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11-19-2019, 06:41 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Sioux Falls
, South Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,181
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Insulation question
We just arrived at our lot at The Ranch this afternoon, and naturally, the neighbors all came over to greet us. As Jo Ann was talking to one of the ladies, she mentioned that we're going to sell the Foretravel and get an Airstream. The neighbor used to own an Airstream, and she said that Airstream used 4" fiberglass insulation that was compressed to 2" and that she always felt cold air coming in when sitting on the front sofa.
The cold air issue is maybe the easier to deal with. If air is actually moving it probably means that there is a leak somewhere. If it is heat radiating, that's probably due to single pane glass - something that isn't easily fixed without a LOT of money.
The insulation question is more difficult. I can't imagine any manufacturer paying for 4" insulation when 2" is needed. On the other hand, maybe 2" would be considered a special order and therefore more expensive. Compressing insulation actually makes it less effective than using the proper thickness.
So, finally, the question: What DID Airstream do for insulation in 1995-2005 Airstreams? That's the age range we're looking at.
__________________
David Lininger, kb0zke
AIR 54240
Heartland mpg 181 (sold)
1993 Foretravel U300 (sold)
2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS
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11-19-2019, 08:06 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County
, NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
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It's just normal 2" fiberglass insulation in walls, ceiling, and floor, not 4" compressed.
The reality is: Airstream vehicles are not well insulated. And, the metal ribs penetrate the insulation and transmit the temperature between the inner and outer skin.
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
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11-20-2019, 04:22 AM
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#3
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Site Team
2009 25' FB International
2018 27' Globetrotter
Tavares
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,722
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We had a 2009 25' International and don't ever remember feeling a drafts of cold air (unless window is open or A/C is running, of course).
I do know that the interior walls will feel cold to the touch when it is cold outside. And it is my understanding that the models being built today use a different type of insulation (said to be better). But I don't know the details.
As AW Warn mentioned an AS is not designed as a cold weather trailer. But don't let that stop you from joining the "club".
Best wishes on your search!
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11-20-2019, 05:06 AM
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#4
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4 Rivet Member
2013 25' Flying Cloud
Crystal River
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 474
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I think the walls and roof are more like 2" insulation compressed to 1". The floors have thicker insulation, 4" or 6". Poorly insulated and drafty? Absolutely.
__________________
“While you live, shine / Have no grief at all / Life exists only for a short while / And time demands its toll.”
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11-20-2019, 05:24 AM
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#5
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3 Rivet Member
Around
, Town
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 121
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Expect about a R-7 value no matter what insulation material or method was used. Material and method will depend on the year / model where sometimes it is fiberglass and sometimes it is foam. Best way to get an idea on actual insulation material is look through the rehab threads, but my perspective is that this is immaterial as it is what it is. And, sure, large single pane windows will definitely make a draft feeling.
Travel trailers in general do not have great insulation and make-up for it by sizing the furnace and A/C accordingly. If minimizing the heating and A/C energy is the goal, a 5'er tends to have much better insulation in the roof.
Just for a data point in the discussion, I had my previous rig down to 18* F outside temperatures on one weekend trip and the inside stayed where I set the thermostat (65 - 70 range). Went through a LOT of propane though.
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11-20-2019, 09:14 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Sioux Falls
, South Dakota
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,181
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Thanks. We're full-timers and generally prefer to be in more moderate temperatures when we can. Unfortunately, that isn't always possible. We can deal with those fairly rare times.
__________________
David Lininger, kb0zke
AIR 54240
Heartland mpg 181 (sold)
1993 Foretravel U300 (sold)
2022 Grand Design Reflection 315RLTS
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11-20-2019, 09:34 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,118
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Airstream uses fiberglas insulation in the walls. I assume they know how much to put in. The best packing density is not the same as for house walls. Airstream trailers leak heat at a great rate in cold weather. They get hot when sitting in the sun. Just a simple fact. I like my Airstream. But we do not push the weather envelope at either the warm or cold ends. High altitude in the west in the summer and Florida in the winter. Parked under a live oak tree. Works well for us. Have done some hot and cold days. Have moved a couple of times to get power for either AC or heat.
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11-20-2019, 10:43 AM
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#8
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Rivet Master
2018 30' Classic
Jacksonville
, Florida
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 724
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I think the AS are insulated better than I am. So I stay in Florida during the "season".
The draft the op mentioned the former having on the sofa was likley caused by a hole. A hole in a battery compartment, access door seal, or just a hole in the skin. It happens.
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11-20-2019, 11:25 AM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1981 31' Excella II
New Market
, Alabama
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 6,145
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Since most of the Airstream is aluminum heat goes in and out pretty fast. The skins conduct heat very well. There is gap filled with fiberglass but there are ribs that conduct heat from outside to inside and vice versa.
A modern SOB trailer might have a full 4 inches of insulation in the roof and the roof is painted white. Most consider an Airstream a 3 season trailer. If you live out west, it might be a two season trailer because of the very hot summers and very cold winters. Painting the roof white and using your awnings can help a lot in the summer. In the winter you best have plenty of propane and a space heater on high.
Perry
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11-20-2019, 11:31 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2013 31' Classic
billings
, Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,577
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kb0zke
We just arrived at our lot at The Ranch this afternoon, and naturally, the neighbors all came over to greet us. As Jo Ann was talking to one of the ladies, she mentioned that we're going to sell the Foretravel and get an Airstream. The neighbor used to own an Airstream, and she said that Airstream used 4" fiberglass insulation that was compressed to 2" and that she always felt cold air coming in when sitting on the front sofa.
The cold air issue is maybe the easier to deal with. If air is actually moving it probably means that there is a leak somewhere. If it is heat radiating, that's probably due to single pane glass - something that isn't easily fixed without a LOT of money.
The insulation question is more difficult. I can't imagine any manufacturer paying for 4" insulation when 2" is needed. On the other hand, maybe 2" would be considered a special order and therefore more expensive. Compressing insulation actually makes it less effective than using the proper thickness.
So, finally, the question: What DID Airstream do for insulation in 1995-2005 Airstreams? That's the age range we're looking at.
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...2” and they are cold...and drafty..not good in cold ....summertime when it is hot ac barely keeps up...but they tow nicely
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11-20-2019, 05:41 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2019 19' Flying Cloud
Canyon Country
, California
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 909
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Once I turned on the fantastic fan, I felt rush of air from the gap between fridge and cabinet. I could feel air coming from under sink.. there's a gap and you can see the outside light through side vents for fridge. I probably need to put some insulation there.
__________________
2014 Ford Explorer XLT with factory installed Tow Package.
2019 Flying Cloud 19CBB
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11-20-2019, 05:53 PM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
1968 26' Overlander
CORDOVA
, TN
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 414
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A can of spray foam and an hour looking inside cabinets and in storage compartments does wonders......Everywhere you see light or an opening to the outer skin, zap it ! In no time you will be warm and toasty!......some folks would find fault with a solid gold pencil with a lifetime lead....smdh
__________________
1968 Overlander Land Yacht International
Ford E-350 W V-10 booom!
2018 Chevy Tahoe smooooooth
Find a way to enjoy life and have fun, every day !
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