12 volt heater

[lone ranger]

Hey kids,I planning on installing a heat source in my little tug,the endless debate is 12 volt or hook up a heater core with fan unit.my delemon is a 12 volt would allow us to run heat with out running the motor.I guess the question is anyone been using a GOOD 12 volt heater they can recommend ?

 

[knotflying]

I think the issue may be amp hour consumption. A diesel heater may be a better solution.

 

[Pilotnavigator]

There are good propane heaters, the ones I have seen are good for 100 square feet and are certified for indoor use. They have an O2 sensor to ensue safety.

 

[Bobsea]

Google back heat heater. 12 volt 300 watt have installed as secondary heater
in the air cooled split window VW.
Small easy install.

 

[lone ranger]

Google back heat heater. 12 volt 300 watt have installed as secondary heater
in the air cooled split window VW.
Small easy install.

That did catch my eye,how's the heat output on that thing,good enough for the small cab of the 21 ?

 

[rt11002003]

That 300 watts consumes 25 amps. That's a heavy load on a Grp 27 battery, IMO.

 

[knotflying]

These 12 volt heaters are meant to be used while the vehicle engine is running. I don't think you will be happy with the outcome of using one of these while on the hook.

 

[stwendl]

Lets just assume for size of the main cabin 8'w 15'l and 6'h. To change that room temperature look at the following table
( per BTU calculator at http://www.calculator.net/btu-calculator.html )

Temperature change in F BTU Watts Amps/12V
10 3300 974 81
20 6652 1949 162
30 9979 2924 243

Looking at some diesel heaters, for instance webasto TSL17 has 17000 BTU which can theoretically heat the same size of room in 10 minutes by 10 degree using a small amount of diesel.

 

[knotflying]

I think the important thing is amps required to obtain heat required. A small diesel heater is the most efficient way to go. You will use marginal amperage and marginal fuel. You will definitely spend more money and have installation time, but in the long run you will have an installation that is safe and will be effective.

 

[lone ranger]

Thanks for all the replies, im only looking to take out the chill,its a small cab on the 21 and i dont plan on being out there in cold weather,i think a small electric heater would suit us fine to warm the air.im just trying to keep it simple.

 

[oneeyedjackass]

this unit works great in our rv. does not use any power
https://www.amazon.com/Camco-57331-Olympian-Wave-3-Catalytic/dp/B000BUV1RK

 

[knotflying]

Thanks for all the replies, im only looking to take out the chill,its a small cab on the 21 and i dont plan on being out there in cold weather,i think a small electric heater would suit us fine to warm the air.im just trying to keep it simple.

Hey, the 12v is cheap enough. If it does not work then you can go to plan B.