Keeping Warm in an R-pod
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11035
Printed Date: 21 Jun 2025 at 11:59am
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Topic: Keeping Warm in an R-pod
Posted By: GoGirlKY
Subject: Keeping Warm in an R-pod
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2018 at 7:32pm
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Hubs, Cooper and I are headed to Santa Rosa Beach, FL, for 10 days in February. During the time we will be there, the average low at night is about 38 degrees. We have never camped in weather that cold. We plan to take a small electric heater and/or run the furnace, and we have sleeping bags and comforters. Should we also invest in a vent cushion and the reflectix material to put on the windows at night? Or this that overkill? Average high during the day is about 65 degrees. Golf! ⛳️
------------- Dog lover and camping enthusiast 🐶 ⛺️ 2016 R-pod 179 and 2017 Chevy Silverado 4x4 Beloved husband and a Labradoodle named “Cooper” |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2018 at 7:43pm
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Small ceramic heater will do you just fine down into the teens. Open the FF vent just a half inch, and one window an 1/8th of an inch to prevent humidity issues.
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Posted By: GoGirlKY
Date Posted: 02 Jan 2018 at 7:57pm
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Thanks! I have a small dehumidifier too, as recommended by pilotpodder!
------------- Dog lover and camping enthusiast 🐶 ⛺️ 2016 R-pod 179 and 2017 Chevy Silverado 4x4 Beloved husband and a Labradoodle named “Cooper” |
Posted By: riotkayak284
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2018 at 8:18am
| Yeah 38 is nothing... Camp in the Rockies in the summer and it gets colder than that.... |
Posted By: Pete Brayton
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2018 at 8:48am
Be thankful you're not going now...big ice storm hitting FL.  ------------- 2021 Rpod 196 2013 Ford 150 V8 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 03 Jan 2018 at 8:53am
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We tried a vent cushion. I returned it because there wasn't enough depth to hold the cushion in place. OTOH, the reflectix in the windows is a great idea since the R-Pod's windows are single-pane. It will help. Also, they will work better than the stock blinds for cutting the light, making it easier to sleep. Both an electric heater and the R-Pod's furnace do not contribute to humidity. However, we contribute with perspiration and breathing and activities like cooking also contribute. Having the vent and a window slightly open will help remove the excess humidity. Otherwise, you will find condensation dripping down your windows and your mattress and bedding will get quite damp. If you use a Mr. Heater Buddy or catalytic heater, these really contribute moisture as they turn propane into CO2 and H2O. Venting is needed for both ensuring you don't poison yourself with CO2 or turn your R-Pod into a giant sopping sponge. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: mjlrpod
Date Posted: 04 Jan 2018 at 11:01am
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I use the heat in the pod, on propane, it works great. I set it at about 65 degrees so it's not to hot to snuggle under the blanket, And I dont want to create condensation in the camper. I leave the vent open an inch or more to provide good airflow. I've stayed in 25 - 30 degrees in total comfort. I assume you will have power since your thinking of a ceramic heater, but if not, you will need to charge the battery after 1 1/2 to 2 days as the blower runs frequently and draws the power down. ------------- 2017.5 Rp-172 2020 R-pod 195 2015 Frontier sv 4.0L 6cyl I'll be rpodding |
Posted By: Wepod
Date Posted: 07 Jan 2018 at 11:38am
| Well I have been down to 5F in my 179 with an electric heater and some supplemental heat from the propane furnace. I think the propane could do that low of a temperature on its own. I all ways leave the bathroom ceiling vent open a little bit to control condensation. You can close the window blinds to cover the windows and help with insulation over the single pane windows. |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 07 Jan 2018 at 8:20pm
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While boondocking at 20 degrees my furnace kicks on every 15 minutes and wakes me up. While on shore power at 20 degrees I use a little ceramic heater and it runs on medium most of the night and keeps it at 62 with the fan vent cracked an inch. I built the hot water heat exchanger that marwayne posted and now while boondocking I can keep it at 60 degrees all night. A 12 volt computer fan runs most of the night,(very quite) and I hear the hot water heater kick on about every 30 minutes, for about 5-10 minutes. The system uses about 1.2 watts with the fan and 12 volt pump. As near as I can tell it uses about 20% less propane than using the furnace. I really like this mod! The pictures are from before I insulated and strapped the pipes and finished things up.    rgds John ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost 
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 07 Jan 2018 at 8:40pm
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I like your hydronic heater. Where did you get your heater core, pump, and fan? Where did you place the pump? Did you connect it in to the thermostat somehow? With this, do you still use the furnace or is it only being used as a cold air return?
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 07 Jan 2018 at 8:52pm
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Side note. Electricity is free at campsite if available. Gas is not. You pay. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing. 
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Posted By: 68LC
Date Posted: 07 Jan 2018 at 9:06pm
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GoGirlKY; At 38 degrees for a night time low, the R-pod furnace set at 60 will blow you out of the camper. However, I would recommend putting a space blanket between the mattress and the bed platform. Helps keep the cold and condensation out and the heat in. Have had my pod down to 17 degrees F and have yet to feel the need for anything over the windows other than the shades it came with. Have fun! 68LC 2017 R180 UZJ 100 tow vehicle ------------- You give peace a chance. I'll stay back here and cover you, in case things don't work out. V/r; 68LC 2014 181g, now a 2017 180 |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 07 Jan 2018 at 11:22pm
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Stephan, I got the 8 x 8 https://www.ebay.com/itm/Water-to-Air-Heat-Exchangers/152421137863?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 - heater core on EBAY for $39 (looks like they are out of stock on the 8x8) Search water to air heat exchangers. The 8 " (200mm) computer fan I had already, but on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/Thermaltake-Pure-20-200mm-Computer-Fan/251869183265?epid=13004602573&hash=item3aa492bd21:g:PBoAAOSwe-FU-jLf - the fan is $13. 3 speed, http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-Solar-Hot-Water-Pump-Circulation-High-Quality-Food-Grade-212-F-TE091/321593119614?epid=1445911916&hash=item4ae071937e:g:KYYAAOSwjMJXDL26 - The pump on ebay for $17 is a 12 volt, .5a that Marwayne suggested. TE091 The pump is in line, in the picture connected to the lower heat exchanger pipe. And I put a shut off valve on this line next to the vent so i could close it off when not needed, (convection kept it warm even when turned off). There is also another shut off valve on the return line to isolate the exchanger and just for safety sake. I had it connected to the pod thermostat with a switch to fire either the furnace or the heat exchanger , But changed that to a simple thermostat by the bed for the exchanger. This way we can use the furnace to warm the place up fast if we were out for the day, and in the morning, and wifey likes things simple. The furnace grill acts as a return air and the exchanger placement means no hot air blowing under the bed. I am really happy with the results, our sewer pipe was frozen after night 2 but we were able to keep the pod right near 60 all night, But it wouldn't really go any higher than that. cheers John
------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2018 at 7:54am
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Continues to be one of my favorite all time mods. We boondocked a lot in furpod, and probably would have done this mod by now.. Boondocking in the Lance is probably not going to happen.. Off grid has.. but it's a bit large to get to many of our old haunts.. ------------- |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2018 at 10:32am
Thank you. Do you think a larger heat exchanger such as 12"X12" would work to generate more heat? Instead of 64 sq. in. it would be 144 sq. in. of heat exchanger area. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2018 at 11:30am
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2018 at 12:27pm
Nope, the furnace is a big squirrel cage fan, and HAS to move all that air in order to run. Literally. It has a sail switch, that is one of 3 safeties that have to be engaged before it will run/light. And that flow is required to balance the temps in the heat exchanger. ------------- |
Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2018 at 9:43pm
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[/QUOTE] Thank you. Do you think a larger heat exchanger such as 12"X12" would work to generate more heat? Instead of 64 sq. in. it would be 144 sq. in. of heat exchanger area. [/QUOTE] It may well work better, however the fan i used is an 8" and you may need to work out how to make a shroud to reduce it down from the exchanger to the fan. I like the 8" fan but if you follow Marwaynes plan he used 2 4" fans with a larger exchanger box. I went with the 8"x8 exchanger and fan because it fit well next to the furnace , uses the furnace grill as a return air, and allowed me to blow the air into the pod instead of under the bed. And the other goal was to use as little battery power as possible. In the 179 I think my grill location would blow against the dinette seat? Couldn't that seat be removed for more floorspace? (and less seating).  Cheers, John
------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: voisj
Date Posted: 08 Jan 2018 at 9:50pm
 ------------- http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9426&title=slopod-180-mods-johnsue - SLOPODMODS John&Sue,SLO,CA 2016 180 HRE, 2013 F150 Eco Boost
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Jan 2018 at 8:29am
Thank you. Do you think a larger heat exchanger such as 12"X12" would work to generate more heat? Instead of 64 sq. in. it would be 144 sq. in. of heat exchanger area. [/QUOTE] It may well work better, however the fan i used is an 8" and you may need to work out how to make a shroud to reduce it down from the exchanger to the fan. I like the 8" fan but if you follow Marwaynes plan he used 2 4" fans with a larger exchanger box. I went with the 8"x8 exchanger and fan because it fit well next to the furnace , uses the furnace grill as a return air, and allowed me to blow the air into the pod instead of under the bed. And the other goal was to use as little battery power as possible. In the 179 I think my grill location would blow against the dinette seat? Couldn't that seat be removed for more floorspace? (and less seating). Cheers, John
[/QUOTE]Yes, the one seat could easily be removed. My wife like to use it for shoes so that might not fly. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |