Community Forums

chuydog · 07-22-2012, 07:16 PM

Our '04 Inspire has the last compartment on the curb side right next to the muffler and anything in that compartment really gets hot. Does every Inspire have this problem or did CC build it that way? Any suggestions on what type of insulation to use to keep some of the heat from the muffler from turning this into an oven? I heard Dynomat is a good insulator as well as the foil sandwiched air bubbles at Lowes etc. I don't think the foil sandwhich would last long as the metal really gets hot.

Please help if you can.

Rexhall97 · 07-23-2012, 11:07 AM

I am not familiar with your type of motorhome, but I have dismanted alot of vehicles in my day. (I used to own a junkyard)

If you do not mind getting dirty, find a salvage yard that has trucks and buses and find a heat shield first. This is an aluminum looking metal shield that can be placed between your muffler and storage bin. If your rig already has one, consider replacing it with a larger one.

While at the yard investigate the trunks of a few vehicles. Most cars have thicker and heavier insulation if the muffler gets close to the trunk. Keep in mind, many cars have mufflers in different areas, so best to find a car with the muffler in the back so its easier to see and pull out some mat style insulation.

A third option is to figure out a way to force more areflow between the muffler and the compartment. Without crawiling under your rig, it would be hard for me to suggest a design.

Lastly, if all else fails, maybe provide air ventilation holes (screened of course) in the compartment.

Just my 4 cents!

Ted

chuydog · 07-25-2012, 12:06 PM

Thanks Ramblerman for the in depth help. I'm familar with the muffler shields on trucks but quite honestly, the clearance is aboutt 1.25 of an inch. Looks like I'll have to insulate from the inside but I agree that a heat shield would relieve some of the heat transfer.

tom

Hookum · 07-30-2012, 10:32 PM

If you Google "Turbocharger Insulating Blanket" you will see numerous products that will excite you with their ability to shield even red hot turbos, bringing the temp. down to were you can keep your hands on it. These high tech products are beyond cool. Welders also use blanket type material that will even shield flames. You could have a custom blanket fitted to the muffler or put two layers against your compartment as a shield between the muffler and the compartment. I only wish I had found those products years ago when I was fighting your same problem.