Stay Cozy In Your Camper: Efficient Shell Heating Methods

If you're camping out in your truck, you'll want to stay warm. Even with an insulated truck topper, a camper shell with outside temperatures below 30 degrees won't do much to keep you warm. There are several ways to heat a camper shell, including using a diesel heater, propane heater, electric heater, or furnace. Each option has its pros and cons, and safety considerations, such as proper ventilation, should be taken into account.

Propane heaters are versatile and powerful, but require ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

Propane heaters are a versatile and powerful way to heat your camper shell, but they require ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Propane is a clean, safe, and reliable energy source, and its versatility makes it a great option for outdoor adventures and homeowners alike. Propane heaters can add warmth to campers, hunting blinds, workshops, and ice fishing shanties. They are particularly useful in rooms that do not receive enough warmth from an HVAC system or in construction sites where heating systems are not yet installed.

However, it is crucial to understand how to use propane heaters correctly to ensure safety. Propane heaters use open flames to generate heat at a higher capacity than electric heaters, making them ideal for outdoor use in well-ventilated areas. On the other hand, if you are heating a room inside a home or other enclosed structures, it is recommended to opt for an electric space heater instead. Propane heaters can pose a serious carbon monoxide hazard when used without adequate ventilation.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and toxic gas that can quickly overwhelm victims as it does not irritate the eyes or respiratory tract. It is produced during the heating process of a propane heater, and both indoor and outdoor heaters can contribute to its build-up. Outdoor heaters, in particular, should never be placed inside as they generate more carbon monoxide due to their intended use in wide-open spaces. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

To safely use a propane heater in your camper shell, keep the shell ventilated at all times. This may seem counterintuitive, as opening windows can lead to heat loss and increased heating costs. However, the slight inconvenience is worth preventing carbon monoxide build-up, which can be life-threatening. For optimal ventilation, open two windows simultaneously, preferably one on each side, with an opening of about an inch. Additionally, consider investing in a carbon monoxide detector, which will alert you to the presence of harmful levels of carbon monoxide.

Diesel heaters are a popular choice for RVs, trucks and boats, as they are easy to manage and don't create moisture

Diesel heaters are a popular choice for heating RVs, trucks, and boats. They are easy to manage and don't create moisture, making them a great option for those looking for a simple and effective heating solution.

Diesel heaters use diesel fuel to generate heat and are known for their small, lightweight, and efficient design. They are commonly used in camping applications and are considered safe when installed properly. Compared to propane heaters, diesel heaters are more fuel-efficient, and their fans don't use as much power, making them a popular choice for boondockers who rely on solar power.

One of the main advantages of diesel heaters is their low power consumption. They typically use only around 120 watts for a few seconds during ignition and then operate at a low power range, making them perfect for extended use with a deep cycle RV battery. This makes them a good option for off-grid camping situations where power may be limited.

Another benefit of diesel heaters is their safety. They are designed with features like overheat protection, flame sensors, and ventilation systems to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide. Additionally, diesel heaters are considered safer than propane heaters as you don't have to deal with high-pressure gas that can be toxic if leaked.

When it comes to fuel consumption, diesel heaters are quite economical. A standard 5kW or 17,000 BTU diesel heater will use around 0.17 gallons per hour, and they typically have lower fuel consumption rates compared to propane heaters. This makes them a cost-effective option for heating your RV, truck, or boat.

In terms of maintenance, diesel heaters require regular checks and cleaning of the combustion chamber, replacement of fuel filters, and inspection of the exhaust and air intake systems. It's also important to run the heater regularly, even during warmer months, to keep the system in good working order and prevent fuel gelling or blockages.

Overall, diesel heaters are a popular choice for heating RVs, trucks, and boats due to their ease of use, low moisture output, fuel efficiency, and safety features. They provide a simple and effective solution for those looking to stay warm and comfortable during their outdoor adventures.

Electric heaters are an option for those who dislike gas, but they use a lot of energy

There are a variety of electric heaters available on the market, including space heaters, ceramic heaters, and oil-filled radiators. Some heaters can be mounted on the wall, while others are portable. When choosing an electric heater, consider the wattage and the number of settings available. A higher wattage heater, such as 1500W, will use more energy and may stress outlets and circuits. Look for a heater with multiple settings so you can adjust the heat output and energy usage.

Some electric heaters come with additional features such as thermostats, timers, and remote controls. A thermostat can help regulate the temperature, while a timer allows you to set the heater to turn on and off automatically. A remote control can be convenient for adjusting settings without having to get up.

It's important to consider safety when using any type of heater. Some electric heaters come with safety features such as overheat protection, tip-over protection, and auto-shutoff. It's also important to follow general safety guidelines, such as keeping a safe distance from the heater and not obstructing vents or air intakes.

While electric heaters use a lot of energy, there are ways to improve energy efficiency. Using insulation can help retain heat for longer, reducing the need for constant heating. Additionally, combining the use of an electric heater with a well-insulated sleeping bag or heated blanket can provide warmth without running the heater all night.

Furnaces are becoming more popular as they are inexpensive, don't create moisture and can run on different fuels

Furnaces are becoming an increasingly popular choice for heating camper shells. They are a great option for those camping in a truck bed, and they come with several benefits. Firstly, they are inexpensive to use, provided you get past the initial hurdle of the installation cost. Furnaces are also unique in that they do not create moisture inside the camper, which is a common issue with other heating methods. This is especially useful in winter, when condensation can already be a problem. Finally, furnaces are versatile and can run on different fuels, including propane, gas, and diesel.

Propane is the most readily available of these fuel types, and it is a very versatile fuel. However, propane heaters do require ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide build-up, which can be dangerous. Diesel heaters are also a good option, as they are known for being dry heat sources that do not create added moisture or condensation. They are also easier to manage at a distance than portable propane models. Diesel heaters are often fitted inside truck campers, campervans, and other vehicles, and they come with external venting solutions to protect you from fumes.

If you are looking for a heating solution for your camper shell, a furnace is a great option to consider. They are inexpensive to run, versatile in the types of fuel they can use, and they do not create moisture inside the camper. This makes them a popular choice for those camping in cold and wet conditions.

Insulation is key to retaining heat. Foam boards, insulated curtains and insulated floors can all help

Insulation is key to retaining heat in your camper shell. One of the most effective ways to insulate your camper is to use foam boards. Typically, 1-inch thick rigid polyiso foam boards are placed in the floor of the camper van to prevent heat loss. Spray polyurethane can also be used to insulate the walls and ceiling.

Another way to insulate your camper is by using insulated curtains. These curtains are designed to reflect heat back into the camper, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. You can also make your own insulated curtains by adding a layer of Insul-Bright, a polyester fabric woven with mylar, to standard curtains.

Additionally, insulating the floor of your camper is important. In a well-insulated camper, leaving the floor uninsulated can result in up to 40% more heat loss. Insulating the floor can be done cheaply and easily, and it will make a significant difference in retaining heat.

By using a combination of foam boards, insulated curtains, and floor insulation, you can effectively retain heat in your camper shell, making it comfortable and cosy during cold weather camping trips.

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