The fan in a typical RV furnace pulls 5-7 amps; the Cat pulls less than half an amp. The 5,200 BTU output is just right for this small space. The radiant heat is quiet and comfortable. The power venting with safety interlock allows the occupant[s] to rest warm and worry free at night. The wall thermostat (Heat_D) lets you 'set and forget'. One-quarter pound per hour (seventeen hours/gallon) fuel consumption is conservative.

 

The solid oak frame for the heater is secured with four two-inch screws accessible from the inside of the battery compartment. The kick plate (Heat_A) for the step between the kitchen and the cab is made of galvanized sheet metal, painted chocolate brown and baked in the oven to get a good hard finish it. The kick plate conceals and protects the flexible propane line, dc power and thermostat control wires that run from the heater to the kitchen cabinet.

 

The catalytic process is very efficient at burning the fuel; therefore there are very few toxic combustion byproducts (IE: carbon monoxide). The main byproduct is water vapor. The primary reason for power venting is to get fresh air from outside the van to the heater. Otherwise the heater could potentially consume all the oxygen inside the van. A flue spillage (proof of vent) sensor prevents the heater from operating if the power venting is not functioning correctly.

 

Fresh air from the outside is supplied to the heater by shutting off all the air distribution outlets except for the roof outlets to the passenger compartment. The ductwork inside the passenger door is modified so that instead of going to the roof outlets the air goes to the vent at the bottom of the door (Heat_B). When all the windows, doors and other outlets are closed off the only way air can get to the heater is through that vent. From there the cold air from the outside only has to travel about 12 inches through the interior of the camper to reach the heater. Note that fresh air originates from a grilled opening just above the radiator.

 

Power venting from the heater to the outside is through the flexible black hose coming out of the rear of the heater (Heat_B). From there the hose is attached to a stubby length of aluminum tubing that is epoxy cemented to a hole in the battery compartment access panel. The battery compartment has two openings to the outside. So air from the power venting can easily escape through these holes.

 

For additional peace of mind proper operation can be confirmed by feeling the cold air supply flowing into the van through the vent at the bottom of the door and the warm air flowing out of the battery compartment in the passenger side wheel well.

 

The main propane tank does not have a gauge, so you can never know when or where the tank will run dry. An extend-a-stay fitting and a one-gallon portable tank (Heat_C) provide a sufficient reserve for those inevitable occasions.