Preparing My Trailer for Winter Camping Part 1 : Adding Insulation Underneath

[@arunprasadh1929]

Slim, there is something about your videos that’s very soothing and calms me down whenever I’m little anxious. Sometimes I even go watch your old videos. Thank you for making these videos for us.

[@ventilate4267]

Probably the grandparent "like feeling"

[@denisefarmer366]

He talks to us like we're right there. As if we're friends.

[@maryj1754]

@@denisefarmer366 : That is so true.

[@beverlybalius9303]

I agree.

[@jimarmstrong1458]

You’d think the manufacturer would do this as standard practice or offer it as an upgrade. Nice work Slim!

[@ReflectedMiles]

In addition to road-debris damage, another reason to seal access to the foam with some kind of plastic, etc., is that insects like to tunnel in it and nest if they get a chance, or haul tiny pieces of it away to wherever their nest is, particularly termites and ants depending on where you happen to be staying if it is for a long enough time for them to discover it. This can happen with foam-insulated RV's that sit for a long time if insects can find a way into the wall or ceiling cavities, as well as in homes with basement / foundation applications. Various commercial solutions have been tried with borates, etc., but with limited success. I think Dow stopped making their anti-insect blue board.

[@araucariapasquale1]

Don't know a damn thing about foam or trailers, but this sounds right. I feel educated. Thank you sir.

[@arthurxxxxxxx6664]

Slim I have spent alot of time on my garage cement floor under a car I am restoring and I had the neck discomfort you probably experienced under your trailer. I solved the problem by filling an empty plastic 2 liter soda bottle with water and screwing the lid back on tight. Placed under your neck, it supports well and is able to be easily rolled under a vehicle.

[@SlimPotatohead]

I love it when someone suggests a solution that is practical, easy to make, uses common materials, recycles, and is FREE. Thank You! SP

[@richardthomas1743]

I like how you insulated the bottom of your Camper. You always come up with solutions for everything. I am definitely looking forward to part two. Thanks for taking us along Slim!

[@danreed7889]

He always does

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

truthfully, I did not really notice too much improvement. The floor is always cold as the heat goes out the top and sides so fast in the Aliner..lol

[@bernbuilds1528]

Slim, a home builder here, there is a building sealant tape maybe 4” wide, 20 or 50 ft roll about $30. Used to seal all exterior siding OSB foam penatrations. It does not let go, like a rubber compound. I highly recommend covering all seams and screw heads with it to keep moisture out. Your screws are going to attract moisture through condensation and “vapor “ movement” which could travel up the screws into the plywood by wicking action (heat inside attracts cold screws). Easy peasy & totally sealed. My wife and I enjoy your videos keep it up good job! Hulbert, Oklahoma

[@joanelsullivan7866]

I've always said. If you want it done right do it yourself.Slim never ceases to amaze me.

[@dougzirkle5951]

These fixer-upper’s are some of my favorites, Slim.

[@peacefulwife5199]

I love this improvement. Warm feet are hard to beat. 😊

[@derickmitchell9852]

Over the years in construction, I inherited many sheets of foam board & FRP board. FRP is a fiberglass product, sometimes called dairy board. Both products can be bought at Lowes or Home Depot. I laminate the two products to make insulated wall & ceiling panels. The stuff makes good walls for teardrop trailers.

[@mateor7302]

I was thinking FRP also when watching the video

[@feathers352]

That material is called coreplas and is available at sign materials places. I would put aluminum straps over the panels to hold them up also possibly instead of the screws.

[@Roarmeister2]

Coroplast is a brand name for one manufacturer of corrugated plastic sheets also known under the trade names of Cartonplast, Polyflute, plast, FlutePlast, IntePro, Proplex, Correx, Twinplast, Corriflute or Corflute.

[@FrethKindheart]

Can't wait to see the new heating solution and how well the insulation does.

[@scotchrocksred]

your videos act as a mental therapy for me. you are appreciated more than you probably realize, thank you

[@cyberi4a]

Will be interesting to see how it all holds up over time.

[@timcomer262]

Was looking forward to a trailer upgrade/camping prep video. Interesting application. I hope it helps a lot.

[@biohazards7933]

The leaf brings character to the plastic covering.

[@christinae30]

.... - "for just a small extra cost"... Autumn special

[@danmanx2]

I'm looking forward to your foam temperature indoor video and future heating experiments! Thanks Slim!

[@pamplant3610]

I live full-time in a 5th wheel trailer. I highly recommend you using the silver cold weather HVAC tape versus any other type of tape. Not only does it hold extremely well, but stays on a long time. I skirted my trailer with the foam insulation and used the HVAC tape to hold it in place around my trailer 8 years ago and it's still holding well. Just a suggestion.

[@P_RO_]

When they recommend an amount of glue for a project, you're going to need 1/3 to 1/2 more. I add 50% and return the unused tubes and it's not often that I have any full tubes left over.

[@originalsixx]

Good evening, Slim.

[@pterrydactyl]

An additional layer of insulation is to use fatigue mats. We used them for the kids to play in the garage in wintertime . Now that adults and out of the house we continue to use them to to walk out to the pantry shelf or the washer and dryer.

[@thizizliz]

It will be interesting to learn how that covering holds up. The only thing I could think of was a sheet of aluminum but seriously would have been a lot more money and work. So I hope it lasts. Your experiments always make good sense and you keep your investments so low that it's always a value even if only for a short time.

[@marilynrenaud1892]

Great idea! You did a great job. Hope you notice a big difference.

[@johnhuff393]

Good evening from Godley Texas, your videos are always entertaining, but most importantly informative. Thanks for the insulation lesson. Stay safe and happy travels 😎

[@DiabloOutdoors]

Nice! something else that can help is to have a "skirt" all around to insulate even better when you're parked.

[@ericerickson6537]

You make it look easy

[@HeathenofthePineyWoods]

I love that weather change at the end.

[@bubl8015]

I really miss your A-Liner....that was fun to watch you mess and fix stuff in it....

[@roguebull3548]

I used the same foam board on the bottom of my 7x16 CTC screwed and glued it as well. I did not put any thing on it to protect it and in 4 years and thousands of miles even off roading, no or limited damage to the foam. I have never had a problem with insects or mice o anything.

[@ScubaSteveCanada]

As Jason says "Good evening Slim." From sunny Yuma, AZ area.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Good Evening Steve in Sunny Yuma!

[@danreed7889]

Great episode! I'm surprised the manufacturer didn't do this. I'm looking forward to your report on it.

[@maryj1754]

Slim your the best. We never get tired of you or your videos. When you start wrapping it up. We get bummed because we could watch much longer.

[@yooperdog]

I did the bottom of my cargo trailer conversion with pink board, glue, plastic roofing plates( much like you I had them laying around) and stainless steel screws. It seems to be working fine. I didn't use any protective board, because I figured it will last in my lifetime. We really like the Dickinson P9000 for heat, it works fantastic.

[@yooperdog]

@Wes Shipman we bought ours from a marine supplier and the fan is just a small computer fan. We also have one in our Scout truck camper. But that's just my opinion. Can't put a price on safety.

[@tazmania4513]

Love the way you explain your videos. It's such a joy to watch them Had so much popcorn 😂😂

[@donaldrobbins252]

I hope you stay warm and I hope the foam will withstand your travels :)

[@paulskystoneadventures]

Just a heads up there are companies that have spray on foam used to insulate buses underneath and is very durable does not need added protection. 👍👍🚐⭐⭐⭐⭐👍👍

[@I_Santos_]

Great video, Slim! Not gonna lie, the comments about the weather back here in Calgary cut deep 😂. Can’t wait to see a report on the foam and also more cabin videos.

[@cashsmith2061]

Thanks Slim for another great year of you bringing us along for your adventures. I hope you have a merry Christmas!

[@PopaZit]

You always seem so relaxed on your projects, no throwing tools lol! Appreciate the entertainment!

[@LilYeshua]

I used the pink variety on an aluminum door to an old mobile home(1958 Royce). On cold winter days frost would be on to the inside of the door but after I applied the insulation I could place my hand on the door and not feel any coldness. I used 3M spray adhesive.

[@dominicperez3207]

palight foamed pvc is a good thing that you could put to protect the 2 inch foam. It would handle the rocks better. It is much stiffer than that. Possibly an upgrade for the future.

[@speterson6668]

May I add another suggestion to make the floor warm? Carpet squares! We did that in our RV and what a game changer. If I spill something on them, they can be picked up and washed outside (or cleaned there). They are cheap and come in many colors and designs. Plus super light so doesn't add a lot of weight. And for those who have dogs or who are seniors, it helps to protect them from slippery floors. Best thing we have done for our rv!

[@SlimPotatohead]

Sorry, but the floor was already carpeted. It helped a little, but not much. SP

[@OgglyGoogly]

Do cork tiles

[@Columbus1152]

A good relatively inexpensive foam shield could be galvanized sheet metal, screw through the metal.

[@vision78678]

i give you suggestion..... make mega insulation jacket for whole van and cover it ....this jacket like cover shoud have only open shed cut at some window exhaust

[@SlimPotatohead]

Where would I store it when not in use?

[@wildflowerwind6941]

I like how you try to do things economically.

[@jimbridge4166]

Thanks for sharing. Keep warm.

[@bertadelaudebri7179]

Thanks for sharing.

[@Woodthrush]

I think I will be using the foam puzzle piece tiles that folks use for their kids play rooms inside my Aliner on the floor. Easy to cut to size and install. Good luck with your external foam!

[@SlimPotatohead]

I did that in one of my early videos. If I find it I'll post a link. Problem was condensation that gets trapped under those. SP

[@patsykluting-lucas3804]

I recently added the form tiles in my camper. Huge difference in softness and warmth. Not glued down so I can clean under.

[@linebrunelle1004]

I found some of those interlocking foam tiles that look like marble. my van looks "ritchie rich". lol. works ok for insulation with a layer of real wool under it.

[@NoFeeArea]

@@SlimPotatohead I did that after I saw you post it. Still have those same spongy tiles and they are great. I scrub them after each trip while detailing the Aliner. Great tips. I want to make that pellet stove.

[@harvdog5669]

@@SlimPotatohead hello slim,, I need to insulate most of my 1998 wilderness lite. I am going to use foam board & reflectix bubble foil...all over the walls, under bed 🛏️ And inside all cabinets, out side cubby holes as well, battery boxes too....thinking of insulating the inside ceiling and the floor,, everything needs insulation foresure. That way I can have smaller heating bill.

[@TheAndrewScandal]

Can't wait to see part 2 Slim!!!

[@jasonsoch7677]

i put SM underneath my trailer years ago with nothing protecting it. since its between the frame rails i've had zero problems with rocks and or gravel beating it up.

[@SlimPotatohead]

SM... Spider Monkey? Poor little guy!

[@sugarsnap1578]

Is their no end to your talents ! I love that little trailer.

[@melissahoffman4687]

You have your ammo can stove to keep you warm. :) Plus cooking.

[@TomLentz]

I just used some PL300 with similar foam on my garage door. It's holding well so far, and yeah I did use 2 tubes per 4x8 sheet.

[@MapleMarmite]

Nice job, Slim! That plastic board should hold up well as long as it doesn’t bottom out on a rock or such like. I have a sheet from a sign that I slide between the radiator and the front grille of my old suv to help keep the Nova Scotia winter away from everything and help the car warm up quicker. I have been using the same piece for this job for 5 years and it’s still perfectly fine. The snow and ice build up and the smattering of salt and road grit that hits it has had no effect on it at all. During the warmer seasons I keep it in the trunk to lay or kneel on if I have to look at the underside and that hasn’t bothered it, either. I use silicone, rather than caulking on screw heads etc as it seals better but more importantly, you can peel it off easier and cleaner if you need to remove the screw at any point. If you find the Gorilla tape starts to lift at any point, try putting Tuck Tape on first then Gorilla over top. I find that GT can curl up after a while and it can be fussy with oil content plastics in how well/long it sticks. TT sticks really well to any plastic or metal I have ever tried it on but isn’t so thick and durable, so the GT over top takes care of that and it sticks to the TT just fine. 👍🏻

[@marzymarrz5172]

Insulation is a good idea.

[@susanpremo8068]

Lots of snow here in Minnesota, especially the Duluth area , lake effect from Superior. The temperature isn't bad though, 30's.

[@donnasnorthernlights2089]

Stay warm!!!

[@charlesvarga7904]

The silver tape used in A/C ductwork would seal the edge’s and cover holes! It’s very durable. Would cover and seal the screws and washers.

[@JFSmith-nb8hf]

30mi. north of Prescott, Az here, know about those big temp swings. If it's clear, 55-60 day , mid to low teens at night.

[@iivaridark6850]

I have found out that Sicaflex 221 is rather good in outdoor sealing and fastening. And actually, spray foam is also good in sealing the small cavities of the insulation and seems to hold in place like a bad habit.

[@kimberlyshalaby1134]

Easy on the wallet & looks really nice! Looking forward to part 2. Have a good week.

[@RoadDogSteve]

Good install...... Some ramps to pull up on would have been nice....... thanks for the video

[@emiliomarrello7161]

I have installed Blue Foam for many years as a siding base. Here are a few tips which will be prudent. If you are going to use this method it must be totally sealed, almost hermetically. Vacuum pass over the surface while you drive will suck the moisture. The washers need to have silicone to seal them, and the tip of the screw same. Where you have gaps, the tape is not enough, you need to spray insulating foam. Any gaps along the edges need to also be sealed.

[@mikewarner2285]

I watch em twice

[@Morongobill]

My money is on Slim installing the small woodstove as the next improvement to the camper😲😁👍

[@pamhutzell8268]

We put carpeting with rubber backing on walls in my camper . They were 12 x12 squares and really made a difference. We put a new floor in camper too , also reflective on windows. But ,we bought a dehumidifier and run it. My camper is a 25 footer and it gets really warm.

[@KPHVAC]

Nice setup!! 2" of foam should be good insulation for the floor!! Good floor insulation is way more important than people think!! I use a heat load calculations software for home HVAC, and all insulation is important!!

[@scottw.8871]

Slim, I feel your pain. I owned an '89 Casita that I bet was built on a Friday and Monday. Same construction as your trailer. When they were built the suspension was very weak and after several years, the axle snapped off. Talk about pissed!!!! I admire you "Gumpsion" with the insulation.

[@deeanderson5670]

Thanks for sharing. Hard place to work on. Us north western folks have got the snow just waiting on the cold. Happy Holiday.

[@andrew81632]

-30 in Calgary Slim. Looking forward to the heat retention test.

[@minkles1330]

"Other drivers don't like that for some reason" lol.

[@ChristinaColoradoan]

I totally missed Elsa Rae and Barron's video on this. Totally makes sense, my Casita floor is always freezing cold. Sometimes I have to go outside to get warm, lol 🌞

[@Twelvestonestacking]

I don't know slim... I would have glued the rock guard to the foam as well as screwing it in place! And used enough of the pl to trowel it on! That's just me! Then I would use Great Stuff to fill in the gaps. Goodonyas!

[@ImTheDudeMan471]

Insulation and ventilation are the 2 keys👍

[@chriscoralAloha]

What a great idea. It will last thru the winter at least.

[@neiltheplayer]

Gorilla tape or any duct tape will deteriorate quickly Slim. I would suggest a can of low expansion foam. you can use it to fill AND as a form of caulking for the edges. Foam will last as long as the styrofoam.

[@lanarkwanderer]

Slim, great job ! I’m sure it will make a difference. How about a pair of well insulated slippers 😉 ? You could buy some rubberized rocker guard from Canadian Tire and spray that over the insulation. It would seal out any moisture from being driven under the panels at highway speeds.

[@TheJcrandazzo]

Optional ..Rock guard spray paints /truck bed liner spray material. Spray then install screw in place.

[@contrafax]

Thank you Slim, I always love your renovations, whether it is to your trailer or you cabin!

[@ftkinsella]

Very nice work Slim. Some forget about the cold that comes from under the rig. Your feet will appreciate it. Cheers brother.😃👍😃

[@albertdesiena9021]

You should use spray foam all the around and any openings, to keep critters out.

[@SlimPotatohead]

Critters are more than welcome to fly down the interstate under my trailer! SP

[@michealtittoto8002]

FYI you can use flex seal or plasti dip spray to seal over the screws and washers

[@jeffreymacqueen]

i think you will very happy with this upgrade. went out and checked our trailer and it has a black mosture barrier installed as part of cold weather kit. its like a triple thick fiberglass housewrap type materal. only problem was we had to drop part of it once to repair a wire but it reinstalled quite well. keep up the good work.

[@tommurray2653]

The blue foam is good for r5 per inch so 2in=r10 . Should make for a warmer floor. Tom

[@k2dlt]

Use some spray on expanding foam for your openings.

[@carycoombe3380]

Ohhhhh! Another camper heater experiment? I can't wait to see what you are up to.

[@connieatkins7390]

Great job done Slim. I've used the corrugated plastic for many projects.

[@johnnylightning1491]

Looks like a good job. I'm about to do something similar but on the ceiling of a shed, the heat just keeps going up to the roof and that doesn't do much good. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@doramather4729]

Great idea, to keep cold out

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

Like your ideas and well informed. On the undercarriage spraying some rubberized undercoating helps also. Did this on my travel trailer when I saw all there was was plywood and partial board and works well so far. Thanks from Connecticut USA

[@sonastorer-johnson7541]

I learn so much from your try and errors, it's helped me on many things I do around my home .

[@larryjohnson5306]

getting ready in spring to do that to my aliner ,thanks for the ideas

[@alliw1276]

Nice video! Maybe some Great Stuff would work for the smaller areas where you had to cut out the foam. Then cover those areas with A/C silver tape. Never having done this, it’s only a thought for a possible easy solution. Your so kind to give credit to the people who you saw this idea from. Very thoughtful. Keep up the good work on your cabin and travel trailer! Hope you will be warm.

[@GuysGuideService479]

Source corrugated plastic from places that sell water jet supplies. Soft materials require sheets of corrugated so they don’t scratch on the slats so suppliers should have plenty of

[@bambambundy6]

Nice idea. You can get a plastic sheet good that has a tread pattern on it you can use. That is if what you use don't work.

[@Kpangon]

I've been using camp fuel as a solvent/cleaner for years. You can't beat it, cheap, dissolves most anything, dries quickly, and doesn't leave residue.

[@bafergs]

Insulation is a great idea. Have you thought of spray foam to fill in the small areas you cut out to fit around electrical and gas lines?

[@jimmyjenkins9240]

Well done Slim! Can’t wait for the testing period so we can find out how well it works!

[@felixcat9318]

I have always believed that there needs to be a minimum of an inch of insulation in walls, roof and floor, though preferably two inches in the floor, especially for colder regions! Doors too should be insulated and insulated window covers used. Interior comfort and quality of life will be hugely improved and the savings in heating fuel will be noticeable! It will also work to keep heat out in sunnier regions! It would be ridiculously simple and cost effective to incorporate insulation from the desigh stage onwards, but most manufacturers of small trailer campers do the barest minimum possible. Foam insulation panels manufactured to fit the internal structure of the campers would make best use of the limited space and would literally transform the quality of living in cold regions or in winter. Your quality of living will be transformed with underfloor insulation, its a great addition. Just think how easy it'd be at the factory to fit foam panels which were each moulded to fit exactly the space they were glued to! Even being able to buy a set after having got a trailer, they'd still be easy and quick to fix into place and would probably be a best selling upgrade accessory.

[@davidneilson3508]

Try using the aluminum tape that is used for duct work. It’s tough and sticky and will last for years. The regular duct tape will fail pretty quickly 🤷‍♂️. Just a thought 😎