Community Forums

rideandslide · 11-25-2013, 04:32 AM

I now this is an unfair questions,with so many factors envoled. I have tested the heat for short period of time to make sure it worked in our 2000 26' Springdale but the temps dropped into the 30's last night andi set the heat on 60. Any comments on how much propane it uses heating, i know a lot of variables here ??

Jim

njs42 · 11-25-2013, 05:14 AM

I copied this from an article. This formula was used in another thread I read recently. So if you know the btu's your furnace you can estimate how long it will last if you can estimate how long the furnace is running during usage.

The quick and dirty formula is 100,000 btu will burn 1 gallon in one hour...

Therefore a 30,000 btu heater will burn 1 gallon every 3 hours or so, which is 8 gallons or 33 Lbs in 24 hours. If you are using 20Lb'ers you will get about 14 hours out of a tank.

Keep in mind that is only if the heater is operating at full heat and non stop. If you turn it down at all you will use a little less...

Pricejh · 11-25-2013, 09:23 AM

I can't guarantee your results...but. My '11 Onyx 25RB is going thru about 2 tanks every 10 days or so. I am using electric for the hot water, temps had been dropping into the low 30s or high 20s for the past three weeks in the Elkton, MD area. Just pulled in to Virginia Beach two days ago, warmer here. Last night was the coldest (27). Looking forward to lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s and 60s. Should use less gas.

Also, replaced the cheap thermostat with a Honeywell digital, programmable. It does an excellent job of maintaining a more even heat inside.

Ray,IN · 11-25-2013, 06:45 PM

Propane
21,591=btu per pound
91,690=btu per gallon
Obtain furnace btu per hour output from data plate.(this a constant)
RV furnace efficiency is somewhere around 60-70%
Estimate run time as a percentage of time/24 hrs.
From these values, simple math will tell you what you want to know.

rideandslide · 11-25-2013, 09:27 PM

Thanks Guys
Well the furnace did great, got down to 36 last night and it kepted the TT at 70 and cycled on and off. I only had about a third of a tank of propane, so i'l have to see how much is left.

All this was on shore power, will the 12v battery be enough to last for a whole night of heating ?

Thanks Jim

TXiceman · 11-25-2013, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rideandslide

Any comments on how much propane it uses heating, i know a lot of variables here ??

Jim

Sort of like asking how high is up.

Many variables and how hot you like the trailer, how well insulated, how many times the door is opened, do you run a 1500 watt heater as a supplement for the main heater, outside temperature, how windy, etc.

A 30# bottle may last 3 or 4 days or a week.

Ken

lynnmor · 11-26-2013, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rideandslide

All this was on shore power, will the 12v battery be enough to last for a whole night of heating ?

It might, depends on the battery and how much the furnace runs. Think about getting a small generator.

Ray,IN · 11-26-2013, 07:03 AM

As to how long THE battery(one) will last, use the same method to figure that. Use 50-60% total battery amperage rating in your calculations. Determine 12VDC amperage draw of your furnace. Use approximate run-time in 24hrs. Run calculations as previously described. I think you will find one battery (dry camping) may not last throughout the night in 30 degree temperature.