Catalytic Heater

Anyone permanently installed a catalytic heater in their rig? Got photos? Something like this or this.

I want to install one and plumb it into the cat's propane system. Trying to decide if I can wall mount one somewhere or have it free standing. I'm tired of being cold! When dry camping (no hookups) I have to keep the furnace set pretty low, it eats up too much battery power.

What about adding a solar charger to top off the batteries during the day.

Solar Charger

I'm just uncomfortable with unvented propane in the house. Even the disclaimer at the bottom of Camping World's web page says for outdoor use only.

Designed specifically for RVs, Olympian WaveTM 3 Catalytic Heater is safe, efficient and dependable. Double platinum catalyst increases BTU output. Self generating piezo starter lasts for 20,000 starts. 100% safety shut-off valve prevents non-ignition fuel discharge. Adjustable heat settings. No flame, no flue or chimney, no fan or blower and no noise. Catalytic Heaters should never be used inside an RV as a portable unit (with leg stands and/or not permanently mounted). Catalytic Heaters should only be used outdoors as portable units (with optional leg stands, LP cylinder, regulator and hose assembly, all sold separately). Safe for operation at altitudes up to 12,000 feet.

We had an Olympian mounted in our Coleman Popup, it did a decent job concidering the canvas sides ! We always left the door window down about an inch and had a CO detector and never had any issues.

My folks have one mounted in their 5th wheel and swear by it for dry camping.

I bought a Mr Heater that puts out up to 9000 BTU's for hunting season last year and it sure made a difference, used about 1 small disposable canister a day.

http://mrheater.com/ProductFamily.aspx?catid=41

Both the Olympian and Northstar require ventelation; I'm aware of that and would make sure a couple of windows are open. I already have a solar panel, but the furnace just uses too much. Besides, it is noisy. The Mr Heaters portable Buddy heaters are only good to 6500'. My driveway is 6000' and we go up from there.

mattebury wrote: Catalytic Heaters should never be used inside an RV as a portable unit (with leg stands and/or not permanently mounted). Catalytic Heaters should only be used outdoors as portable units (with optional leg stands, LP cylinder, regulator and hose assembly, all sold separately). Safe for operation at altitudes up to 12,000 feet.

I don't want to use it inside as a portable unit. I want to install it permanently. That is the way I read that caution; must install permanently and do not use inside as a portable.

This is the full text from Camping World.

Enjoy penetrating soft infrared heat from low pressure LP gas.


Designed specifically for RVs, Olympian Wave^TM 3 Catalytic Heater is safe, efficient and dependable. Double platinum catalyst increases BTU output. Self generating piezo starter lasts for 20,000 starts. 100% safety shut-off valve prevents non-ignition fuel discharge. Adjustable heat settings. No flame, no flue or chimney, no fan or blower and no noise. [b]Catalytic Heaters should never be used inside an RV as a portable unit (with leg stands and/or not permanently mounted). Catalytic Heaters should only be used outdoors as portable units (with optional leg stands, LP cylinder, regulator and hose assembly, all sold separately). Safe for operation at altitudes up to 12,000 feet.[/b]

Friend of mine has one in his class c. They are silent and put out great heat. I also want to put one in because like you, even in the summer it gets cold in the mountains. I did notice on my buddys that make sure you have ample room in front of the heater as it does "throw" the heat out front. Let me know how the install goes so I can do the same

My neighbor has one in his Jayco. Unfortunaltly, due to health, they have never used the camper since they brought it home about a year ago. He said he had one in his last camper and swears by it. He used to dry camp in Wyoming. He has a rear kitchen model and he put his right by the door. Along those lines, he told me yesterday they are selling the camper and TV if anybody is interested:

2008 Jayco 27' rear kitchen, never used

2005 or 2006 Chevy 2wd gas dually with I think 16k miles on it.

They are asking $32 for the pair.