stpauligirlmn wrote: I've been reading about propane and catalytic heaters. Apparently, many people will not use them overnight in an RV, which is what I had wanted to do.
So, it looks like I'm going to invest in a really warm sleeping bag instead.
Many people won't use them at all because they are pig headed, uninformed, or just plain paranoid. What's new about that?
They are CERTIFIED for indoor use. I've been sleeping with mine turned on for over 5 years now. Any propane device can malfunction, even your "safe" outside vented furnace (yup, even the one in your HOME! ). This is why you have a CO alarm in your HOME and in your RV (You DO, don't you?). I have TWO in my RV just to be extra safe.
However, the choice is yours. Portable propane heaters are perfectly safe provided you follow the instructions regarding proper ventilation.
Paul (Mouse)
2007 Flagstaff Shamrock 17 Hybrid (heavily modified for boondocking and winter camping).
2007 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4, 4.7L HO, factory tow, 3.92 gears.
Equil-i-zer Hitch, Prodigy.
Yamaha EF2400 Generator (quiet, cause I care!)
Mousefart, you've done it again. Count me in as "pig headed, uninformed, or just plain paranoid."
Let me explain why I'm (proudly) all three: You see, the point of a heater is to make the TT warmer, not to stare Death in the eye and watch Death blink. While using a catalytic heater is certainly safer than driving your car, tell that to the folks that don't come home from driving their car. An electric heater is safer than a (safe) catalytic heater--no one questions this. The question is, why wouldn't you use a SAFER, cleaner, quieter source of heat? I do.
St Pauli girl--
These catalytic heaters that everyone's recommending are SAFE--"when used properly". For myself, when I go to bed I'm tired, and that's not the time that I need to be making decisions that will affect the rest of my life. A catalytic heater when used IMPROPERLY is NOT safe.
What do I use at night? An electric blanket. The most powerful electric blankets draw less than 200 watts on full. Mine is less than 128 watts on full power--and I've never had it even NEAR full power. I've found that ONE standard group 24 battery can power my blanket overnight--and I don't stay awake worrying about whether I'm going to wake up.
I realize that catalytic heaters are a sacred cow on this forum only exceeded by the blessed memory foam mattress. I hope those outraged by my neither using nor respecting either of those choices will cut me some slack: I'm only saying it works for me.
stpauligirlmn wrote: I've been reading about propane and catalytic heaters. Apparently, many people will not use them overnight in an RV, which is what I had wanted to do.
So, it looks like I'm going to invest in a really warm sleeping bag instead.
Many people won't use them at all because they are pig headed, uninformed, or just plain paranoid. What's new about that?
They are CERTIFIED for indoor use. I've been sleeping with mine turned on for over 5 years now. Any propane device can malfunction, even your "safe" outside vented furnace (yup, even the one in your HOME! ). This is why you have a CO alarm in your HOME and in your RV (You DO, don't you?). I have TWO in my RV just to be extra safe.
However, the choice is yours. Portable propane heaters are perfectly safe provided you follow the instructions regarding proper ventilation.
It is my understanding that the danger in using a catalytic heater inside is not a buildup of CO but rather the lack of oxygen. The heaters consume this gas from the air and combine it with the propane to create heat.
The Buddy series of indoor rated heaters have low Oxy shutoff sensors, but I do not know that I would like to go to sleep with one running anyway…
Thanks for all those pros and cons. I didn't mean to stir up a hornet's nest.
Apparently, this is an issue of "personal choice." You are either comfortable with the risk, or uncomfortable with the risk. Everyone is entitle to their own opinion!
My personal choice is going to be extra blankets and warmer sleeping bags. Hopefully I won't strangle myself on the sleeping bag zipper
The Buddy heaters are a great way to go. Just crack a vent or window and you're in business. They have a low oxygen sensor that will cut off the heater if O2 levels fall too low. That, combined with a few carbon monoxide sensors makes for a very safe solution.
Electric blankets and mattress pads are great (I have a 12v one and it pulls 9 amps at full power) if you have plenty of battery capacity and a way to recharge them. Otherwise, they're no help for dry camping.
I do find it interesting that there is so much paranoia about these heaters yet in a related topic about (permanent) propane lighting INSIDE the RV, almost no stink about safety is made at all.
Yet these propane lights have NO low oxygen sensors and it is a known fact that mantle type lanterns put out TONS more CO than these heaters do. People will even bring the Coleman style lanterns (with dire warning printed right on them NOT to use indoors) indoors without a second thought but balk at using one of these indoor certified heaters.
I just don't understand people's method of (non) reasoning...
I was under the impression that the gas line downstream of the regulator on the tanks was 11" which would be safe for the "little Buddy?" Where have I gone wrong?
True, downsteram of the regulator is 11", but the Portable Buddy requires HIGH pressure propane (tank pressure). It does not have a low pressure (11") connection on it like the Big Buddy has. This means you have to run a high pressure hose (connected directly to the 20# tank) inside your RV to the heater. Very dangerous, you would not have time to escape in the event of a burst hose or connection. This is why it is illegal to install permanent high pressure devices indoors.
Mouse - THANK YOU for this explaination. I have searched the net high and low as to why Mr. Heater offers a regulated and a non-regulated hose for these heaters. I can now finally buy one (Big Buddy with a regulated hose). I wish Mr. Heater was a little more clear on their website!
2006 Ford F-350 6.0L PSD Crew Cab Long Bed Dually
2008 Holiday Rambler Alumascape 34BHT
1974 Apache Ramada
One caution on the Big Buddy, if you are at high altitude, the O2 sensor will shut it off. It states "Do not use above 7000 feet." I tried one outside at 8000 feet and it kept shutting off. I just use an electric blanket when plugged in or a -20 mummy bag when hunting. I may try an Olympian heater someday when I can afford it.
Frank in CO
2000 KZ Sportsmen 2205QSS
2002 F350 4X4 Crew Cab
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). This is why you have a CO alarm in your HOME and in your RV (You DO, don't you?). I have TWO in my RV just to be extra safe.
