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Topic: Insulated Vent/Fan Inserts (Read 17 times) previous topic - next topic
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Insulated Vent/Fan Inserts
Yahoo Message Number: 156481
We spent the afternoon making inserts out of 3/4" FOAMULAR Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Rigid Foam Insulation for the ceiling vents (fans).  We made cuts around the various knobs and controls so that the inserts fit flat and edged the inserts in Gorilla tape for protection.  The fit is snug and allows us to use the snap-on vent covers from LD.  We still need to make an insert for the escape hatch, which will probably be a 2-piece insert to accommodate the hardware.  The Mothership recommended 1 1/2" insulation for the escape hatch, which will take 2 pieces.  I'll probably glue them together with liquid nail or something similar and also edge them with Gorilla tape.

I continue to be amazed at how much time we can spend just messing around our LD and how much fun we have doing it.  Take care and hope to see you on the road

Ed & Margee Fort Worth
Re: Insulated Vent/Fan Inserts
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156483
For the escape hatch try this if you want.
Open the hatch then install your insulation attached to the underside of the hatch itself.  This does block the light from coming    through but it also provides insulation from both heat and cold. If you want light in a mild climate, simply open the hatch.
Worked well for us.
I used the fiberglass ceiling tiles with the nice vinyl finish on one side.

Ed
Re: Insulated Vent/Fan Inserts
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156487
We're going back to our LD tomorrow to finish a couple of loose ends.  I'll take a closer look at the escape hatch and see if the above suggestion might work for us.  Our insulation work is not only to reduce some cold in the winter, but also to help us with our Texas summers.  Those 100+ degree days in the shade are just brutal.  In fact, DW wants a snug fitting insulated insert in the shower's skylight to help reduce the summer's heat from that area too.  And so it goes.

Ed & Margee Fort Worth
Re: Insulated Vent/Fan Inserts
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156491
There are different approaches to vents and their covers.
We live in a hot climate. Our LD's vents have covers on the them that block the sun and allow the vents to remain open all summer, rain or shine. During the summer, one of the Fantastic fans is left on for the season, with its thermostat set to turn the fan off at temps under 85 degrees or so.

For frigid conditions, the two Fantastic have snap on covers, plus foam insets, if I care to mess with them.
We bought the insulated escape hatch cover when we picked our 2003 LD. We used it a few times and put it away.
We sleep in the bunk and enjoy having the views of the stars and abundant fresh air. The colder the air, the clearer the view Instead of using an insulated cover, which needs to be stored when not in use, our LD's hatch is insulated with two layers of closed cell foam. Backpacker sleeping mats are an an inexpensive source of foam. A layer of capering or other material can be glued over the foam, to better match the interior.
The biggest downfall with this method is condensation dripping off the exposed aluminum frame. The insulated cover prevents moist air from coming in contact with the bare aluminum.
Since we do not use the insulated cover, the exposed aluminum frame with covered withinsulated adhesive foam tape, available at most home centers. The tape was developed for reducing condensation on chill water or coolant lines in commercial air conditioning systems.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Armacell-2-in-x-30-ft-R-1-Foam-Insulation-Tape-TAP18230/100539553 Thin strips of plastic can also be used to cover escape hatch frames. Even strips of duct tape, placed on the aluminum,  can be effective in reducing condensation.

It amazes me that escape hatches do not come pre-insulated, it would be easy to do, when manufactured.
Hatch insulation can be retrofitted. To ease the job, remove the hatch cover and fit the insulation while on the bench. This doesn't matter for new models, LD discontinued installing escape hatches several years ago, guess we will have to hold on to ours.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Insulated Vent/Fan Inserts
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156493
In a somewhat related subject, has anyone insulated the "skylight" in the shower with something that wouldn't block the light?

Pat
The Pearl - 2000 31'
"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."
Re: Insulated Vent/Fan Inserts
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156494
I've never done this but bubble wrap would be the only clear, insulating material that comes quickly to mind.
Build a "picture frame" the same size as the interior skylight framework. Come up with some way to stretch bubble wrap across the frame. Attach to the skylight frame with tabs of Velcro.
Maybe?

Ed
Re: Insulated Vent/Fan Inserts
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 156495
(Smile) you could just drive north during the summer ..... Maybe Oregon or Washington.
As a side benefit many percent  lower humidity.

Glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King