ARE Aluminum Camper Shell Insulation

Hey Guys I am looking at using my camper shell for camping and Would like advice on how to properly insulate this thing since its aluminum and I don't want to have condensation issues. I was thing about using poly foam board insulation for the walls and then covering it in marine/automotive carpeting. For the ribs I was thinking I would try to fill with expanding foam. Any advice is appreciated Not really sure what the best option would be for insulation but im open to ideas. Here are pics of my camper shell for a better idea.

 

This is a lot like insulating a metal cargo trailer to make a DIY cargo trailer camper. They're pretty common these days and you find a lot of information insulating this kind of structure online. I'd use polyfoam board between the ribs and foil tape over the ribs to hold the foam in place and to form a vapor barrier. Pumping foam into the ribs wont help because the real problem with the ribs will be thermal bridging...ie, the outside cold will transfer through the ribs to the inside and condensation will form on the ribs. It shouldn't be too bad though. Carpet will be a nice touch.

 

Have you looked into whether expanding foam might distort the aluminium ribs? I'd be careful about spraying it into tubing if it has no escape while it expands.

 

Yes I was planning on using the low Expand type, like the one they use for windows so it doesn't warp any thing. @Intrepid

 

Thanks I was hoping the carpet would take care of the ribs, as to help condensation in the area, I was also planning on adding a roof vent but im still unsure if to get one with or without a fan.

 

What glue would you recommend for flying the carpet to the poly

 

If the carpet isn't too thick, use 3M all-purpose spray adhesive. The product works really well for applying the carpet used for headliners, sub-woofers, and car trunks. But if you're using a thicker carpet that type of adhesive might not work.

 

1” styrofoam insulation with Home Depot or similar shower board (FRP) to close things in. I just got a ARE DCU and plan on doing this next summer.

 

I have the cheapest carpeting that you can get at Home Depot, it’s out door/indoor carpet with no backing, kind of like speaker box carpet. I don’t know what 3m spray to use super 77 or super 90

 

I had the best luck with super 90, but it eventually failed due to condensation. Trying 3m neoprene glue next.

 

Did you glue carpet straight onto the aluminum camper or did you use insulation first?

 

Mines fiberglass - no insulation.

 

Oh ok I think im gonna try super 90 and see how well it works the neoprene looks a bit pricey. I'm also thinking of using some small sheet screws Spaced out on the aluminum supports, Not super worried about aesthetics as I am about it sagging.

 

I'd get the carpet with the backing (mine has like a rubber backing instead of just fabric; I got it at Lowe's but I think HD sells essentially the same thing. Either way it's not expensive), the adhesive will stick to it better without bleeding through and soaking up more of the adhesive, thus requiring more.

IIRC, the Super 77 is for use on fabrics while the 90 is for hard items like trim.

 

Update - glued some carpet onto my fiberglass last night. You get a lot of use out of the can of the neoprene 10, and the shit seems to stick really really well. So far, I'm content, but I'll know more after a winter of condensation buildup.

 

Finally finished the camper shell. This is the finished product.

 

I'd like to know more lol I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about insulating mine. Heard back and forth between ventilation issues etc.

Any guidance would be useful, already hitting the expedition portal for their opinions

 

what do you mean by ventilation issue?

 

Add a vent or a fan. Plenty of options out there, plenty of example on ExPo. Are you looking for something static like the pop-up vents that they use in Australia and on horse trailers or a fan? If a fan, battery powered vs. solar. Are you going to be carrying items on top that would make clearance an issue, i.e. Fantastic fan pop up cover? Some folks have added scupper type vents on the side or back. The bed and the DCU shells leak air pretty badly so it's not like you won't get some air movement.

 

Well the lack of. Definite condensation issues that build up. I know the insulation would help and as well adding a small fan to draw it out would too. Would I need to go as far as vapour barrier between the cap and foam board?

Already have a small fan that will take place of a hole which has no clearance issue. Also second battery in the back is fed by solar and has only a .015amp draw so shouldnt be too bad