RV – DIY Home Owner Hero

Summer is right around the corner! And you’re looking forward to enjoying the outdoors with your family or friends. Maybe you're thinking about taking a trip to the beach or hiking in the mountains, or perhaps you're contemplating camping in beautiful places far away from home. Or perhaps you’re looking forward to the winter season this year. You want to go sledding, make a snow maze, build a snowman, or start a snowball fight with your friends. Nevertheless, you’ll need to prepare your Recreational Vehicle (RV) for the best summer or winter adventure experience. You also need to consider the best RV insulation that can keep your RV cool in extreme heat through heat transfer or keep it warm in extreme cold. RVs can become hot and sticky quickly, so keeping them cool and comfortable while driving is highly challenging without proper techniques. This article will share some pro tips on insulating your RV. But before we start, let us learn more about RV insulation. RV insulation is an essential but often overlooked part of RV purchase. It keeps the cool air in during the summer and the cold air out during the winter. Appropriate insulation that can keep your family comfortable no matter where you go. You want the insulation suitable for the humidity levels of your favorite vacation spots. It blocks even the coldest breeze in unfamiliar terrain and lasts a long time. In most campers and RVs, fiberglass or foam is used to insulate the exterior walls. The R-value, which stands for thermal resistance, is used to measure insulation. The greater the R-value, the more thermally resistant your RV's walls are. We consider fiberglass insulation the most effective insulation for maintaining a constant temperature. What is R-value? Every piece of RV insulation has an R-value, which measures heat. The type of insulation in the walls of your RV determines the R-value, and your RV walls will be more thermally resistant if the R-value is higher. Insulation for RVs is available in two primary forms, each with a distinct R-value rating: fiberglass insulation and foam insulation. On the other hand, foam insulation comes in a variety of shapes. Each has advantages and disadvantages depending on the type of RVing you intend to do and the type of weather you expect to encounter. Check out our in-depth look at each class to see which one would be the most excellent fit for your RV. 3 Main Types of RV insulation FiberglassRigid FoamSpray Foam We will provide a quick overview of each to help you understand their differences and similarities, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. In a Hurry? 1. Fiber-glass RV Insulation The most popular type of insulation is fiberglass, which is standard equipment in most RVs or motorhomes. It's also simple to set up and one of the most cost-effective solutions. With a high R-value, it will keep you warm in cold weather. And even in the face of intense external weather, fiberglass insulation is one of the finest at preserving temperature stability. In other words, it's a tried-and-true RV insulation approach. But fiberglass is a kind of insulation that degrades more quickly than other materials and is susceptible to moisture damage. When fiberglass insulation gets wet, it expands, lowering the R-value, and making it mold-prone. Every few years, you need to replace your fiberglass insulation needs. If you want to stay in a dry climate and regularly replacing the insulation is not a problem, this could be a viable alternative for you. ADVANTAGES: Easy to install or replace Cheap High R-Value DISADVANTAGES: Wears down over time Damaged by moisture BEST CHOICE FOR: Single-climate RVers. Please take note of the following: Frequent weather changes. Time spent in areas of high humidity. 2. Rigid Foam Insulation Rigid foam insulation is more moisture-resistant and has a longer lifespan than other types of insulation. It is less prone to molds and is an excellent choice for persons who travel to various climates or spend time in humid environments. Rigid foam insulation is available in various thicknesses, and you can trim them to fit any size area. You can install the rigid foam by sliding it into the walls in sheets to improve its efficiency. Then, firmly fasten the foam to the studs in the RV's walls, preventing airflow from outside, or vice versa. RVs generally do not come with rigid foam insulation installed. You need to dismantle your walls to install them yourself or hire someone to do them for you. Rigid foam insulation costs more than fiberglass insulation. It could be a fantastic option for you if you're an experienced owner who travels to different climates frequently. Once you alter the rig, the good news is that you won’t have to worry about it again. ADVANTAGES: Moisture-resistantLong-life span DISADVANTAGES: Difficult to install Mid-to-low R-Value Best choice for: Experienced RVers IMPORTANT: Avoid this if you can’t find an RV manufacturer with this pre-installed and not ready for a DIY project. 3. Spray Foam Spray foam insulation has a similar R-value to rigid foam insulation, but it’s known for its more effortless installation procedure. Spray foam is also a relatively light material, and you won't require expert help if you're new to insulation. A spray foam applicator is all that's needed to apply it to your RV walls. There is no need for tape, caulk, or fasteners; only the applicator and safety equipment are required (and a little know-how). You can load the spray foam into an applicator and spray directly into the walls of your RV, replacing the stiff foam sheets. Spraying foam on the walls creates an airtight barrier between the interior and exterior. Spray foam, like rigid foam, isn't included in most RVs, so you'll have to install it yourself or hire someone to do it. The R-value of spray foam is lower than other insulating materials, and it can also create a lingering odor for weeks or months after installation. ADVANTAGES: Impervious to moistureLow-costLightweight DISADVANTAGES: Low R-Value It may require professional installation. Best choice for: RVs that mainly travel in one climate. NOTE: This is not for people who spend a lot of time in extreme heat or cold. What Type of RV is the Right Insulation for you? The best RV insulation depends on what you need and where you’re going. Choosing fiberglass insulation is a good idea for stationary RVers or anyone who doesn’t travel to a lot of different climates. If you live in humid climates, foam insulation might be the best for you since it’s the most moisture-resistant insulation.But if you need something with a high R-value and expect long-lasting insulation, rigid foam insulation is optimal. It’s more moisture-resistant than fiberglass, making it a splendid choice if you travel between several climates. How to make a door snake for your RV A door snake is a simple tube of fabric or foam that sits across the bottom of your RV door to avoid drafts. You can use a piece of fabric stuffed with dried rice, beans, or lentils to build your door snake. Installing new RV insulation can be a process, but if you RV in any extreme weather (whether summer or winter months), it’s worth it. 7 INSULATION TIPS FOR RVS DURING THE SUMMER You can keep your RV cool in the summer by doing a few things besides replacing the RV insulation on your walls. When it's a hot day, try these low-cost suggestions to keep the temperature down. 1. Bring in some color or shades. Window shades, particularly solar or blackout shades, can help keep your RV cool throughout the day by reducing the amount of light entering it. To keep the indoors cooler during the day, close the blinds or drapes. 2. Choose a shady parking spot. When it's hot outside, look for shady places to park your automobile and do the same with your RV. Camping grounds often advertise shaded campsites to entice people to visit. 3. Purchase an awning for your RV. Setting up your awning not only increases the amount of shade you have but also helps to keep the outside of your RV cool by preventing the sun from beaming directly at your door. You might even enclose your awning with fabric or sheets to create a complete shade room. Also, tiny tops outside your RV windows might provide shade. 4. Bring your portable fans. Portable fans can help keep you cool if you want to save energy by not using your complete air conditioning system or if you're lounging outside under your awning and need a slight breeze. You may also keep the cold air moving by using the fans when the air conditioner is on. If you want to save your RV battery, look into a portable air conditioning unit with its battery. 4. Make sure your air conditioning is in good working order. Check your air conditioner before leaving on a trip to ensure it is in working order. Before your travel, make sure your air filters are clean, inspect the fins on your condenser coils, and test your AV. 5. Park north. If you have an awning, parking north will keep the sun off of it. Your RV will provide its own shadow over your seating area in the afternoon and evening, helping to keep the temperature under control. 6. Prepare your meals outside. Instead of heating the inside of your RVs space heaters, use an outdoor kitchen or grill provided at your campsite. You can also make no-cook dinners like excellent salads and sandwiches. 7. Close all windows and doors. Avoid opening and closing your RV door snake to keep the cool air inside rather than letting it out. 4 TIPS FOR RV INSULATION IN THE WINTER Use a few outside insulating tips we outlined before to insulate your RV for the winter. Here are some suggestions for staying warm in the winter: 1. Use RV skirting. These take a long time to install, so you might not want one for a short 1-2 night vacation, but if you are in chilly weather for a longer time, a skirt might be worth it. 2. Seal up any holes in the underbelly of your RV using a can of spray foam. Ensure your weatherstripping is in good working order on your windows and doors. 3. Examine your storage compartments for weatherstripping, just like you would your RV door. 4. Check your vents. You can stuff them with extra insulation, such as foam board, to prevent warm air from escaping. Vent covers are also available online and at hardware stores. They're also known as draft shields, and their purpose is to keep warm air from escaping your RV and causing drafts. FAQs What exactly is a travel trailer? An RV is a motor vehicle or trailer with a living space of accommodations meant for accommodation. Motorhomes, campervans, caravans (also known as travel trailers and camper trailers), fifth-wheel trailers, pop-up campers, and truck campers are all examples of recreational vehicles. How do I insulate my RV for winter? To insulate your RV, you can use foam insulation boards, bubble insulation, solar blankets, and other materials. Line your windows with heavy-weight thermal curtains for added warmth. You might also want to apply a layer of RV sealant or caulk to your RV single-pane windows and doors to make sure they're nice and weather-tight. How cold is too cold for an RV? Temperatures between -19°F and -25°F (-28°C and -31°C) are simply too cold for an RV. In an RV, enduring such low temperatures is exceedingly challenging, as frostbite can occur in as little as a few minutes. How long does it have to be below freezing for RV pipes to freeze? The pipes in your RV will freeze in about 24 hours of below-freezing conditions (lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit). Because the average trip is much longer than that, plan ahead of time. Should I insulate my water pipes? Insulating your hot water pipes decreases heat loss and can raise water temperature by 2°F–4°F, allowing you to lower your water lines temperature setting. You'll also save water by not having to wait as long for hot water when you switch on a faucet or showerhead. SUMMARY What you need and where you're going to determine the right and the best option of RV insulation for you. Fiberglass insulation is suitable for RVers who stay put and don't travel to different climates. Spray foam insulation might be the best way if you live in a humid area, and it can withstand the most wetness. If you require a high R-value and long-lasting insulation, rigid foam insulation is the way to go. It can withstand more moisture than fiberglass. If you move between different climates, this makes it an excellent pick. RV insulation might not seem like the most exciting topic to discuss with friends, but it's an essential part of having an enjoyable camping trip. With the right RV insulation, you'll be able to travel in style, keep cool in the summer, and stay warm in the winter without paying a lot of time and money on electric bills. RV insulation is a time-consuming task, but it's well worth it if you RV in extreme temperatures (summer or winter). Select the most appropriate insulation, roll up your sleeves, and get to work. You'll be glad you did when you see the results!