Front Cap Insulation

[clev]

Originally Posted by Fulltimer50

Every little bit helps though.
How about the floor space outside the main frame ?

That was the first thing that I did when I got mine home from the dealer. And then I sealed the belly cover with caulk and expansion foam, front to rear. The belly area is totally insulated and as waterproof as I can get it. It’s a little tricky dealing around the wheel area.

[MS60ocb]

Has anyone talked to DRV about this problem or any other repair shop to get a workable solution. Or does DRV say the problem is leaving here OK.
I haven't looked but I'm sure I'm one who has that problem because winter propane consumption.
Clay MS 38PS3/Dallas #8i20

[clev]

Originally Posted by MS60ocb

Has anyone talked to DRV about this problem or any other repair shop to get a workable solution. Or does DRV say the problem is leaving here OK.
I haven't looked but I'm sure I'm one who has that problem because winter propane consumption.
Clay MS 38PS3/Dallas #8i20

When I was working with the wiring of the A/V system, I noticed that there was no insulation from the top hole running down to the lower hole behind the TV. I did notify my rep at DRV, but he denied the lack of insulation. So, how do you prove it?

[wingnut60]

Why don't those of you that have proven the insulation has fallen, send pics to DRV and ask for comments? Maybe you can get some actual indication that they are aware of the problem.
To my way of thinking, if the cap area insulation fell, why not all the rest as it is hung in the same manner?

[Hunter11]

Clev we must think a lot alike because right after we got our unit we did the same thing to the under side of ours. It is amazing how many holes and cracks you find in these things. We also took 1" 4X8 sheets of Owens Corning ridged insulation and put it between the floor joist in the pass thru storage area. Then covered that with Reflectix. I just feel like you can't have to much insulation in an RV. All this has made a big difference in our trailer and I feel like the added insulation in the front and rear caps tomorrow will just add to it.

[Hunter11]

Wingnut, I can see the insulation in the front and rear caps falling because there nothing to hold it in place but in the side walls I would think it is sandwiched between the interior and exterior panels and that would help would it in place. I may be wrong in my thinking.

[clev]

LOL, Hunter; GMTA. Yes, there were a lot of holes. Around the wheel assemblies, there were holes that I could stick my hand into.

Also, I agree with you on the falling insulation. There’s nothing to hold it in the front and rear except the spray adhesive that was used in assembly. When I watched the DRV video’s, I was not impressed with the way the insulation was installed.

[ACEroad]

I have read all three pages of posts and have a billion dollar idea. Let's just start a new RV company and build all types with real insulation such as something insulated as least half as good a YETI cooler. I would buy one now right now for a premium price. I do not know of a well insulated RV on the market. Newmar claims theirs is the best. But they used the spray glue with batts....boo. Just got back from their factory tour and they did not like my comments on their insulation. Like the Dutch Star ($420,000) but not with that insulation.

Second comment from the first page, how old is the mentioned girlfriend?


Hey I am old and retired, just tolerate me.

[rynosback]

Originally Posted by wingnut60

Why don't those of you that have proven the insulation has fallen, send pics to DRV and ask for comments? Maybe you can get some actual indication that they are aware of the problem.
To my way of thinking, if the cap area insulation fell, why not all the rest as it is hung in the same manner?

Honestly I do not think they care about common issues. I know this because my first visit to the factory they repaired some items that I did not even point out. The tech said that it was on every rig that he has worked on. So I asked him why doesn’t a shop repair rep get together with a factory line rep to correct production problems that they commonly see. This way they could create a better product. He just said that they would not pay them for that. What a shame as this a great way to improve your quality controll and even lower the cost of warranty claims. But like some of the world, the most common sense solotions are never attempted or implemented.

[Hunter11]

Just as an update, I pulled the tail lights and clearance lights this morning to be ready for the insulation guy when he gets here. I was able to shine a flashlight in the rear cap clearance light holes and there is NO insulation from the lights to the top of our rear window. That is a fair size area that is empty. I can see batt insulation through the tail light holes.

[Hunter11]

Well the job is done and I am very happy with the results. The guy was able to fill both front and rear caps full to the clearance lights. He used what I will call one bail in the front cap and a little over a half bail in the back cap. It is suppose to be 103* this afternoon so I should be able to get a good reading on the closet front wall temp later this afternoon to compare with the one I took earlier in the week.

Unfortunately I did not get any pictures as I was helping the guy feed the machine and it was hot and we wanted to get done. Really they would not be any different than the ones Clev took when his was done.

[juicesqueezer]

Hunter, where is this guy located? May have to look him up as well!

[Hunter11]

He is in the Austin, Tx area.

[Hunter11]

It is 103* with full sun on the front cap and the current temp reading on the front wall of the closet is 77*. That is 14* lower than before the insulation was added. My wife said there is a big difference in the closet temp now (being lower and not like an oven) and to me it was worth it. I see no reason why this will not also help in cold weather. Thanks again Clev for posting about this!

[Ajtthomas]

Hi hunter 11
What kind of material did you have blowin in your Front and rear cap?

Thanks

[dapperdan]

Hunter, glad you achieved success with the blown-in insulation!!! BUMMER you didn't get the chance for a photo op.

Oh well, sounds like blowing in insulation is "thee" method. Roughly how long did it take for your guy and you to do this job?

Thank you for sharing!

Dan

[Hunter11]

Ajtthomas, he used Cellulose insulation.

Dan, it took him a little less than two hours start to finish. He even reinstalled the lights while he was up on the ladder.

[Lloyd]

Been following this thread and wondering just what you all would come up with. I know a person has to, or at least wants to do something to fix the problem.
The way I see it, if these rigs sat still and didn't move, the blown insulation would more then likely be fine, but what is going to happen to it when they start bouncing, vibrating, jiggling, and twisting when going down the road?

It will be interesting to see just how much that blown insulation settles over time. Anybody that travels much should pull a lite on occasion just to keep track of it. I hope it works out for everybody.

[dapperdan]

Thanks for the info Hunter!

We have a trip planned starting Monday, if I get the chance I'm going to check our insulation while on this trip. Spending on what I find I may get my hands on a blower and a bag or two of insulation and give it a try. First off we'll see where we stand as far as proper insulation goes behind those caps.

Glad your issue is fixed!

Dan

[wingnut60]

Wondering also how much the blown stuff will settle with travel...will be waiting on reports before I try mine...
Thanks to all the helping posts.