6 replies to this topic

[The Saints]

Anyone use a different heater than a forced air heater like the ones AT install? I'm looking for a heater I can run through the night without draining my battery. I came across blue flame technology and it looks nice. I'm sure I can use/install a vent where my current heater is and probably install the heating unit right there in its place. These heaters need to have a vent or you can die, I understand that and I hear they give off moisture? So has anyone heard of these good or bad? Use them maybe, with a specific brand in mind? All the info I can get would be great.

[MarkBC]

I see a few places selling them, but they don't describe exactly what they are...and how they're "vent free" -- which is how they're described here and other places. Apparently they're not catalytic, though... Maybe "vent free" just means they don't need a flue...but in a small place like a camper they still need fresh air coming in and a place for the combustion products to get out.

Moisture: Anything that burns hydrocarbons -- propane, gasoline, diesel, "natural gas" -- or cellulose, e.g., wood, produces water, "moisture", as a product of combustion. The hydrogen of the hydrocarbon or cellulose combines with oxygen of the air to produce water.

[Dughlas Stiubhart]

Marks's link says they are not recommended for use above 4,500 ft. Not good for most places I camp.

[pods8]

I read through some stuff when looking for means to heat my garage up during the winter. Generally all these "vent free" heaters just mean you don't need an exhaust stack but still have requirements for air exchange. They "assume" that most structures are not airtight but state its up to the user to ensure air is being exchanged...

[The Saints]

Im just wanting to replace the heater in my camper, any ideas?

[pods8]

There is the non-vented catalytic heater you could use with everyone's favorite being the Wave series.

In a FWC situation I might be inclinded to look into one of the platcat units which is a vented catalytic heater and the fan pulls under .5amps supposedly.

I personally am leery on non-vented catalytic units, esp. since I've got a family in the mix too. With my build I've got a ton more insulation so I went with the atwood 8012 which supposedly only pulls 1.8amps, ideally the combo of lower amps and better insulation will limit battery drain quite a bit. But I also have 2 batteries for a combined 210ah so realistically I should be well covered.

A propex HS2000 forced air unit is supposed to pull 1.4amps but costs the most of all I think.

[Overland Hadley]

There is the non-vented catalytic heater you could use with everyone's favorite being the Wave series.

x2 on the Wave. Great heater with no battery draw.