Using and Maintaining Your RV
Stay Warm With Alternative RV Heaters Part 2
By Russ and Tina De Maris

In our last issue we talked about using catalytic heaters to warm your RV. We promised to come back with information on other heaters, and tricks to help you stay warm in your rig on a cold day.

Before we get to that information, another word on safety. Non-vented heaters, that is, those that do not have an "outside" air breather, suck oxygen from inside an RV. NEVER operate any non-vented heater in an RV without following manufacturer recommendations on providing air. Yes, you'll have to open a window, and yes, some cold air will come in. Better to live with a little bit of fresh air coming in the window of your "little tin box," than laying down in a windowless "little wooden box."

Freestanding Flame Heaters

Somewhat related to cat heaters are other "non-vented" heaters that actually produce a flame in operation. The flame is usually shielded behind safety glass, but still visible to the user. It's almost like having your own "fireplace" (assuming you have a fair amount of imagination). Marketed under brand names like "BlueFlame," these heaters generally have a higher heat output than a cat heater.

Many of these flame type heaters have a standing pilot light, that allows the use of a mechanical thermostat. Nice, not having to use power, but still having a steady heat source. Some users leave their flame heaters on all the time, just set to the desired temperature. Others only "fire them up," when things get chilly, saving that small amount of propane by not leaving the pilot lit.

Once again, most of these creatures are non-vented, so they "breath" your inside air. CAREFULLY follow the instructions of the manufacturer about how much you'll need to leave a window open to make sure you wake up the next morning. As was mentioned earlier, some of these heaters are equipped with oxygen sensors that may play havoc with your heat availability when traveling in higher altitudes. Some RVers have been known to try and defeat these sensors, but we DO NOT RECOMMEND IT. We'd like to keep you around to read further columns!

"Brick" Heaters

Not as "cute" as a flame heater, but costing less than a catalytic heater comes the so-called "brick heater." These heaters use a ceramic "brick" with tiny orifices as a heat source. Some have adjustable thermostats for "perfect control," while others (cheaper) allow you to set the heat output, and live with it until you readjust it.

Like cats and flame heaters, they too, draw inside air for combustion. The same safety precautions apply.

Heater Plumbing

Since cats, flame type, and brick heaters all require propane to fire, you have to get the propane into them some way. Here's another disclaimer: Be sure to follow all local, state, and federal applicable laws and codes when installing auxiliary heat systems in your RV. Check with your heater dealer about facts on these matters.

Some folks use copper tubing to "tie into" the RV propane system, leaving the heater right where it's mounted. Others find that using the appropriate rubber tubing allows them to "point" their heater or move it where needed. Some even use "quick connect" fittings to allow them to disconnect the heater and move it to another place in the RV.

Other Stay Warm Tricks

There are other alternatives and ideas to help you stay warm on chilly days. First, never underestimate the power of a sweater, and in really bitter cold snaps, sleeping with a stocking hat on.

Orientation of your rig can also do wonders for absorbing available solar energy. If you direct the broad side of the rig to the east, you'll pick up the heat of the morning sun and absorb it. One boondocker we know has "summer" and "winter" orientation angles figured out. He places the largest surface area of his rig pointed toward the east and south in winter, but when the days get warmer, he reorients so his rig takes the least amount of sun exposure.

How about using the range top or oven for a little spare heat? This is not something we advocate or recommend. Using cooking appliances to heat the enclosed space of an RV can prove hazardous to your health. Of course, trying to cook on your cat heater can prove hazardous to your food. It isn't so great for the heater, either.

Should we sign off with a word on safety? Go back and read the second paragraph of this article!




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