We just camped in our pop-up at 9600’ above sea level and the temp was 15-30 degrees. We had reflectix in all 6 bunk windows and in one of the mail cabin windows. We also had reflective tarps over both bunk end tops. We stayed toasty warm using our propane heater and an electric space heater. In the mornings, when it was 15 degrees, I did a “feel” test of the wall areas where we had reflectix and the walls that were just the single canvas layer. There was easily a 15-20 degree difference in the coldness of the walls. I’m a firm believer in the insulation worthiness of reflectix for winter camping.
i know this is a few years old but maybe some one will see this or come across my post. I use moving blankets from harbor freight and i use Velcro along the sides to use on the ceiling of the push out's to help with the AC during the summer and it also helps alot in the winter too. as well as the reflectix.
My family and I have just bought a 10foot pop up and we are planning on doing some well needed renovations on it once the snow clears here in NS. Canada. Please keep up the videos we really enjoy them!
Great video topic! The electric space heater puts out about 5,100 BTU/hr and the propane furnace puts out about 20,000 BTU/hr. The propane heater warmed the space about 4 times faster, which seems to confirm that difference.
I would have loved to see the test done with the pop up gizmos installed...the wife and I plan on using both the reflected and the pip up gizmos this summer to help keep the camper cool on them 90+ degree days
@@ItsPoppin Tried that. They screamed their heads off and a neighbor camper called the law. My wife was left to deal with the kids herself while I was nice and warm in my jail cell. Even got a meals served on a warm metal tray😂🤣. When I got out my wife had changed the door locks on my house and I couldn't get in.🤨 That was mean😠. Just kidding.
Shoutout to James M. And Yilmaz S. For pointing that the cooldown results are, more than likely, due to fact that “ambient heat capture had less time to load” during the “with reflectix” test versus the “without reflectix” test. This resulted in the objects within the camper having less time to warm up during the “with reflectix” test because we reached our goal temperature earlier. This seems like a much more likely explanation than I could posit. If you’re interested in how to make Reflectix inserts, check out our video on making them here: ruclips.net/video/tVXSfano86o/видео.html
the coldest I have been out in in my PUP is upper 30's. I use reflectix in every window but there is a 4" gap at the top for venting. I did my door too. My curtains are pretty heavy so they compensate for that gap. Aside from the insulating benefit the others benefits; on the bunks they keep the moisture from wicking through the canvas flaps on to pillows and bedding, from dew and rain, light blockage, sound deadening. for the tops of all the canvas pop up gizmos or silver/green camping tarps. I strongly suggest the the gizmos are oversized and cover down to the reflectix to the bunk widows. Pop gizmos should offer you custom sizing and frankly it was not expensive and so worth it, With a IR camera the gizmos make a 30 degree differences silver side up in the summer in the winter silver side down reflects the heat back in and captures the solar energy. the other thing i did was put a awning on the driver's side. IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE WHEN IT IS HOT. Plus more dry storage bikes coolers firewood, etc out from under your feet on my unit it also lets me open the windows on the dinette slide with no worry of rain getting in. I hybrid the heat I use a electric heater with two little fans to move the air around to the bunk end then set my gas furnace on about 63 as a back up. I use a 500 watt plug in so I can run my gen all night with the heater. 12' awning new $250 6/23/24 www.hannarv.com/P/38661/Dometic944NR13002TrimLineCaseAwning-Onyx-13FootLength you will need some awning track too in middle of the summer, in Florida, I can get my unit down to 78 in the direct sun with zero shade. bonus tip lastly a filet table with sink, connected to you out door shower warm water to wash dishes out side plus put a wye in the line and connect a spray nozzle like this www.amazon.com/GYMAX-Folding-Cleaning-Fillet-Hunting..... I drain mine into in vertically standing inverted 10 gallon barker tank, under the table then via a gray garden hose I run the waster water to the sewer. if no sewer I bring bigger tank with wheels using a collapsible large rectangular food strainer as the dish dryer/strainer. I have had 15 people in camp and that is a lot of cleaning
Interesting. If I understood it right I didn't quite get the cool down part though at 11:46. I would of thought the reflectix would have slowed it down not sped it up.
Great topic, Not seen anyone else cover this topic. Most interested if the Popup Gismos do anything like they claim. Or even the homemade version you've shown in the past. Would love to see a repeat of the heat up and cooldown. No reason for the heat sources as you point out it is a function of source BTUs.
Great channel! Buying my first pop-up now. You have been very informative. Does having Reflectix in the windows like that affect the "breathability" of the camper? Meaning, does it cause condensation in the camper?
Love the channel. Learning a lot from all your videos. I look forward when i see you post a new one. I would love to see (as you mentioned) the opposite with the cooling effect. Once this cold midwest weather breaks.
Dude, the way to go for cold weather is reflectix AND "Pop up Gizmos" on the bunkends. We're in Texas so it doesn't get that cold but we were out in 25°F weather and slept SO comfortably with our furnace only kicking on a few times per hour. We use the same set up when summer camping too and it keeps us cool too! Reflectix and Gizmos for the win!
Very interesting test module. I just got a pop-up trailer frame. I'm still have a lot to learn to build and everything else. But I watch the video because I have to reflect 6 in my house and barn office over the past couple years I've installed it everywhere and it makes a huge difference but I've never really thought that it helps at all during the cold I always thought that was kind of counterintuitive. As in general my opinion on all installation sucks pretty much in the cold doesn't matter if it's fiberglass batts, reflectix, blow in, foam whatever. LOL What you should know though with reflects it works ALOT BETTER and actually needs an Air Gap to get optimal performance. Like in a house, i installed it on the bottom of the roof trusses which gives you 3.5" air gap. If you have it sandwiched it doesn't work as well. A few more things that I've learned over the years. I'd like to share with you. -- All temperature goes right through wood/ plywood as it has no R-value. --bubble wrap was first invented to be used as insulation. (See air gaps are important) -there was something else but can't think of it... Oh good luck!
I have reflectix insulation. Mine is cut to fit the sides, not the windows. It gives better insulation than just the windows. They are a lot more trouble to put up. Pop up gizmos are good for summer. A layer of bubble wrap under the pop up gizmos will help a lot. Good Luck.
Another interesting tutorial. Saw someone drape refluxix over bunkends instead of gizmos. That would be interesting to test and compare. But thanks..surprising results.
Thanks for sharing. I’m still waiting for it to warm up in Wisconsin to cut out my Reflectix inserts to see if will help my pop up stay cool in the summer.
Yeah, for fall weather cold, I think the electric heater is probably adequate. For winter weather cold, the propane heater definitely seems the way to go or at least used in conjunction with an electric heater. We don't have any experience with the portable propane heaters or diesel heater but those might be good options too for the colder weather.
We have a pup with reflectix inserts and the survival blanket bunk ends. Went camping in NC a few weeks ago and dipped down into the 30s. Inside was only 10-15 degrees warmer and that was with space heater running on high pretty much all night. I want to give propane a go, but wife is scared of it :)
Get a Mister Buddy propane heater. We have used them for years in our tent camping. Age made us move up to popups. Even though they have a CO2 shutoff get one. Never worried. Keeps you toasty in a tent. Slept great.
I’m thinking of adding reflectix to the underside of our mattresses, on top of the plywood. I don’t want to sacrifice our memory foam toppers in order to accommodate those puzzle mats. Do you think this might work?
This is perfect. We just bought a junker pop up for 1500. Will be taking it back to montana. Stopping in either Washington or Idaho for the night on the way home. Need to test if it’s going to get warm inside with it being ~15 degrees outside.
So I was only able to watch the video halfway through the first time. Got busy. Now that I saw all the results it got me thinking. Yes the propane heater heats up faster. But which option is more economic. Propane vs electric space heater. Granted not all situations are you going to be able to hook up to house electricity. I’m new to this whole camper world so someone please let me know if propane is more effective over electric for heating if it’s that obvious.
When we bought our pop up last year the first things I bought before camping was pop up gizmos and made reflectix for the windows. The first real trip we went on was cold camping at the Grand Canyon. It was really cold for us, well below freezing at night. I was amazed how fast the on board heater heated up the place! It was very quick but was also very loud. We did not have power so I only turned it on until it was warm then turned the heater off. We used a big buddy propane heater at night to help out with heating at night. We used the gizmos summer camping on the beach in California and they are 100% worth it. Just keeping the bunk ends shaded and reflecting the sun was so great. I had a few people walk by the camp at the beach asking about the gizmos. Your ideas on testing the fridge sounds good and I'm interested in hearing how it works out.
Just wondering why you didn’t close the curtains? I know it makes a difference in my pop up in the summer, so I think it would make a big difference to hold the heat in during cold weather...just a thought....
I am having trouble getting the support bars on my Coleman Utah Americana 2011 on the back end it’s a king bed. Is there a remedy to get the support bars set up with out massive struggle.
Hey community. I have a question. Is the internal propane heater safe for sleeping? We have a 3 year old and wife is worried about co poisoning. I don't understand why it would be dangerous if it's there in the first place. Just wanting to make sure... Thanks so much
Yes, but for added peace of mind, make sure your CO detector, fire alarm, and propane detector are all in working order. Propane detectors do have a "shelf life" so double check the manufacture date.
Dangerous. She is right. I wouldn’t leave it on overnight unattended and I would make sure CO detectors, at least 2 in case one malfunctions, are in working order. It’s so tragic every year you hear of some very tragic consequences I won’t mention from people using little heaters like these. Personally, I wouldn’t use it when I wasn’t wide awake and I had good working, tested CO alarms.
Thank you for taking the time to do these tests. I have my popup located in mid-northern Ontario Canada just south of Sudbury. I want to be able to use the camper 4 seasons if possible. Also, the location does not have utility electricity or running water. So I need to preserve as much of the heat within the camper as I can. I would use the Propane furnace as oppossed to an electric heater. If I may suggest a couple of things that I tried .... 1)Layers. Make reflectix inserts the size of the whole walls, ceiling and under mattress areas. Then add similar inserts using new carpet wool underlay. This layering effect really boosts the heat retention. Do the same with the floor. 2) Cover the vinyl plastic windows with both reflectix and the wool carpet underlay. Just at night. In the daytime, modify the amount of plastic window that is covered to allow sunshine in and to enjoy looking out. 3) Bring along some skirting material to reduced the amount of cold wind blowing under your camper and under the bed pullouts. 4) I will also be experimenting with a small Cubic woodstove. I have a tent jack and the stove pipes. Obviously the stove would not be in use overnight but it would help to provide dry heat during the day and early evening. I still have to determine how to protect my camper's bed canvas from heavy snowfalls -- certainly heavy duty tarps but also some underbracing and knocking off the snow in the morning if necessary. Just thinking out loud here 😉,. Thanks again. Mary
Was researching lining a small 2-4 person dome tent with reflectix(possibly sealing the seams with Gorilla or flex tape 4" patching tape((pretty similar to a roofing ice and water eave sealer) however that stuff is not cheap: $14 for 10 feet gorilla or $58 for 25 feet flex tape)) using a $69 lil Buddy propane space heater and came across this video. It was nice to see some hard data on an even larger space than i was researching. Seems like it could be much much much more cost efficient than a Crua Culla combo insulated tent. Idk, i could be wrong, but idt i am. Time will tell.
Thanks for that info. just found you on youtube, question, have you tried using emergeny blanket on the tops of the pop outs? wondering how that effects the temps.
Do you think putting the reflective under the beds would help keep in more heat as well? Thinking of putting a layer under my foam mattress in my roof top tent.
Probably wouldn't hurt, but might not be the best bang for your buck. We put the interlocking foam tiles underneath, which not only add a bit of insulation, but also add a bit of cushion under the mattress.
hi loved this, did you do the cool down version of this video? we just bought a 10 ft pop up and cant wait to use it next summer however i want to stay cool when its super hot wondered if a tarp and reflectix worked with the ac and if you took a fan along?
The best test would to have an object in the space and measure how fast it cooled and heated with the insulation and without. Because part of the job of insulation is to reflect heat/cold into a space, onto the objects in it. And if the insulation does extra things like, perhaps, help eliminate drafts, then the objects within the space (like ourselves) will notice the difference and it will show on the objects. A thermometer is going to measure more or less the air since it doesn't have a ton of its own thermal mass. That's part of why the theory Reflectix actually does something, because, it will actually absorb and reflect the heat (or cold) onto you more efficiently. If you've ever had heat off in a cabin, and went from the outside air if it's below freezing, and then into the cabin, with insulation, below freezing.. You are colder in the cabin, because the insulation value of the walls and such are eminating that energy onto you with more intensity than just the outside air is.
Loved the test. Best reason I've seen for using insulation of any kind. Just bought a full set of Pop-Up Gizmos, and this video made it much easier to justify the cost to the boss. However, my main reason for watching the video was to get some idea of the cool-down period using the insulation, but I'm slightly confused by your results. They show that the period w/o insulation was 2 hrs and 16 minutes (this make more sense than the 3 hrs and 16 minutes per screen @ 5:04 of the video), but with the the insulation it was drastically worse at only 1 hr and 35 minutes. Is it possible that it was actually 3 hrs and 35 minutes? It should take longer with than without the insulation.
You mentioned in another post you thought using the pop up propane was used very quickly. I suggest you do a test. 1. Full propane tank, 2. Weigh tank. 3. Run furnace X hours. 4. Re weigh tank. 5. May need go turn off fridge if on propane. 6. Calculate run time of one whole tank ( although it would not take the whole tank) 7. Believe you will find furnace very efficient. 8. At least for us, with furnace and fridge going. 1 tank lasted weeks. 9. Appreciate all your uses and hacks. K.H.
Very interesting test! We had reflectix in the windows of our hybrid because it was chilly in the bunks. I'll be making some for the pop-up as well. I do think some space heaters work better than others. We bought a small one that really did a great job of heating the camper. Thanks for the video!
not the poster I have been out in in my PUP is upper 30's. I use reflectix in every window but there is a 4" gap at the top for venting. I did my door too. My curtains are pretty heavy so they compensate for that gap. Aside from the insulating benefit the others benefits; on the bunks they keep the moisture from wicking through the canvas flaps on to pillows and bedding, from dew and rain, light blockage, sound deadening. for the tops of all the canvas pop up gizmos or silver/green camping tarps. I strongly suggest the the gizmos are oversized and cover down to the reflectix to the bunk widows. Pop gizmos should offer you custom sizing and frankly it was not expensive and so worth it, With a IR camera the gizmos make a 30 degree differences silver side up in the summer in the winter silver side down reflects the heat back in and captures the solar energy. ( see more in my reply above)
If you use the propane to get to them, you can use the space heater to maintain the temp much easier. You’ll use much less propane that way. Depending on the size of the propane heater, it will burn half to full tank a night all alone on cold nights.
We use the electric heater and the propane at the same time. Since were paying for electricity at the site Midas well use it.. We set the electric heater a little higher then the propane so it keeps the place warmer. When it gets to cool for the space heater the propane kicks on to give it that boost. That way your saving propane . But did you have the reflective covers over the top of the canvas as well, besides just the windows? We use it reflective side down in the winter and facing up in the summer
Great work! I think the difference in the cool down could be due to the reason that reflectix is a better radiant barrier then insulating. The radiant barrier reflects heat back where insulation can hold in heat. I don't think reflectix is a good insulating material. I would be curious to see the difference between a mylar blanket which is just a radiant barrier and reflectix. It could be cheaper options and almost as effective. Reflectix does have some insulation values. Just throwing it out there my be worth testing. Great video by the way!
In the summer you need to reverse the retflectix with the reflection facing out obviously but in Minnesota in the spring we reversed them to keep warmth in Seems to work so far anyway
Reflectix has to trap heat but since your heat loading time is lower, other objects in the space also have less time to trap and store heat, like the wooden cabinets and soft bedding. This may be why your heat offloading with reflectix seemed faster, ambient heat capture just had less time to load.
I have found, after many years of PopUp Camping, the reflectix in the windows does nothing as far as insulating the camper, but it does help block the wind. Reflectix between the mattress and bunk platform will help a little bit once you’re in bed for the night.
Well actually the science of it is that a window cover VS no window cover will keep heat in twice as well as plain glass. Still probs not even R2 but more than nothing. Window coverings in my 24’ RV trailer made a noticeable difference in 8*F weather. Furnace was holding it at 58-59 but couldn’t go more on those cold nights. Making reflectix window coverings let me get into 66-68*. Thermostat was set at 72 in both situations. Reflectix isn’t a miracle but it can help. I made plexiglas ‘storm’ panels (with weatherstripping to be as airtight as possible) which works nearly the same. Anecdotally putting reflectix over the storm panels made a difference in ‘feel’ but with different overnight temperatures I can’t say reflectix raised air temperature by itself but I can get to furnace shutoff at 72* now. In the sun it feels warm to the touch and it’s 21*F outside.
Love your channel! We just got a pop-up and have a lot to learn. Do you have a video on how to boondock in a pop-up? Our pop-up doesn’t have an air conditioner or a refrigerator, have any suggestions? We would like to start using it but I guess need to figure some things out first
Thanks. No video on how to boondock - at least yet - as we're not avid boondockers. As far as the fridge and A/C, just substitute those with cooler(s) and 12v/battery powered fans.
The first time with the space heater you had to heat up the furniture the walls and everything else in the trailer the second time all the surrounding were already preheated
Yeah, a standard 20lb propane tank. We just use a propane tank exchange. To buy a full tank, they're around $50 and for an exchange refill, they are around $15 - at least around here.
Great video! Thank you! Have you or do you plan to make a video like this with warm weather and trying to cool the camper? We have an older pop-up with no AC, so we have a portable AC in ours. I'm trying to decide if the cost is worth it to buy pop-up gizmos (and which ones) and reflectix on windows.
We got ours tiles on clearance from a big box store when they were being discontinued. However, it definitely looks like there are a lot of options on Amazon like these ones: amzn.to/3p0j8O0
@@ItsPoppin You can leave these under your mattress as you close them as well so make sure you dont go to thick on the foam pads. We took that idea from this site. He has a lot of great ideas Some we had already done but others Im looking forward to trying when the snow melts Up here in Canada eh
I would be really worried about carbon monoxide poisoning with the propane heater and starting a fire with the electric space heater. Do you have a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm in the pop-up? It’s so important.
It's amazing how many people are afraid of the propane heater system. As long as you have a detector working and the system works properly.they are safer than any electric heater.
So you say the closed space went back to cool temperaures after disconecting heating faster with refectix than without? This is counterintuitive! Blessings +
Have you thought about lining the inside of the camper with about a 1 in piece of Styrofoam and have a each panel cut to fit in place and then tape the seams with some sort of a bike boxing tape or something like that and then try your heat experiment in see how it Heats with the reflector in the windows and then the styrofoam over the whole inside of the pop-up
Awesome Video! This is a fantastic MYTHBUSTING! I thought the Reflectix works but its good to see how well it works. Also I am new to pop up camping and I too have a Coleman and it's a Columbia model. ruclips.net/video/xeWPaaguMHU/видео.html My question is how many Watts is the electric heater you used? Do you happen to know how many BTUs your Propane furnace is? I would like to do cold weather camping as I restore my FREE popup! Ya I found a free one, so happy, already bought flooring for it, and will for sure be redoing a ton when it warms up a bit.
Thanks! The electric heater is 1500 watts and the propane furnace is either 16k or 20k BTUs . Doing that math, the propane furnace is pumping out over 3 or 4 times the BTUs the electric heater is, which of course, explains a lot. We watched your video and that is quite the project!
@@ItsPoppin yeah it will need a lot of work. I am up for it though! I really hope the tent material isn’t in too bad of shape. Awesome thanks for the numbers on the heaters. Gives me some ideas for cold weather camping.
Too bad you did the test completely wrong. You have conduction issues the way you did the test. You placed the Reflectx against the outside cold (it conducts the cold and transmits the cold through the Reflectx. Now redo the test with headliner spray glue and speaker box carpet attaching the thin carpet on both sides of the Reflectx.. Your test was like putting the Reflectx against a metal pick up truck bed and sleeping on it. The metal foil conducts and transmits the cold. The air space created with the speaker box carpet will allow the conduction issues be minimized, allowing the Reflectx to better insulate. Just the thin layer of the carpet spacing the Reflectx from the direct cold with the speaker box carpet on both sides will amaze you. I am going to set up some Reflectx for Emergency's with speaker box carpet for the inside of my truck topper. I have a BedRug bed liner. I already know the results will be comforting. I also keep two (one for me one for the wife) ECWSS (military Extreme Cold Weather Sleep Systems) for winter brake downs in the truck, we are in the Smokeys. The ECWSS are rated to like minus 40 degrees below zero with proper layering.
We just camped in our pop-up at 9600’ above sea level and the temp was 15-30 degrees. We had reflectix in all 6 bunk windows and in one of the mail cabin windows. We also had reflective tarps over both bunk end tops. We stayed toasty warm using our propane heater and an electric space heater. In the mornings, when it was 15 degrees, I did a “feel” test of the wall areas where we had reflectix and the walls that were just the single canvas layer. There was easily a 15-20 degree difference in the coldness of the walls. I’m a firm believer in the insulation worthiness of reflectix for winter camping.
i know this is a few years old but maybe some one will see this or come across my post. I use moving blankets from harbor freight and i use Velcro along the sides to use on the ceiling of the push out's to help with the AC during the summer and it also helps alot in the winter too. as well as the reflectix.
So you attach them to the side and ceiling of the push out? I would love to see a picture! I’m trying to figure out how to beat the heat
@@trisadubois2661 I am going camping this week leaving out tomorrow when I get back I'll try and post a pic
What if you put reflectix UNDER the bunk ends? Just saying...
My family and I have just bought a 10foot pop up and we are planning on doing some well needed renovations on it once the snow clears here in NS. Canada. Please keep up the videos we really enjoy them!
Great video topic! The electric space heater puts out about 5,100 BTU/hr and the propane furnace puts out about 20,000 BTU/hr. The propane heater warmed the space about 4 times faster, which seems to confirm that difference.
I would have loved to see the test done with the pop up gizmos installed...the wife and I plan on using both the reflected and the pip up gizmos this summer to help keep the camper cool on them 90+ degree days
Did it work for you on those hot days?
@michaelota5167 it worked great. Made a tremendous difference
Now you should do a test with 3 kids going in and out of the camper every 30 seconds.
Ha, just toss them outside with the sink and bathroom, right? - lol
@@ItsPoppin Tried that. They screamed their heads off and a neighbor camper called the law. My wife was left to deal with the kids herself while I was nice and warm in my jail cell. Even got a meals served on a warm metal tray😂🤣. When I got out my wife had changed the door locks on my house and I couldn't get in.🤨 That was mean😠. Just kidding.
Amen try 5
Probably more for night, and sleeping comfortably.
Lol so you know my grandkids? Because they are famous for that
Shoutout to James M. And Yilmaz S. For pointing that the cooldown results are, more than likely, due to fact that “ambient heat capture had less time to load” during the “with reflectix” test versus the “without reflectix” test. This resulted in the objects within the camper having less time to warm up during the “with reflectix” test because we reached our goal temperature earlier. This seems like a much more likely explanation than I could posit.
If you’re interested in how to make Reflectix inserts, check out our video on making them here: ruclips.net/video/tVXSfano86o/видео.html
Great video! Always enjoy watching It's Poppin and Coleman Pop Up Pro! You two have outstanding informative videos. Thank you again
@@adamkerewich1903 Thanks for watching :)
the coldest I have been out in in my PUP is upper 30's. I use reflectix in every window but there is a 4" gap at the top for venting. I did my door too. My curtains are pretty heavy so they compensate for that gap. Aside from the insulating benefit the others benefits; on the bunks they keep the moisture from wicking through the canvas flaps on to pillows and bedding, from dew and rain, light blockage, sound deadening. for the tops of all the canvas pop up gizmos or silver/green camping tarps. I strongly suggest the the gizmos are oversized and cover down to the reflectix to the bunk widows. Pop gizmos should offer you custom sizing and frankly it was not expensive and so worth it, With a IR camera the gizmos make a 30 degree differences silver side up in the summer in the winter silver side down reflects the heat back in and captures the solar energy. the other thing i did was put a awning on the driver's side. IT MAKES A HUGE DIFFERENCE WHEN IT IS HOT. Plus more dry storage bikes coolers firewood, etc out from under your feet on my unit it also lets me open the windows on the dinette slide with no worry of rain getting in. I hybrid the heat I use a electric heater with two little fans to move the air around to the bunk end then set my gas furnace on about 63 as a back up. I use a 500 watt plug in so I can run my gen all night with the heater.
12' awning new $250 6/23/24 www.hannarv.com/P/38661/Dometic944NR13002TrimLineCaseAwning-Onyx-13FootLength
you will need some awning track too
in middle of the summer, in Florida, I can get my unit down to 78 in the direct sun with zero shade.
bonus tip
lastly a filet table with sink, connected to you out door shower warm water to wash dishes out side plus put a wye in the line and connect a spray nozzle like this www.amazon.com/GYMAX-Folding-Cleaning-Fillet-Hunting..... I drain mine into in vertically standing inverted 10 gallon barker tank, under the table then via a gray garden hose I run the waster water to the sewer. if no sewer I bring bigger tank with wheels using a collapsible large rectangular food strainer as the dish dryer/strainer. I have had 15 people in camp and that is a lot of cleaning
fridge testing would be awesome
thanks
Run a strip of extra weather striping on the seams of the bunk bed slide. This is where ive found the worst drafts come from.
What kind of weather stripping do you use ?
@@davenstorm7271would like to know too
Interesting. If I understood it right I didn't quite get the cool down part though at 11:46. I would of thought the reflectix would have slowed it down not sped it up.
The reflective works fantastic in Texas heat!! I also use survival blankets! In Texas summers, they're both a must!
Great topic, Not seen anyone else cover this topic. Most interested if the Popup Gismos do anything like they claim. Or even the homemade version you've shown in the past. Would love to see a repeat of the heat up and cooldown. No reason for the heat sources as you point out it is a function of source BTUs.
GOOD JOB! thank you so much! 😀
Great channel! Buying my first pop-up now. You have been very informative. Does having Reflectix in the windows like that affect the "breathability" of the camper? Meaning, does it cause condensation in the camper?
Love the channel. Learning a lot from all your videos. I look forward when i see you post a new one. I would love to see (as you mentioned) the opposite with the cooling effect. Once this cold midwest weather breaks.
Yes, will do!
Good video
I live in florida and was wondering how good reflexive works keeping the pop up cool
Dude, the way to go for cold weather is reflectix AND "Pop up Gizmos" on the bunkends. We're in Texas so it doesn't get that cold but we were out in 25°F weather and slept SO comfortably with our furnace only kicking on a few times per hour. We use the same set up when summer camping too and it keeps us cool too!
Reflectix and Gizmos for the win!
thank you for this ... propane as a primary heat with electric as a supplemental! Reflectix it is!
Great video. Wanted to know the maximum temperature that you can achieve with heaters.
Do they work for keeping heat out in summer?
They seem to help
Very interesting test module. I just got a pop-up trailer frame.
I'm still have a lot to learn to build and everything else.
But I watch the video because I have to reflect 6 in my house and barn office over the past couple years I've installed it everywhere and it makes a huge difference but I've never really thought that it helps at all during the cold I always thought that was kind of counterintuitive. As in general my opinion on all installation sucks pretty much in the cold doesn't matter if it's fiberglass batts, reflectix, blow in, foam whatever. LOL
What you should know though with reflects it works ALOT BETTER and actually needs an Air Gap to get optimal performance.
Like in a house, i installed it on the bottom of the roof trusses which gives you 3.5" air gap. If you have it sandwiched it doesn't work as well.
A few more things that I've learned over the years. I'd like to share with you. -- All temperature goes right through wood/ plywood as it has no R-value.
--bubble wrap was first invented to be used as insulation. (See air gaps are important)
-there was something else but can't think of it...
Oh good luck!
So how about for those who have the reflective in the windows BUT also on top over the bed sides? Will that make a difference?
I have reflectix insulation. Mine is cut to fit the sides, not the windows. It gives better insulation than just the windows. They are a lot more trouble to put up. Pop up gizmos are good for summer. A layer of bubble wrap under the pop up gizmos will help a lot. Good Luck.
Another interesting tutorial. Saw someone drape refluxix over bunkends instead of gizmos. That would be interesting to test and compare. But thanks..surprising results.
Thanks for sharing. I’m still waiting for it to warm up in Wisconsin to cut out my Reflectix inserts to see if will help my pop up stay cool in the summer.
I very much like the reflects method. Where can I get them?
Great video. Very interesting information. Thank you.
We found the Reflectix with a small electric heater did very well in keeping our pop up warm... But not in winter cold.
Yeah, for fall weather cold, I think the electric heater is probably adequate. For winter weather cold, the propane heater definitely seems the way to go or at least used in conjunction with an electric heater. We don't have any experience with the portable propane heaters or diesel heater but those might be good options too for the colder weather.
i just got a chinee diesel heater, it is awesome.
We have a pup with reflectix inserts and the survival blanket bunk ends. Went camping in NC a few weeks ago and dipped down into the 30s. Inside was only 10-15 degrees warmer and that was with space heater running on high pretty much all night. I want to give propane a go, but wife is scared of it :)
Burr! It looks like you guys experienced exactly what our electric space heater was demonstrating in our test.
Get a Mister Buddy propane heater. We have used them for years in our tent camping. Age made us move up to popups. Even though they have a CO2 shutoff get one. Never worried. Keeps you toasty in a tent. Slept great.
I’m thinking of adding reflectix to the underside of our mattresses, on top of the plywood. I don’t want to sacrifice our memory foam toppers in order to accommodate those puzzle mats. Do you think this might work?
Anything would work, so short answer yes. Long answer it wont do as much other then keeping the mattress cooler/warmer. But that would still help.
How many rolls did you use to make the windows?
How long does a propane tank last when using the propane heater?
We are going to use the reflextix and the propane heat in our popup....TY
Going camping in our new to us pop up during Thanksgiving. I can see that I need to add popup gizmos and reflectex for insulation.
This is perfect. We just bought a junker pop up for 1500. Will be taking it back to montana. Stopping in either Washington or Idaho for the night on the way home. Need to test if it’s going to get warm inside with it being ~15 degrees outside.
For sure! Also, if you haven't already, check out our video on cold weather camping too: ruclips.net/video/39g9oLZFVtw/видео.html
So I was only able to watch the video halfway through the first time. Got busy. Now that I saw all the results it got me thinking. Yes the propane heater heats up faster. But which option is more economic. Propane vs electric space heater. Granted not all situations are you going to be able to hook up to house electricity. I’m new to this whole camper world so someone please let me know if propane is more effective over electric for heating if it’s that obvious.
Also do you guys have a video for adding solar panels to pop ups?
When we bought our pop up last year the first things I bought before camping was pop up gizmos and made reflectix for the windows. The first real trip we went on was cold camping at the Grand Canyon. It was really cold for us, well below freezing at night. I was amazed how fast the on board heater heated up the place! It was very quick but was also very loud. We did not have power so I only turned it on until it was warm then turned the heater off. We used a big buddy propane heater at night to help out with heating at night. We used the gizmos summer camping on the beach in California and they are 100% worth it. Just keeping the bunk ends shaded and reflecting the sun was so great. I had a few people walk by the camp at the beach asking about the gizmos. Your ideas on testing the fridge sounds good and I'm interested in hearing how it works out.
All great points, I also like how the gizmos/survival blankets keep the bunks a bit darker in the morning.
I would NOT recommend that buddy heater overnight. Sure they’re “safe” but your chances of waking up dead aren’t worth it. That’s just crazy.
Great information! Thank you.
Just wondering why you didn’t close the curtains? I know it makes a difference in my pop up in the summer, so I think it would make a big difference to hold the heat in during cold weather...just a thought....
Yeah, if we were actually out camping we would close the curtains. I mainly wanted to test the efficacy of the reflectix inserts by themselves.
I am having trouble getting the support bars on my Coleman Utah Americana 2011 on the back end it’s a king bed. Is there a remedy to get the support bars set up with out massive struggle.
does anyone have a modification idea to make the propane heater quieter? mine works great, but is just as noisy as the one in this video.
Hey community. I have a question.
Is the internal propane heater safe for sleeping?
We have a 3 year old and wife is worried about co poisoning.
I don't understand why it would be dangerous if it's there in the first place.
Just wanting to make sure...
Thanks so much
Yes, but for added peace of mind, make sure your CO detector, fire alarm, and propane detector are all in working order. Propane detectors do have a "shelf life" so double check the manufacture date.
@@ItsPoppin thanks so much. Mom's are over protective lol
@@ItsPoppin we ended up turning it on but then turning it off once it got warm, again fear of poisoning
Dads too. Co poisoning is no joke
Dangerous. She is right. I wouldn’t leave it on overnight unattended and I would make sure CO detectors, at least 2 in case one malfunctions, are in working order. It’s so tragic every year you hear of some very tragic consequences I won’t mention from people using little heaters like these. Personally, I wouldn’t use it when I wasn’t wide awake and I had good working, tested CO alarms.
Thank you for taking the time to do these tests. I have my popup located in mid-northern Ontario Canada just south of Sudbury. I want to be able to use the camper 4 seasons if possible. Also, the location does not have utility electricity or running water. So I need to preserve as much of the heat within the camper as I can. I would use the Propane furnace as oppossed to an electric heater. If I may suggest a couple of things that I tried .... 1)Layers. Make reflectix inserts the size of the whole walls, ceiling and under mattress areas. Then add similar inserts using new carpet wool underlay. This layering effect really boosts the heat retention. Do the same with the floor. 2) Cover the vinyl plastic windows with both reflectix and the wool carpet underlay. Just at night. In the daytime, modify the amount of plastic window that is covered to allow sunshine in and to enjoy looking out. 3) Bring along some skirting material to reduced the amount of cold wind blowing under your camper and under the bed pullouts. 4) I will also be experimenting with a small Cubic woodstove. I have a tent jack and the stove pipes. Obviously the stove would not be in use overnight but it would help to provide dry heat during the day and early evening.
I still have to determine how to protect my camper's bed canvas from heavy snowfalls -- certainly heavy duty tarps but also some underbracing and knocking off the snow in the morning if necessary. Just thinking out loud here 😉,. Thanks again. Mary
I'm curious, heating with the reflectix then removing them and timing the cool down to the what the results would be.
Was researching lining a small 2-4 person dome tent with reflectix(possibly sealing the seams with Gorilla or flex tape 4" patching tape((pretty similar to a roofing ice and water eave sealer) however that stuff is not cheap: $14 for 10 feet gorilla or $58 for 25 feet flex tape)) using a $69 lil Buddy propane space heater and came across this video. It was nice to see some hard data on an even larger space than i was researching. Seems like it could be much much much more cost efficient than a Crua Culla combo insulated tent. Idk, i could be wrong, but idt i am. Time will tell.
How about alternatives for propane bottle mounting places and front mount bikeracks(on the tongue)
Nice video! Thanks for your effort. I just got a big roll of reflectix for free!
Score!
Great job! Thanks for doing these different tests for comparison.
I want to make home made gizmos with thermofoil Isolant double bubble. I wounder if it will be realisable... 🤔... ☺
Thanks for that info. just found you on youtube, question, have you tried using emergeny blanket on the tops of the pop outs? wondering how that effects the temps.
Do you think putting the reflective under the beds would help keep in more heat as well? Thinking of putting a layer under my foam mattress in my roof top tent.
Probably wouldn't hurt, but might not be the best bang for your buck. We put the interlocking foam tiles underneath, which not only add a bit of insulation, but also add a bit of cushion under the mattress.
hi loved this, did you do the cool down version of this video? we just bought a 10 ft pop up and cant wait to use it next summer however i want to stay cool when its super hot wondered if a tarp and reflectix worked with the ac and if you took a fan along?
The best test would to have an object in the space and measure how fast it cooled and heated with the insulation and without. Because part of the job of insulation is to reflect heat/cold into a space, onto the objects in it. And if the insulation does extra things like, perhaps, help eliminate drafts, then the objects within the space (like ourselves) will notice the difference and it will show on the objects. A thermometer is going to measure more or less the air since it doesn't have a ton of its own thermal mass.
That's part of why the theory Reflectix actually does something, because, it will actually absorb and reflect the heat (or cold) onto you more efficiently. If you've ever had heat off in a cabin, and went from the outside air if it's below freezing, and then into the cabin, with insulation, below freezing.. You are colder in the cabin, because the insulation value of the walls and such are eminating that energy onto you with more intensity than just the outside air is.
Loved the test. Best reason I've seen for using insulation of any kind. Just bought a full set of Pop-Up Gizmos, and this video made it much easier to justify the cost to the boss. However, my main reason for watching the video was to get some idea of the cool-down period using the insulation, but I'm slightly confused by your results. They show that the period w/o insulation was 2 hrs and 16 minutes (this make more sense than the 3 hrs and 16 minutes per screen @ 5:04 of the video), but with the the insulation it was drastically worse at only 1 hr and 35 minutes. Is it possible that it was actually 3 hrs and 35 minutes? It should take longer with than without the insulation.
You mentioned in another post you thought using the pop up propane was used very quickly.
I suggest you do a test.
1. Full propane tank,
2. Weigh tank.
3. Run furnace X hours.
4. Re weigh tank.
5. May need go turn off fridge if on propane.
6. Calculate run time of one whole tank ( although it would not take the whole tank)
7. Believe you will find furnace very efficient.
8. At least for us, with furnace and fridge going. 1 tank lasted weeks.
9. Appreciate all your uses and hacks.
K.H.
Very interesting test! We had reflectix in the windows of our hybrid because it was chilly in the bunks. I'll be making some for the pop-up as well. I do think some space heaters work better than others. We bought a small one that really did a great job of heating the camper. Thanks for the video!
Ours is only a 1500 watt electric space heater.
What brand space heater did you buy
Great video thanks.
Do you have anything on the roof over the beds or just the windows ?
not the poster
I have been out in in my PUP is upper 30's. I use reflectix in every window but there is a 4" gap at the top for venting. I did my door too. My curtains are pretty heavy so they compensate for that gap. Aside from the insulating benefit the others benefits; on the bunks they keep the moisture from wicking through the canvas flaps on to pillows and bedding, from dew and rain, light blockage, sound deadening. for the tops of all the canvas pop up gizmos or silver/green camping tarps. I strongly suggest the the gizmos are oversized and cover down to the reflectix to the bunk widows. Pop gizmos should offer you custom sizing and frankly it was not expensive and so worth it, With a IR camera the gizmos make a 30 degree differences silver side up in the summer in the winter silver side down reflects the heat back in and captures the solar energy. ( see more in my reply above)
If you use the propane to get to them, you can use the space heater to maintain the temp much easier. You’ll use much less propane that way. Depending on the size of the propane heater, it will burn half to full tank a night all alone on cold nights.
I suggest you recreate this using the large, clear bubble wrap. I think you will be amazed 👍.
We use the electric heater and the propane at the same time. Since were paying for electricity at the site Midas well use it.. We set the electric heater a little higher then the propane so it keeps the place warmer. When it gets to cool for the space heater the propane kicks on to give it that boost. That way your saving propane .
But did you have the reflective covers over the top of the canvas as well, besides just the windows? We use it reflective side down in the winter and facing up in the summer
No, not for the test. A number of people are asking for a test with the bunk covers too, so I'll be sure to do that too.
@@ItsPoppin thank you for the reply but what are bunk covers? Do they go over or under lol
Over - either survival blankets or pop up gizmos.
@@ItsPoppin ok thank you I used UST Survival Blanket 2.0, same thing I guess
Great video. We warm out pup the same way you do. I am going to update our system to yours.
Great work! I think the difference in the cool down could be due to the reason that reflectix is a better radiant barrier then insulating. The radiant barrier reflects heat back where insulation can hold in heat. I don't think reflectix is a good insulating material. I would be curious to see the difference between a mylar blanket which is just a radiant barrier and reflectix. It could be cheaper options and almost as effective. Reflectix does have some insulation values. Just throwing it out there my be worth testing. Great video by the way!
In the summer you need to reverse the retflectix with the reflection facing out obviously but in Minnesota in the spring we reversed them to keep warmth in
Seems to work so far anyway
Thanks for the video....good info.
Thought it would take longer to cool down with the Reflectix and faster w/o?
I've been living in my pop up all summer now going into the winter months I'm looking for warm ways to stay warm with out spending much money
Excellent! Thank You .
Reflectix has to trap heat but since your heat loading time is lower, other objects in the space also have less time to trap and store heat, like the wooden cabinets and soft bedding. This may be why your heat offloading with reflectix seemed faster, ambient heat capture just had less time to load.
This makes sense, thank you.
I have found, after many years of PopUp Camping, the reflectix in the windows does nothing as far as insulating the camper, but it does help block the wind.
Reflectix between the mattress and bunk platform will help a little bit once you’re in bed for the night.
Well actually the science of it is that a window cover VS no window cover will keep heat in twice as well as plain glass. Still probs not even R2 but more than nothing. Window coverings in my 24’ RV trailer made a noticeable difference in 8*F weather. Furnace was holding it at 58-59 but couldn’t go more on those cold nights. Making reflectix window coverings let me get into 66-68*. Thermostat was set at 72 in both situations.
Reflectix isn’t a miracle but it can help.
I made plexiglas ‘storm’ panels (with weatherstripping to be as airtight as possible) which works nearly the same. Anecdotally putting reflectix over the storm panels made a difference in ‘feel’ but with different overnight temperatures I can’t say reflectix raised air temperature by itself but I can get to furnace shutoff at 72* now. In the sun it feels warm to the touch and it’s 21*F outside.
I believe the propane heater moves a lot more air.
great test! you really should have used the temp difference to compare the before and after test.
So maybe use the propane to get up to temp but use the space to maintain it.
My thoughts exactly, thoughts from an idiot.
Love your channel! We just got a pop-up and have a lot to learn. Do you have a video on how to boondock in a pop-up? Our pop-up doesn’t have an air conditioner or a refrigerator, have any suggestions? We would like to start using it but I guess need to figure some things out first
Thanks. No video on how to boondock - at least yet - as we're not avid boondockers. As far as the fridge and A/C, just substitute those with cooler(s) and 12v/battery powered fans.
@@ItsPoppin thanks! One more quick question, can I replace the fridge with just a regular mini fridge or does it need to be a special fridge?
Yeah, people do it all the time. It'll only run on shore power however.
LPG is cheaper than propane can you run your pop up of that ?
Aren't those the same thing?
😂
Do you leave the reflectix in their when you collapse the pop up
No, we store it under the mattresses.
I live in Australia so i use then to keep the heat out ..lol..
come to tassie you will change your mind.
@@calvinwalker1781 wd got a rental property in Tasmania so yes it definitely gets cold down there. 👌
The first time with the space heater you had to heat up the furniture the walls and everything else in the trailer the second time all the surrounding were already preheated
Thank you for point this out, this actually makes perfect sense.
What kind of propane tanks come on a pop-up? Like abbq one? Going to buy one with tax return this year
Yeah, a standard 20lb propane tank. We just use a propane tank exchange. To buy a full tank, they're around $50 and for an exchange refill, they are around $15 - at least around here.
@@ItsPoppin I think they are around that in most of missouri as well
Great video! Thank you! Have you or do you plan to make a video like this with warm weather and trying to cool the camper? We have an older pop-up with no AC, so we have a portable AC in ours. I'm trying to decide if the cost is worth it to buy pop-up gizmos (and which ones) and reflectix on windows.
Not yet, but that's the plan for when it warms up.
Although it didn't seem that effective can you send me the link to the interlocking foam under the beds please?
We got ours tiles on clearance from a big box store when they were being discontinued. However, it definitely looks like there are a lot of options on Amazon like these ones: amzn.to/3p0j8O0
@@ItsPoppin what thickness did you use?
We have both 3/8 and 1/4"
@@ItsPoppin You can leave these under your mattress as you close them as well so make sure you dont go to thick on the foam pads. We took that idea from this site. He has a lot of great ideas Some we had already done but others Im looking forward to trying when the snow melts Up here in Canada eh
I wonder if you were to cover the entire camper with some sort of insulating blanket or material.
Test reflexive with summer heat
I would be really worried about carbon monoxide poisoning with the propane heater and starting a fire with the electric space heater. Do you have a smoke alarm and a carbon monoxide alarm in the pop-up? It’s so important.
Yes, in addition to a propane alarm and fire extinguisher.
It’s because reflectex has a front and back. It’s effective one direction, unless you airgap and have 2 layers facing away from each other.
It's amazing how many people are afraid of the propane heater system. As long as you have a detector working and the system works properly.they are safer than any electric heater.
So you say the closed space went back to cool temperaures after disconecting heating faster with refectix than without? This is counterintuitive! Blessings +
Do you think reflextic would help keep popup cool in the summer? I do not do winter camping, but do a lot of summer camping.
Yes, but we will definitely test that when it warms up to make sure!
@@ItsPoppin great! thank you.
Definitely Gizmos
Have you thought about lining the inside of the camper with about a 1 in piece of Styrofoam and have a each panel cut to fit in place and then tape the seams with some sort of a bike boxing tape or something like that and then try your heat experiment in see how it Heats with the reflector in the windows and then the styrofoam over the whole inside of the pop-up
No - at least not until now - lol! I’ll definitely put it on the idea list.
We swear by our reflectix in hot weather, but haven't camper much in the cold.
This is great, Friend. Liked, new sub'd
I bet this keeps the monsters away in The Quiet Place for you and your family.
Humidity would make a difference.
Not sure of your point? Heat up, cool down?
he has nice eyes
Awesome Video! This is a fantastic MYTHBUSTING! I thought the Reflectix works but its good to see how well it works. Also I am new to pop up camping and I too have a Coleman and it's a Columbia model. ruclips.net/video/xeWPaaguMHU/видео.html My question is how many Watts is the electric heater you used? Do you happen to know how many BTUs your Propane furnace is? I would like to do cold weather camping as I restore my FREE popup! Ya I found a free one, so happy, already bought flooring for it, and will for sure be redoing a ton when it warms up a bit.
Thanks! The electric heater is 1500 watts and the propane furnace is either 16k or 20k BTUs . Doing that math, the propane furnace is pumping out over 3 or 4 times the BTUs the electric heater is, which of course, explains a lot. We watched your video and that is quite the project!
@@ItsPoppin yeah it will need a lot of work. I am up for it though! I really hope the tent material isn’t in too bad of shape. Awesome thanks for the numbers on the heaters. Gives me some ideas for cold weather camping.
Too bad you did the test completely wrong. You have conduction issues the way you did the test. You placed the Reflectx against the outside cold (it conducts the cold and transmits the cold through the Reflectx. Now redo the test with headliner spray glue and speaker box carpet attaching the thin carpet on both sides of the Reflectx.. Your test was like putting the Reflectx against a metal pick up truck bed and sleeping on it. The metal foil conducts and transmits the cold. The air space created with the speaker box carpet will allow the conduction issues be minimized, allowing the Reflectx to better insulate. Just the thin layer of the carpet spacing the Reflectx from the direct cold with the speaker box carpet on both sides will amaze you. I am going to set up some Reflectx for Emergency's with speaker box carpet for the inside of my truck topper. I have a BedRug bed liner. I already know the results will be comforting. I also keep two (one for me one for the wife) ECWSS (military Extreme Cold Weather Sleep Systems) for winter brake downs in the truck, we are in the Smokeys. The ECWSS are rated to like minus 40 degrees below zero with proper layering.
to many fucking ads to wait 10 mins to watch