New User with Heater Question

[mkhenson]

Hi, I am designing a simple box type camper to put on my 7x7 ft flatbed Toyota Tundra. I want to use a catalytic type heater (Mr Buddy) to minimize propane and amps, but I also want to avoid all the moisture and worry. It seems to me that I ought to be able to build a metal box with a glass window (like my wood burning stove) and then using a small 12V fan and some vent pipe pump fresh air in and combustion h2o and co2 out of the camper (like my wood burning stove). I've been searching the web, but I haven't come across anyone else trying this. Has anyone ever tried this or know of someone who did? Thanks.

 

[LeeRevell]

That would be CO - Carbon Monoxide, not CO2 (Carbon Dioxide).
Never heard of anyone trying to enclose a Buddy heater. Not sure that would work adequately.

 

[karl]

I'd be concerned with overheating the Buddy and the propane in an enclosed space. The box would have to have lots of surface and be very conducive to keep the temp inside from skyrocketing.

I'd pass on "Rube Goldberg"ing a propane heater.

 

[SoulRaven]

I wouldn't try it with a buddy heater, maybe some type of stove burner that has no plastic parts.

 

[Matt71]

I'd be worried about heating up the propane canister. If the temperature in the box were to exceed 145 degrees it could cause over pressure in the propane canister. The last thing you want is for the system to pressure release propane into the enclosed box. You also risk drying out and damaging the hose.

Sounds like a really bad idea to me.

 

[cyndi]

Welcome to the CRVL forums, mkhenson! As you can see you've come to the right place for answers to your questions.

To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.

 

[mockturtle]

I don't use a Buddy heater but use an Olympian Wave 6 catalytic propane heater. I have not found it necessary to take any measures other than to provide the ventilation [slightly open windows or vents] prescribed in the instruction manual. There has been no problem with moisture buildup.

 

[SoulRaven]

After having experimented for many years with many different types of heaters, I have found nothing more versatile than simply using a camp stove. It's most important feature when used as a heater, is it's total adjustability, rather than having to turn it on and off constantly. Once your desired temperature is reached, it can be turned down very low to maintain that temperature.

 

[mkhenson]

That would be CO - Carbon Monoxide, not CO2 (Carbon Dioxide).
Never heard of anyone trying to enclose a Buddy heater.  Not sure that would work adequately.

I think CO only starts to form after O2 depletion.
C3H8 + Air (O2,N2) >> CO2 + H2O + O2 + N2.
I'm hoping that with positive pressure from ducted fan I can provide enough fresh air for complete combustion, and all by products will be forced out through second vent pipe. The propane source would have to be external.

 

[akrvbob]

The one thing I would NOT do under any circumstances when it comes to a heater is "hope or "guess" that it works.

Follow the owners manual exactly and you will be safe. Vary from it and you risk death.
Bob

 

[LeeRevell]

I think CO only starts to form after O2 depletion.  
C3H8 + Air (O2,N2) >> CO2 + H2O + O2 + N2.  
I'm hoping that with positive pressure from ducted fan I can provide enough fresh air for complete combustion, and all by products will be forced out through second vent pipe.  The propane source would have to be external.

Incorrect.  CO is a byproduct of burning any hydrocarbon-based fuel.  Burning efficiency is best with more O2 present, but that produces MORE CO.  Simple thermal chemistry.
We exhale CO2, the heater doesn't.
Basically, good ventilation prevents the build-up of both CO and CO2.
But CO is the greater danger.
That said, the catalytic heaters like Buddy and Olympian are supposed to have low CO emmissions compared to an open flame.

 

[ccbreder]

Burning propane (or any other fuel) with sufficient oxygen produces CO2, carbon dioxide. Not enough oxygen then we get CO, carbon Mon-oxide. Other products of combustion include water vapor and various contaminates from the fuel. Well researched simple chemistry.

 

[mkhenson]

Thanks for all the great replies. I've been looking at some marine heaters like the Dickinson Newport P9000 and Sig heaters. Anyone have experience with these?

 

[Shortbusliving]

Why ask for advice if your going to do what you want anyway
Yes the Dickerson one look on YouTube justincredible TV he has one I like it
It's like having a fire place it vents it self in and out via the exhaust pipe
Nice heater runs about 750 lists for more

 

[Shortbusliving]

Here are some photos

Ones propane ones Diesel