Community Forums

0rion · 01-10-2022, 05:01 PM

I can't find any info on insulation for our new Sierra 3660. Just looking at the basement area in the pass through my guess would be "not very well" as there's only foil above. This summer I will add insulation but just wondering what I'm going to find when I start pulling the belly panels off.

TXiceman · 01-15-2022, 08:43 PM

Most heat loss and heat gain is through the roof and then the walls. Floors have less heat loss/gain. If you are going to be parked in very cold climates, it will pay to put up a skirt to block the wind off the bottom.

Ken

0rion · 01-16-2022, 12:54 PM

Thanks.for the reply. I do cold weather camp through the fall. I can't really do much about the roof and walls so was going to just do what I can. The basement is really the first spot I want to tackle because it's pretty obvious there's nothing there. Even just some foam board between the joists would make a difference. I also notice it's pretty open under the water station so I want to get that sealed up and insulated. I'm not looking to be able to camp with water when it's bitter cold but there are some times when the weather will be in the 20's and 30's.

LAKnox · 01-17-2022, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0rion

Thanks.for the reply. I do cold weather camp through the fall. I can't really do much about the roof and walls so was going to just do what I can. The basement is really the first spot I want to tackle because it's pretty obvious there's nothing there. Even just some foam board between the joists would make a difference. I also notice it's pretty open under the water station so I want to get that sealed up and insulated. I'm not looking to be able to camp with water when it's bitter cold but there are some times when the weather will be in the 20's and 30's.

Don't forget that, with the furnace running, you should have warm air circulating in the basement. If you're going to be sitting long enough to have to skirt the bottom, get 2 or 3 100w incandescent bulbs and put them underneath. From what I've read and been told, a decent skirt will hold a surprising amount of heat.

This does assume you'll have shore power.

Lyle

Jincali · 01-17-2022, 09:35 AM

It all depends on your trailer and if it is 3-4 season rated. But most trailers add insulation to the under belly, not between the basement and living space. I personally would add more insulation to the under belly as it would protect the living space, basement (and the water pipes), and the holding tanks. It may seem like extra work. But I think it would easier to drop the under belly then rip the basement apart. Also, not sure how much space there is between the two. I don’t think the manufacturers use 2x6 or 2x8 for floor joists.

ArtJoyce · 01-17-2022, 09:57 AM

On our HR they sprayed the outside of water bay with urethane.

0rion · 01-17-2022, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAKnox

Don't forget that, with the furnace running, you should have warm air circulating in the basement. If you're going to be sitting long enough to have to skirt the bottom, get 2 or 3 100w incandescent bulbs and put them underneath. From what I've read and been told, a decent skirt will hold a surprising amount of heat.

This does assume you'll have shore power.

Lyle

I have shore power. I put it on some private land through hunting season so from october-december. I usually winterize it about the middle of November depending on the weather. Here in Ohio that will vary but I can usually make it until mid November.
I run the furnace mostly but will run an electric heater (new camper has a fireplace) to help the furnace not have to run as much. I had a system with my old camper and I'll get this new one figured out eventually. This one has the "road armor" underbelly so 4x8 hard sheets which is better than the chloroplast IMO when it comes to pulling it down.

LAKnox · 01-18-2022, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0rion

I have shore power. I put it on some private land through hunting season so from october-december. I usually winterize it about the middle of November depending on the weather. Here in Ohio that will vary but I can usually make it until mid November.
I run the furnace mostly but will run an electric heater (new camper has a fireplace) to help the furnace not have to run as much. I had a system with my old camper and I'll get this new one figured out eventually. This one has the "road armor" underbelly so 4x8 hard sheets which is better than the chloroplast IMO when it comes to pulling it down.

If you're using electric heat, make sure you have a fan running to circulate the air into the basement. Also, open your cabinet doors to allow air to get under sinks so cold air isn't trapped there.

Lyle

0rion · 01-18-2022, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAKnox

If you're using electric heat, make sure you have a fan running to circulate the air into the basement. Also, open your cabinet doors to allow air to get under sinks so cold air isn't trapped there.

Lyle

I've been cold camping for 30+ years.....I know all the tricks 😉 I have gotten spoiled though....in the old days it was in tents and then we moved to a pop up which was like the Taj Mahal to us in those days. Now we want things like heat, tv, and microwave. Haha