Insulation & Solar Power

Well, it got cold again here in MT and I didn't have the will to get under the Airstream in 30°F weather a second time. I really need to bolt the u-channel to the perimeter of the floor and frame. Those bolts (and stainless screws) are what hold the shell to the frame. But in order to do that, I need to lay on my back in the snow-slush under the trailer. No thanks, not this weekend. I'm on a deadline now, so if the weather doesn't cooperate, I'll have to do it soon. For right now, I've got enough to work on before that becomes pressing.

So, while I wait and hope for a warm weekend, I worked on the insulation and a solar bulkhead pass through. In the photos below, I drilled a small hole in Eisley's roof to allow the wires from a solar array to pass through the shell. Then I installed the pass through and sealed it up.

Go Power solar bulkhead passthrough.

Making a hole. (I hate this part.)

Hole with grommet & drilled holes for screws.

Bulkhead installed and sealed.

Insulation and wires installed.

Wires go to the battery compartment.

I don't like making new holes in the shell, but I make up for it by really gooping on the sealant. The grey sealant is called "Vulkum" by people in Airstream restoration, but it is really brand-named Trempro 635. It took me a while to realize they are the same thing. Vulkum was the name for it in the days of yore -- which, not incidentally, is where most Airstream restorers seem to come from . . .

Then I worked on the insulation. Because I have not bolted the u-channel to the floor/frame, I can't insulate all the way to the floor. The insulation will cover up what I need to do. But, I was able to insulate the entire roof and upper walls!

On the lower left side of this pic, you can see the shiny aluminum bubble rap, called Reflectix, that is the outer layer of insulation. The inner layer is R-Max foam board. It has the highest R-value of any material realistically available. Between the Reflectix and the R-Max foam is all of the electrical wiring, the vent tubes and spacers. This creates an air gap between the two insulations that is supposed to increase the efficiency of both types of insulation.

Wall with wiring and plumbing.

Cleaning dust off.

Making a flat board round.

Foam boards in place.

More foam.

Roof insulation finished.

Wire jungle.

Somewhat organized wiring through the insulation.

Another full day's labor looks like a few minutes of work. One of the fun parts is having my son come play in the trailer when I'm working. Now that all the bad stuff (mouse poop, asbestos) is gone he comes and helps or plays. Today's work was mostly above his head (and mine), so he just played. I'm a little lax with his screen-time minutes in the trailer -- they are normally rationed -- because I like his company.