be looking for with Ensolite in our camper?

Is Ensolite pretty much a closed foam product, ie polyethylene? I only ask this as I found a place that sells 50ft rolls of it for aruond 120 delivered. IF not, then Ensolite it is and thanks for the help on the topic!!

Chuck, I would say the stuff in my Trilliums is 1/8" thick, or thereabouts.

I am not sure I understand your question. Ensolite is a closed cell, black foam that is a fair to middlen insulator. It is heat resistant. It was originally used in aircraft.

50 feet for $120 sounds like a good price.

[Donna D.]

Just don't get sucked into buying something cheap and they call it ensolite and it's really an open cell foam. Y'all know what happens right? There's a reason they used open cell foam for kitchen sponges.

Either way, the effort to put it on the wall is going to be the same.

[hudman]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Just don't get sucked into buying something cheap and they call it ensolite and it's really an open cell foam. Y'all know what happens right? There's a reason they used open cell foam for kitchen sponges.

Either way, the effort to put it on the wall is going to be the same.

Thanks Donna, I'll be sure not to grab any of that!

[hudman]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

Chuck, I would say the stuff in my Trilliums is 1/8" thick, or thereabouts.

I am not sure I understand your question. Ensolite is a closed cell, black foam that is a fair to middlen insulator. It is heat resistant. It was originally used in aircraft.

50 feet for $120 sounds like a good price.

Yes, 50 feet for 120 delivered seems like a great price. It's from the foam factory, available in Canada and the USA. Closed cell, acoustic dampening, heat resistant, fire retardant, etc.. Seems like a decent product. Comparable...

"http://canada.foambymail.com/VA/polyethylene-foam-roll.html"

Haven't pulled the trigger yet on it. I might just order a small piece of both to compare and paint and see how the polyethylene holds up.

Thanks for all the input David!

[Carl Brooks]

Originally Posted by WADDYWOODSTOCK

Attachment 70855


Here is floor with reflectix then sub than wood laminate

Claudia,
That turned out great. Whats next?

[Seldomseensmith]

I'm using a material that is used for lining trunks of cars over Reflectix. It is very durable and cheap. I'll post again when finished.

[hudman]

That looks great too... What is it called?

[Anthony]

Canvas glued on with Titebond II and then painted would be good too. I got that trick from the Teardrop forum. They use it as cheap man's epoxy.

[Seldomseensmith]

Amazon.com: Absolute C20TAN 20-Feet Long/4-Feet Wide Carpet for Speaker Sub Box, RV Truck Car/Trunk Laner (Tan/Cream): Car Electronics

[Seldomseensmith]

I read and read on this subject and realized that most of what people are using is well out of my budget. At the same time I have reasonable standards and didn't want some mess of a material. Eventually I took a shot at this stuff and I would say its gonna look good and last for a long time. The front is just like what you would find in the trunk of a car and the back is a very thin but stiff resin type application. If you have an iron on patch, the back of this material is similar to the back of the patch. The one thing that comes to mind as a caution is that my trailer has rounded edges but is far less bubble like than a lot of the other trailers on here. Making those edge fits may be a challenge. I haven't had any major challenges and i assume a heat gun would soften it up quite a bit if I needed. This may be a bit beneath many on this forums standard but I'm building a sub 1000# hard sided tent with a little bit of style.