insulation for penthouse

mamameins · 01-03-2011, 11:22 PM

Any one know where to get the insulation for the penthouse so we can camp this winter?

bluedog225 · 01-04-2011, 07:35 AM

Best I have seen is reflectix all the way around. With a good bag or down comforter, should be fine even without the reflectix.

saline · 01-04-2011, 08:45 AM

This last trip we took along two REI sleeping pads. They self inflate, have foam in them, and are a bit over 2"thick. They are the perfect size to place up in the PH sides. The difference in temp between the reflectex and the pads was HUGE! Thermarests work too but their dimensions are slightly smaller, leaving a gap at the top.

jage · 01-04-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamameins

Any one know where to get the insulation for the penthouse so we can camp this winter?

I found rolls at Lowes in the insulation section. If you get the right size you don't have to cut the width to fit just about perfect around the PH.

bluedog225 · 01-04-2011, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saline

This last trip we took along two REI sleeping pads. They self inflate, have foam in them, and are a bit over 2"thick. They are the perfect size to place up in the PH sides. The difference in temp between the reflectex and the pads was HUGE! Thermarests work too but their dimensions are slightly smaller, leaving a gap at the top.

I hadn't thought of insulating the sides with pads. I've actually got a couple of extra. Do you leave the front and back uninsulated?

LenS · 01-04-2011, 03:55 PM

We have two Thermarest Base Camps (2" x 25" x 75" I think) that we use for seats. In cold weather we put them on the sides of the penthouse similar to what was posted above. Makes a big difference. With two people in the penthouse your are very close to the cold canvas sides of the top.

**BroncoHauler** · 01-04-2011, 05:05 PM

Has anyone been able to find a source for the material that HeatShield uses for their window shades? I much prefer it to the "bubble-wrap" material, and I prefer the facing of it to the aluminized surface of Reflectix and it's equivalents. Might be a bit bulky however.

I e-mailed them a while back to see if they sold raw material, and they said no, but they'd be happy to custom make a shade for me (the penthouse). I didn't ask the price, but figured it would be pricey.

http://www.heatshieldstore.com/

Herb

**BroncoHauler** · 01-04-2011, 05:46 PM

You know, all I have to do is post a question that's been nagging me for a long time, and that I've unsuccessfully searched for an answer to a few times, and I then proceed to find a possible solution. Found this place in Glendora, CA. See the Sunshade Lamination description and picture at the bottom of the page. I e-mailed them to see if they sell retail, costs, and any minimum order requirements. Will post up with any response I get.

http://www.deccofelt.com/materials.htm

Herb

bluedog225 · 01-04-2011, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoHauler

Has anyone been able to find a source for the material that HeatShield uses for their window shades? I much prefer it to the "bubble-wrap" material, and I prefer the facing of it to the aluminized surface of Reflectix and it's equivalents. Might be a bit bulky however.

I e-mailed them a while back to see if they sold raw material, and they said no, but they'd be happy to custom make a shade for me (the penthouse). I didn't ask the price, but figured it would be pricey.

http://www.heatshieldstore.com/

Herb

I have seen a solar shade type material at a fabric shop for use in making insulated curtains that might work for you. Not sure if it was stiff enough to stand on it's own though.

Greg In Austin · 02-08-2011, 06:44 PM

My wife has made a number of custom items for McBeast.

She made a 4 piece set of PHT insulation panels that are reflectix with matching interior cloth on one side. These roll up in pairs for storage and a pair covers almost an entire side of the PHT. The are held in place by the OE PHT window curtains.

She also created reflectix panels for each window. These also have one side that matches the interior cloth. These panels slide in behind the day/night shades. The store flat with the front window shade. They are wonderful for shedding heat and keeping out the cold.

These two sets of items coupled with out Espar Furnace keep everything just toasty.

She has also created a system to allow for adjusting the OE PHT window curtains to different amounts of 'open-ness'.

(I suspect being the seamstress she is that she could be talked into making more of these and our proximity to SMB TX gives us a source of correct interior materials)

She also created a two piece (top and bottom for PHT up or not) curtain to create privacy for the privy.