Tips for insulating an enclosed underbelly? 2017 195RB Baja

[Beaverology]

Just picked up my travel trailer this past weekend! I am curious if it is possible (and somewhat easy to do) to insulate my enclosed underbelly to give me some more flexibility in temperatures to camp in with water in the tanks.

Is this something that people do?


-Big thanks to any input-

[DonaandDon]

I have seen some creativity in insulating. From spray, fibers, foam, foil, to hard foam boards. The area and obstructions usually dictates what method. If you have under belly coverage, I would drop the board(s), take pictures and post them. Lots of modifiers here that are willing to help. I wouldn't however just coat the inside of the under belly.

[ALJO]

Best is to remove one end half way and insulate with R12 or R20. If any water piping is below the floor, use some heat tape or bring it in the coach. I put heat pad on the FW tank and heat tape on the discharge valves from the grey and black tank. If you have a pick of some kind you can line your screws up with the same holes again when installing the poly-flex. I used a chain puller and some milk crates to hold it up. I camped in -25C/0F but expect propane use of 20 lbs per 2 days (depends on RV unit size)

[Beaverology]

How do you guys feel about cutting out an access panel to the underbelly versus completely removing it? In my head, having a panel at the front and back would give me enough room to do what I need to do. I think I would like to go with 2'' foam boards, and also insulate anything else I feel comfortable doing.

[ALJO]

Foam boards are not flexible and there are a lot of wires, heating ducts, plumbing, tanks etc. I have over 50 years experience working and having RV's, and there are no short cuts.

[sbarlag]

Jayco uses AstroFoil and Grand Design calls it ThermoFoil. Basically it's bubble wrap, see this link, https://www.reflectixinc.com/product...ve-insulation/.

Scott Barlag | AnyFLip

[norty1]

Bubble wrap with foil on each side.

[Beaverology]

Well, I gave it a shot and I think it turned out fairly decent. 2" of foam board insulation. I cut it slightly large so it would wedge in very tight. I also did the proper cuts to avoid putting pressure on the bundle of wires. I did the two center sections (around 4'x5' each) which is mainly the living area. I will probably do heavier insulation on both ends for the tanks, but that will have to wait until the weekend comes.

[ttavasc]

Looks good! While you are poking around the underbelly check how the plasticor is fastened and sealed (or not sealed) across the front. One of the problems I had with my unit early on was an accumulation of water in the underbelly after it rained or I washed it. I tracked it down to poor alignment of the plasticor along the front of the camper - see pic below. You can see the gap between the plasticor and the frame. It wasn't really obvious until I spent a few minutes in the rain looking very closely at it.

I've not opened mine up yet but I'd be interested in seeing some pictures where the tanks are if you have a chance.

[ttavasc]

BTW - I see you are in Pocatello. We were through there last month on our way back from Montana. Spent a couple days at Massacre Rocks State park just west of you. Had a great time by the Snake River. We don't normally get that far east - usually we cut south on I-84 east of Burly on our way down to southern Utah/Northern Arizona.