right heater for a 6x12 cargo trailer

[Rainier70]

I am interested in seeing a new gravity feed furnace available.

I think that the smaller vented propane heaters are pretty close to what a gravity feed is.  Some do have an optional fan in them, but it doesn't have to be running.  The main negatives are the cost, and the poor company support for some of the makers. At least for the ones on Amazon.

This one at Northern Tool seems to have okay reviews.   http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200631837_200631837 
Still it is about $500.

At that price, I start to lean toward going higher and getting the Dickinson Marine furnace which has excellent reviews.

 

[SoulRaven]

I seem to remember seeing an article about tiny houses that mentions a very small wood heater.  
I think this is it:
http://www.suremarineservice.com/solid-fuel-heater.aspx

(or at least one of them)  

What do you folks think about this?  

Pat

 

[kaBLOOnie Boonster]

It is no joke to back up a step, before wallowing in minute practical details about Brand X versus Brand Y heaters. I apologize if this seems like I am not responding directly to the original poster's question.

Have you adjusted your mental attitude about heat? That is, do you still think like a person living in a conventional house who keeps it at 72 F, permanently? You'd be surprised how many boondockers don't dress right for cool weather, starting with their head. (in more ways than one...)

I have lived two winters now without using my Mr. Buddy heater. The trick was to spend $70 on Wall's brand insulated bib overalls, from Walmart. These things really gave me the confidence to adjust to winter weather. I am happy to avoid all that condensation.

 

[SoulRaven]

Have you adjusted your mental attitude about heat? That is, do you still think like a person living in a conventional house who keeps it at 72 F, permanently?  You'd be surprised how many boondockers don't dress right for cool weather, starting with their head. (in more ways than one...)

Since I'm the OP , I can answer this question. 

I believe I mentioned that I STILL don't have heat in my cargo trailer.  That would pretty much answer your first 2 questions.   Well, it does if you think about what that means.  

UPDATE: I reread my thread posts in this topic, and I did NOT mention that I still don't have heat in my trailer. My bad. Hey, I don't currently have heat in my trailer, and have been doing this for 2 months. (I'm currently taking a timeout in CO to work on my trailer. I'm staying in a friend's 5th wheel, and getting spoiled!)


I was given a very small propane attachment which I have not used yet.  Since I now have a VENT,  I feel safe using my propane heat.  HDR mentioned that at 10k feet, where I have a campground host job this summer, that it can get down to 20 degrees.  Now, currently, when it gets into the 30's, I use this concept called "layering".  You may have heard of it.  :shy:  I sleep with the hood from my hoodie over my head, and use the mummy part of my mummy bag.  It does a pretty good job of keeping me warm.  

Some folks who were at the RTR will tell you I'm one of the DA's who wore shorts most of the time.  Even in the 40's.  But part of this stuff is about PREPARATION.  I was a Boy Scout, you know.  I also carry a generator, JIC. 
I rarely use it, but have it if we have a lot of cloudy days in a row, my solar batteries get depleted, and I need to use a power tool or something. 

I haven't needed to adjust my attitude.  My attitude is already adjusted.  

Thanks for reading my posts.  

Pat

 

[John61CT]

And when you have kids or significant (even potential) others visiting with you, it sure is nice to at least be ABLE to get things nice and comfortable without everyone bundled up like Michelin man.

Sometimes a good idea to get temp up a little too warm if you know what I mean. Not least for whatever passes for bathing. . .

 

[Rainier70]

Another option that I have been using for a number of years now is a NuWay 9000 btu propane heater.    Here is a link to their 12,000 btu model.  I don't see the 9000 listed anymore.   http://nuwaystove.com/product/model-2000/



This is a vented stove, but it draws in air from the living area, so it is not what is called a fully vented or sealed combustion stove.  As such you have to be careful that you don't get any back draft or if it was to blow out that the safety shutoff works fast.   I have  CO monitor and have never had a big problem with any gases.  I did have a problem with my stove pipe cap where if the wind was blowing hard and the stove was on very low it could blow out.  I solved that by sealing off the two side vents of the stove pipe cap.   

Since it is a vented stove you do not get the condensation or fumes that a heater like a Buddy heater gives off.

For the stove pipe I vented it out the side through a 4 inch marine deck plate.  It only takes a few minutes to set up the pipe and the gas line.  The vent pipe does need a damper on it or too much heat goes out the pipe.

In a few weeks I think I am going to seal the bottom of the stove and put a three inch pipe to it for combustion air.  That way it will be a sealed combustion stove.

Here it is set up.  Actually I usually have it out from the wall about 6 inches more.  I had temporarily set it up just for the picture and wasn't paying attention.

Outside deck plate closed

And with stove cap

I don't usually recommend this stove simply because it needs to be used with caution and Carbon monoxide and propane detectors.

 

[ArtW]

I have a vented furnace without fan in my old Ttravel trailer, it doesn't work right anymore, but when it worked, it worked very well

 

[Rainier70]

I meant to edit my post above here, but can't find a button to do so. Anyway my heater is the 12,000 btu model not the 9000. I was thinking that it was the same btu as the Dickinson, but actually it is more. Not that I need more in a 6 X 12 CT. I run it on a very low setting as full blast would bake me out quick!

Also I usually only run it for a little bit before I go to bed and then again in the morning.

 

[skyl4rk]

Another option that I have been using for a number of years now is a NuWay 9000 btu propane heater.    Here is a link to their 12,000 btu model.  I don't see the 9000 listed anymore.   http://nuwaystove.com/product/model-2000/

This stove looks really good.  I would set it up with external air intake.

 

[SoulRaven]

I meant to edit my post above here, but can't find a button to do so.   Anyway my heater is the 12,000 btu model not the 9000.  I was thinking that it was the same btu as the Dickinson, but actually it is more.  Not that I need more in a 6 X 12 CT.  I run it on a very low setting as full blast would bake me out quick!  

Also I usually only run it for a little bit before I go to bed and then again in the morning.

That is pretty cool looking, Rainier70!

 

[skyl4rk]

I seem to remember seeing an article about tiny houses that mentions a very small wood heater.  
I think this is it:
http://www.suremarineservice.com/solid-fuel-heater.aspx

(or at least one of them)  

What do you folks think about this?  

Pat

Requires reloading frequently, wood brings in bugs with it, ash is dirty, smoke can be stinky and you have to cut wood small. But wood can be found for free and it's nice to look at a fire.

 

[John61CT]

, smoke can be stinky and you have to cut wood small. But wood can be found for free

Actually very toxic it turns out, need to keep seals sealed.

And many camping places are now very much picked clean, have to buy or gather elsewhere and bring it in.

 

[SoulRaven]

Actually very toxic it turns out, need to keep seals sealed.

And many camping places are now very much picked clean, have to buy or gather elsewhere and bring it in.

Turns out my Mr Buddy does fine down to 30... I was looking at the solid fuel for those times it goes below that.   Even thinking about using wood pellets.  

So, I'm really looking forward to the experience of finding out how well this stuff works this summer at Junction Campground.  I haven't been to Lee Vining, CA (the closest town) before, but hopefully, if I'm woefully underprepared, I can ante up for something else there.  

Thanks to everyone who has replied,

Pat

 

[Rainier70]

I thought I would add to my previous post on my Nuway 2000 propane stove. 

I decided to seal up my Nuway 2000 stove add an air intake to it.  

I haven't had a problem with it back drafting carbon monoxide, but there is always a possibility.  I mostly decided to do it to allow outside air for the combustion.  There are multiple ways I could have done this.  I opted for the easiest for me as I had all the parts already.

I cut a piece of sheet metal to fit the bottom and screwed a 3 inch pipe connector to it.  Then I used a 4 inch marine deck plate in the floor with a 3 inch pipe collar over it.  A little extra sealing with the aluminum tape, and it was ready to go.  

The air intake from inside the fire box.  

Picture of the outside.  Sorry about the slant.  I was trying to get the pipe underneath to show up better.

Picture of the deck plate closed.  Also shows that I haven't cleaned the floor marks up or the sawdust yet.  

It takes less than a minute more to set it up to run or to stow it for travel.

 

[highdesertranger]

Pat not much shopping in Lee Vining. the closest full service store will be in Mammoth Lakes, after that Bishop CA or Minden/Gardnerville NV. so stock up before hand. highdesertranger

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Turns out my Mr Buddy does fine down to 30... I was looking at the solid fuel for those times it goes below that.   Even thinking about using wood pellets. 

Wood pellet stoves need electricity to operate.  Was me, I'd just get a second propane heater for times when one wasn't enough.

 

[SoulRaven]

Wood pellet stoves need electricity to operate.  Was me, I'd just get a second propane heater for times when one wasn't enough.

I actually already have 2 backup propane stoves.  I think I'll be alright.  But, I also have to say that the idea of a wood burning stove in my cargo trailer just plain sounds cool.  I know, it's against all principles of being sensible and stuff like that.  

As I mentioned, I have a zero degree backpacking sleeping bag , many other bags, and 2 snuggly dogs.  A week of 20 degrees might have me burning furniture, but an overnight will leave me ok.  

Regards,

Pat

 

[janew]

The Dickinson propane heater uses no electricity. If you are boondocking in a dry area where it warms up during the day, a catalytic type is best.  If it is humid and you need to heat 24 hours a day, a vented heater is best.

Doesn't the Dickinson heater have a fan? I guess it wouldn't use much electricity in any case. I wish I could justify the expense (and find the space).

 

[Scott7022]

I am very careful recommending products as it is too easy to fire off something someone else told you was good. I spent two weeks in a very small sailboat marooned off the north coast of BC in winter. My friend had installed this and never used it. He took the cover off and we attached the BBQ bottle to it and had to sit in bathing suits. Fiberglass sitting in a huge heat sink with storms whipping winds over the bow. It is vented and uses a small fan. We had two group 31 batteries and solar and never noticed the draw.
http://ventedcatheater.com/6.html