New Panther shell - time to start building!

Dirtroadcampers

New Member
Joined
Jan 13, 2024
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Well after owning a couple old FWCs, and going through several campers that weren't quite the answer, this year I purchased a Panther shell. A huge thanks to Marty and the ATC team for the build and delivery. Last week was a maiden voyage to Moab, where I realized that - as it was 26 degrees - a) I'm glad I got the thermal pack and b) I need to get a heater in this thing. So... Today starts the build (my "nifty fifty" project as it was a birthday decision).

Since I'm currently living in an RV park as I transition job locations, my tools and shop options are not what they usually are. So, this will be a bit of an adventure. Fortunately northern Utah has Amazon.

Today's start - floor / tub insulation (polyiso) and some vinyl flooring on top. Next will be a diesel heater, and DC to DC charger for the battery.

More to come! And so glad to be part of this forum for all the advice and encouragement along the way.
 
Well after owning a couple old FWCs, and going through several campers that weren't quite the answer, this year I purchased a Panther shell. A huge thanks to Marty and the ATC team for the build and delivery. Last week was a maiden voyage to Moab, where I realized that - as it was 26 degrees - a) I'm glad I got the thermal pack and b) I need to get a heater in this thing. So... Today starts the build (my "nifty fifty" project as it was a birthday decision).

Since I'm currently living in an RV park as I transition job locations, my tools and shop options are not what they usually are. So, this will be a bit of an adventure. Fortunately northern Utah has Amazon.

Today's start - floor / tub insulation (polyiso) and some vinyl flooring on top. Next will be a diesel heater, and DC to DC charger for the battery.

More to come! And so glad to be part of this forum for all the advice and encouragement along the way.
Congrats on the camper.Post photos when you can.
Frank
 
I just returned from a 5 week trip in my Panther determined to get serious about insulation. Curious about your plans, here are some thoughts I’ve had:

Plywood base side wall insulation: I’d like to use 1” rigid foam but I don’t have the clearance so it needs to go on the inside with a thin plywood overlay.

Base floor insulation: I recently camped with a fellow who had a Northstar hard side, pretty good size. The camper rested on 2” rigid foam that had a 1/2” plywood sheet on top and it seemed to be holding up well. Since I’m insulating the sidewalls inside I’ll probably do the floor the same way.

I’m not sure it is worth stripping it down to studs and using rigid foam, thermal breaks, the whole 9 yards. I’ll see how insulating the base improves comfort on early spring and late fall camping first.
 

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