small heaters

[GeorgiePorgie]

I plan on spending winters in Central California. It gets fairly cold at night, but nothing like most parts of the country. Is there anything wrong with using a small 12 volt heater like this one before hitting the sack? At this point, I am not planning on insulating the van I want to build. I would not leave it running when asleep. 

https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/st...uA8pk8KuoLvE67SatjYaAvxzEALw_wcB#BVRRWidgetID

 

[John61CT]

I would not bother if uninsulated.

And you'll run even a sophisticated dual bank system down pretty quick, if you're talking just the vehicle battery risk needing a jump start.

Using electric for heat is tricky full stop.

The smallest propane Buddy heater, or even a campstove under a heavy closed pot of water would be more effective.

Just crack a window while it's on, and never while sleeping.

 

[[email protected]]

GeorgiPorgi, yes you can use that heater plugged into your cigerate lighter. The unit will pull about 12.5 amps so the cord will get warm. I would not rely on it except for short 10-15 minute runs. You can buy a very similar unit from Harber Freight for under $10. Be sure and watch your battery condition.

 

[Trebor English]

I got a Roadpro similar heater.  I use it as a defogger immediately after starting the engine.  

Cigarette lighter sockets come in two varieties.  When they get too hot, like if the lighter doesn't pop out when it should, some temporarily short blowing the fuse.  Some sockets contain a bit of lead wire like a fuse and the socket goes open circuit permanently.  When the plug makes bad contact in the socket the socket overheats and shorts or opens.  

I know this because I discovered my 1999 Ford shorts and then blows the fuse.  I cut off the lighter plug and switched to 1/4 inch spade connectors.

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

I know this because I discovered my 1999 Ford shorts and then blows the fuse.  I cut off the lighter plug and switched to 1/4 inch spade connectors.

Does one plug appliances into the spade connector like a lighter plug? Can you use them on an electric setup with a number of outlets instead of the plugs that I have seen?

 

[jimindenver]

If I may, that is not a lot of heat or the effort you will put into keeping the battery charged. I use a 200 or 250w electric heaters in my bathroom and while I can feel it if it is blowing on me, it will not heat up my tiny bathroom. Personal heat like a 12 volt blanket might be more efficient.

 

[tx2sturgis]

If I may, that is not a lot of heat or the effort you will put into keeping the battery charged. I use a 200 or 250w electric heaters in my bathroom and while I can feel it if it is blowing on me, it will not heat up my tiny bathroom. Personal heat like a 12 volt blanket might be more efficient.

Well heck it says right on the website that the little 150w heater can heat up to 200 sq feet!

Thats a 10 ft by 20 ft room!

Amazing. 

:dodgy:

 

[RVTravel]

musta meant 200 sq inches.

 

[John61CT]

Can heat to 65° when outside is 50°

If a 40° diff then only 40 cu ft

 

[Trebor English]

Does one plug appliances into the spade connector like a lighter plug? Can you use them on an electric setup with a number of outlets instead of the plugs that I have seen?

I use female connectors on sources and male on loads.  The sources are covered with heat shrink or the connectors have plastic hoods.  I mark positive red and negative black.  There is nothing to protect against a reversed connection.  They are very inexpensive, don't unplug themselves like cigarette lighter sockets and they don't blow out fuses or themselves like cigarette lighter sockets.  

For cigarette lighters the original cigarette lighter sockets are just what is needed, something that protects against overheating.  For any other electrical device they are terrible.  Almost anything else is better.  

The better connection makes the heater run fine without blowing fuses.  I only use the heater with the engine running.  Otherwise it would kill my battery.

 

[MrAlvinDude]

Here is an example of a plug type, that also uses those spade style connectors.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/263398393640

 

[rayrey]

If you are going to go through all of that trouble, do yourself a favor and start from the other end. Open up the case and replace the wire with a decent gauge and proper connectors.

 

[jimindenver]

If you are going to go through all of that trouble, do yourself a favor and start from the other end. Open up the case and replace the wire with a decent gauge and proper connectors.

 

[John61CT]

Ciggie ports should not be used past 6A IMO even then they svck.

For high amps like that Anderson PowerPlugs are best.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Ciggie ports should not be used past 6A IMO even then they svck.

For high amps like that Anderson PowerPlugs are best.

NOW we are on the same page but I don't call then ciggie ports since damn few of them are actually compatible with a plug in cigarette lighter. 

Hey, you have been known to point out a few faux pas too!

 

[John61CT]

Irrelevant to me, simplest way for people to know what you're talking about, certainly where the (horrible) design came from.

Certainly not going to dignify them as a "standard" even if they're very common.

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

Personal heat like a 12 volt blanket might be more efficient.

That sounds like a good idea. I just want to stay warm while watching a video or sleeping. Does a 12 volt blanket use less power than a heater?

 

[tx2sturgis]

That sounds like a good idea. I just want to stay warm while watching a video or sleeping. Does a 12 volt blanket use less power than a heater?

Yes, a lot less, and a 12 volt mattress pad uses even less power and is safer.