FullTiming-propane not happy with cold weather

[thoer]

Glad to hear you got it working!

[Loren & Cathy]

Camping out at the farm, what I did was run a small electric heater on a lower setting and let the gas furnace with the digital thermostat regulate the temperature. Temps were the upper 30s F at night with several nights below freezing. Used one 20# tank in 3 weeks. Everything was off during the day. Loren

[gbaglo]

If I have electricity, I will use my tiny Honeywell ceramic heater. I finally figured out how the thermostat works so I can maintain a temp without being woken up.
I have the standard thermostat for the propane furnace, and it is right above my head. I hear it click, which wakes me up. Then I listen to the furnace go through startup. Then I probably realize I have to pee. Back to bed, fall asleep, CLICK!

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

If I have electricity, I will use my tiny Honeywell ceramic heater. I finally figured out how the thermostat works so I can maintain a temp without being woken up.
I have the standard thermostat for the propane furnace,

My choice also if I have power and for the same reasons. I power the ceramic heater through an electric heat thermostat hanging near the bed so I can fine tune the setting without getting out of bed.

Even though I have a silent digital thermostat the operation of the furnace still makes more noise than the ceramic heater.

Ron

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

My choice also if I have power and for the same reasons. I power the ceramic heater through an electric heat thermostat hanging near the bed so I can fine tune the setting without getting out of bed.

Even though I have a silent digital thermostat the operation of the furnace still makes more noise than the ceramic heater.

Ron

That is a great idea Ron, you is one fart smeller.

Those turn and "guess the setting" thermostats on most of the electrical heaters, are near impossible to set accurately, and cycle a lot due to be mounted right on the body of the heater. This is a great solution for accuracy too.

That said, I am thinking I might have the 120V prewired into my 5.0 for a permanent heater, complete with a cable run to a good location for a line voltage thermostat.

[cpaharley2008]

Installed one of these on my "built in wall/floor heater" to control time, there is a thermostat on the heater itself....http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

[Jim Bennett]

What is the purpose of a timer, Jim? I would want it to run all night, as early morn is usually the coldest time.

[cpaharley2008]

It can be left on, there is a "hold" button, but with the timer it does not need to run all night, after we fall asleep. I set it for 2-4 hours. The propane furnace will come on once the temperature starts to fall so by morning it is still warm.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

That said, I am thinking I might have the 120V prewired into my 5.0 for a permanent heater, complete with a cable run to a good location for a line voltage thermostat.

That would be the ideal solution. I'd like to build in a heater but the only "good" place would be the end of the dinette seat by the door, blowing towards the rear. But I have the extra door there and wouldn't want to give it up. You likely will have more options in the 5.0TA.

Ron

[cpaharley2008]

Where the heater is located or which way it blows is not that relevant, eventually the warmth will take over the chill inside the trailer. In my 19 it was located under the dinette, facing the other side and still the heat made it to the bed area. The only issue as to location is making an area too hot or uncomfortable. In the 5.0 you have 2 large unoccupied area along the sides where a heater would work well in the upstairs area. Down below the stock propane location should keep it warm.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Where the heater is located or which way it blows is not that relevant,

It is when it's in close proximity. When at the dinette it's down by the bed blowing forward. When we're in bed it's by the dinette blowing aft. I was tempted to install one of the wall units on the front wall under the table but being that close would be uncomfortable.

Ron

[gbaglo]

Picture of regulator, as promised.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

That would be the ideal solution. I'd like to build in a heater but the only "good" place would be the end of the dinette seat by the door, blowing towards the rear. But I have the extra door there and wouldn't want to give it up. You likely will have more options in the 5.0TA.

Ron

After visiting Escape in February, I will be doing a bunch of cabinet planning, and will likely figure out a spot then. Seeing they are not too deep, beside a wheel well is my first thought.

[padlin]

Might be able to incorporate one of the toe kick heaters if you're doing custom cabinets.

[Jim Bennett]

Yeah, will have to consider that too.

[Rossue]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

Picture of regulator, as promised.

Thanks; I see it's made by Pat Pend....who is their distributor

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Thanks; I see it's made by Pat Pend....who is their distributor

Hi: Rossue... UL. Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[gbaglo]

It's at the bottom, under the picture. Marshall Gas Controls.

[Dave Walter]

Originally Posted by Rossue

Thanks; I see it's made by Pat Pend....who is their distributor

They are a pretty big outfit. Patent Pend do not just restrict themselves to regulators, they seem to be into almost everything these days.

[thoer]

Looks like this is the model my 2010 17B has on it: Marshall Excelsior MEGR-253

Camco has one for quite a bit cheaper, but unknown quality: Camco 59005