by kayakrguy » Thu Jun 29, 2006 7:43 pm
Folks,
Again, a great discussion, just the kind of input someone like me needs!
I am going to 'parse' madjack's point. Since a 4 x8 piece of 3/4 ply weighs @ 75lbs. and a 1/4 inch 4 x 8 weighs 25 pounds and I need TWO of those in sandwich walls the net savings is @ 25 lbs/wall or 50 lbs for the trailer.
For purposes of discussion, I am willing to accept the 50#'s of extra weight in the walls for my build. I accept the fact that there are greater weight savings to be had in using 1/8 inch plywood--eg. Paul's note--I will return to that point later if need be.
Lets move on to condensation/moisture. Madjack says that in his experience there is no significant advantage to sandwich construction in regard to heat/condensation. In other words, take some hot human bodies giving off moisture and heat in a T with the temperature about 50-40 degrees F, will I see any difference in condensation inside the T? Camp Inn says yes/No?
In the winter when the T is stored outdoors in the north (not being used for winter camping, which mine won't be unless its in FL or AZ etc <g>) will solid walls or insulated walls make much difference in the condensation/mold etc likely to appear over the winter? I think insulation would make no difference here because there is no difference between the inside temp/humidity and the outside temp humidity.
As to 'live in' use in the summer, I plan to have a Fantastic Fan or similar in mine and AC as well. If it is hotter in the T than outside, either of those (or an open window should be helpful) should handle the stiuation and insulation would not make much difference anyhow.
If it is colder outside, will sandwich/insulation in walls make much difference in temperature in the T (granting that the roof and floor are insulated. Let's say it goes down to 40, and I have nothing but two bodies to keep the T warm, will the insulation make a difference in the temp in the T--and if so approximately how much--2 degrees, 5, 10 20--and for how long?
Finally, would reflective paint--white/aluminum on the skin do a good job of helping cool the interior in the summer even if you don't insulate?
Sorry to be long winded, but I think all of these factors weighed together will help all those those who build understand the effort/benefit/cost ratio...and make the decision that works best for them...
Thanks everyone!
Jim
A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman...
But what is liberty without wisdom, and without virtue? It is the greatest of all possible evils; for it is folly, vice, and madness, without tuition or restraint.
Edmund Burke