Thursday, February 3, 2011

More Heat I Say, More Heat

Van Dwelling at -35 below zero takes a bit more heat if you want to avoid being a polar Popsicle. Click on the title and see how I beat the extreme cold and slept snug as a bug.  Photo by: Curtis Carper

9 comments:

Glenn said...

I think, technically, "-35 below zero" is actually 3 degrees about freezing...

Glenn said...

...make that *above* freezing...

Frank C. said...

Does it get too humid inside the van with this heater? Do you crack one window, or two, or none? I read the instructions on their website said not for indoor use, RV, vehicles, or house.

Do you really feel safe with this heater? Wouldn't it be better to put the propane alarm at floor level since any gas would also flow at ground level? If there was a leak could it explode in a small space like a van or RV?

Do you really sleep with this heater on at night and what about
co2 can this heater cause cancer?

Mr buddy has an 18,000 btu model that can be used with a hose, regulator, and 20# BBQ tank. Wouldn't this catalytic heater be safer, no CO2.

Just trying to pick your brain why you choose a radiant heater or maybe you didn't know about the larger Mr. Buddy heater model that can be used with a large tank,
no CO2.

Please let me know your thoughts on this since radiant heaters cost so much less than catalytic heaters and are built more simple with less parts plus i believe they last much much longer.

Thanks, Frank C

Curtis Carper said...

Frank, This heater is a catalytic style just like the Mr. Buddy heater. It also has a low oxygen shut off like the Mr. Buddy and also does not produce carbon monoxide. For all practical purposes it is the same as the Mr. Buddy. I would always recommend keeping adequate ventilation in my case it is a roof vent. No I haven't had the need to sleep with it burning at this point though I think it is as safe as any similar type of heater. Mostly I'm acknowledging it makes a lot of heat fast. Using it wisely is up to you.

Frank C. said...

Thanks for your answer, i wasn't sure what kind of heater it was. You sure do have a way with finding the best equipment, smart.

Plus it's a better model all self contain inside with hose and tank.

I might try to go winter camping up north, but still have a little to learn about the subject. I use the Heatmate Alcohol Heater that boaters use to keep warm with since alcohol will not explode.

Great for Florida 5,200 BTU but neeed more heat for up North. Want to try snowboarding and not pay for Hotel stays. Just park for free in my van so i can stay much much longer and still eat.

My van has no insulation just the metal skin but i believe the higher BTU's should do the trick.

Thanks for the info.- Frank

Curtis Carper said...

Frank, I'd highly recommend some insulation. Without it condensation will have you soaked immediately when you use a heater adequate to survive the arctic north.

Frank C. said...

Thanks for the advice, that's a problem i wouldn't want to have. I had no idea such a small space like a van would need it.

It will be a new project to start but i will be glad that i have till next winter to get it done.

Thanks for the help, i'll check-out your other info. on your site about wall insulation for the van and print it.

Another idea, but not sure have to look into it. I think some people seek higher elevations for ski, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Even though it's summer these places still have snow up in the mountians.

When i'm done i would just drive back down to sleep for the night with better milder weather. But if not i will sure do the insulation. will be looking into these summer ski resorts to see if they really do have snow, I'm new to this so don't know much yet.

Thanks for telling me about the condensation problem could have been a real pain.

Bye, Frank

raghu said...

That is a great idea! If you maintain it you definitely should get money back out of it (ultimately) and the storage and additional living space will be very valuable in the interim..

Camping Heater

Joseph said...

You need heat during winter season. One thing you can do is to use a water heater. I suggest you buy one so you can avoid any skin problems caused by the winter cold.

reliance water heater