I am going to start this article off with trying to convince you NOT to replace the ensolite insulation on your Boler, there is no alternative that will match the functionality and durability of this material. It is no longer available so you will be installing an inferior product. Before replacing first try cleaning the surface, if that does not achieve the results you are looking for you can paint the lining following these instructions Painting Ensolite.
Leaving the walls bare fibreglass or spraying them with truck bed liner are not an alternative, the biggest problem with these trailers is condensation. Without any insulation the condensation that forms, even from just one person sleeping in the trailer will create enough moisture in the trailer that water will collect and run down the walls. OK, so you have tried everything or a previous owner has stripped the ensolite out, well all is not lost. In my opinion there are a number of alternatives that can be used on the wall, most involve the frustrating process of fitting and sectioning pieces to conform to the compound curves of the walls and ceiling.
Option #1 – Reflectix silver bubble insulation, this is a reflective radiant type insulation available at most home improvement stores. It is very inexpensive, use a good quality contact cement to adhere it to the walls. With the interior of your Boler now looking like the inside of a stainless steel mixing bowl, most want to make it look better. The standard covering is to use Marine Hull Liner, this can be found in a material, carpet or soft vinyl type materials, it stretches so it is easier install and conform to the compound curves using 3M General Trim Adhesive.
Option #2 – Closed Cell Foam covered by Marine Hull Liner, like the original ensolite you can cover the walls with a 1/4″ closed cell foam like ensolite, neoprene or similar. Closed cell foams do not absorb any moisture making them very suitable for this application, in fact this is what was used originally except does not have the tough vinyl covering. Working with the foam is similar to the Reflectix, the foam is adhered to the wall with a compatible contact cement or 3M General Trim Adhesive followed by covering with marine hull liner.
Option #3 – Carpet, probably the least popular alternative is Olefin (polypropylene) carpet which is still used today by companies like Casita as their wall covering. Using carpet you are installing a lower level of insulation but you don’t have to add a cover layer. Also with carpet the seams are fairly easy to hide.
Option #4 – Thermal Cork Insulation, this is a new product on the market designed for commercial and residential use, it need to be applied by a professional using spray equipment which would increase the cost but the product appears to have all the desired qualities needed. I am sure there are a number of companies offering this product, the link is one I know will be coating several Boler’s this spring
Greg
Looking for the owner of the Trillium molds, especially the 15ft. And if they would be for sale?
Greg
Ian
The Trillium moulds and Trade Mark were purchased by Happier Camper in the USA, they are updating the moulds and will soon release new models based on the original Trillium. In Canada Outback trailers uses a 13′ Trillium mould to produce their trailers
Nicole
So, I am one of the unlucky ones who needs to replace the insulation in my boler (wasn’t salvageable). Has anyone done this lately and can tell me best products to use and any tips for all the round corners? Can I use regular vinyl from fabric store on top of reflectix or does it need to be marine hull liner? Any input is appreciated as I know condensation is an issue!
Ian
Hi Nicole As mentioned in the article the choices are not great. A closed cell foam material is the best, the highest insulation value is to use ensolite, although ensolite with a vinyl surface is not found any more. The advantage of marine hull liner is that is stretches in all directions making it easier to apply to the compound curves, fabric store vinyl usually has very little stretch.
Randy
Look into Vipeq thermal spray cork. 26 colours sprays directly onto the fibreglass !
We have done many boler’s and everyone loves it
Regards
Randy @innovative cork.com
Roberta Glover
Hi Randy, I have a square 16 ft Boler. Unfortunately after my husband past it was left sitting and I did not tend to it as I should have. They did not use ensolite but a quilted pattern vinyl product on these models.There was water and dampness underneath so we pulled it all out. The trailer is now road worthy and I am ready to start the inside. I am interested in the cork option. Where are you located? The company listed does have a place in Mississauga that is not too far from me. Wonder if you have any contact info. Do you have pictures or info you can share. I assume that goes directly over the fibreglass no other insulation first. Wiring and plumbing work wold have to be completed first. Just wanted clarification on the order. Do not know much about this type of Reno.thank you
Christopher Chaisson
My Boler had its linner replaced with carpet from the Scamp trailer company but the carpet is starting to fall as the glue failed. Is there an adhesive you would recommend?
Ian
I don’t have any direct experience with the Scamp carpet wall covering but normally a high quality contact cement is used for wall coverings. With this being said if the carpet has a course woven backing, contact cement may not hold well so one option would be an outdoor carpet adhesive BUT if you go this route there is no going back, carpet adhesive is thick and will leave a course residue on the walls if you need to remove the carpet in the future. Also make sure the off gassing from adhesive is not harmful.
Steven McDonald
I appreciate the detailed article! I don’t have to replace my Ensolite, but the adhesive used has failed is many places, so I do need to re-adhere it to the fiberglass shell.
Does your recommendation of a high quality contact adhesive for other wall coverings also apply to the Ensolite?
Ian
As the original contact cement ages the bond can fail, like you are experiencing. You can usually access the area behind the endolite from a nearby seam by carefully peeling enough of the ensolite away. Then apply a good quality contact cement following the directions on the can. I recommend using a can of contact cement rather than the spray version, a spray can is very messy and the applies a very thin layer which may not be enough to attach the ensolite to the fibreglass shell securly.
Jodi Andrews
Hello Ian. I recently bought a 17ft boler that the previous owner ngutted and insulated with reflectix bubble wrap. What would you suggest I put over top as a finishing wall? Bolers are obviously curved so i’m thinking my options are limited. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Ian
The best covering is a marine hull liner, this product is designed for boat interiors and can be stretched onto compound curves. It is available as a cloth, heavy material almost like light carpet and even vinyl. Attach over the reflex using a high quality contact cement, I prefer brush on vs the messy spray cans.
Jodi Andrews
Thanks so much for getting back to me Ian. The previous owner glued the reflectix directly to the fibreglass do I just glue the marine hull liner directly to the reflectix? No space or anything in between? I’ve watched some YouTube videos where some space is needed when using reflectix. Do I have to cover all the reflectix with the liner? Even behind upper and lower cupboards and wet bath? Or only where I can see it? Do you suggest a company and/or brand for the liner and adhesive? Thanks so much Ian!
Jodi Andrews
Thanks so much for getting back to me Ian. The previous owner glued the reflectix directly to the fibreglass do I just glue the marine hull liner directly to the reflectix? No space or anything in between? I’ve watched some YouTube videos where some space is needed when using reflectix. Do I have to cover all the reflectix with the liner? Even behind upper and lower cupboards and wet bath? Or only where I can see it? Do you suggest a company and/or brand for the liner and adhesive? Thanks so much Ian!
Julia
I am looking at Bolers from the 80’s and they seem to have carpet walls from all of the photos that I have seen. Do you have any knowledge of this? Should I run away from these models? Or is it decent? I just want a basic solid trailer without anything special (I don’t even want an inside kitchen).
Ian
Some later model boler’s used a short pile marine hull liner on the walls. This product, designed for marine applications, is very durable and a great product.
Wendy
I have a 1972 boler i just bought. Unfortunately a section of the ensolite is missing on the ceiling. I am thinking fof insultating the ceiling and then putting something decorative over it? Does this work!? I will never be able to match the ensolite so i thought something intentionaly different? Suggestions most welcome
Ian
Look at marine hull liner, it is a great alternative and designed to stretch around the compound curves. Use it to cover any closed cell foam insulation like ensolite, neoprene, etc.
Ron Mackenzie
Hi Ian,
The ensolite seams on my 73 Boler were stripped of their original seam tape and filed with an almond coloured caulking that has turned mottled black, I presume from mold. Most of the seams appeared to have latex caulking and one had silicone. I have been able to remove all of this grody looking caulking and now want to replace it properly. Can you suggest the best material to seal the seams with. Thank very much. Ron
Ian
Hi Ron
The best caulking to use is DAP DynaFlex 230, it is available at most hardware and home improvement stores. It may take several thin coats, on the foinal coat texture it with a damp sponge and it will almost match the original surface of the ensolite