Catalytic Space heater vs Furnace...

[torboschen]

Has anyone had any negative experiences with the radiant type catalytic heaters? On a recent trip to moab I was using mine but got terrified about SIDS etc camping with my 6mo son.
We ended up using the heater to pre-warm the van but then turned it off for the night which made for cold camping as the temps were well below freezing. My concern is that the heater uses oxygen, I am aware that it does not produce CO. Any thoughts on the matter would be great...
I can find CO moniters for RVs but not O2 alarms....
Yes I crack the vent, but that just lets the heat out as fast as the heater makes it.
Has anyone done a furnace install? JC Whitney sells them for around $400 but the curve of the Ford body may be a problem for the exhaust.
Thanks! TOR

[webbmac]

FWIW, I have a CO monitor (I think it's standard in all SMBs). I used a Coleman buddy catalytic heater and the alarm went crazy after about 1-2 minutes even though I had vented the van and everything. I bought some warm sleeping bags to use while I am re-thinking the heating possibilities. I would definitely suggest a furnace or an electric space heater if you have an inverter and tons of battery capacity. Better safe than sorry.

[Ford_6L_E350]

Originally Posted by webbmac

FWIW, I have a CO monitor (I think it's standard in all SMBs). I used a Coleman buddy catalytic heater and the alarm went crazy after about 1-2 minutes even though I had vented the van and everything. I bought some warm sleeping bags to use while I am re-thinking the heating possibilities. I would definitely suggest a furnace or an electric space heater if you have an inverter and tons of battery capacity. Better safe than sorry.

You will never have enough battery to use an electric heater. Only if you are plugged in.

Mike

[webbmac]

Originally Posted by Ford_6L_E350

You will never have enough battery to use an electric heater. Only if you are plugged in.

Mike

Some of the oil radiator types have settings as low as 500W, but they are big as a house, slow to heat up and 500W is still high, though theoretically doable. Yes, I would agree, practically speaking that electric heaters are unrealistic.

[torboschen]

I agree that electric heat is out, I am looking into a propane unit. Just wondering if anyone else has any advice.

[saabman]

I use a Kerosene heater and preheat the van before sleeping and then pop into a 14 degree F rated sac (sleeping bag) and have a good night's sleep

Ok admittedly I heat my Oztent at the same time...

But I agree with the better safe than sorry aspect of this problematic

[dsw4x4]

I put a atwood (I believe) furnace in my van. The curvature of the van was not an issue at all mine has the trap door on the out side to service the unit and the exhaust. installation was not that bad just a little scary chopping a big hole in the side of your van. They make units now that just have a little plate mounted on the outside of the van for the exhaust. I would get one of those if I had to do it over. Anyway a month ago in Breckenridge with the top popped and temp around zero we were at a toasty 70 degrees. Liz reached up and turned down the stat several times because it was really to hot in the van. Pretty cool considering the outside temps. Catalytics scare me something about not waking up in the morning. I would really watch it with a child in the car. Spend the money on a furnace you will be glad you did. Set the stat at 70 and sleep comfortable knowing you will wake up in the morning.
Derek

[Zaskoda]

This was the best furnace option I've found so far:

http://www.adventuretrailers.com/heaters.html

I like the compact size, but it seemed a little bit pricey.

[dowgars]

Zaskoda: That Heat Source heater looks exactly like my Propex.

[Ford_6L_E350]

According to this site they are the same:

http://www.suremarine.com/manuals/assor ... propex.pdf

Mike