Catalytic Wave) heater in a Motorhome

[Martha]

We do a fair amount of dry camping and are wanting to install an Olympian Wave Catalytic heater (6000 BTU) to diminish the use of the furnace and use of battery. We used this heater when we camped using a travel trailer but now have a 2010 Georgetown. We'd appreciate any comments, pro or con. Thanks in advance. Johnny and Martha

[cmcct]

I am assuming that when you say catalytic heater, you mean it is propane fuelled. You need to be able to deal with, and get rid of, the moisture that will be produced as a byproduct of combustion, and the awful smell (in my opinion) that comes from using one of those inside. I hated using the furnace on my trailer, used TOO much power, and way too noisey. A little high on the price scale, but I installed an Espar heater in my trailer, run it on kerosene (no smell, the combustion intake and exhaust are outside the trailer), and very low power draw, perfect for dry camping, which is all we do. One extra nice benefit I've found with this heater, is that the heat is actually a "dry" heat, and it helps to get rid of moisture in the trailer.

[dmullen]

Originally Posted by cmcct

I am assuming that when you say catalytic heater, you mean it is propane fuelled. You need to be able to deal with, and get rid of, the moisture that will be produced as a byproduct of combustion, and the awful smell (in my opinion) that comes from using one of those inside. I hated using the furnace on my trailer, used TOO much power, and way too noisey. A little high on the price scale, but I installed an Espar heater in my trailer, run it on kerosene (no smell, the combustion intake and exhaust are outside the trailer), and very low power draw, perfect for dry camping, which is all we do. One extra nice benefit I've found with this heater, is that the heat is actually a "dry" heat, and it helps to get rid of moisture in the trailer.

Please tell more about the Espar heater. I have never heard of those.

[cmcct]

Here is the website...
Espar | Worldwide Leader in Marine & Vehicle Heaters
I use the D4 Airtronic in my trailer, a Roo 21. We've been in -7 celcius weather for 3 days, and inside the trailer (both bed ends down) was never lower than 18 celcius, never had a problem with mosture build up (I also keep the roof vent open, and a window cracked open to keep air flowing through the trailer as well). After three days, the batteries were only down to 2/3 (I also have LED lights inside too).