Old Catalytic Heater, is it safe?

[cortezaero]

Is anyone still using these heaters? I haven't tested it out yet. It's on a 1970 10' NCO.

I know that catalytic heaters have a great reputation for efficiency and safety. But at 55 years old, this heater is older than me! And I wouldn't trust the emissions that I'm putting out!

If this passes the soapy bubble test on the propane lines and connections and if my carbon monoxide detector doesn't start screaming, am I good to go?

I'd prefer to not have to purchase anything new because with the type camping my family will be doing, this will likely just be for taking the chill off first thing in the morning. And even that will be rare. I'm in Arizona, so we'll be camping in the mountains in the summer and the deserts in the winter. Really won't have much need at all for a heater.

What does the collective wisdom say?

Thanks!

 

[Glenn]

I see that on almost all RV websites ,and the use of older Catalytic heaters, that they recommend leaving a window cracked open, not specifically for CO but to allow air (oxygen) to enter the RV, as the Catalytic heaters consume oxygen and could cause Asphyxiation. The CO monitor is a must also IMO

 

[GVWRLOL]

Knock the dust off that bad boy!! I think as long as you use a lil common sense and don't ignore the warning labels you're good to go. Im also in AZ and doing the same type of camping. For reference I only used my heater like 5 times last year and only for an hour or so at a time, like you said, just to take the chill out of the air.