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Heating a small trailer without an installed gas furnace

PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 3:57 pm
by ae6black
Furnace takes up a lot of space in a small trailer. I can see advantages of not including a Propane furnace in build considering most campgrounds have electric available. But for those few instances where shore power isn't available, what are your thoughts about a Mr Buddy Heater running all night or just at bedtime and then in the morning in that enclosed area? Not sure I would like the smell I've been told a Mr Buddy puts off in such a small space. In a tear drop the vents are open all the time so as not to wake up dead. Just curious as to what Scotty and other small trailer owners use if they don't have a furnace included in their build. When I ordered my new trailer I opted for not getting the furnace option because I don't like the moisture a propane furnace makes or the space it takes up. Wondering now if I shouldn't have just ordered the furnace.

Art

Re: Heating a small trailer without an installed gas furnace

PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 8:37 pm
by S. Heisley
In the groups that I am in, many boondockers swear by Mr Buddy Heaters; and, yes, you are correct to not run it while you are sleeping.

Re: Heating a small trailer without an installed gas furnace

PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 10:05 pm
by KennethW
I like the Chinese kerosene(diesel) parking heaters.
They are FULLY vented but require some battery power(solar?) very small in size.and can be mounted out of the way.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/5000W-12V-Air- ... z9neFLoROg

AC electric works if plugged in Or generator?
12v is only good for a very brief warm up time. But will kill a battery if used very long. Good only for cool weather, Not cold.
Many warm blankets or good sleeping bag(but it is hard to poke your head out in the morning and change cloths
.
Last is the radiant heaters(Buddy) it is NOT VENTED. Puts tons of water in the air. So you will be warm&wet or cold&wet. Have to be well vented by opening windows and roof vent(get it wrong you die) I am live in Minnesota every year someone dies using a radiant heater in a fish house.

I personally would never use a buddy heater $70 as a 5kw Chinese parking heaters can be had for $120(see above) if you look around (a 2KW is preferred but more money?) $50 more to wake UP in the morning. :thumbsup:

Re: Heating a small trailer without an installed gas furnace

PostPosted: Sat Feb 02, 2019 9:46 am
by daveesl77
We have one of the round Mr. Buddy heaters. The propane heater works fantastic, the round shape not so much. First, the working part. Yes, it is amazing. Camping in 20 degree temps, but inside for about 15 minutes before bedtime, all is toasty. I get up early in the morning, so I fire it up to heat up the camper for wifey. No problem at all. No way would I run it all night, primarily because it would run you out. As to the shape, I made a huge mistake. I thought it would be much smaller than the normal Mr. Buddy, but in reality it takes up as much or more space. It is not convenient and cost only a few bucks less than the bigger one. I regret buying the round one and wish I'd gone for the rectangular one.

dave