Insulation

[Montana_2044]

We recently purchased a 2004 Fifth Wheel, Model 2980. We were wondering if anyone has ever insulated the windows for the winter. We used the aluminum insulation in other trailers, but it doesn't look very nice. Any suggestions?

[Montana_621]

Are you talking about insulating the windows while you stay in the unit or doing it while you are storing it?

[NJ Hillbilly]

Many have had good luck with the shrink kits that are available at Wal-Mart or Home Depot. You can see through them pretty good and they do help.

John

[Montana_2044]

quote:Originally posted by Melissa and Mike S

Are you talking about insulating the windows while you stay in the unit or doing it while you are storing it?

Really, both times. We camp all year round.

[sreigle]

We use the shrink kits John mentioned. We spend Nov and Dec in the Kansas City area before heading south for warmer weather. Last winter we had lows to 14 and some days not over 21 and many more in the 32 degree range. The shrink kits helped a lot. It was kind of a pain removing all the valances to put these on then put the valances back on but it was worth it. There's two screws up under each valance.

[Montana_2044]

quote:Originally posted by sreigle

We use the shrink kits John mentioned. We spend Nov and Dec in the Kansas City area before heading south for warmer weather. Last winter we had lows to 14 and some days not over 21 and many more in the 32 degree range. The shrink kits helped a lot. It was kind of a pain removing all the valances to put these on then put the valances back on but it was worth it. There's two screws up under each valance.

Thanks for the info. We're going to check it out today.

[Bob & Lee]

We used the shrink wrap kind last year and at 15 Deg did very well but as Steve said they are a pain to put on and off.This year Iam looking at puting plexaglss on the inside with the "L" hooks with a rubber seal so they can be removed in the summer on the windows we want open and on the screen door so the door can be open in the warmer cold days. there are a lot of posts about this and I think this is the best long term fix

[sreigle]

Bob & Lee, if this works out for you I'd be interested in hearing the installation particulars, if you don't mind. And pictures if you have them.
Thanks.

[Montana_1794]

We are also using the Aluminum insulation that we cut for each window and skylight. It does hold the heat out - but can't see out and don't like that either but will use if for this winter also. (We use our unit a lot on the Eastern Plains of Colorado and it gets extremely hot in the summer.)

This is our first year with a 2000 Montana 5th wheel trailer. We live in Aurora, CO and plan to use our Unit in October and November. Are concerned about having our water lines freeze up inside the unit. Has anyone had this happen to them???

Secondly, while hooking up to a water supply (via garden hose) what is the best way to keep that from freezing? We were thinking about looking into heat tape to wrap the hose -- does this work or does someone have a better idea. We would put the water in the holding tank but the water isn't good (out on the Eastern plains of Colorado) where we will be staying so we hate to put that in our tank. Hopefully, the garden hose will work if we can keep it from freezing. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Montana_2044]

We bought the shrink wrap kit at WalMart yesterday. Carl can't figure out how the valances come down. He says he thinks they're stapled on because we have the day/night type of shades. We may end up taking the shrink kit back & getting the plexiglass like Bob suggested. We would only put it up on the big picture window at the back. I have so many allergies that we very seldom open any windows. We think the plexiglass would help with the heat during the summer also. We've used the plexiglass on our screened in porch for years. It really helps. Thanks for all your replies. This site is great!!!

[Northstar]

Some really good ideas. Keep us posted. Happyrving.....

[sreigle]

WildBill, be sure to use the drinking water safe hose, like one from the RV section of Walmart rather than a garden hose (garden hose gets you that rubber taste). That's probably what you meant anyhow.

Restless, there's two screws in each valance, one on each side. They are on the inside, up above the curtain rod. Ours vary a little in location from valance to valance but they're all up there somewhere. I got to them with a regular screwdriver and some bodily contortions (this old back doesn't like that very well. ). My electric screwdriver is too fat to get up in there (kind of like me).

Hope this helps.

[Montana_2044]

Thanks for the info about the screws in the valances. We'll take a look when . we get back to the trailer. We're at Keesler AF Base FamCamp in Biloxi, Mississippi, running from Hurricane Jeanne & playing in the casinos. Have to have something to do, ya know!!

[Bob & Lee]

I spent this last week-end installing the plexaglass windows I talked about. It was not a hard job, I measured the window frames top edge and bottom edge and left and right took the measurements to Home Depot and they cut it for FREE only straight cuts, so it took 6 sheets.I was going to cut the curves to match the frame in the RV. BUT I didnt need to, the square edge hangs off a little and is not in the way and can't be seen with the day shade down and didnt look bad with it up so we left it sq. Had to get screen tabs to hold it in place, smallest I could find was 5/16 and need 1/8 so had to cut every one to fit with a belt sander, a little time spent but worked good. the window over the dinning room I had to get some nylon 1" spacers to put it up, we had a blind put up there in the past so cant see it either. If I need to later I can cut the corners round but havent needed to yet. Put the glass on the front door screen and cut it to fit all the way around, Cut all the things I need to with my MOTO tool and it works great. So far we have notice a little warmer with less heat but we will see when it gets colder.This whole thing cost me for 15 windows and the door about $250.(my wife wanted to leave the kitchen window uncovered)The only things I have found so far are the curtain will somtines hang up at the top and you need to pull out a little to slide it by the hangers that hold up the glass. Iam working pictures and will post them.

[Montana_2044]

Bob, Thanks for the great detailed info. My husband is wondering if you're going to put any kind of sealant around the plexiglass or is that necessary? Beautiful pictures...

[Bob & Lee]

restless

I thought about puting a foam stick on aroune the window but thought I would try it without first to see, the plexaglass lays pretty tight aginst the window