R-pod Owners Forum : Space Heaters http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Space Heaters Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 21:15:36 +0000 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:53:08 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=778 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Space Heaters : I asked g-man about the furnace... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7799#7799 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 10 Nov 2009 at 11:53pm

I asked g-man about the furnace in the r-Pod and its requirements.
 
He shot this back to me.....
 
"I don't have my binder here so don't have all my info with me at the moment so don't have the manual for the furnace.   But I think this is what we have:
Which according to info puts current draw at 2.8 Amps.   Of course it doesn't run all night long.   So if it ran for two hours (15 minutes each hour for 8 hours) each night you would be looking at about 5.6Ah draw each night.    Which isn't that bad if you have around 120Ah or more of dual battery power and can charge batteries up during the day.
Thanks again to g-man for the stats .... we are so lucky to have these knowledgable types at the forum ... (to many to list !)
]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:53:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7799#7799 Space Heaters : I inquired g-man about this and... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7798#7798 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 10 Nov 2009 at 11:46pm

I inquired g-man about this and he checked it out and did the math.
(I hate math!)
 
 
Heater is listed at 300w.  Which from a heating standpoint it kind of low.   But 300w at 12-13v you would be talking about 300/13.8 = 22AMPs.   Which is really high for a battery.   My battery in my POD is a 90AH battery and assuming that you would only want to draw the battery down to a half of its charge (50% drawdown) to maximum lifetime of battery.  Would mean you could only run it for 2 hours (44Ah) before your battery was about dead.
 
also he shot back to me:
I looked at it a bit more, must draw 15 amps or less.  But that doesn't make sense with its 300watt rating.  The 12gauge wire they list is only rated to 16amps max.   So would need to be fused at around 15amps which it says it is.  But as 13.8 volts that would be only around 207 watts at 15 amps.  But even at 15amps, will kill a trailer battery in under 4 hours.
 
Thanks to g-man and Sandpiper for the "math" (did I mention I hate math?)
 
the search continues......
 
HAPPY PODing !!! (#14)
]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:46:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7798#7798 Space Heaters : PodPatrolI think the heater you... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7797#7797 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 10 Nov 2009 at 11:34pm

PodPatrol
I think the heater you are looking at is rated for 22 amp.  The battery you have is an Interstate model HD24-DP if it is like mine.

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/content/product_info/marine_f.asp

From the info on this page you would have about 2 hours of battery before cold will set in.
]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:34:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7797#7797 Space Heaters : Originally posted by yizitI... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7796#7796 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 10 Nov 2009 at 11:17pm

Originally posted by yizit

I like the idea of a 12V heater.  I would like to know how long a battery would last running one of these.  
 
Me too yizit !! Im checking into it ..... one add says its 15amp, another says 22amp.
 
HAPPY PODing !!! (#14) 
]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:17:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7796#7796 Space Heaters : I like the idea of a 12V heater.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7795#7795 Author: yizit
Subject: 778
Posted: 10 Nov 2009 at 11:14pm

I like the idea of a 12V heater.  I would like to know how long a battery would last running one of these.  ]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:14:25 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7795#7795 Space Heaters : Has anyone considered a 12V heater... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7794#7794 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 10 Nov 2009 at 11:09pm

Has anyone considered a 12V heater ?? (when electric site isnt available) 
 
This model comes up alot during searches ... was wondering if any of our fine resident experts could/would give an opinion ??
 
https://www.rvsupplywarehouse.com/product/detail.cfm/nid/339/pid/2824
 
Thanks !!!
 
HAPPY PODing !!! (#14)
]]> Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:09:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7794#7794 Space Heaters : We have an Arctic Cat catalytic... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7396#7396 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 06 Nov 2009 at 10:33am

We have an Arctic Cat catalytic heater. I think it is made by Coleman and runs on the small tank.  It uses one small tank in about 8 hours.  We have used it in our pop up.  We also used it in a small den when the electricity was off for three days.  My husband always makes sure that there is a fresh air source to make up for the oxygen that is depleted.  We never use it at night while we are sleeping.  Sleeping bags worked very well in the absence of the heater.
 
Pepperpod
]]> Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:33:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7396#7396 Space Heaters : Here is another small article... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7377#7377 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 06 Nov 2009 at 12:41am

Here is another small article Ive ran across while browsing heaters ...
 
"Portable electric heaters are a great supplement to the propane furnace. This method of heating doesn't add condensation to the air and allows the propane furnace to run considerably less, saving a lot of propane. Catalytic heaters are another popular way to provide assistance to the propane furnace but require fresh air ventilation to avoid oxygen depletion in the RV (see warning)."
 
HAPPY PODing !!!
]]> Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:41:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7377#7377 Space Heaters : If I were camping in the winter,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7364#7364 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 9:12pm

If I were camping in the winter, I would go to a campground with a heated bathroom for bathing.  I would not use the freshwater tank or toilet in freezing weather.  Lots of campgrounds have clean water that can be carried to you camper to use for cooking and clean up.  After putting water down the drain, I would add antifreeze to the drain to keep them from freezing. I wouldn't use the water pump.  I think if would be simpler to do the above unless the weather breaks and you have a weekend with temps above freezing.]]> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:12:23 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7364#7364 Space Heaters : Originally posted by PodPatrolIs... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7362#7362 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 8:18pm

Originally posted by PodPatrol

Is RV antifreeze in the gray/black tanks effective ?


If RV antifreeze is the only thing in your gray or black tank, then it will cause no damage in sub-freezing temperatures (but unnecessary - just leave the tank empty).

But, if you're hoping that adding a bit of RV antifreeze to the contents of your gray or black tanks will keep them from freezing, then no, it wont work.  Thats not what RV antifreeze is designed for.
]]> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:18:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7362#7362 Space Heaters : Originally posted by PodPatrolI've... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7358#7358 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 6:26pm

Originally posted by PodPatrol


I've looked into the tank heaters as well, but wonder how the attach
to the tank(s). Would they stay on the tank during towing?

I believe they would be placed over the bottom of the tank?
Would (could) they be plugged in, or wired into the Pod?
Is RV antifreeze in the gray/black tanks effective ?
 
The ones I looked at attach on the outside bottom of the tank. In a flat area as close to the outside drain as possible.
You clean the bottom of the tank with soap and water, let it dry, wipe it off with isopropyl alcohol and let that dry. Then remove the paper from the tank heater exposing the adhesive. Kind of like heavy duty contact paper.
I believe it is both plugged in and wired.
I'm clueless on antifreeze Big smile 
]]> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:26:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7358#7358 Space Heaters : Originally posted by Leaflin<SPAN... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7352#7352 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 05 Nov 2009 at 9:14am

Originally posted by Leaflin

<SPAN lang=EN><SPAN lang=EN><SPAN lang=EN>

If you’re really serious you can install holding tank heaters on the bottom of your tanks.   A thermostat activates the heater when tank reaches around 38°F and deactivates it when tank reaches around 58°F. They run from $100.00 to $150.00 per tank.  You can also install heaters on the pipes and elbows to protect them from freezing. They run $70.00 plus.


We were out one time in December and couldn’t rinse out the tanks ‘cause the campground water was frozen. Dead

</SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>


I've looked into the tank heaters as well, but wonder how the attach
to the tank(s). Would they stay on the tank during towing?

I believe they would be placed over the bottom of the tank?
Would (could) they be plugged in, or wired into the Pod?
Is RV antifreeze in the gray/black tanks effective ?

Appreciate any input here.

HAPPY PODing !!!]]> Thu, 05 Nov 2009 09:14:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7352#7352 Space Heaters : I do have reservations about plugging... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7310#7310 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 04 Nov 2009 at 9:37am

I do have reservations about plugging in a small space heater for comfort control.
My mother lost her house due to a "space heater". But when Cindy and I camped
out at Huestons SP we used my little unit "Wexford Ceramic Portable Heater" I checked
the electrical chord several times for signs of heating up, from the unit to where we
plugged it in, and didn't have any heating problems.

We'll be looking for all the safety features when we purchase one.

HAPPY PODing !!!]]> Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:37:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7310#7310 Space Heaters : I never liked the small &#039;ceramic&#039;... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7270#7270 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 03 Nov 2009 at 3:50pm

I never liked the small 'ceramic' electric heaters even with fans...I always worried about starting a fire with something that accidently might drape over it.  I found a very small 'oil-filled' auxillary electric heater...it puts out the same 900 to 1500 watts without the chance of catching anything on fire and no fan noise.  The only negative is its size.  A ceramic heater with fan is about 1/5 the size.]]> Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:50:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7270#7270 Space Heaters : If you’re really serious you... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7229#7229 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 02 Nov 2009 at 5:01pm

If you’re really serious you can install holding tank heaters on the bottom of your tanks.   A thermostat activates the heater when tank reaches around 38°F and deactivates it when tank reaches around 58°F. They run from $100.00 to $150.00 per tank.  You can also install heaters on the pipes and elbows to protect them from freezing. They run $70.00 plus.

We were out one time in December and couldn’t rinse out the tanks ‘cause the campground water was frozen. Dead

]]> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:01:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7229#7229 Space Heaters : I think that adding RV anti-freeze... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7207#7207 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 02 Nov 2009 at 12:13pm

I think that adding RV anti-freeze to gray & black tanks will do the trick.
Keeping the water-heater on will keep it from freezing.
Some RV anti-freeze in the sink drain, toliet, and shower drain would help.
Opening cabinet doors that may expose pipes is good.
But I have no idea as to how to keep the fresh water from freezing, nor
could I guess how to keep the lines that carry the fresh water from freezing.

There are some very successful winter campers here, so I'm sure there
is a way !!

HAPPY PODing !!! ]]> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:13:14 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7207#7207 Space Heaters : Gmandual, What do you do to keep... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7198#7198 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 02 Nov 2009 at 8:14am

Gmandual,

What do you do to keep your tanks and water lines from freezing when you're snow camping?
 
If my 177 doesn't come in soon, it will be freezing weather time for me, and I don't think I can wait until Spring to use it.
 
Thanks,
hopefully soon to be just poddin' along
Mamajomba
]]> Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:14:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7198#7198 Space Heaters : g-man ... Look&#039;n forward... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7193#7193 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 11:45pm

g-man ...
 
Look'n forward to hearing about that mod  !!
 
Please keep us informed ...
 
HAPPY PODing !!!
]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:45:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7193#7193 Space Heaters : On the 172 there are several location... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7192#7192 Author: gmandual
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 11:38pm

On the 172 there are several location where I can install one.   I plan on doing more snow camping with the trailer next year, and don't like the idea of a heater being plugged in and able to be tipped over by my son.  Used a small plug in on my last trip and it worked, but always kept having to move it as it was always in the way. 
If I can find the right built in I want to replace the current thermostat in the POD with a digital one, then wire in a electric wall heater.   Looking at a thermostat that has a switch for gas/elect so can easily switch between the gas furnace and the electric.
When I have it done I want to have something that "just works" and doesn't require any extra effort or planning.  Just have to hit the switch.
]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:38:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7192#7192 Space Heaters : I hadnt considered the possibility... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7188#7188 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 10:31pm

I hadnt considered the possibility of actually installing one, but Im not sure we have anywhere to do that in the 177.

It may be a portable unit is the ticket for us. I also agree about using limited resources when a camper is paying for the elec camp site. We wont be boondocking in freezing weather, but we do want to camp early next spring to late fall. (Electric camp sites exclusively in very cold weather)
 
Lots of good products and web sites posted so far !
 
Cindy and I "Luv" the great input here....
 
HAPPY PODing !!!
 
 
]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:31:21 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7188#7188 Space Heaters : We are also using the Sunbeam... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7171#7171 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 7:40pm

We are also using the Sunbeam Ceramic heater ($18.00 at Walmart) (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=12338793&sourceid=1500000000000003260370&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=12338793)  and find it to be sufficiently quiet.]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:40:44 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7171#7171 Space Heaters : Originally posted by yizitThis... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7166#7166 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 6:56pm

Originally posted by yizit

This year we purchased the Sunbeam Ceramic heater for R-pod and it worked great.  It is small and compact and takes up very little space on the floor.
 
How is it on noise?
]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:56:46 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7166#7166 Space Heaters : Originally posted by cane2Does... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7165#7165 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 6:54pm

Originally posted by cane2

Does your heat strip in your air make to much noise
 
It's the fan that makes too much noise to the point that it is startling and wakes us up every time it comes on. We probably just need to replace it with a newer model.
]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:54:39 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7165#7165 Space Heaters : We have used the small 1500 watt... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7163#7163 Author: yizit
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 6:24pm

We have used the small 1500 watt heaters for years in our pop-ups, which could not keep up with heating in very cold weather.  This year we purchased the Sunbeam Ceramic heater for R-pod and it worked great.  It is small and compact and takes up very little space on the floor.  I believe it also has a tip over safety switch.  We used it with temps getting down into the low to mid 30's and it had no problem keeping us toasty warm.  Cost...less then $20.]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:24:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7163#7163 Space Heaters : I meant to say keep thecondensation... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7162#7162 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 6:18pm

I meant to say keep the condensation down with the air movement.]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:18:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7162#7162 Space Heaters : Does your heat strip in your air... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7161#7161 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 6:13pm

Does your heat strip in your air make to much noise and is that why you want another heat source? The fan will keep the condition  down.]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:13:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7161#7161 Space Heaters : We have a Lasko ceramic heater... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7160#7160 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 6:10pm

We have a Lasko ceramic heater which we have used for years in our last TT.
It has become quite noisy and we are looking to replace it.
Consumer Reports gave DeLonghi SafeHeat Flat Panel Micathermic HHP 1500 a very high rating so I'll do some investigating on that.
]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:10:07 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7160#7160 Space Heaters : Both lowes and home depot carry... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7159#7159 Author: gmandual
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 6:02pm

Both lowes and home depot carry small (2000watt or less) heaters that are designed to be installed in the walls of bathrooms or used as suplemental heat.   And I think that is the route I will be going on my 172. 
 
The only thing I am trying to decide is whether or not I am going to go with one of the broan forced air unit or go with one of the wall mounted convection heater units.   For me the whole purpose of going electric is to make it so its quiet and convenient.   Some of the small convection wall heaters are designed to heat rooms up to 120SQ ft which should be sufficient for a pod.
]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:02:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7159#7159 Space Heaters : I am very much with you on this... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7154#7154 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 4:44pm

I am very much with you on this idea. When we pay for a camp site, part of that fee pays for electricity. When Ive already paid for electric, why use my expensive LP. I had a thought a few weeks back about removing the fabric below the sofa on my 175 making a wooden facia, installing a cabinet on the right and installing this http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200325966_200325966. Thats part of my take on the subject...]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:44:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7154#7154 Space Heaters : Ive looked at alot of Electric... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7151#7151 Author: Guests
Subject: 778
Posted: 01 Nov 2009 at 4:11pm

Ive looked at alot of Electric portable space heaters online... great way to browse !!

Ive found hundreds of such units. Some with remotes, some with auto functions, some that are cool to the touch (easy placement), and so on and so on ...

I have found that when searching for this particular item the reveiws are worth scanning over.
Personaly, I always go to the bad reviews first.
This lets me know if there are mis-leading features or a lack of the company to resolve issues.
Nothing irks me more than a company that sells products knowing the problems, or hiding the
true nature of the features via vague descriptions.

For us r-Pods, there is no silver bullet when it comes to a space heater.
After all, we have furnaces, but improving them isnt an option when it comes to noise, or use of RV resources(elec, LP). If an Electric campsite is available, then "elec" is not an issue. But you will need LP in any case. An electric 'space heater' is an effective inexpensive alternative than replacing the current furnace.

I really dont know how important this issue is with the r-Pod owners, but with winter slowly creeping in I thought it might be interesting to get some opinions on this subject.

I believe that Cindy and I are sold on the "space heater" option after our furnace wouldnt operate on a nippy night in OH. The small very inexpensive heater did us fine, and it seemed to be much quieter than the furnace. We had little control of the thermostat as our little unit had the "ball-park" approach to temp settings. And getting up from a comfy bed to adjust it seemed the only negative by-product. (which would apply to the r-Pod furnace as well).

Ive read a few posts scattered amoungst the hundreds here on such an issue.
I believe that if we can concentrate this information into one thread, it could be very educational for any (all) r-Poddies that
may be interested in using the r-Pod furnace as a back-up, and using the small Electric space heaters as a main source for heat when the temps dip down.

I believe that its a subject worth commenting on, and the more input we get the easier it helps us to decide whats good 'for our' particular application.
A portable type heater will need a place be located, whether or not it be on the the floor, or attached to something, or hung somewhere.

There are tons of options out there, I was just wondering if it might be useful to put them in one place, and get the valuable input from fellow Pod owners as to what they use, or if they use one at all.

HAPPY PODing !!!

]]> Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:11:36 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=778&PID=7151#7151