Propane and Wave 3

[Rob in MT]

I am getting a Bobcat shell and am planning on getting the Wave 3 for heat. I was going to set it up on legs.

My question is how do I setup the propane since I will have no vent? Does the propane tank need to remain outside when running the heater, or can I keep it inside and leave a window open (which I would do anyway)? I suppose I could just use the small coleman tanks but that would cost alot more and is there any difference between them and a big tank? Doesn't make sense to leave the tank outside in the cold.

I guess another question would be is it okay to keep a propane tank inside the camper, unvented, if you aren't using it? Or I travel with it inside, and put it outside when I'm in the camper?

Or am I just being paranoid?

Thanks for your help.

 

[n0izh]

I am getting a Bobcat shell and am planning on getting the Wave 3 for heat. I was going to set it up on legs.

My question is how do I setup the propane since I will have no vent? Does the propane tank need to remain outside when running the heater, or can I keep it inside and leave a window open (which I would do anyway)? I suppose I could just use the small coleman tanks but that would cost alot more and is there any difference between them and a big tank? Doesn't make sense to leave the tank outside in the cold.

I guess another question would be is it okay to keep a propane tank inside the camper, unvented, if you aren't using it? Or I travel with it inside, and put it outside when I'm in the camper?

Or am I just being paranoid?

Thanks for your help.

First for the Wave3 you should always have some ventilation open because the Wave3 consumes oxygen. I open the turnbuckle hatch under the icebox about 2 inches and then open the vent an inch or so. A window cracked a bit will do the same if you don't have a vent. For the tank, I carry a separate 3 Gal tank under the couch seat. This is in addition to the main tank that you access from outside. I check the small tank every trip with propane leak detector (the liquid stuff) and also have a propane detector. Neither has ever shown a problem. I have run my Wave6 with the tank inside several times with no troubles, but decided I'd rather have the tank outside. The only real reason isn't the propane thing, it's just in the way sitting above the pantry. I plan to have a hole for the hose to go in near the rear door. I'm going to use the same fitting as the grey water connection, and just feed the hose through when I need it. The tank fits nicely on the bumper while in camp, and also gives me another propane source for the BBQ. I really dislike the small green bottles. They always seam to run out or have leaked since the last time I used one. Also keep in mind that if it's really cold out, and the tank is outside, you'll lose quite a bit of BTU capacity compared to a warm tank inside. By having the choice of where I can put the tank lets me bring it inside during the really cold trips (15 degrees and down). Other wise, I put it outside to leave the shelf clear. On my sailboat the Coast guard requires me to have my tanks in a sealed box that vents overboard(propane is heavier than air and will sink to the low spots), but then they allow me to run hoses inside the boat to the stove, water heater and furnace????? Kinda makes you scratch your head! Inside or out it's a personal choice. If you keep the tank, and all the fittings in good repair I'm comfortable with either one.

John

 

[Overland Hadley]

I am planning on storing my tank inside when I build my camper. I like it this way because it is easy to monitor the tank. And unlike a boat, there is no bilge for the propane to sink into. I will have a couple of vents at floor level.

With my current setup I sleep over the propane, not ideal, but everything is a compromise.

 

[HIKEMT]

I am getting a Bobcat shell and am planning on getting the Wave 3 for heat. I was going to set it up on legs.

My question is how do I setup the propane since I will have no vent? Does the propane tank need to remain outside when running the heater, or can I keep it inside and leave a window open (which I would do anyway)? I suppose I could just use the small coleman tanks but that would cost alot more and is there any difference between them and a big tank? Doesn't make sense to leave the tank outside in the cold.

I guess another question would be is it okay to keep a propane tank inside the camper, unvented, if you aren't using it? Or I travel with it inside, and put it outside when I'm in the camper?

Or am I just being paranoid?

Thanks for your help.



Don't know if this fits with your shell design, but how about using the "furnace" option, but with no furnace, just the exterior propane and cabinet so you can use a Wave 3. You might also be able to install a cooktop on the counter above the propane cabinet. You'd still have storage space under the propane tank where the standard furnace normally goes.

 

[Rob in MT]

Just getting the furnace box (without the furnace) is a good idea, however it seems it's not a good use of space for something rarely used. I am planning on benches (that open for storage) running the length of the camper level with each window (I'm getting two windows).

Along those lines, this is what is used on boats, and would only require a 1/2 inch vent in the exterior wall. Pricey, but for peace of mind maybe not. I would think it would fit under the bench near the door. It's a small tank, but would still probably last awhile. Thoughts? thanks.

http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=93269F

 

[generubin]

I have an ATC Ocelot shell version that I bought recently from Jay Aronow Camper Sales. I simply mounted the Wave 3 to the wall as in the picture. I would not use feet, having it screwed in place saves space and it is always there, no need to pack it. I use a 2.5 gallon tank inside, the hose runs across, under the door sill, to the tank on the opposite side. I only place the tank there when I use the Wave 3. I open a turnbuckle vent and the roof vent a tad.

I have a second Wave 3 that was fired up once to be sure it worked but I never used it. Complete in the box with manual, packing, everything just as new. It is for sale at $150.

 

[HIKEMT]

Just getting the furnace box (without the furnace) is a good idea, however it seems it's not a good use of space for something rarely used. I am planning on benches (that open for storage) running the length of the camper level with each window (I'm getting two windows).

Along those lines, this is what is used on boats, and would only require a 1/2 inch vent in the exterior wall. Pricey, but for peace of mind maybe not. I would think it would fit under the bench near the door. It's a small tank, but would still probably last awhile. Thoughts? thanks.

http://www.go2marine...ct.do?no=93269F


That locker might work. Good concept, not cheap by any means but might do the trick, fit in the bench storage, and be removable when not needed. For a low tech / inexpensive option, you could maybe mount the tank on the exterior of the rear wall with a bracket. Not as clean looking that way, still removable when not needed.

 

[Barko1]

And about $400 cheaper, that's about 2000 miles in my fat diesel!

 

[Mark W. Ingalls]

<snip> For a low tech / inexpensive option, you could maybe mount the tank on the exterior of the rear wall with a bracket. Not as clean looking that way, still removable when not needed.


Source of bracket, please?

 

[HIKEMT]

Source of bracket, please?


Adventure Trailers

http://www.adventure...llaneous_items/

Other interesting stuff there too.

 

[HIKEMT]

It's a small tank, but would still probably last awhile. Thoughts? thanks.

http://www.go2marine...ct.do?no=93269F


According to the manufacturer, the wave 3 would burn the 1lb locker tank in 8hrs on the high setting. I guess that would be about 15 hours on low. I think the bracket is for a 5lb tank in case the difference in capacity is of value.

http://www.uscatalyt...talytic/FAQ.cfm

 

[Rob in MT]

Thanks for the chart, very helpful.

The locker tank is not one pound, it is one gallon or four pounds. Using the chart the tank would last 32 hours on high, which is great!

 

[HIKEMT]

Good point and thanks for the correction. Sounds like plenty of capacity while being vented and still removable. Not bad.