Catalytic Heater

I just bought the Olympian Wave 6 catalytic heater. I plan to mount it in the cabinet just inside the door (under the sink). Pics to follow when I get it done. I bought off Amazon (new) for $255 (free shipping). Odd, they are now listing it for $349 (this one). Also available at Camping World for $329. I also ordered this recess mounting kit (Camco PN 57692).

The forced air furnace just does not cut it when dry camping. It is noisy, sucks the batteries dry and uses a lot of porpane. I plane to use the catalytic heater and just keep the furnace set to a lower temp to warm the compartments occaisionally. You have to keep a couple of windows open an inch or so when using the catalytic heater.




Designed specifically for RVs, Olympian Wave Catalytic Safety Heaters are safe, efficient and dependable.

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. Wave Heaters can be used inside an RV as a portable unit (with leg stands) or permanently mounted. Wave Heaters can also 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.

Features

· No flame, flue or chimney

· Self-generating piezo starter

· 100% safety shut-off valve

· Silent operation—no fan or blower noise

· Use inside RV as portable unit or permanently mounted

· Can also be used outdoors as portable unit

· Save for operation at altitudes up to 12,000 feet





Tech Specs

Weight: 12.9 lbs.

Dimensions: 17 7/8"H x 12 13/16"W x 4"D

Warranty: Mfr. three year conditional warranty.

Mfg Part #: 57341

Tech Notes:

· AGA and CGA approved.

· 3200 to 6000 BTUs.

· For use in vented areas only.

The neighbor had one of those for when he was in Wyoming working as a hunting guide. He couldn't believe that everybody doesn't use them. How are they on fuel usage?

If I do more winter camping, I may install one.

Everyone's argument against them on other forums is the safety concerns. I don't know if it is carbon monoxide or what?

They are supposed to use a lot less propane than the furnace. The safety issue is not carbon monoxide; it is oxygen depletion. You simply have to leave a window (preferably two, one on each side of the coach) open about an inch. No problem for me, I like to have the window right by my head open for a little fresh air. We don't like a lot of heat when sleeping, our themostat is usually set about 50.

PS: the closest I have ever come to packing it in was when an RV forced air furnace malfunctioned; so don't think they are so safe. I'm only here now because of a really loud alarm clock.

Many years ago, after a job change, I was living in a 24' trailer while waiting for the old house to sell. It was very cold, sub zero. I don't know what went wrong with the furnace, but my alarm woke me at 6am with a splitting headache. I went out for breakfast and that was when I noticed my blue fingernails and figured out what was going on and how close it had been. That furnace was never turned on again.

Wow Scott, thats was really close.
We used to camp in a 30+ y/o truck camper and I shudder to think of how risky it was using that old heater all night long.
Thankfully we have carbon monoxide sensors these days.

I'm looking forward to following this one. Can't wait to see the pics and read the decriptions.

TC

Me too. Last trip, even with a 130W solar panel and 4 GC batteries, the batteries were taxed each morning after running the furnace. It didn't help it was overcast too.

Scott, is there enough room on the side of the 3 drawers there at the sink? That's about the only place I can get one mounted in the 31Q. I could share gas with the water heater. I just don't know how deep it would recess.

That is exactly where I am going to put it. It recesses 1 3/4" max and I think it could be less. I have not received the recess mounting kit yet, so not sure what it looks like.

PS: the Wave3 cannot be recess mounted.

Installing it today.

Ok, got it done. Photos

The easiest place for me to tap into the propane system was the OEM furnace.

scottz that looks realy good, no wasted space.

But did you have the Wildcat gremlin with you because I can see SAWDUST under the heater.
Sean

Looks good!

If I ever get to use my trailer in the winter, I'd consider install one of these. Seems like school and fall sports start and the WC is parked for the duration.

Looks very good.

Looks good. And it's another way to put some of the Wildcat wasted space to good use.

scottz, That looks clean and finished like it came in the rv originally. I used to have one of these in my tent trailer, and it was awesome. As long as you vent well at roof level or windows you guys will be fine. I spent a week in my tent trailer in hunting season in 20's and 30's and it stayed toasty.

Excellent work Scott.

Let us know how it works.

Way to go Scott!!

I'd love to add one of these for dry camping in cold climate. Now that I've seen how you did yours, I might find the courage to do the same in ours.

TC

That is a great idea! Keep us posted. My furnace burns though those bottles like they are butter.

Sean wrote:scottz that looks realy good, no wasted space.

But did you have the Wildcat gremlin with you because I can see SAWDUST under the heater.
Sean

Yeah, they include the sawdust at no extra charge.

bighornram wrote:That is a great idea! Keep us posted. My furnace burns though those bottles like they are butter.

My biggest issue was the batteries; OEM furnace kills them, but I'm sure the catalytic heater will also use much less propane. Heading to the mountains this weekend; lows will be about 34; let you know how it works.

Nice work ~ looks stock!

scottz wrote:Heading to the mountains this weekend; lows will be about 34; let you know how it works.

Sweeet! I am going to have the opposite happening this weekend, we are going to Albuquerque to watch the balloons, highs ninety and lows 60! I'll be running the A/C from my monster generator. Isn't the southwest great!!
Be safe, stay warm and have a great time!

scottz wrote:

bighornram wrote:That is a great idea! Keep us posted. My furnace burns though those bottles like they are butter.

My biggest issue was the batteries; OEM furnace kills them, but I'm sure the catalytic heater will also use much less propane. Heading to the mountains this weekend; lows will be about 34; let you know how it works.

It can get down as low as mid-teens in mid-July where we camp in Wyoming. I'll be anxious to hear all about your weekend experience. BTW, what's the approx. elevation where you'll be camping?

TC

TC wrote: I'll be anxious to hear all about your weekend experience. BTW, what's the approx. elevation where you'll be camping? TC

Well, life happend; had to work late and we decided not to go this weekend; maybe next week. Elevation where we usually go is about 10,500.

Greetings from Silverton, Co. We just had to get one more trip in this year. Low 60's during the day and 30 or below at night. The catalytic heater works great. I have had it running on low all night. It kept the inside temp about 50; just right for sleeping. I could have turned it up and had it warmer. I also turned the forced air furnace on and set the temp to 50 just so it would come on every once in a while and put some heat in the basement. I closed off two of the four floor registers to pump more heat into the basement; didn't want the water pump or lines to freeze. I also have insulated all the compartment doors; this helps.

Don't you just LOVE it when things turn out as well or better than expected?

Great report Scott.

TC

scottz wrote:Greetings from Silverton, Co. We just had to get one more trip in this year. Low 60's during the day and 30 or below at night. The catalytic heater works great. I have had it running on low all night. It kept the inside temp about 50; just right for sleeping. I could have turned it up and had it warmer. I also turned the forced air furnace on and set the temp to 50 just so it would come on every once in a while and put some heat in the basement. I closed off two of the four floor registers to pump more heat into the basement; didn't want the water pump or lines to freeze. I also have insulated all the compartment doors; this helps.

How did the propane consumption compare with running the WC furnace? I was looking at my unit the last time I was out and I don't think I have a wall that I could mount a heater on.