Date:         Tue, 8 Apr 2008 21:08:34 -0400
Reply-To:     Woody Halsey <WHalsey@SYA.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Woody Halsey <WHalsey@SYA.ORG>
Subject:      more insulation questions, and lessons learned
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Dear All,

 

First, the lessons:

 

1)         The List is The Best. Even though my wife has absolutely no
interest in my intermittent obsession, she loved the posts about
persuading spouses to join the fun and embrace the mystery just as much
as I did.

2)         It is amazing how simple something can be when a patient
person points out the little trick. Case in point: Removing the interior
panel from the front doors. It's not the whole plastic assembly around
the lever that pops off, JUST THE LITTLE FINGER CUP. Once that's out,
and that is ridiculously easy, there's one screw and bingo. And the
explanation for the vents in the doors. I am scratching my head
wondering where does the air come from, when The List in its awesome
combined wisdom points out that the question is where is air going to.
It's an exhaust, dummy. That makes perfect sense. Or does it??? How does
the spent air get out, if there is no inlet into the brolly holder? I'll
have to take another look tomorrow!

 

Now the questions:

 

1)         Now that I have the door cavity exposed, I want to fill it up
with insulation. Do I really need to leave that exhaust vent open for
exhaust, if I never use the V'gon for camping? (No matter what I put in
there, I will add moisture barrier sheets of plastic.)

2)         And how about the row of oval cutouts at the bottom of the
rear hatch? Do they have to be respected and left open, or can I cover
them up with "Peel and Seal" and/or Great Stuff when I insulate? In
other words, do they serve any drainage or venting purpose? Sure doesn't
look like it.

3)         Are there any other spots I should NOT be cramming full of
insulation? Any drain ports? Does water ever get inside the doors from
around the window gaskets? I am liking the Peel and Seal and the doors
and window style (not too expansive) foam, but don't want to get carried
away, if there is a reason to leave some cavities open.

 

Woody

83.5 V'gon

Haverhill, MA