Hot Spars

Iceni John · July 25, 2016, 11:49:57 AM

I suspect the glossyness of the paint is a major factor as well. I just don't get it why some folk want matte black cars here - they must be like an oven inside. I'm curious what difference there is between oxidized unpolished aluminum, highly-polished aluminum or SS, and silver-colored paint for heat reflectivity.

The Tuareg tribesmen of the Sahara traditionally wear blue robes - I read that they are cooler in the sun than other colors. So maybe this whole color/reflectivity/coolness thing is more complicated than I thought!

John

chessie4905 · July 25, 2016, 01:15:37 PM

I deal with that by not living in or near the deserts. Sam Kinison had something to say about deserts. Isn't there an RV roof paint that has ground up pearls or something in it to help insulate?

DoubleEagle · July 25, 2016, 02:40:35 PM

Well, it looks like lighter colors reflect the sun better, but not everyone wants a white bus. I wish there was some scientific testing of the various colors in glossy automotive enamel (urethane) that would positively identify a ranking of the usual colors. The Dean chart might have only been for roofing colors. The opinion that some blues do better is interesting, I just wish Candy Apple Red did better. I want it all, cool temps, flashy color, and low cost, so I think I'll paint the roof white, and the rest in red with a white undercoat.

belfert · July 25, 2016, 05:25:47 PM

In July 2013 I measured the temps on the side of my bus and I believe it was around 170F. The swatch I tested was a dark green color.

chessie4905 · July 25, 2016, 06:11:13 PM

Zip Dee window awnings helped significantly on our 4104.

thomasinnv · July 25, 2016, 06:45:37 PM

I have solar screens on all my windows, in addition to the awnings. The solar screens do make a huge difference in dropping inside temps, but the window awnings are the most effective by far. Get the sun off of the windows all together is the best way.

Dave5Cs · July 25, 2016, 08:55:52 PM

We have the roll down MCD off white vinyl with Black Solar mesh on the other roller. It does cut down on heat a bunch.

BlueScarecrow · August 05, 2016, 10:56:42 PM

I spent about an hour putting together a post and attached a couple of pics. Got a message that the pics were too large and it erased the entire post.

all that work lost!

Boo

C'mon... this is the 21st Century Forum Master/Web Master. Lets get with it!

BlueScarecrow · August 07, 2016, 05:29:23 PM

Well... I have found the Holy Grail of heat tapes. It is called CeraTex® Ceramic Fiber Tape. I am applying this to all of my spars and metal cross-overs; it has an adhesive backing which is really handy! Afterwards, I am securing furring strips on top of the tape screwed to the spars and filling in the additional 3/4 of an inch with insulation between the wooden furring strips.

The spar... EXTREMELY HOT!

The Ceramic Tape... Warm.

The wooden furring strip... just noticeable.

The difference is dramatic.

The walls had 1 3/4 of insulation. Now with the addition of the 3/4 wooden furring strips and additional insulation within the furring strips and the paneling, the walls are just a little over 3" thick.

CeraTex® Ceramic Fiber Tape (with adhesive backing) - 1/8 x 4" x 100' roll - $100

Great Stuff!

Mineral Seal Corporation
1832 S Research Loop, Tucson, AZ 85710
(520) 885-8228
http://minseal.com/

Talk to Sheryl

Email me for pics.

Thanks all for your input!

Mike

DoubleEagle · August 07, 2016, 07:02:05 PM

Very interesting. Their ceramic fiber blanket material might be useful for lining engine or generator compartments to reduce heat and act as a flame retardant. There are several products that do that, but the problem is usually minimum order cost. It looks like they might be more flexible in selling smaller orders.

Scott & Heather · August 07, 2016, 07:27:15 PM

We are painting our bus very near to black. Wish us luck

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

DoubleEagle · August 07, 2016, 07:44:59 PM

Quote from: Scott Bennett on August 07, 2016, 07:27:15 PM
We are painting our bus very near to black. Wish us luck

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Even the roof? Well, at least you are well insulated.

Dave5Cs · August 07, 2016, 09:25:23 PM

Scott is this your's?

DoubleEagle · August 08, 2016, 06:36:03 AM

Looks like the roof is white, even though everything else is black.

Scott Crosby · August 17, 2016, 06:19:53 PM

This was the thermal camera video I shot in my bus last year when I was working on improving my insulation. It's spray foamed met the spars still show up and the metal screws are extremely visible. There is reflectex and plywood over them and then covered with fabric. I love my flir camera.

https://youtu.be/XXZYoU4aIbE