RV Window Insulation - Who Needs It?

 

We are on our way pulling a Coachman Apex Ultra Lite 215RBK behind a F150 from Tampa to Cape Canaveral for a rocket launch and some cool Atlantic beach time.      

Its mid-July – in Florida. The truck thermometer locked at 96 degrees.  Nobody could accuse us of excessive sanity.

 We poked along I4 closer to double the nickel than the usual 60 mph.  All gauges remained within limits and stops were longer than planned.

Measured by a naked hand, the trailer tires were above body temperature. Hubs more, but not overly so.  The truck tires were noticeably cooler.   Our rest stop plan included lunch under a shaded picnic table however, both of us preferred a slow Florida walk to the idling AC truck.  (Never walk fast during the Florida summer heat)

We arrived at our destination just after sun stole the shade. The effort of set up tired us to the point of Heat Exhaustion that plagued the both of us the entire 3 day “vacation”.   The heat/ humidity overwhelmed our three quarters of a century old bodies.   

Sailing Hideaway  You Tube Video

Something Must Be Done.

 First The obvious action: Don’t camp in Florida during the summer.

 and second;

 Don’t believe the myth that because Atlantic Ocean is colder than the Gulf of Mexico, therefore the afternoon sea breeze would keep us comfortable.  The difference in water temperature from the west coast at Clearwater Beach was one degree.

Although You are not going to beat the Florida summer heat/humidity you may be able to mitigate the roar of AC by insulating your RV windows and maybe some cabinetry.  Letting the awning out for shade is assumed.

A reasonable daytime interior goal of 80 degrees and a nighttime goal of upper 70s is acceptable when augmented by an oscillating fan to encourage cool air movement.

 Window insulation- Is it worth the time and cost?

 The goal of window insulation is to reduce the RV temperature during travel so the air conditioner can cool the living space quickly and efficiently upon arrival.

There are no monetary savings in this- the savings are relative comfort and maybe avoiding hospitalization for heat exhaustion.

Our Highest recorded RV interior temperature in full sun with no window insulation, awning, or AC   is 107 degrees. Camper stored on concrete driveway

Normal temperature on west coastal FL – Tampa Bay area  for July is  92/79 with 76% humidity yields a Heat Index of 108-110

TESTING

The tests were conducted with and without direct sun, closed windows with factory supplied curtains, and with and without insulation.

Results of tests vary – a 101.3 outside sun temperature yielded 96.6 inside without insulation or AC.

The one cloudy day partially insulated in sun 97.2 yielded inside temperature of 75.9 a difference of 21.3 degrees

Exterior temperature 102 degrees -- interior temperature full insulation 96.6 = 5.4 degrees difference. Estimated temperature variance using the high 107 degrees – 96.6=10.4 degrees no ac or awning

The hottest area in the RV is the bathroom shower skylight where temperatures of 100 to 103 degrees were recorded.   Dropping to 83 with insulation.

 A close second is the large front bedroom window, not insulated 102.2 dropping to 84 with insulation.

Full insulation in sunny weather, no shade, NO awning is 5-10 degrees cooler than before insulation

Conclusion:

The goal of window insulation is to reduce the RV temperature during travel so the air conditioner can cool the living space quickly and efficiently upon arrival.

So, yes, it’s worth the money and effort to insulate the windows. 

However, the easiest solution is-  Just don’t camp in florida during summer.

I cancelled the remaining reservations.

 I regret it already – but – it’s just too hot!

PROJECT  TOOLS

Measuring tape

Good pair of scissors

Four-foot drywall square

Marker

High quality mask

Painters/duct tape for edges

Velcro strips for shower roof light

Lid for rounding corners if desired

Always wear a mask when cutting the insulation, small particles are released during cutting process.  Be sure to seal the edges with tape for the same reason.

Always seal the edges of the insulation with tape to prevent pieces of the fiber insulation fall out.

Assuming you have the necessary tools, the material available at any home center costs about 40-$50.  Depending on how many mistakes you make.

Standard AC for normal use with 215RBK – Apex Coachman, 13,500 BTU 

 For travel in the south, get the optional severe weather unit with 15,000BTU

Comments Welcomed