Canopy Insulation

Don't know the config of your roof and corners but the rigid foam is easily cut as I stated and can be glued up in smaller pieces where needed. Just be aware that (google result) "Rigid foam is flammable and can emit toxic gases if ignited." If you gotta go, do it skiing, not in the parking lot.

I was wondering about the felt, good ideas. There will be a raised plywood bed (eventually carpeted), insulation below, and a 4-inch thick foam pad. And from what I've heard, heat loss through the bed platform is probably most important. Potentially an electric blanket to help warm the bed initially. There will be pictures of this atrocity, but probably slowly.

BTW anyone what to help out and buy my used snow tires (don't live in Tahoe anymore, cant justify the fuel)

I made a set of Reflectix panels to fit in the windows of my camper van. It makes it much warmer for sure when you block out the windows. This is just an idea for the windows though, as I don't think it's thick enough to provide any real R-value for the canopy. Maybe if you doubled it and added foam backed material around it?
The catalytic heaters are nice, but a vented furnace has it's advantages. Less condensation is one of them. I lived in a van with a catalytic and it produced a lot of moisture. You also need a window open at least 1" while it's operating. A co2 detector is a must!

Yeah, the propane heater would be great, but I'm not sure what type of room I'll have to install. At this point I'm scraping cash for lumber and a mattress... I've been looking into using Reflectix or Prodex (sim. but with 5mm of closed cell foam inbetween), and using foam spacers to create an air gap. Am I crazy to think that will provide much R-value? Though, I'm thinking foil and a candle will do well.

At this point I need to focus on getting a comfy, level sleeping area... then I'll deal with building a sauna...

Thanks for the ideas everybody.

PS - I'll be helping a friend install vented propane heater and deep cycle for the fan later this week, should be fun. I'll try to post some pics

If you want heat, try a Mr. Heater. I bought one for my camper, and it's great. For a topper, I'd get the smallest one ( www.google.com/products/catalog?hl=en&q=...784019063&sa=title#p ) $60 . My mid size was more than enough for a cabover.

There will be a raised plywood bed (eventually carpeted), insulation below, and a 4-inch thick foam pad. And from what I've heard, heat loss through the bed platform is probably most important.

Perhaps creating a panel by gluing thinner plywood sheets (~3/8") on either side of a sheet of rigid foam (~2") would give you a platform with the qualities you desire.