I've done a search and read through all the posts I could find here on this, but I still can't make up my mind about it. I'm ordering a new trailer from 4 Star so this is my opportunity to have a factory insulation job done. I don't want to have to do this later myself, but am really not sure how useful/necessary insulation might be in central coast Calif. Most people do not have it here, but I might haul inland to parts of Calif. where it gets much hotter in the summertime. I'm getting extra roof vents and dropdowns all around, so as long as the trailer is moving I think it should not get too uncomfortable in the horse area ... but what about when the trailer is stopped for gas, rest, or traffic? It will add about $1,000 to the cost of the trailer to insulate it, second only to the cost of the WERM option. Don't want to get it if it's not necessary, but don't want to cheap out on the horses' comfort either. Thoughts, anyone?
Posted 2007-09-11 12:32 AM (#67635 - in reply to #67622) Subject: RE: Roof insulation on alum. trailers
Regular
Posts: 92
Thanks, all. Guess I will go for it. Everything done at the factory is more expensive than DIY but in this case I'm certain the job they'll do will be a lot better (and look a lot better) than what I would do. ;) There are a few things I plan to do myself, based on some good dealer advice, but insulation and WERM are not those things. I want them both in there from the get-go because there's no telling when the job will get done if it's waiting on me to do it. (I know myself too well, LOL.)
Posted 2007-09-11 6:33 AM (#67638 - in reply to #67618) Subject: RE: Roof insulation on alum. trailers
Elite Veteran
Posts: 648 Location: Coconut Creek, FL
Mine came with it and I'm glad. On those cold nights I find the whole trailer stays warmer and you don't get condensation on the roof dripping down into the horse area which I often keep hay in during the campout.
Posted 2007-09-11 8:42 AM (#67648 - in reply to #67618) Subject: RE: Roof insulation on alum. trailers
Regular
Posts: 71 Location: Northern CA
Living in Monterey, heat may not be as much of an issue as if you were living in the valley. That being said, invest the extra $ for the roof insulation. It also quiets the ride some, and will add resale value to the trailer should you decide to sell. Also, get the WERM installed, this will make your life so much easier and will protect your aluminum floor (again adding resale value). You will love the combo! Just my 2 cents!
Posted 2007-09-11 10:17 AM (#67654 - in reply to #67618) Subject: RE: Roof insulation on alum. trailers
Elite Veteran
Posts: 720
Go ahead and have 4 Star do it. Contrary to what you may be thinking, they'll insulate the roof, then skin it with another layer of aluminum, and then trim the edges. Very materials & labor intensive. If I were doing it, I'd make sure the upper .5 of the sidewalls are done to get that totally finished appearance. Also much easier to clean!
Roof insulation on alum. trailers
