Should I Put New Reflective Insulation In?

[chemist308]

I had to drop my coroplast because my kitchen gray tank leaked at outlet. While I'm still dealing with mobile techs for that, while it's been down I put 2 layers of 1" styrofoam insulation with reflective backing from the back of the trailer to the front (but not under the tank in question yet since it leaks). Based on the system's stated R value of 6.5, that should be roughly a real R-13 insulation job.

Since the tank leaked, GD's make believe insulation (reflective mylar) had gotten wet and some parts were now see through. So I cut that crap out--at least the portion from the front to the middle of the axles. It was getting in the way of the foam install anyway. When I was carrying it to the dumpster I noticed that some of it was reflecting my body heat back at my hands. That got me thinking. Does it actually work under there? Should I get a roll and reinstall it?

Edit: I forgot to mention this because I thought it goes without saying. Once the kitchen gray tank is fixed I will of course add a double layer of the 1" stryofoam insulation there too, if that helps with your answers.

 

[Second Chance]

I think your Styrofoam idea is a good one - it doesn't absorb water and it's lightweight. Can you get it with the reflective layer on one side? As far as reflection goes, that's the principal behind the "space blankets" that backpackers and survivalists have used for years.

Rob