Winter skirting

[Mooresoc]

I’m preparing well in advance for winter living in northern temps in my 5th wheeler. I don’t want to spend thousands and am looking to do a DIY version using pool liner double wrapped with either foam board or double sided reflective foil. Considering they will both be covered inside of a pool liner, does anyone have any suggestions as to which would be better? I’ve priced out my options and they are the same. So, I’m just looking for what would be best r value knowing that neither option will directly be exposed to the weather (again because a pool liner will wrap the outside and inside).

[JBM3M]

The pool liner will mostly stop wind and air circulation under the unit. Insulate with Straw/hay bales, isocyanurate foam board, expanded bead styrofoam board. I would do something like that on the 'warm' side of the pool liner. (I was once upon a time an insulation contractor.) You are on the right track

[Mooresoc]

Originally Posted by JBM3M

The pool liner will mostly stop wind and air circulation under the unit. Insulate with Straw/hay bales, isocyanurate foam board, expanded bead styrofoam board. I would do something like that on the 'warm' side of the pool liner. (I was once upon a time an insulation contractor.) You are on the right track

Thanks! So do you think something cheap low R value insulation board would be better inside the tarp/pool liner than this option?
https://radiantguard.com/products/ra...31826332090442

[JBM3M]

Well they do not list an R-value, but it does have an R-value because it is layers which cause dead air space and probably a wind barrier, but not a vapor barrier. So all that is better than the pool liner and with any foam insulation board it makes it safer for fire, which you do not want to have. The foams burn like crazy and produce terribly dangerous fumes.


So if you want to stop the wind, for cheap, the pool liner probably will be the least expensive, related to the aluminized stuff. The aluminized stuff will have a greater R-value than the pool liner, at least an R-2, possibly R-4. You have two different issues with winterizing an RV.


Wind and then insulation.
Straw bales would be the best R-value but what to do with them after the season? Foam board can be stored (not in the sun) covered when not in use. Sun deteriorates foams, especially the cyanurates. There is also a reinforced plastic out there with kevlar strands every 1/4 inch in crosshatch pattern. That stuff is tough. Can't remember the name of it tho, it has been 20+ years since I used it.
Edit: You do want the moisture to permeate out from under the RV and that is the bad part of the pool liner, no permability

[wiredgeorge]

In past threads, folks have mentioned mice liking the straw bales. Boarding with Mickey and Minnie may result.

[JBM3M]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

In past threads, folks have mentioned mice liking the straw bales. Boarding with Mickey and Minnie may result.

True. Very true

[Mooresoc]

Sorry, I may not have been clear. I already am planning on using a pool liner (double layer). Inside of the layer or the pool liner, I wanted to do some minor insulation. So, am trying to decide between a radiant/foil insulation vs insulation board. The pool liner will prevent the air but I wanted to give it a little extra insulation by putting something in between the two layers of pool liner. Basically, I bought enough of a pool liner so that I could double up and sleeve it around an insulation. But, I had not thought about the fire risk of foam board (again noting it would be enclosed inside the two layers of pool liner). Hoping this all makes sense.

[JBM3M]

Yep makes sense to do that, over that stuff you linked. My concern is moisture collection under the unit now. You should vent 1" for every square foot to prevent too much moisture.

[Mooresoc]

Thanks so much for the help! Was actually starting to think about the moisture as well. We’re sitting on a partial gravel and grass lot and I put a vapor barrier on the ground. With that, there is even less of a chance to get the moisture out. I was going to put a temperature controlled heater under the unit to keep it above 40, but thinking now about the moisture issue. Is venting the better option or would a dehumidifier under the unit be better? Thanks again so much for the input and info!

[JBM3M]

I do not like heaters in under enclosed RV belly you are asking for a fire. Is the belly of your unit insulated? To what R-value? I like the idea of a dehumidifier if allowed to drain outside where it won't freeze the outlet, like a hole in the ground with batt insulation at the top. I don't know where Dexter is so no idea how cold it gets. You are on the right track. Venting is best if floor is insulated to r-19

[Mooresoc]

I agree with the concern of a fire just conflicted because even big companies like EZsnap skirting recommend a heater underneath. It seems like a lot of people are doing it. This is a Michigan winter. So, for many months it will be below freezing. I just don’t want pipes freezing. Was trying to maintain that above 40 temp. Not sure if double layer pool liner and R5 insulation board will be enough without a heater.

[JBM3M]

I don't think I would winter in an RV in a place like that, but I am old and don't like cold. Best to you, ya R5 ain't gonna cut it, you want at least R19s