1986 Boler Upgraded

[Markz]

The box itself is aluminum, which absorbs heat quickly. I have to do some more testing but I hypothesize my solution should work long term.

The tray sits slightly higher, about 2 inches, than the lowest exhaust bend. I am concerned that excess condensation in the pipe will eventually choke out the exhaust. Accordingly, I just picked up an exhaust drain to splice into the line. Hopefully, this solution will prevent my concern from becoming a reality, so I can focus on turning the tray into a large muffler/heat trap. Attachment 147879

[ACHINBAC]

Black soft feeling closed cell pipe insulation will help, (not the crispy feeling open cell type) It bends easily& won't absorb road water...you might need another wrap of the fiberglass 1st as you'll be close to its heat tolerance. I still need to put some on my set-up as the fiberglass doesn't have too much R value...

[Markz]

Great idea.

[Shangie]

Originally Posted by Markz

We had a chance to make a few upgrades before heading out for the family vacation. New cabinet doors, back splash, porthole, Corian counter, induction stove, under-mounted original Boler sink, instant hot and cold running water, on demand 12v water pump, led lighting, bunk beds, microwave, electric heater, and shelves to name a few.

Hope you like it.

In the near future I will be mounting a Propex LP2000 heater under the couch for winter boondocking.

Wow it looks like you did a lot of useful improvements!

[Shangie]

Originally Posted by Markz

We had a chance to make a few upgrades before heading out for the family vacation. New cabinet doors, back splash, porthole, Corian counter, induction stove, under-mounted original Boler sink, instant hot and cold running water, on demand 12v water pump, led lighting, bunk beds, microwave, electric heater, and shelves to name a few.

Hope you like it.

In the near future I will be mounting a Propex LP2000 heater under the couch for winter boondocking.

I love how you divided the closet doors and created a mini table for the microwave- we are copying that. Excellent! Thanks!

[Markz]

Thanks [emoji4]

[Markz]

Tested out the winter modifications in a windy 19 degrees Fahrenheit day. Using only the Propex heater, after 4 hours, I was able to get it warmed up to 48 degrees.

I find it still a little too cold so planning on the following upgrades:
1. install insulation inside corner cubbies top and bottom, as well as in the closet,
2. Making some reflectix window covers,

I also found out my propex heater exhausts condensation found its way into the propane box, making everything wet. Apparently, the hot water vapor is able to up travel through the floor vents.

Back to the drawing board:
Will install a thick aluminum tube to run exhaust through to work as a heat sink and capture as much heat as possible while directing the water vapor elsewhere. I am using exhaust gases to warm up my LiPo batter and LP boxs.

I must say, I am impressed by the Propex hs2200 performance. It's battery usage is quite negligible.

Will report on the winter upgrade's performance when it's all installed.

I did also notice that the interior furniture and appliances were retaining a lot of the cold. I'm sure. given a few more hours, those surfaces would have warmed up considerably.

[Markz]

Finally got to reworking the Propex hs2200 exhaust.

I purchased a 30mm aluminum tube to create a path for the hot exhaust to travel below the tongue box while serving as a heat sink to transfer radiant heat to the bottom of the tongue box.

By extending the gasses to the front of the tongue box and creating a bit of a shield to redirect the gasses away from my front most floor vent, I can now feel the radiant heat warming the tongue box floor without any of the moisture getting into the box.
Attachment 147974Attachment 147975

[Markz]

I took a tip from ACHINBAC's pictures and purchased some exhaust vent covers to keep the critters out of the Propex inlet and exhaust. Will post when installed.

[Markz]

I picked up a Kelty Backroads Shelter to assist with winter camping, giving us a place to remove wet shoes before entering the Boler. As it is snowing today, it was a perfect day for a first try. I love how easy it is to set up alone and how compact it gets, easily stowing under the bench.
Attachment 148052Attachment 148053Attachment 148054Attachment 148055

[Markz]

Did a bit of insulating today.
Added some adhesive backed 1/4" insulation to the inside storage areas.
I assume this addition will help keep things comfortable. Attachment 148056Attachment 148057

[Markz]

Finishing up on the insulating:
Just completed the Reflectix window covers.
I purchased some upholstery edge piping and a large role of Velco tape (hooks only).
We cut the reflectix to overlap the windows and sewed the piping to the edges to protect them and add a bit of finishing. We then adhered the Velco to the inside edges.
Quite pleased with the end product and looking forward to trying them out.

[Markz]

Window coverings attached:Attachment 148071

[Markz]

Just finished the rest of the windows.

[ACHINBAC]

Hey Mark! Wishing you & Xin a very Merry Christmas fromJackie & I (posted it here as have had trouble w/pm in the past)

[Markz]

Just spent a very cold morning cutting and fitting 3/8" thick foam interlocking mats to the camper floor in hopes of further insulating our Boler.

It's not a scientific test, but kneeling on the mats is considerably warmer than kneeling on the composite flooring directly.

I believe it will help winter camping be a bit more comfortable and can remove when things warm up.

[julmar]

Originally Posted by Markz

Just spent a very cold morning cutting and fitting 3/8" thick foam interlocking mats to the camper floor in hopes of further insulating our Boler.

It's not a scientific test, but kneeling on the mats is considerably warmer than kneeling on the composite flooring directly.

I believe it will help winter camping be a bit more comfortable and can remove when things warm up. Attachment 148125

You are the Johnny Hung of bolers! He’s the mod guru of escapes.

[Markz]

Thank you!

[Markz]

Just got back from our first winter night of camping. It was 28 degrees Fahrenheit, so below freezing but not by much.
All the new winterizing work has paid off.
The interior of the boler stayed a comfortable 66 degrees with little effort. Actually kept the thermostat at the mid-point between cold and hot the entire night.
Looking forward to colder nights on future trips out.
Before the sun went away. My son and I were blessed to have family stop by for an impromptu BBQ.
We had planned for it to feel cold all night; long underwear, extra layers... definitely overkill for what we experienced inside our camper last night.

[ACHINBAC]

Looks like a great time Mark! Attached are pics of a product that would help you deploy and anchor your Backroads Shelter to the Boler - a Keder Rail w/ associated "roped" fabric which you would stitch to the underside of the shelter at some point back from the upper edge of the top flap - you'd determine the location by locating where to mount the rail 1st.