How to Insulate a Tent for Summer: Camping and Kayaking Inflatables

If asked to name one thing they would want to control, most people would request to be given the sovereignty to control the hand of time. Sure! We’re all want to do our things and enjoy our moments without being locked out of time. This article is targeted at how to insulate a tent for AC.

Summer is everyone’s favorite season for camping, thanks to the dry and warm weather that favors all camping endeavors. 

Sadly, while great camping season, summer could be extra hot and the temperatures could turn cool nighttime into a sweaty and unrelaxed epoch of discontent. That’s why how to insulate a tent for AC is a question most summer campers ask repeatedly.

How to Insulate a Tent for AC

The summer heatwave could challenge the fun and happiness of your camping adventures. The only solution to such unfavorable weather is installing an AC. The problem is the tents currently available aren’t fit for fitting ACs, so you would have to insulate them using the right camping gear. When insulating tents for AC, you should first get the right insulation.

The tent insulation market is full of different options, including fabric insulators that deflect heat and reflect light and sophisticated double-leaf systems. Whichever you consider, here is how to go about the insulation process:

Using reflective tarp

Reflective tarps have reflective properties that aid rebuff sunlight from falling on your tent. Covering the entire tent with reflective tarps from the exterior ensures your tarp doesn’t heat up. It prevents the tent from extremely heating to force your AC to overwork and consume more power. Ensure the tarp you consider is windproof and waterproof.

Measure your tent’s size for you to decide which size of the tarp to buy. Don’t forget that high-end and superior tarps are more expensive, while the less durable with lower heat resistant properties will cost lower.

Insulate the tent floor with an insulation sheet

Floor insulation prevents your tent from the effects of extreme discharges from the cold ground. The extreme heatwaves emanating from the ground can be detrimental to the tent and the users. One strong insulating sheet to install underneath the camping tent would be a polyester cloth, and the most common polyester material to consider is PET.

Intriguingly, PET polyester material has excellent elasticity and resistant properties. It has outstanding resistant properties to bacteria and mold, super water repellent qualities, and amazing resistance to humidity and stains.

PET insulating sheets thermally insulate the tents and can have superior breathability properties if treated. When insulating your tent floor, ensure that the cloth doesn’t project from the tent perimeter since such a setup can cause rainwater to flow across the towel, causing some water to flow inside the tent.

Consider duct tapes

Duct tapes are small-sized, portable, and easily transportable. Though they are small and portable, they deliver outstanding results when used in insulating tents for AC.

Duct tapes are used to tape groundsheets and tarps to the camping tent. While glue still works, the tape is stronger and more efficient. Duct tapes also work incredibly in sealing leaks in tents. Duct tapes are available either as single-sided or double-sided. You can use both when attaching tarps and groundsheets to tents or use single-sided tapes when sealing leakages.

Pool noodles

Another common accessory for insulating tents for AC is pool noodles. Leaks can create openings for air conditioning gas to move out into the atmosphere, ruining your moments in the tent. You must get all the leakages in the tent sealed. 

To achieve accurate and efficient leak sealing, you will need to get the right piece of pool noodles. Pool noodles are loved because they offer a lasting solution, compared to duct tapes that are only temporary sealing solutions. 

You can get pool noodles from varied manufacturers that differ in quality and strength, so watch out when buying to ensure you get the finest option available.

Tips on How to Install AC in a Tent

Now that you’ve insulated your tent ready to installing an AC, you’ve to know the right steps to follow. Consider using a tent heater to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the tent. Quickly get your AC installed in the camping tent with these steps:

Set up the tent well before AC installation

Before you even start installing the AC, ensure the tent is properly secured on a dry space above the ground. Avoid vegetated and areas full of shrubs when setting up your tent. Confirm to be sure the tent is clean since that’s the only sure way for the duct tapes and glue to stick firmly to the tent. 

You should ensure the area the tent is installed is close to an electric port. Now, measure your AC’s size and cut a surface area with a similar size to the AC. You shouldn’t cut the tent if it’s already fitted with an AC port.

Insulate the interior and exterior to block cold air

Once the AC is up and running, insulate the tent using a reflective tarp. Additionally, using an insulated sleeping pad can help maintain a comfortable temperature inside the tent. Apply the reflective tarp all over the tent’s exterior surface using glue or duct tarp. You should as well install the insulating sheet to the ground surface where the tent is installed.

Inspect the tent and camping gear

The tent and AC are set up and ready for use. Close the tent’s door and then connect the AC to power and put on the power. Try running a hand all over the tent to see whether there is any leakage. Any leakage discovered should be sealed using duct tape or pool noodles.

How to Insulate a Tent for AC – Conclusion

The outlined information above is the only guide on how to insulate a tent for AC. It’s a few hours of exercise but needs proper care and strict adherence to the guidelines. 

Don’t rush the process unless you want surprises and have more time to spend amending any wrong installations. If you’re not comfortable doing the insulation work on yourself, always get a friend to help you.

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