Cargo Trailer to Camper Conversion Part 3 How Effective is R5 Insulation

Just a quick video to show the difference insulation makes in temperature. I have R5 and its very interesting seeing the numbers.

[@wondermonkeyoutdoors]

Thanks for the video. I'm going thourgh my insulation choices and methods and videos like your really help.

[@iAmMarchal]

Glad to be of assistance Wonder!

[@user-uk5qz9ui6p]

Hi, you are spot on, nice work. I had the same readings on my first cargo conversion trailer. I’m working on my second interstate cargo trailer conversion. I used R6 1” foam board for my side walls, and I used 2 layers of R3 1/2” foam board for the rounded ceiling, and front. The 1/2” is Simi flexible so if cut slight large it can be wedged into place before installing plywood. I also used expansion foam on the bottom rails, and underneath to fill in any gaps,. This cut reduced draft, and stopped bugs from getting in

[@iAmMarchal]

Hmm. Some awesome tips! I like the idea of the expanding foam to defeat bugs and get into those tighter spaces.

[@chazbarclay]

Thank you.

[@OldExodus]

It’s good you have insulation but you should have put a radiant barrier before the R5 insulation so that it can reflect solar radiation thus keeping the temperatures down even more

[@brianjohnson8616]

Great video. I’m doing the same thing to my enclosed trailer as well and trying to figure out the insulation effectiveness. The foam boards I’m using is rated as an R6 at 1” thick. A chart I pulled up shows 80% effectiveness for heat retention.

[@iAmMarchal]

Hey Brian! It’s a fun little project! And that’s a fair insulation rating for 1 inch foam. I think R7 is the highest they go for the thickness. What type of trailer are you converting?

[@ebutuoycensorship8012]

Great video . I need to pick one of those ryobi thermometers up . I had a flir thermal camera but sold it recently . My trailer is white I wish you had both to compare . Nice job on the insulation. :) .

[@iAmMarchal]

Thanks ebutuoy! Those flirs are pricey. Eventually I’ll get one for comparison though. You make a good point. Would be nice to see side by side.

[@ebutuoycensorship8012]

@Marchal they are . But when I bought mine they were even more so . They are down in price ... but I have no need for it anymore . Definitely going to get a laser thermometer though . And I love ryobi. I subbed for more content can't wait ")

[@iAmMarchal]

@@ebutuoycensorship8012 I’ll watch out for them and snag one soon! I hope that you continue finding worthwhile stuff in the posts.

[@Dr.BruceGillies]

Would be great to see how it fares in the winter as well.

[@iAmMarchal]

I should pop in and get some readings. I’ll do that soon.

[@TexasJimmy55]

Did you get an inside temperature with the doors closed before and after the insulation install? If you don’t mind, can you let me know a couple of other things, how long did the project take you and what did you cover the roof insulation with? Thank you.

[@iAmMarchal]

Hi Old Jim! No I have not taken the temp with the door closed just to see what it is inside overall compared to outside. I will have to and let you know. The roof has the same gaps and thickness as the walls between the studs so I used the same insulation. I have not covered the roof. Thinking of doing FRP sheets. Or shiplap. Shiplap is easier to handle that FRP which flops around.

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

With as many of us out here doing these conversions maybe (and perhaps inevitably with the collapse of the American middle class) these damn RV resorts will start accepting our very clean yet moderately priced cargo conversions on their lots...

[@henryhawkins141]

How hot were the studs next to insulation? Curious about thermal bridging issues

[@iAmMarchal]

Sorry Henry I don’t recall. I’d assume just as warm since they’d transfer the heat.

[@joniboulware1436]

​@@iAmMarchalI think it would be worth going one more layer with 1 inch insulation covering the whole frame.

[@user-uk5qz9ui6p]

Pest Blocker type from home depot

[@closecatapult8472]

how do i contact you about a custom cargo trailer camper build?

[@iAmMarchal]

Hi STL [e-mail] is the email or message me on Facebook or Instagram @marchalxl

[@johndoe-ek6vl]

The best way to go on these conversions is to start with either silver or white trailer.. the best mod is by far an elastopolymer white roof coating. I noticed an immediate difference. My trailer is not insulated and I am able to keep it cool with a dual hose portable AC in the Florida summer.. maybe not efficient as insulation but I honestly don't care whether the ac or heater is running non stop at a campground or on my 3500w generator.