Heating Truck Bed Campers: Efficient Ways To Stay Warm

Heating a truck bed camper can be challenging, especially in cold weather conditions. While electric heaters are an option, they consume a lot of power, which can be difficult to obtain in mobile situations. Propane heaters are a popular alternative, with options such as the Mr. Heater Buddy series and the Camco Olympian Wave. These heaters provide versatility and are widely available. However, ventilation is crucial when using propane to prevent carbon monoxide build-up and mould growth. Insulation is also recommended to retain heat. For those seeking a more permanent solution, furnaces are gaining popularity due to their lack of moisture production and inexpensive running costs. Diesel heaters are another option, providing dry heat and addressing condensation issues associated with propane. Safety should always be a priority when using heaters, and a carbon monoxide detector is essential.

Propane heaters: the most versatile option, but ventilation is key

Propane heaters are a versatile option for heating your truck bed camper. They are widely available, with reputable options such as the Mr. Heater Buddy series or the Camco Olympian Wave. Propane heaters are also cost-effective, especially when using a 20-pound tank instead of one-pound cylinders.

However, ventilation is crucial when using propane heaters to prevent carbon monoxide build-up, which can lead to poisoning or even death. It is recommended to open two windows simultaneously, preferably one on each side, with an opening of about an inch for safety. Additionally, a carbon monoxide detector can provide extra peace of mind by alerting you to the presence of harmful gases.

Another important consideration is to maintain a safe distance from the heater, ensuring that nothing is closer than 25 inches. This can be challenging due to the limited space in a truck bed camper, but mounting the heater closer to the top can help address this issue.

Propane heaters are typically used for short periods, such as 10 minutes before bedtime and briefly after waking up. They produce a lot of heat, even on low settings, and most models do not have a thermostat. Therefore, it is common to turn them on and off frequently.

For those seeking a more permanent heating solution, furnaces are gaining popularity. They are inexpensive to operate, do not produce moisture or dangerous gases, and are available in propane, gas, or diesel fuel types. However, propane furnaces are generally preferred due to the wider availability of propane.

Electric heaters: guzzle electricity, but can be useful with a generator

Electric heaters are a convenient way to heat your truck bed camper, but they do come with a few caveats. For one, they can be power guzzlers, quickly draining your battery if you're not careful. To avoid this issue, some people opt to run a generator to power their electric heater, which can be a good solution if you're camping somewhere that allows generators.

If you're thinking of going the electric heater route, it's important to do your research and choose a heater that's safe and efficient. Look for one that has a thermostat and automatic shut-off features to regulate the temperature and prevent overheating. Additionally, make sure your heater is designed for use in small spaces like a truck bed camper; some heaters can produce too much heat for such a confined area.

When using an electric heater, always follow safety precautions. Never leave the heater unattended, and keep flammable objects at a safe distance. Also, be mindful of ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide build-up. A carbon monoxide detector is a must-have when using any heater that burns fuel.

While electric heaters may not be the most efficient option for heating your truck bed camper, they can be a useful solution when plugged into shore power or a generator. Just be mindful of power consumption and follow safety guidelines to ensure a warm and safe camping experience.

Insulation: use foam boards to retain heat

Insulation is a very good idea if you want to heat your truck bed camper. Using foam boards all around the camper shell and even on the bed is a great way to retain heat. This will result in losing space in the already small shell, but it is a necessary step if retaining heat is crucial.

Foam boards are a good insulator because they have a high R-value. R-value is the capacity of an insulating material to resist heat flow, or how well the material traps heat. The higher the R-value, the better the material is at insulating.

When insulating your truck bed camper, it is important to find a balance between thinness and a high R-value. This is because you want the insulation to be as thin as possible while still providing effective insulation.

In addition to using foam boards, you can also add carpet to your truck bed camper for extra insulation. An outdoor rug is a good option because it is thin yet warm, soft yet durable, and can handle both indoor and outdoor use. You can measure your truck bed and purchase a rug at a hardware store. The rug can be installed with as much effort as you see fit. If you want a more permanent solution, you can cut the rug to adjust for the raised wheel wells and trim the sides to line up with the cap of the truck. The trimmed material can be used to line the inside of the tailgate and the back or front of the bed.

By insulating your truck bed camper with foam boards and possibly adding carpet, you can significantly raise the inside temperature and make your camping experience much more comfortable during the colder months.

Furnace: no moisture or gases, but less popular than propane

A furnace is a great alternative to a propane heater. They are becoming more and more popular due to their inexpensiveness, lack of moisture production, and the absence of dangerous gases. Furnaces are available in three fuel consumption types: propane, gas, and diesel. Propane is the better option due to its availability.

However, furnaces are not as popular as propane heaters. This may be because they require installation, whereas propane heaters are portable.

If you are considering a furnace, it is important to keep in mind that they consume a lot of battery capacity. Additionally, the fan can be noisy when it starts up.

To avoid running out of battery, you can recharge them by running your truck engine for about 20 minutes.

Catalytic heaters: more efficient than ceramic propane heaters

When it comes to heating your truck bed camper, there are a variety of options available, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Among these options, catalytic heaters stand out as a highly efficient and effective choice, especially when compared to ceramic propane heaters. Here's why:

Efficiency and Effectiveness:

• Catalytic heaters don't burn propane like traditional heaters. Instead, they catalyze it, which means there is no possibility of carbon monoxide (CO) generation. This makes them safer to use, even in enclosed spaces.
• Unlike ceramic heaters, catalytic heaters are not affected by changes in oxygen levels or elevation. They operate independently of oxygen density, making them ideal for use in high-altitude locations.
• Catalytic heaters are highly efficient, with nearly 100% efficiency ratings. This means that almost all the heat generated is used to warm the camper, rather than being exhausted outside.
• They provide silent, comfortable heat and can be swivelled to direct warmth where it is needed.
• Catalytic heaters don't require a power source like electric heaters, making them more suitable for off-grid camping.

Maintenance and Convenience:

• Catalytic heaters are low maintenance and do not require frequent cleaning or adjustments.
• They are generally long-lasting and trouble-free, although the catalytic element may need replacement every few years due to contamination from lubricants in propane.
• Catalytic heaters are more fuel-efficient than ceramic heaters, making them more cost-effective in the long run.
• They are available in portable and wall-mount configurations, offering flexibility in usage.

Safety Considerations:

• While catalytic heaters are safer than ceramic heaters due to the absence of CO generation, it is still crucial to maintain proper ventilation. Opening a window slightly provides oxygen and helps prevent the buildup of condensation and mould.
• Catalytic heaters must be kept dust-free as dust can accumulate on the catalytic mat and affect its performance.
• Always follow the manufacturer's safety guidelines and ensure that carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functioning properly before using any heater.

In summary, catalytic heaters offer a more efficient, effective, and safer alternative to ceramic propane heaters for heating a truck bed camper. They provide consistent warmth, operate independently of oxygen levels and elevation, and have low maintenance requirements. By choosing a catalytic heater, you can enjoy a comfortable and worry-free camping experience, even in cold and high-altitude conditions.

Frequently asked questions