3/5t roof insulation

[Nevin's Run]

Hello - has anybody had this done to a box that has no insulation? Has it made much of a difference?

I've just been speaking with my local horsebox mechanic about cooling options for my coachbuilt 3.5t. He said you can put as many fans in as you like but without roof insulation it's just going to be soaking up heat, so start with that first - that makes sense to me, although it doesn't feel as positive a solution as fitting a bunch of roof fans haha!

I've just fitted a remote thermometer so I can keep track of how hot it is actually getting in there (and hopefully see a difference after the work) but I literally put it in yesterday and haven't been anywhere yet!

Does anybody know much about this or have any personal experience? I've tried Google but just get 100 results from horsebox manufacturers pointing out how much better their boxes are than mine

 

[MissTyc]

A friend and I recently had horseboxes built by different builders but at the same time so were constantly comparing and discussing options.
Mine said point blank roof insulation is a must and roof must be painted white + advised me to choose a light colour.
My friend's builder told her it didn't matter and it would save her money to have a fibreglass (I think, don't quote me on this!) roof.

We've just attended a clinic together, and the boxes have been parked up in the full sun. South East - it's quite brutal again today! My box was lovely and cool when we left, hers was a furnace! I know it's only one story, but it makes sense to me as my roof isn't letting the heat through as easily and is reflecting it back. I also have two roof vents to help circulate hot air out. I haven't used fans as have so many windows, but have now been thinking about this for longer journeys, just in case we get stuck in traffic or break down or if I ever get back to eventing with a horse standing on the box all day long (during the three HOT days we get each year, would just be my luck!)

(she paid a lot more for her box, so I am smugly invested in these comparisons as keep wondering why hers was several Gs more than mine when mine seems similar or better in all ways)

 

[Nevin's Run]

Hahaha! That's a really really useful situation for comparison! Very much appreciate the info, thank you. I think mine is just a fibreglass shell, it certainly looks that way - it is white, but still an oven! I have just two sliding windows in the grooms area, a little upper window driver side front, and a roof vent, but my poor horse bakes in there - obviously when it's sat still in traffic or a venue those windows do little.

Another roof vent might be the next step for moving airflow - but he did advise the insulation first. Like you say that does sound right to me, I just wanted a sense check!

 

[Steerpike]

I have similar set up to yours, no roof insulation, 2 small windows towards the rear, one on passanger side and small roof vent, I got my husband to put a fan in the back for when it's really hot which helps move the air around and does keep my horses cooler, I had one when I first travelled without the fan on come off dripping in sweat, next journey I put the fan on and he came off not sweating

 

[Steerpike]

Oh and my van is white

 

[Nevin's Run]

I have similar set up to yours, no roof insulation, 2 small windows towards the rear, one on passanger side and small roof vent, I got my husband to put a fan in the back for when it's really hot which helps move the air around and does keep my horses cooler, I had one when I first travelled without the fan on come off dripping in sweat, next journey I put the fan on and he came off not sweating

That had crossed my mind, but to be honest I don't know anybody who would be able to safely do that for me. I've booked in for the roof insulation so I guess I'm fishing for confirmation that I've not made a mistake haha!

(excellent name BTW, my favourite book)

 

[Steerpike]

Thanks, it's a brilliant book I'm now wondering if I should get insulation in my van as well!

 

[MissTyc]

I don't think you'll regret it ... I was really quite surprised by the difference today. We actually stood inside my box after the clinic as that was the best respite. I mean, in the end, it would heat up as well I'm sure. Another important thing is that if you're parked with the ramp facing the sun, then always close it up again behind you, as the sun will get right in there .. I tend to tie up ramp side but today I closed everything and tied up on the other side in the shade.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Having had a fibreglass roof on a 7.5 box in the early 80's I'd never have one again.
Current little box has a coachbuilt body, roof is lined inside. 2 side windows, one rear, one obs hatch from cab. Good enough through draught

Like MissTyc mine is always pretty cool and I'd rather pop mine back on the box instead of outside.

I ensure I park up with the ramp side directly away from the sun (or where the sun will be at highest) so often I park nose into the sun on arrival and many have said how cool the box is.

 

[MereChristmas]

My 3.5 has 2 large windows in the sides at the back, 2 small windows in the horse area close to the cab, 2 large roof vents and a window to the cab so I can let the air flow from the cab windows too. The roof is lined but not insulated. It is silver.
No problems as yet but my journeys are one horse and usually a maximum of 1 1/4 hours. I rarely go to shows etc so I don’t leave my horse inside for any time as I park, ride, load and go!

 

[Nevin's Run]

Thanks all, that's pretty reassuring - quite looking forward to it now! A bit of a daft question that I didn't think to ask the guy - is this something that will be done on top of or inside of the existing roof? Will it only extend as far as the luton, or include it? Just curious - I use it for camps so I still need to be able to open my luton cupboard doors (and fit in there haha). I suppose it might not make a great deal of difference, but I'm just wondering if everything is going to be 6' smaller!

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Thanks all, that's pretty reassuring - quite looking forward to it now! A bit of a daft question that I didn't think to ask the guy - is this something that will be done on top of or inside of the existing roof? Will it only extend as far as the luton, or include it? Just curious - I use it for camps so I still need to be able to open my luton cupboard doors (and fit in there haha). I suppose it might not make a great deal of difference, but I'm just wondering if everything is going to be 6' smaller!

Mine is from front to back, however I don't have doors on my luton, it just has a good lip on it. I travel a plastic storage box with spare rainsheet, a summer sheet and an old thermatex in and the spare wheel up there (yes, I can get it down, more easily than undoing it from underneath etc) and if staying away, I can pop extra stuff up there if needed.

 

[Nevin's Run]

Mine is from front to back, however I don't have doors on my luton, it just has a good lip on it. I travel a plastic storage box with spare rainsheet, a summer sheet and an old thermatex in and the spare wheel up there (yes, I can get it down, more easily than undoing it from underneath etc) and if staying away, I can pop extra stuff up there if needed.

Hmm I'll have to see what he says. I'll make sure the mattress is in there so it's obvious how wide it needs to be!