You should consider insulation if you plan on having great road trips in your new RV. RV insulation is often overlooked and you pretty much need it in order to stay comfy and safe. The insulation you choose will depend on the model you have, the type of RV, and even the manufacturer, but this is not an impossible task. So, before you start, let’s learn about the types of insulation for your RV and how to do it properly.
The R-Value and Types of Insulation
The R-value is a measurement of the insulation’s thermal resistance. It measures the ability of heat to go from one side of the insulation to the other. When choosing insulation for your RV, consider a greater R-value because the greater it is the better thermal resistance it provides. So, when you are figuring out which value to choose consider your geographical location and weather, the type of heating and cooling systems in the RV, and the entire insulation system.
Once you’ve figured that out, it’s time to choose the type of insulation. Plus, the type of material will affect the R-value. You can choose from some of the most common types of RV insulation, including:
- Fiberglass
- Rigid foam
- Spray foam
Windows and Door Insulation
Once you’ve picked the type of insulation, it’s time to start insulating. The first areas to consider are the doors and windows. The main inlets and outlets like these are the ones most susceptible to temperature changes. So, check all the doors, windows, vents and skylights and make sure to insulate them well. If you want to retain more heat inside, you should cover all these areas to prevent the cold wind from coming in. You can use foam inserts around the door and spray foam to insulate the windows
Roof and Floor Insulation
The roof of your RV is the one carrying the weight of insulation. Most roofs are made of PVC with fiberglass insulation reinforcements. If this isn’t enough for your needs, you can add another layer of insulation on the roof to protect your vehicle from extreme weather.
Also, you should consider floor insulation. If you make this change, you can do wonders for temperature control. You can simply lay a few rugs to help the floor preserve as much temperature as possible.
Walls and Side Insulation
This is an important part of your RV to insulate. The walls can lose or soak up too much heat leaving the temperature inside out of control. When choosing the insulation for the walls, consider one that can handle temperatures when you are camping and that can stand the test of time.
Insulate the Plumbing System
The plumbing system in your RV is the most susceptible to weather changes. Extreme cold can make the pipes get damaged and freeze your holding tanks. To beat this, you can invest in holding tank insulation and an insulated water hose. This is a good investment if you want to have water when traveling and if you don’t want to have to empty the plumbing systems if you are going to colder places.
Underbelly Insulation
The underbelly is the most underlooked area when people are insulating their RVs. So, your job is not to forget about it because it can lose you too much heat or cold air. Plus, it is really simple to insulate the underbelly and you can just add skirting to it. Also, you can choose from many types of insulating RV skirtings including weather-resistant skirtings, plywood, and foam boarding. Plus, insulation on the underbelly adds an extra layer of protection.
Having an RV is great for traveling with your family. However, you want your family to be safe and cozy. To provide that for them, simply add insulation to your RV. Check the types, choose the material and start insulating all these areas for the best temperature control there is.
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