Propane and humidity

[dad2taylor]

I bought a Wave 3 for my upcoming 7 x 14 cargo conversion and now I'm freaked out about the humidity it may cause.  Is the humidity produced a big deal or is there a bunch of hyperbole out there?

 

[MrNoodly]

Kind of depends on the ambient humidity. In arid climates ay water vapor created by burning propane will easily and quickly dissipate. If you're in a humid climate, the humidity you create is nothing compared to the saturated air around you. If you're in a temperate climate, then you MIGHT have a problem. If it's cold (which is when you're most likely to use a heater) excess water vapor will condense on cool surfaces, like your windows and the exterior walls, behind the insulation.

 

[bullfrog]

Any non vented propane heater will cause condensation. How much will depend on how well your trailer is ventilated. I have an air tight box that is 7’x 8’ with 14”x14” vent in the front with a Ryobi fan on low and 2-6” vents in the rear. I use the Wave 3 to heat it and in the morning there is a cool to the touch slightly moist area under my mattress. If I prop it up and wipe around with a micro fiber towel it completely dries in about 20 minutes. If I go three or four days without airing it will be slightly wet. This is in winter in Arizona deserts. Anywhere cloth bedding touches the outside wall will feel cooler but not quite wet. Really not much of a problem if you are able to let things air out during sunny days. In my opinion the Wave produces less moisture than other brands. If you have room older truck campers used an externally vented heater with no built in fan that would be my choice for boondocking, it used a little more propane but used zero electricity and little condensation. They may still be around if you are concerned about condensation.