Spare heater questions…what do you recommend?

[Mike G]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

From my search, they are catalytic propane heaters. If not that, what are they?

Well then, can you tell me what catalyst is used in the burner of the Buddy heater? If you can find a reference to a catalyst in those heaters, I'll be happy to accept this new information and revise my understanding.

A catalytic heater is a flameless heat source that uses chemical reactions to break down molecules and produce heat. In the presence of a catalyst, which is within the heater, counter-current combustion or catalytic combustion occurs when natural gas (or liquid propane gas) in the presence of oxygen creates carbon dioxide, water, and heat. In this situation, the ignition temperature of natural gas occurs at substantially lower temperatures. Therefore no flame is involved in the combustion process, and far-infrared wave emitters are created, producing radiant heat. Once the oxidation begins, the reaction and heating continue until either the oxygen or fuel source eliminates. The thermal efficiency of catalytic heating is also significantly higher than conventional heating.

Source: https://www.lincenergysystems.com/bl...c-heater-work/


One might say that catalytic heater does not "burn" propane, it catalyzes propane flamelessly at a lower temperature than a normal burn. Platinum is often used as the catalyst. It's the catalyst that virtually eliminates the production of carbon monoxide, so long as the oxygen level is sufficient (if O2 dips too low, even the catalytic starts making significant CO). I've always read that a Buddy heater still makes a fair bit of CO whenever it's burning propane.



A true catalytic heater is flameless once it gets warmed up.

This youtube video

explains some details, and you can see the flame on the Buddy.


Mr. Heater does make true catalytic heaters, but they are the Journey series heaters, not the Buddy series. Note the price difference between the two! The Journey's description says, "This heater utilizes a catalytic medium..." Good luck finding that statement on the mfr's Buddy series.

[skiman]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

I have installed an auxiliary electric heater in every Escape I have owned, 4 so far and plan on replicating it again in #5. I install a wall mounted, usually under dinette or bed Similar to this
https://www.amazon.com/Broan-Heater-...813156978&th=1

I have had one of these since 2014. The built in thermostat is a pain. I added a relay and a regular battery powered residential thermostat mounted on the wall and is very convenient.

Honeywell RC840T-120 relay from Amazon.

[HABBERDABBER]

I stand corrected. My Mr. Buddy is not a catalytic heater. 'Ya learn something new every day. Thanks for posting the video link.

[Mike Lewis]

I would be concerned that a heater mounted at the foot of the bed platform might catch the bedding on fire.

[NW Cat Owner]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I would be concerned that a heater mounted at the foot of the bed platform might catch the bedding on fire.

Me too as I have extra long fleece blankets that hang way over the bed at night (keep my toes warm as they hang over the edge a bit.

[7Gentex]

Originally Posted by HABBERDABBER

I stand corrected. My Mr. Buddy is not a catalytic heater. 'Ya learn something new every day. Thanks for posting the video link.

Ditto................and interesting

The Wave 3 was catalytic though.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by 7Gentex

Nice! -Does it have a fan?

Yes, a very quiet fan.

I tweaked the louvers on the grill and did air flow tests. The heated air goes down the front of the kitchen cabinets to the dinette. The bed gets the indirect heat.

Ron

[HABBERDABBER]

Ahoy,
Not intending now to install a similar unit, but if I ever do, your info could be helpful. Can you please provide the Brand & model info?
thank you,

[kathytony1985]

We got this and love it! Quiet, programmable, oscillates. What more could you ask for? ��

Dreo 1500W Space Heater, 70°... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09CT78HT8...p_mob_ap_share

[gbaglo]

A lot of people never read the instructions that come with a heating unit. For my inexpensive Honeywell 1,500 watt cube heater, with fan, you turn it up all the way. When the temp is comfortable, you turn the knob down to the point where the fan shuts off. That sets the comfortable temp. You don't set a number.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I would be concerned that a heater mounted at the foot of the bed platform might catch the bedding on fire.

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

Me too as I have extra long fleece blankets that hang way over the bed at night (keep my toes warm as they hang over the edge a bit.

I was concerned also. Before I even used it I repurposed a rack for delicate items from a washing machine to act as a guard. Ended up realizing that it wasn't needed. Your comfort level may vary.

Ron

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I was concerned also. Before I even used it I repurposed a rack for delicate items from a washing machine to act as a guard. Ended up realizing that it wasn't needed. Your comfort level may vary.

Ron

The heat output is far below ignition level.....

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Yes, a very quiet fan.

I tweaked the louvers on the grill and did air flow tests. The heated air goes down the front of the kitchen cabinets to the dinette. The bed gets the indirect heat.

Ron

Ahoy,
Not intending now to install a similar unit, but if I ever do, your info could be helpful. Can you please provide the Brand & model info?
thank you,

[skiman]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

I would be concerned that a heater mounted at the foot of the bed platform might catch the bedding on fire.

We use a Travasak so loose bedding is not an issue. Is like a big sleeping bag. They are no longer made. The RV Superbag is similar and still made. Solves bed making too. Sheets are velcrowed in place.

[JeffinBC]

I like the built-in idea. For now we just use a Caframo True North when we have full hookups. It's pretty low profile and can be stored easily. I think I would just bundle up if we didn't have hookups and the furnace went on the fritz. If it can't be fixed quickly, spend more time around the fire bowl or the end of the trip if the weather doesn't cooperate.

[sofmerc]

the Houghton Ac systems have a built in heat pump as opposed to a heat strip. Haven't used mine yet but could have used it 2 weeks ago in Georgia (first trip). Houghton wasn't installed at the time

[bristol5.0]

We installed the King model PAW just below the the propane furnace. We reinforced the heating element attachments to withstand trailer abuse. We really don't camp in extreme winter conditions, but this works well for January in the Florida panhandle when we have 120 V. It provides a gentle and quiet heat throughout the night. If its it a little cold in the AM when we get up, 10 minutes of the propane furnace will get the 5.0 TA nice and toasty: https://king-electric.com/product/model-paw/

[Lorraine Pittsburgh]

Originally Posted by bristol5.0

We installed the King model PAW just below the the propane furnace. We reinforced the heating element attachments to withstand trailer abuse. We really don't camp in extreme winter conditions, but this works well for January in the Florida panhandle when we have 120 V. It provides a gentle and quiet heat throughout the night. If its it a little cold in the AM when we get up, 10 minutes of the propane furnace will get the 5.0 TA nice and toasty: https://king-electric.com/product/model-paw/


Attachment 62331

Hi George,

Thanks so much for posting this. I've been looking for this type of heater to put under a step, & the size of this one looks perfect!

Be well,
Lorraine

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by Mike G

I'm fairly sure the Buddy heaters are not catalytic, although they are decent LP heaters.

They are catalytic propane heaters. But, like any use of propane inside the living space they pump out a ton of moisture. 1.6 pounds of moisture for every pound of propane consumed.

Proper ventilation just to avoid O2 deprivation (per the instructions) is a 9 square inches opening at the floor and a second 9 square inch opening at the ceiling.

[TTMartin]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

A lot of people never read the instructions that come with a heating unit. For my inexpensive Honeywell 1,500 watt cube heater, with fan, you turn it up all the way. When the temp is comfortable, you turn the knob down to the point where the fan shuts off. That sets the comfortable temp. You don't set a number.

For my small electric space heater I use this:

DIGITEN Temperature Controller Wireless Thermostat Outlet Plug-in Temperature Controller with Remote Control Temperature Build-in Sensor

You set the temperature on the remote that I keep next to the bed and it turns the heater on and off holding the temperature to a one degree range.