24 replies to this topic

[Keith in Co]

So did you essentially build an insulated platform that sits in the truck bed then camper goes on top?

No, it is fastened to the base of the camper.   The prior owner had done a similar design using 1/2” styrofoam, and when I removed it to install the 1.5”, I saw that even elevating a half-inch off the truck bed floor had saved the plywood camper floor from rotting. It looked almost new. 

 

 I have seen Alaskans mounted with a separate 2x4 frame between the camper and the truck bed floor. I think this would be a golden opportunity to place R-13 fiberglass insulation in the void. 

[el_jefe]

I'd probably go with styrofoam over fiberglass, it still can get wet under there.

[smlobx]

This thread may be of interest to you...

 

http://www.wanderthe...of-your-camper/

[Leviticus907]

@smlobx thanks for the heads up

[Leviticus907]

No, it is fastened to the base of the camper. The prior owner had done a similar design using 1/2” styrofoam, and when I removed it to install the 1.5”, I saw that even elevating a half-inch off the truck bed floor had saved the plywood camper floor from rotting. It looked almost new.

I have seen Alaskans mounted with a separate 2x4 frame between the camper and the truck bed floor. I think this would be a golden opportunity to place R-13 fiberglass insulation in the void.

Yeah as of right now I need about 3 inches of elevation to stay above the cab, so I think I may just build a platform. I cant remember what the bottom of my camper is like but idk why they wouldn't encapsulate it in fiberglass to prevent rot

[JoeKan]

A lot of great ideas here and I'm seeing that I'm going to be doing some insulating in my 64 NCO once it gets warmer. One thing I've noticed about mine while living in it in the Mid-west is the Pirelli seals are dried and there are huge gaps which lets in much of the cold air. That's probably the first thing I'm going to fix, but at least I don't have to worry too much about using the propane heater and getting carbon dioxide poisoning. 

[Keith in Co]

A lot of great ideas here and I'm seeing that I'm going to be doing some insulating in my 64 NCO once it gets warmer. One thing I've noticed about mine while living in it in the Mid-west is the Pirelli seals are dried and there are huge gaps which lets in much of the cold air. That's probably the first thing I'm going to fix, but at least I don't have to worry too much about using the propane heater and getting carbon dioxide poisoning.

 Seals are certainly job #1.  I use garage door seals from a hardware store. My outside seals last 10-15 years, and inside seals much longer. 
 
Other than testing all of the LP gas fittings for leaks, replacing the stock heater with an Olympian Wave 3 catalytic heater was one of the best upgrades I made in my 8’ NCO. Totally silent and no more stink. Also freed up all the space beneath the closet where the old heater lived. Since catalytic heaters don’t like dust, I keep the cover on it when not in use.

[JoeKan]

Would the horse stall mat that some put under their Alaskan to prevent slippage work as an insulator too?

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Joe, not much insulation from a stall mat.  They are just ground up tires.

[D.MIDNIGHT]

I built a platform for my 1956 8' NCO as I needed approx. 3" + to clear my 2016 Ram bedrails. Built the frame out of 2X4's laid upright to acheive 3 1/2". Used 1/4" luan for outer sandwich on both sides. All Kreg pocket holes to secure the frame. Laid 2" foam board ( R 10 ) on lower then  1 1/2" foam board ( R 7.5 ) on top of that. Now have   R 17.5 for floor. PL  construction adhesive to seal Luan to 2X4's. Secured the platform to bottom of camper with 8"  L style brackets. All in all about $140 and half a days work to have toasty feet. 

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Edited by D.MIDNIGHT, 29 March 2020 - 07:20 PM.