Bev9219 Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 Hi I just bought a teardrop trailer it does not have a built in heater so I would like to get a space heater that will be safe to use in this small space. The trailer has a solar system which will power a battery. I'm unclear as to how much wattage the battery can power can anyone help? Thanks ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randyretired Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 I would doubt the battery will provide any usable heat before it is dead. Some type of propane powered heat is most likely needed unless electric is available. Randy 2001 Volvo VNL 42 Cummins ISX Autoshift Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theeyres Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 Check into catalytic heaters. There are many from the small portable ones that run on a small can of propane to ones you install in the wall and run on the rv propane. They are safe, silent and provide great heat. 2007 Arctic Fox 32.5 rls for full-timing, now sold. 2014 Sunnybrook Sunset Creek 267rl for the local campgrounds now that we are off the road2007 Silverado 2500 diesel Loving Green Valley, AZ (just South of Tucson) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2gypsies Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 Catalytic heaters put out a good deal of heat so for a teardrop get the smallest one you can find. We used one for 16 years and absolutely loved the even warmth it put out. Full-timed for 16 YearsTraveled 8 yr in a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star 40' Motorhome and 8 yr in a 33' Travel Supreme 5th Wheel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenp Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F215100-3800-BTU-Propane/dp/B001CFRF7I Lenp USN Retired 2002 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom 2012 F150 4x4 2018 Lincoln MKX 2019 HD Ultra Limited Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al F Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 If you spend quite a bit of time in cold weather, get an Olympian Wave 3 catalytic heater. It is adjustable from about 1600 BTU to 3000 BTU and will keep your teardrop toasty warm. Be sure to follow instructions about ventilation, open a window slightly and the ceiling vent a little. I have used one of the larger ones in every RV I have owned. I always tap (or have someone qualified) into a propane line and install a quick disconnect and flexible hose so the heater can be placed on the floor and pointed in any direction. Al & Sharon 2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 2020 Chevy Colorado Toad San Antonio, TX http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KRum Posted February 24, 2016 Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 In such a small space I would worry about the catalytic heaters... They need venting and air replacement... You might check out the marine heaters like this: http://dickinsonmarine.com/product/newport-p9000-propane-fireplace/ They are pricy but vent to the outside and also come in a solid fuel (pellet) model if you don't have LP I've always been a tinkerer and a fixer... So what better way to stay active in my retirement than to buy an RV... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev9219 Posted February 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 I would doubt the battery will provide any usable heat before it is dead. Some type of propane powered heat is most likely needed unless electric is available. Thanks, Randy - that's kind of what I thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev9219 Posted February 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 Check into catalytic heaters. There are many from the small portable ones that run on a small can of propane to ones you install in the wall and run on the rv propane. They are safe, silent and provide great heat. Looks like a good option - thanks, Bev Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev9219 Posted February 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F215100-3800-BTU-Propane/dp/B001CFRF7I Lenp Great! Thanks!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev9219 Posted February 24, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 24, 2016 If you spend quite a bit of time in cold weather, get an Olympian Wave 3 catalytic heater. It is adjustable from about 1600 BTU to 3000 BTU and will keep your teardrop toasty warm. Be sure to follow instructions about ventilation, open a window slightly and the ceiling vent a little. I have used one of the larger ones in every RV I have owned. I always tap (or have someone qualified) into a propane line and install a quick disconnect and flexible hose so the heater can be placed on the floor and pointed in any direction. I'll keep that in mind, but it's a lot more than I care to spend. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scouserl41 Posted February 25, 2016 Report Share Posted February 25, 2016 Be very, very wary using propane powered devices in small spaces. Carbon monoxide poisoning is real and deadly. Fire too is a risk. Call me a scare monger if you will but I have personally seen 2 incidents where people in tents were severely burned by changing propane cylinders inside a tent with an ignition source in with them. Sounds stupid but accidents happen in a split second. I have also heard, first hand, of campers who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a tent. http://www.aspentimes.com/news/17460487-113/corner-campers-died-from-carbon-monoxide-poisoning If this can happen in a tent it can easily happen in a more airtight teardrop. Please be safe, BnB 2009 Monaco Cayman DP 38' bnbrv.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted February 25, 2016 Report Share Posted February 25, 2016 X2 BnB! X2. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al F Posted February 25, 2016 Report Share Posted February 25, 2016 Be very, very wary using propane powered devices in small spaces. Carbon monoxide poisoning is real and deadly. Fire too is a risk. Call me a scare monger if you will but I have personally seen 2 incidents where people in tents were severely burned by changing propane cylinders inside a tent with an ignition source in with them. Sounds stupid but accidents happen in a split second. I have also heard, first hand, of campers who died from carbon monoxide poisoning in a tent. http://www.aspentimes.com/news/17460487-113/corner-campers-died-from-carbon-monoxide-poisoning If this can happen in a tent it can easily happen in a more airtight teardrop. Please be safe, BnB You are confusing cooking appliances which produce lots of carbon monoxide with catalytic heaters which produce a minuscule amount of carbon monoxide. The catalytic heaters do produce carbon dioxide, the same gas we exhale when breathing. You must provide a certain amount of ventilation when using the catalytic heater because of the possible build up of carbon dioxide. The catalytic heater also produces quite a bit of water vapor which will quickly build up in small spaces. Al & Sharon 2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 2020 Chevy Colorado Toad San Antonio, TX http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al F Posted February 25, 2016 Report Share Posted February 25, 2016 Hi I just bought a teardrop trailer it does not have a built in heater so I would like to get a space heater that will be safe to use in this small space. The trailer has a solar system which will power a battery. I'm unclear as to how much wattage the battery can power can anyone help? Thanks ! By the way, what size teardrop trailer do you have? I have seen teardrops high enough you can just about stand in them. However, while I suggested a catalytic heater, I take that suggestion back if your teardrop is one of the small ones with not much more room than the size of double or queen size bed. In fact if it is small one I'm not sure I would use any unvented propane heater. Al & Sharon 2006 Winnebago Journey 36G 2020 Chevy Colorado Toad San Antonio, TX http://downtheroadaroundthebend.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl&Rita Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 You are confusing cooking appliances which produce lots of carbon monoxide with catalytic heaters which produce a minuscule amount of carbon monoxide. The catalytic heaters do produce carbon dioxide, the same gas we exhale when breathing. You must provide a certain amount of ventilation when using the catalytic heater because of the possible build up of carbon dioxide. The catalytic heater also produces quite a bit of water vapor which will quickly build up in small spaces. WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! I have been wrong before, I'll probably be wrong again. 2000 Kenworth T 2000 w/N-14 and 10 speed Gen1 Autoshift, deck built by Star Fabrication 2006 smart fourtwo cdi cabriolet 2007 32.5' Fleetwood QuantumPlease e-mail us here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scouserl41 Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 https://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/103972/CO03.pdf A very scientific test of catalytic camp heaters showing that without a minimum of 1 air change per hour in an enclosed space the main danger is suffocation. Oxygen levels can fall to a dangerous level in less than an hour in a small enclosed space (Like a Teardrop Trailer??). Carbon monoxide was not the danger here, suffocation was. BnB 2009 Monaco Cayman DP 38' bnbrv.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 Hi Al, I agree that with any very small enclosed space I would not use any unvented heater. I owned an Olympian Catalytic heater and have the Olympian paid for tests in an enclosed space. CO is produced and adequate ventilation is for that as well as CO and other combustion products. When I was out in Fairfield CA in 2000 we found a used one and went to their HQ there and had it tested free of charge in case we needed a new mat. I asked for and received their test results for all their heater and have them on file. All the tests were done with 24 square inches of ventilation, not a cracked window. Here is a scan of one of the test pages stamped and official. I also have several inches of documents from another manufacturer that the company decided to bury. Any fossil fuel or gas fossil fuel creates CO2, CO and other toxic contaminants. Here is the same time period tests from the CPSC: http://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/103972/CO03.pdf Saying that the danger is o2 depletion is only half the story. The oxygen depletion results in more incomplete burning of the Propane resulting in much higher hydrocarbon production. But before that happens there is plenty of CO, CO2 and water being produced. What one would like to believe, and the facts are sometimes in conflict. These can be used safely but many folks have no clue about maintenance and burn colors and soot production as well as the effects of altitude on the burn efficiancy of any fossil fuel. Be expert and you'll do as I did, use a ceramic electric heater. Hope that helps. Safe Travels. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieere Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 There are so many different answers here I would be leery of using the RV propane cook stove or the furnace if equipped. I have both in my fiver and even check my fittings with soapy water when changing tanks. But; I would definitely now get the advice from a reputable propane heating installer! Anything can be dangerous if not installed correctly. When doing any install read and research the product before you decide to purchase! I realize that some will get upset at my response; but if you disagree take what i said with a grain of salt! Living Life One Day At A Time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dzwiss Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 I have a small 1200 BTU Coleman catalytic heater that uses the 1 lb cylinders that I think would be perfect for a small teardrop. The larger Mr. Heater that puts our a minimum of 4000 BTUs would probably blast you out. 4000 BTUs is adequate for my 35 ft 5th wheel in all but the coldest conditions. I have looked for the Coleman on line and can't find it. I'm not sure if it is still made. 2019 Airstream Flying Cloud 27FB 2011 Ford F350 CC SRW "Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for." Will Rogers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RV_ Posted February 26, 2016 Report Share Posted February 26, 2016 The RV Propane cook stove has an electric 12 volt exhaust fan above it in every RV for that reason, and it should be used, especially when the roof vents are closed in extreme temps hot or cold. However it is not going to kick on in freezing weather every ten minutes, half hour, or hour, while sleeping. Your stock RV Propane Furnace is vented outside, so no combustion by products go inside. If your furnace is more than ten years old it might be wise to inspect the heat exchanger for rust or pinholes. As well, every RV should have a working CO detector/alarm. CO detectors alarms should be replaced every five years at most as the sensor is dead by then. The electronics are good and will sound when you press the test switch. But an old non functional sensor can cause either many false alarms or not alarm at all, or a mixture of both. The only danger in a reasonably new well maintained RV today comes from owners not replacing their detectors for gases every five years, CO or Propane alarms, and smoke/fire alarms every ten years. RV/Derekhttp://www.rvroadie.com Email on the bottom of my website page.Retired AF 1971-1998 When you see a worthy man, endeavor to emulate him. When you see an unworthy man, look inside yourself. - Confucius “Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.” ... Voltaire Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadow Catcher Posted February 29, 2016 Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 We have a large teardrop trailer with about 400 cubic feet interior space space. Most teardrop are in the 200 cubic feet category. A catalytic heater is way too much and far too dangerous. There are a number of alternatives that a number of us have used. Our tear has a water heater and I have set it up with a 12V solar water pump and an automotive heater core with a 100mm computer case fan and a thermostat. Others have also adopted this with success. I have also have an Espar diesel heater, Propex also make a propane version of it. One thing to remember is that your body produces a good bit of of heat and once you are in, it will likely be enough. some have used a 12V mattress pad (sold to truckers) to warm up the bed, They do draw considerable current. You might want to join us on the Teardrop & Tiny Travel Trailer forum http://tnttt.com/ A sealed up trailer can kill you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev9219 Posted February 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 Thanks to all for your suggestions on heating the teardrop - I will probably use a backpacking lantern to cut the chill when I get up and in the evening before I sleep - far less heat involved than a catalytic heater. And then sleep in a down bag. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadow Catcher Posted February 29, 2016 Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 Do crack the vent. There were a couple of instances where some one nearly died from a too tight build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bev9219 Posted February 29, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 29, 2016 Do crack the vent. There were a couple of instances where some one nearly died from a too tight build. Yes, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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