divotdm
Wisconsin
New Member
Joined: 04/30/2012
View Profile
 Offline
|
Hi,
New member here, but have been lurking for a few years. I have searched but couldnt find the answer. I recently purchased a new 18' toy hauler. Its a Play-Mor 818. We took out this past weekend for the first time and had a blast. The only issue we had was the cold floor. It got down to 22 at night. The furnace would get the trailer up to temp in a hurry, then I could watch the temp on the stat (digital) just drop. The furnace would turn back on in a few minutes. All night the cycle continued. The walls and ceiling felt fine, couldnt find any major leaks, but the floor was freezing cold. I want to insulate but have a few questions.
#1 There is a black fabric covering the underside of the trailer. there is about a 3" gap between the fabric and the floor. What is the purpose of this fabric?
#2 Has anyone insulated the entire floor with 3" of closed cell foam? Glued directly to the plywood floor.
#3 Can the floor be completely sealed on the bottom? The plywood will not be able to "breathe" if I attach foam directly to it, but also should not get wet if sealed.
Thanks,
Dave
* This post was
last
edited 04/30/12 05:22pm by divotdm *
View edit history
|
Y-Guy
Tri-Cities, WA
Moderator
Joined: 03/04/2002
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
Dave what most of us have is a congregated plastic sheet, something like cardboard that acts as a barrier. Between that and the floor you'll find 6-8" or more of space. That is usually enough to trap some of the hear that naturally leaks from the furnace ducts to keep things from freezing and to keep the floor a bit warmer.
There was a discussion here about using a closed foam spray a while back, I don't recall the consensus though. Searching might bring it up, or this topic may trigger a new series of comments about it.
Another option is to roll out a carpet or something on the floor once your bikes are moved out too.
Our RV: '07 Winnebago Sightseer 35J
Our Toys: Four Winns Horizon 190, Polaris Sportsman 500's & Honda Recon's
|
1L243
Astoria, Oregon
Senior Member
Joined: 02/26/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseac........d/tid/25743045/srt/pa/pging/1/page/1.cfm
2011 Work and Play 30WR. Added 2nd AC, four deep cycle batteries.
|
divotdm
Wisconsin
New Member
Joined: 04/30/2012
View Profile
Offline
|
I thought about the throw rug or covering the inside after the bikes are unloaded. Though being the cheapest, it doesnt solve the furnace continually cycling on and off. Thats lots of wear and tear on the furnace, noise, and propane. The foam is about 20 a sheet, some adhesive, spray foam, time, a few beers, to do something that should greatly improve comfort/long run cost.
Thanks,
Dave
|
Dirtclods
Newport Beach
Senior Member
Joined: 02/19/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Hey Dave you right I'm in Ca so it's never really that cold but you have an awesome riding.
|
|
|
Dirtclods
Newport Beach
Senior Member
Joined: 02/19/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
divotdm wrote:Hi,
New member here, but have been lurking for a few years. I have searched but couldnt find the answer. I recently purchased a new 18' toy hauler. Its a Play-Mor 818. We took out this past weekend for the first time and had a blast. The only issue we had was the cold floor. It got down to 22 at night. The furnace would get the trailer up to temp in a hurry, then I could watch the temp on the stat (digital) just drop. The furnace would turn back on in a few minutes. All night the cycle continued. The walls and ceiling felt fine, couldnt find any major leaks, but the floor was freezing cold. I want to insulate but have a few questions.
#1 There is a black fabric covering the underside of the trailer. there is about a 3" gap between the fabric and the floor. What is the purpose of this fabric?
#2 Has anyone insulated the entire floor with 3" of closed cell foam? Glued directly to the plywood floor.
#3 Can the floor be completely sealed on the bottom? The plywood will not be able to "breathe" if I attach foam directly to it, but also should not get wet if sealed.
Thanks,
Dave
Cheaper uy some slippers and a couple area throw rugs. You could use spray foam the entire bottom.
|
Y-Guy
Tri-Cities, WA
Moderator
Joined: 03/04/2002
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
Dave even the floor insllation may not stop the cycling. If the unit itself isn't well insulated to start with you're leaking heat out of the roof more then the floor. Also, some have changed to a better thermostat as well.
|
divotdm
Wisconsin
New Member
Joined: 04/30/2012
View Profile
Offline
|
Y-Guy wrote:Dave even the floor insllation may not stop the cycling. If the unit itself isn't well insulated to start with you're leaking heat out of the roof more then the floor. Also, some have changed to a better thermostat as well.
One of the first things I did was to swap out the cheapo t-stat to a digital one. I know this may not completely cure the cycling, but as cold as the floor was, I am sure it will help.
Thanks,
Dave
|
tomman58
Southeast Michigan
Senior Member
Joined: 06/12/2005
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
Dave the swap out to another stat isn't a wire for wire deal as it requires an added switch. I don't know the site but there are detailed info on this idea.
2008 Silverado D/A,CC 4x4 ,3.73,IBC LTZ+
2012 Jayco 322 FKS
2 Trek bikes
Honda EU2000i
It must be time to go, the suns out and I've got a full tank of diesel!
Lifes short enough without bitch'n about it!
|
divotdm
Wisconsin
New Member
Joined: 04/30/2012
View Profile
Offline
|
tomman58 wrote:Dave the swap out to another stat isn't a wire for wire deal as it requires an added switch. I don't know the site but there are detailed info on this idea.
I used a battery powered stat and its used for heat only (2 wire). It seems to work great 
Thanks,
Dave
|
|
|
