GMCforum
For enthusiast of the Classic GMC Motorhome built from 1973 to 1978. A web-based mirror of the GMCnet mailing list.

Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Catalytic Heater
Catalytic Heater [message #84603] Fri, 14 May 2010 18:31 Go to next message
GeorgeRud is currently offline  GeorgeRud   United States
Messages: 1380
Registered: February 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Karma: 0
Senior Member
There are some pictures of a catalytic heater installed in the entry way storage area on the photo site, and it looks like a very neat install.

Have any members been using these for a while? How well do they work instead of heat strips in the AC, or the original ducted furnaces? Mine will need to be replaced, and I'm wondering what would be the best way to spend the $$$$$. I do like the simplicity and nice install of the catalytic heater, but would wonder how well it would heat the coach. I don't plan to do a lot of cold weather camping, but would like to be able to take the chill out of a fall evening if needed.


George Rudawsky
Chicago, IL
75 Palm Beach
Re: [GMCnet] Catalytic Heater [message #84604 is a reply to message #84603] Fri, 14 May 2010 18:41 Go to previous messageGo to next message
emerystora is currently offline  emerystora   United States
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
Senior Member

On May 14, 2010, at 5:31 PM, George Rudawsky wrote:

>
>
> There are some pictures of a catalytic heater installed in the entry way storage area on the photo site, and it looks like a very neat install.
>
> Have any members been using these for a while? How well do they work instead of heat strips in the AC, or the original ducted furnaces? Mine will need to be replaced, and I'm wondering what would be the best way to spend the $$$$$. I do like the simplicity and nice install of the catalytic heater, but would wonder how well it would heat the coach. I don't plan to do a lot of cold weather camping, but would like to be able to take the chill out of a fall evening if needed.
> --
> George Rudawsky
> Chicago, IL
> 75 Palm Beach


George
There are two types of catallytic heaters. Vented and non-vented.
I had used one in my Travco motorhome back in the early 70's. It was non-vented so we had to be sure to leave a window open a crack to be assured of enough oxygen during the night. That sort of defeats the purpose of a heater -- doesn't it?

Then there are the vented ones. If you ever put on in make sure that it has a vent hose to bring combustion air into it. I have seen on mounted on the cubdoor next to the entryway with a flix hose going through the outer wall next to the opening side of the entry door. That way they could open the cupboard with the heater attached to it.


Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM


_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: Catalytic Heater [message #84625 is a reply to message #84603] Fri, 14 May 2010 22:03 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dave Martin is currently offline  Dave Martin   United States
Messages: 59
Registered: May 2010
Location: Ames Iowa Home Base
Karma: 0
Member
I use two kinds of catalytic heaters:

1)The Coleman BlackCat type, which can be aimed to heat what you want to heat (usually you);
http://www.newarts.com/images/BlackCat.jpg

2) Propane Mantle Lanterns, which put out about 1300 BTU's/hr per mantle. They provide a cozy warm atmosphere at the table, just where you want it. They don't have to be ugly:
http://www.newarts.com/images/MantleLanterns.jpg

I have tested both types for CO output and have detected none. They are quiet.

Here's a safety report on the Coleman type catalytic heater.

If there is no condensation build-up inside the living space there is sufficient air replacement (usually about 1/8"-1/4" vent opening is sufficient.)

I do not use them while sleeping and am sure to have a functioning CO detector.

[Updated on: Fri, 14 May 2010 22:09]

Report message to a moderator

Re: Catalytic Heater [message #84629 is a reply to message #84603] Fri, 14 May 2010 22:33 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Luvn737s is currently offline  Luvn737s   United States
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
Senior Member
Here's mine:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/showphoto.php?photo=33933&title=282&cat=500

The kids like to see me jump when it lights off. It works pretty good, but if hookups are available the heat pump works much better.


Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
Re: [GMCnet] Catalytic Heater [message #84643 is a reply to message #84603] Sat, 15 May 2010 01:25 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tjwilding is currently offline  tjwilding   United States
Messages: 11
Registered: September 2007
Karma: 0
Junior Member
George,

I have had an Olympian Catalytic Heater in my 1976 GMC Royale for the past
three years. It is affixed to the wall adjacent to the door half way up.
The dinette is to the right of it with the entry passageway between. The
rear of the dinette bench has a piece of silver insullation on it to protect
the seat from radiant heat. I live in southern BC and we camp all winter. We
can keep the coach at seventy in the most inclement weather, The heat
surrounds you. It heats up all the objects such furniture and cupboards . It
is also very economical on propane. We bought and had it installed at
Camping World for about $500. The heater is the largest one in the line.

Regards

Terry Wilding
Maple ridge
BC,
Canada

tjwilding@shaw.ca
.
----- Original Message -----
From: "George Rudawsky" <GeorgeRud@aol.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Friday, May 14, 2010 4:31 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Catalytic Heater


>
>
> There are some pictures of a catalytic heater installed in the entry way
> storage area on the photo site, and it looks like a very neat install.
>
> Have any members been using these for a while? How well do they work
> instead of heat strips in the AC, or the original ducted furnaces? Mine
> will need to be replaced, and I'm wondering what would be the best way to
> spend the $$$$$. I do like the simplicity and nice install of the
> catalytic heater, but would wonder how well it would heat the coach. I
> don't plan to do a lot of cold weather camping, but would like to be able
> to take the chill out of a fall evening if needed.
> --
> George Rudawsky
> Chicago, IL
> 75 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: [GMCnet] Catalytic Heater [message #84644 is a reply to message #84603] Sat, 15 May 2010 01:55 Go to previous messageGo to next message
tjwilding is currently offline  tjwilding   United States
Messages: 11
Registered: September 2007
Karma: 0
Junior Member
George

I can send some pictures if you wish

Regards

Terry Wilding

----- Original Message -----
From: "George Rudawsky" <GeorgeRud@aol.com>
To: <gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org>
Sent: Friday, May 14, 2010 4:31 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] Catalytic Heater


>
>
> There are some pictures of a catalytic heater installed in the entry way
> storage area on the photo site, and it looks like a very neat install.
>
> Have any members been using these for a while? How well do they work
> instead of heat strips in the AC, or the original ducted furnaces? Mine
> will need to be replaced, and I'm wondering what would be the best way to
> spend the $$$$$. I do like the simplicity and nice install of the
> catalytic heater, but would wonder how well it would heat the coach. I
> don't plan to do a lot of cold weather camping, but would like to be able
> to take the chill out of a fall evening if needed.
> --
> George Rudawsky
> Chicago, IL
> 75 Palm Beach
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Re: [GMCnet] Catalytic Heater [message #84650 is a reply to message #84644] Sat, 15 May 2010 06:04 Go to previous messageGo to next message
Dr. Detroit is currently offline  Dr. Detroit   United States
Messages: 158
Registered: April 2010
Location: Novi, MI.
Karma: 0
Senior Member
I have an olympian in my 73. My sinuses love the humidity it ads to the air. Since h20 is a byproduct of combustion the air is not dried out in the winter.

It's an even heat and very comfortable.

I add a small electric heater to supplement as needed and keep the air moving. The electric elements dry out the air so it serves to balance the humidity levels.

I did not get a chance to do any winter camping this year but I did use the coach to get away from my wife and daughter on occasion. That's how it got the name "Honeycomb Hideout".

Ken


1973 GMC 23' All Birch and Maple Interior Cabinetry. TZE033V100221 "The Honeycomb Hideout"
Re: [GMCnet] Catalytic Heater [message #84663 is a reply to message #84625] Sat, 15 May 2010 08:09 Go to previous message
emerystora is currently offline  emerystora   United States
Messages: 4442
Registered: January 2004
Karma: 13
Senior Member
Dave
I don't think a lantern qualifies as a catalytic heater. It is not catalytic -- the flame is merely enclosed in the silk ash envelope.
It will still emit CO. As long as you have some ventalation with it you are fine.


Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM

On May 14, 2010, at 9:03 PM, Dave Martin wrote:

>
>
> I use two kinds of catalytic heaters:
>
> 1)The Coleman BlackCat type,
>
>
> 2) Propane Mantel Lanterns, which put out about 1300 BTU's/hr per mantle. They provide a cozy warm atmosphere at the table, just where you want it.
>
> I have tested both types for CO output and have detected none. They are quiet.
>
> Here's a http://www.newarts.com/images/CatHeaterSafety.pdf
>
> If there is no condensation build-up inside there is sufficient air replacement (usually about 1/8"-1/4" vent opening is sufficient.)
>
> I do not use them while sleeping and am sure to have a functioning CO detector.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> List Information and Subscription Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Emery Stora
77 Kingsley
Santa Fe, NM


_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
List Information and Subscription Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist

Previous Topic: Radiator dimensions
Next Topic: Transmission shifting
Goto Forum:
  


Current Time: Fri Nov 08 05:43:30 CST 2024

Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01010 seconds