Dry Camping with a Little One - Heater?
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: General Camping
Forum Name: Camping with kids
Forum Discription: Ideas for activities on-the-road and in camp, and other helpful hints
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10667
Printed Date: 20 Apr 2024 at 1:03am
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Topic: Dry Camping with a Little One - Heater?
Posted By: d_rose
Subject: Dry Camping with a Little One - Heater?
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 10:53am
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We getting ready for our first extended camp out with our 4-month-old daughter. We have a 2016 177 and we have 4 nights planned at parks with no hook-ups (I've rigged two new 12v batteries). The recent forecast has changed considerably and we are now looking at lows of 40 degrees overnight. I know that some rPodders use a Mr. Buddy propane heater when dry camping instead of the built-in unit (ours is fairly noisy at night). Has anyone successfully used a portable propane heater inside the pod while sleeping and having a little one on board? I'm a little concerned about fumes and safety running it at night inside. Are there any suggestions for particular units to buy or other ideas while dry camping for all night heat (battery powered)? Thanks!! Dylan ------------- 2016 rPod 177 2015 Ford F150 4X4 Crew cab |
Replies:
Posted By: GlibGuy
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 11:10am
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I bought a "Mr Buddy". I had to set it next to the door and crack the door so it would remain lit. I got some heat but I got a lot of cold air through the cracked door. Since that experience I just use the furnace on the rPod. The fan is loud but it does the job. ------------- MICK |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 11:33am
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We use a Mr Buddy propane heater in the rpod and in my ice fishing shanty. So far works great. We leave the ceiling fan vent cracked a bit and have a vent in the shanty to protect against fumes. ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: d_rose
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 11:52am
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Thanks for the feedback. I probably will not be able to sleep anyway if I'm running an external propane heater inside the pod because I'll be thinking of my little one. Probably best just to run the built-in heater. ------------- 2016 rPod 177 2015 Ford F150 4X4 Crew cab |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 12:58pm
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I have both the https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F232000-Indoor-Safe-Portable/dp/B002G51BZU/ - Buddy and https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Heater-F215100-3800-BTU-Propane/dp/B001CFRF7I/ - Little Buddy heaters. We found the Buddy is great for cold nights under the dome, but would blast us out in the pod. The Little Buddy is great for taking the chill off the inside of the pod. We don't run either all night. Prefer sleeping bags and/or blankets and Henry (the camping cat) for warm comfortable sleeping. First one up turns furnace on or Little Buddy, puts water on for coffee and tea and feeds Henry before breakfast. fred
------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 3:01pm
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None of the propane Buddies that I looked at is certified for "indoor" use. Sure they have an oxygen sensor, but I think you may be taking chances with children or infants. I believe I would not be comfortable using one inside the pod. I'd prefer the built-in furnace. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 3:17pm
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I bought a propane heater made specifically for indoor use. Has both the tip over and carbon/oxygen monoxide monitor. I cannot remember the name but it was expensive ($160). Works like a charm. I will look at the make when I get home. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing. 
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Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 3:26pm
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Got lucky and googled it. It is a Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater. It was $160 but they have smaller ones.
The smaller is good for 200 sq.ft. 4K BTU and 9K BTU settings. 3 - 6 hours with 1 pound bottle. 20 pound 48 - 110 hours. It is $80. I bought the larger for use in the house when we lose power during the ice storms. It works fantastic. Expensive but well constructed and operates very quite. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: d_rose
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 3:54pm
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Thanks very much. Would love to hear what model you bought. Thank you! ------------- 2016 rPod 177 2015 Ford F150 4X4 Crew cab |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 4:41pm
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Got lucky and googled it. It is a Mr. Heater Big Buddy Propane Heater. It was $160 but they have smaller ones.
The smaller is good for 200 sq.ft. 4K BTU and 9K BTU settings. 3 - 6 hours with 1 pound bottle. 20 pound 48 - 110 hours. It is $80. I bought the larger for use in the house when we lose power during the ice storms. It works fantastic. Expensive but well constructed and operates very quite. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: Tars Tarkas
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 7:42pm
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The Mr. Heater Big Buddy and smaller Mr. Heater propane heaters are advertised as indoor safe. At least one model says it's safe for RV use. We use our all the time inside, but always with a window and maybe the vent cracked. And I don't like using it while asleep. The furnace is louder than a helicopter, but I've found I actually get used to it after a while and don't start up straight in bed every time it comes on. It's combustion is outside: no exhaust or fumes inside at all. You said no hookups, but if/when they are available a 1500w 110v little ceramic heater will keep a pod toasty down into the 30s. There is no battery powered heater that would keep you warm or leave you with any juice in your battery in the morning. Marwayne, a guy on the forum here, created a heat exchange heater that works off the water heater. It is very quiet, and really pretty elegant. Some of us wish he'd sell them or kits for them, or at least provide a parts list. It uses a tiny bit of 12v power, but even that seems to be optional. It works well on pure convection. (I guess that's the right word.) TT ------------- 2010 176 FJ Cruiser |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 15 Sep 2017 at 10:21pm
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One caution about the Little Buddy heater--The thing is top heavy. The base is inadequate to hold the propane container sufficiently to keep it from sliding out and tipping the unit over. If the base were redesigned to provide more solid support, I could see using it. I couldn't keep it upright. The newer propane tanks with the plastic base don't help either. I ended up returning the Little Buddy and buying the Mr. Buddy Portable. I liked the BTU output of the Little Buddy, but the safety risk of having it tip over so easily negated that. I like that the Mr. Buddy Portable is much more stable, but performance at the lower setting does not seem to be very good and the instructions say not to run it except at the two settings but not between them. The low setting seems like it is not burning very efficiently and the top setting will drive one out of the 'Pod in short order. I don't want a Sauna Pod. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2017 at 3:38pm
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This made my Lil Buddy more stable than the one pounders and burns a lot longer. We use it mainly under the dome or next to my work bench in the garage.  ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2017 at 3:45pm
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Yes, that would make it stable. I would nto want to bring a 20 lb cylinder into the 'Pod though. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2017 at 4:04pm
I wouldn't either. That tank is a one gallon Worthington tank. Got some weight to it. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 16 Sep 2017 at 4:41pm
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With proper venting , having an open ceiling vent, and crack a couple windows, there's zero risk of CO poisoning. It makes no smell whatsoever and is very quiet. Makes nearly no noise at all. http://www.mrheater.com/portable-buddy-heater.html - http://www.mrheater.com/portable-buddy-heater.html The Portable Buddy Heater has a safety tip-over shutoff and a low oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). The real problem is it has ONLY a low/high setting. It's either 4000 or 9000 BTU/hr. It cannot be regulated except for those two heat outputs. It's one or the other heat setting. It has NO thermostat. When in low output, I had to open the windows enough (in front near the dinette, not near my head in the bed) or I would roast. It puts out a lot more than needed in low. In low it is supposed to take about 6 hours to burn through a 1 pound propane bottle. I wish it had a variable output, or at least a thermostat on a remote wire, That would be awesome if it could go very low (off) when the room temp was reached, and fire up as needed when it starts to cool. If you use your furnace, make sure to run it hard before your trip!!! It will STINK until it runs hot for many hours. I didn't know this the first couple trips, and t stunk so bad it made me think of just bundling up with sleeping blankets and wool hat instead. If you are handy I would also recommend that you remove the furnace and check that the fan/impellers are not rubbing on the plastic shroud. Mine was and when I had it out I adjusted the fan and also shook out and blew compressed air into it and a lot of sawdust came out, burnt and other wise!! After reinstalling, it was so much quieter!!
------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: Woody.1
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 6:15pm
Been digging through numerous threads, but can’t find any real information on running the r pod furnace through a night while only on battery. Wondering if the battery will make it through the night. Our first night out will be most likely be dry camping, but probably in the 20s at night. I was wondering if the battery would make it through a night? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Not sure how well insulated the r pod is. It’s a 2018 179. |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 7:27pm
I suppose it all comes down to how cold is it outside, and how warm you need it inside. Probably not a simple answer. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 8:06pm
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Here is a simple solution for hear. Most sites hav a 20 amp outlet for tent campers. I bought a couple of outlets you can install through you floor or walls. Be careful about drilling the 1.5” outlet holes. Plug male end of a 20 amp chord into the pedistal and female into the outlet installed through the trailer wall or floor. Plenty for a 1,509 way heater if needed. Also used for othe high amp devices since your Pod can only handle 30 amps. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 8:41pm
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Or get a 20 amp to 30 amp adapter and use the cord that came with your Pod. You can charge your battery and use almost all of your pod accessories. If you have a 20 amp plug in at the site.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 21 Feb 2018 at 8:49pm
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That is not what I am doing. 30 amp RPod plug supplies the RPod requirement. If I use a heater or additional 1,500 watt appliance it trips the 30 amp feed. I am not using any plug adapters. 30 amp for the Pod and the 20 for additional amps on another circuit at the pedistal. Two separate circuits. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2018 at 1:27am
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If you are blowing a 30 amp breaker at a time when you need heat you have something going wildly wrong with your electricals. The biggest drain is the AC, and you aren't running that with the microwave and a heater too are you? ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: ToolmanJohn
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2018 at 5:59am
If the furnace runs a lot on a very cold night, assume you set it at 60°F and it's below 35°F outside, then the ONE 12 volt battery will make it but be quite low. I experienced this on my first cold trip with the R-Pod on a Memorial Day weekend in Vermont. 2 nights and my battery was flat during the second night. No juice except for very dim lights. Furnace would not work. Slide wouldn't move. Water pump wouldn't run for more than a couple seconds. Had to connect to my SUV for 20 minutes while getting the Pod ready to leave later that morning. I went with 2 12 volt batteries and had good experiences after that. I also went with the Buddy Heater as the heating option with a window and bathroom vent cracked. Plenty of battery life if you aren't using the furnace. I have 2 6V Trojan T-105 batteries in my new trailer, plus a 150 watt solar charge unit on the roof. I was going to remove the batteries this past winter, but decided to see what happens (they are frickin heavy in an inconvenient location for lifting). The solar panel has kept them topped off all winter, just checked yesterday, and they had just happened to be charging, 13.6 volts on my meter. Solar is great. ------------- 2017 ATC 7X20 Custom Toy Hauler 2013 R-Pod 177 (SOLD) 2013 VW Touareg TDI |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2018 at 9:51am
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I installed a NOCO Genius AC Port Plug w/extension cord (Part# 329-GCP1) thru starboard wall. Comes out underneath reefer in my 178. Allows for an additional 110 circuit that does not go thru the TT power panel. I also had issues with tripping the GCFI CB when trying to run an additional ceramic heater. I did NOT lose the 30A CB as I recall. About 17 bucks at etrailer. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2018 at 4:00pm
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When it comes to a child, I side on caution. If you're going to run 'all night', IMHO I'd use the units heater. No, and I do mean no, un-vented unit is completely safe. They must be vented by means of a opened window (or roof vent). Then you have to wonder if you've done enough. Sorry, but I just wouldn't use a portable heater, no matter what is said or claimed. Personally I have never used a heater 'all night'. Never saw the need. Good bags or blankets and we're fine. First one up, turns on the heater. Yes, we did camp late fall , in a tent when my daughter was 6 months old. She slept between us at night (not sure who was keeping whom warm..). Again, not offend anyone, MHO. Now, with us about to travel, extended, I have debated a portable heater. I have come down to I'll buy an electric for when we're on 'shore power'. When Boondocking, I'll use the units heater. I think the unit will heat the area quicker and since only on for a short duration.. Why buy another propane unit.. Hmm... ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: Woody.1
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2018 at 4:36pm
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Thanks for the replies, Being new to trailer camping I was trying to get a feel from the members on how long a battery would last. I’m having our pod installed with 2 batteries.
I don’t think we’d ever have to run the furnace all night. We have good sleeping bags and have slept in tents in the low teens so the r pod has to be a HUGE improvement I would think.
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Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2018 at 4:54pm
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You're right. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: Olddawgsrule
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2018 at 4:59pm
Oh yes will it be! Especially with a young child. You mentioned having bought two 12v batteries. I see now your having them installed. This off topic, but have you truly bought the batteries yet? Do not mean to go off topic, and if you wish to PM instead, that's okay. I just need to mention I'm not a fan of 12v LA batteries. You get getter AH out of 6V for less/same costs.. More weight, but when going dual anyway... Just hope I caught you in time to debate the choice. As always, MHO ------------- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJduGeZNFgtptH67leItRFQ - Byways no Highways 2017 Tacoma http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?f=55&t=72408 - Truck Camper Build 2004 F150 My Overlander |
Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2018 at 5:10pm
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This is a oiled filled space heater. One we carry in cool weather. Cuts the use of propane. Electricity free. Propane not. The Pod heater is fine. The 30 amp of the Pod trips if I plug the oiled filled heater in one of the Pod outlets. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: rawest50
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2018 at 5:13pm
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I purchased 2 of the outlets you previously gave us. I have yet to install but this is a great way to get a 20 amp circuit separate of the pods 30 amp. ------------- 2017.5 RPod 179 2017 Jeep Unlimited Wrangler 2017 Chevy Colorado Z71 Off Road Crew Cab 2 Weiner dogs Great wife puts up with my BS ❤️ Thoroughbred Racing.
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Posted By: goof2014
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2018 at 11:46am
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So the advantages / dis advantages of 1) 2-12volt deep cycle batteries, with a battery switch to toggle usage from one to the other, having one with a trickle charger connection to keep it fully charged, the other will be charged via the TV just as if tit was the sole battery. vs/ 2) 2- 6volt batteries connected in the a series ------------- Live in Full Color ! Tom & Mary |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2018 at 1:01pm
------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: Carla-Girl
Date Posted: 24 Jul 2018 at 2:12am
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my father is a hunter and that's why all our campings are combined with hunting. So there is often a problem not only with the choice of clothes but also with http://https://gearexpertguides.com/ - where to buy hunting gear . Some tips about dry camping I found here https://rvshare.com/blog/dry-camping-tips-every-beginner-know/ take a look, maybe it will useful for you
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