Insulating Portable

[Seeker of Clayface]

I was a little bored last weekend so I lined the roof of my Fish Trap III with Refectix (basically foil faced bubble wrap). Since heat rises (duh) I figured it would act as a "cap" so to speak. Lining the sides will be more difficult so I'm gonna leave it as is for now. Anyone else have good results by doing this?

[berke99]

I just did the roof in my voyager. I used that stuff that is a space age foil blanket. It was only 4 dollars. I don't know how well it will work or how long it might last. Just thought I would give it a try. I duct taped the edges and where I cut it for the velcro pole straps. I tried this stuff first because I thought the foiled bubble wrap stuff was more bulky. If the foil blanket don't work I'll try the other stuff. I figure it has to help hold the heat some.

[minndonn]

I put a space blanket across the poles in the roof when it was 20 below and it really helped. It also really helped brighten up. It was cheap bur really helped. I also used a buddy heater and before the blanket it was getting pretty cold.

[Seeker of Clayface]

I thought about the bulk issue as well. Kinda why I'm gonna see how it goes with just the roof lining. I did a garage test the other night when it was pretty cold and my li'l Buddy really got it cookin'.

[cliffy]

just my two cents:

I thought about doing this last year, even went out and bought the space blanket but never got around to doing it. However, I did end up buying a little portable fan and fixed it with velcro to the roof of my portable. Boy what a difference that made. It keeps the warm air moving around...almost to good at times......as it has a tendency to melt the snow/ice around the floor..making it hard to walk without slipping.

I have a three man polar sport portable...lots of head room that gets wasted heat until I found this fan. You might want to give it a try, no bulk to worry about.

[JohnMickish]

Goinfishin and Smelly Jelly both used the bubble stuff in thier houses last year. They both said it helped alot by doing the back and top. I will be doing it to mine also pretty soon.

[herky]

where do you get the bubble stuff at?

[Seeker of Clayface]

I bought it at Menards but I think any major hardware store will have it. Comes in rolls. You'll see it.

[SmellyJelly]

I used Refectix (basically foil faced bubble wrap) in 2 out of my 3 portables as well. I swear by the stuff! It really helps keep in the heat and you can imagine how well it helps out the lighting. You still have time to insulate it...go for it!

mnfishinguy- Hope to see you on the hard water soon! You talk to goinfishin lately?

Peace,

SmellyJelly

[JohnMickish]

Mike, I'm itchin' so bad my wife is ready kick me out. I picked up a new LX3 this year and am ready to try it out. I haven't talked to Dan in awhile now, I'm hoping he starts a Calhoun or Hariet get together.

How about you, are you ready?

John.

[SmellyJelly]

mnfishinguy(John)- So you upgraded to an LX3. What's next...A underwater camera!

Yea, I'm ready for first ice. I gave my equiptment the "once over" today. Everything seems to be in working order.

I have not spoken with goinfishing for a couple of months now. Got a feeling I will be hearing from him soon with first ice coming shortly.

Peace,

SmellyJelly

[JohnMickish]

Oh yea, I got the camera late last year. Boy did that ever make a difference on the pannies! I've got almost as much stuff as you now.

[herky]

how did you attach the foil to the roof? I can't get anything to stick.

[berke99]

I put the foil between the poles and the material on the roof. I cut slits for the velcro straps that hold the top material to the poles, and then put duct tape around the slits in the foil so the cuts would not run in the foil. When I fold up the house the foil just seem to follow the material. I am still waiting for good first ice to get out.

[MnIceman]

I use to have a 8x8 suitcase that was super hard to heat and condensation or icing were big problems. I just used clear plastic sheeting on the roof and 2 sides. Made a big difference . I've thought about the foil bubblewrap stuff for my Otter and just have'nt done it yet. I even have some left over from using it on my garage doors.

[metrojoe]

Hey Mike, John

Must be time to start planning a hard water get together. I may have to take a trip over to Menards and check this stuff out. I remember a couple of you guys had that stuff on the inside of your portables last year and it seemed to work really well.

[SmellyJelly]

I pretty much insulated mine the same way berke99 did. Keep in mind...the two portables I used the foil on-were the flip over style. All you need is the foil,duct tape,zip ties and a utility knife. It really works great!

metrojoe- I'm ready when you are!

Peace,

SmellyJelly

[goin fishin]

What's up fellas! It's about that time again and I'm gettin that fishin itch if ya know what I mean! Good to hear from Smelly Jelly, John, and Joe. That reflextex is the bomb. I swear by it as well, use the stuff in my 2 man portable sled. Anyone going to the Ice fishing show at the excel energy center this weekend?

Later,

Dan

[SmellyJelly]

Dan- good to hear from you.I hope all is well. Just a heads up... I plan on going to the Ice Fishing show this Friday after work. Are you going?

Peace,

SmellyJelly

[goin fishin]

Smelly, you pickle head! Of course I'll be there (just joking, good to hear from ya). I have Friday off, so just tell me the time you want to go. Todd sounded interested too. I have been buying stuff like crazy, enen got the Ice Leaders Team ice fishing jacket and pants from Cabelas. No more Blaze orange for me and blinding everyone else out on the ice.

Chow for now,

GF

[JohnMickish]

I might be heading down there tomorrow also, as I have tomorrow off (as well as the rest of winter ). Maybe I'll run into you two jokers there!

[metrojoe]

Isn't that your lucky blaze orange jacket?