I got my trailer insulation today. I was going to get pink type insulation and some kind of gray stuff, but when I got to Homely Despotty, the gray foam was actually white, and granular type. It was pretty much like you see in packing of furniture you put together.
So I changed my plans and got 4x8 sheets that are 1 inch thick. This is very rigid type foam, so I could not bend it at all. In order to get the foam between the framework, I had to cut things in three pieces. The frame width is 14.75 inches, so I had to cut to 13 inches wide, and then add two other pieces to make up for the difference.. It ended up being a very tight fit. I actually had to lightly tap the last piece into place. This metal stud or whatever you call it, is basically a U-shape on the side, then that U-shaped metal stud is bent over the top of the trailer, and down the other side. I stuffed another piece of insulation in the slot to close off everything. I will cover with the metal looking sticky tape to close off any little gaps that I may have either missed or created. My cutting was not perfect. The R-Valuse is 6, which seems to be the highest for one inch thick foam. I hope it will make some difference when it comes to the cold in the winter, and heat in the summer.
One side of the trailer is pretty much done. But I still have to remove the other side plywood, and the forward bulkhead wood and metal pieces in order to access that. Hopefully I will get the other wall and the forward bulkhead finished this weekend.
Then I have to figure out how to do the ceiling. I think that where the ceiling curves, I will have to use pink foam, as it does cut easier, and I can create little V-grooves that I can use to shape the foam to the curves. I will be leaving a gap at the top corners on the sides of the trailer that will contain the plastic conduit that will carry all the 12 volt wiring. The wiring is thin enough that I think I only need this conduit on the sides. I will wrap the wires that lead down the wall, or into the ceiling with something to protect them from chaffing, or maybe I can cut a groove in the insulation to accommodate the wiring. I have a wood burner tool that I can put the X-acto knife onto to do the cutting.
I now know why I cannot get the trailer dealer to install a Fan-tastic fan into my roof. Those metal studs are less than 14 inches apart when you include the flanges that stick out. This fan is too wide, and that would have meant cutting part of one of these out. Probably not good for structural integrity. But I did find
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00407CK5W/_e ... P94C&psc=0 Which seems to be adequately rated, and it is for a smaller trailer or van, which probably will work well with the trailer I have.
The one thing I am not looking forward to is cutting the four 2 inch holes in the side of the trailer to make room for the two computer fans, and the related vents. From what I have read, all I have to do is drill a pilot hole into the side of the trailer siding. Then I take my 2 inch hole saw, and cut through that, through the foam, and then finally through the interior plywood. That supposedly will give me a straight through hole in the four locations I want.
I've done designing my basic setup for this trailer. I will have a platform that is 27 inches wide, 18 inches tall, and 63 inches long. The top will be made up of three fold up lids so I can access the three compartments underneath. One of those compartments will be for my battery and electrical The other two will be for general storage. This bed, while looking from the rear of the trailer will be on the right side. I have to put it on that side, as I have to install the teardrop doorway (24x36) on the left side. This ensures I have room to get in and out of the trailer without having to crawl over the bed platform. I'll probably have to round the corner of the platform near the door in order to make it easier for me to move in and out, but I don't think that will matter, as my head will be to the rear of the trailer when sleeping. That allows me to swing my legs over the side and turn to get out.
This also allows me to put cupboards at the front of the trailer, which will be 12 inches high, and 15 inches deep located just down from the ceiling. My feet will be under those cupboards.
On the other wall I will install two small fold up table tops. One can be used for munching a meal on, and the other can have a fan or whatever else on top. Unfortunately they have to be folded down at night in order for me to be able to move in and out of the trailer. This trailer is just tiny, so there isn't a lot I can do with it like add a fridge, A/C wash basin, shower and toilet. Maybe someday I will have a vehicle that can tow a 7x16 cargo trailer that I can convert to contain those. But for now, I will have to rough it. But it isn't quite like living in a soft walled tent, which just gives me the heebie jeebies.
Anyway, I have started, and so far things seem to be working out.
Oh! Note on the 106Ah AGM battery I have. It is dead, and will have to go to the battery graveyard. I will get some kind of replacements. I think someone mentioned Duracell 6 Volt 250 something Ah golf cart AGM batteries. I think they are 60 pounds a piece, which is just about at my weight lift limit. There's a vendor down in the Palm Springs area, but I will see if there is something else I can get. I'd actually like to just have one battery of this type, but not sure something is available that is light enough for me to move.