Running propane heater while running

[bandmbrown]

Sorry...forgot to ask this question.
while running in cold weather can you run your propane heat.
the major concern is when the coach slides are retracted some of the propane heat ducts will empty on the retracted slide and other ducts will be close to furniture.
is there a fire danger with this or is it just standard practice to not run with propane heat on.
thanks again
bob

[bandmbrown]

Sorry...forgot to ask this question.
while running in cold weather can you run your propane heat.
the major concern is when the coach slides are retracted some of the propane heat ducts will empty on the retracted slide and other ducts will be close to furniture.
is there a fire danger with this or is it just standard practice to not run with propane heat on.
thanks again
bob

[JavaJelly]

I do a ton of winter traveling. My first coach had a propane furnace and I always ran it while driving. Haven't had anyone tell me any different.

We also run the heat w/our current HydroHot. While some of the vents are buried with slides in, we haven't had any over heat problems.

The only thing to consider is that your thermostat temp guages will act differently. Our rear one is behind the slide when driving. So it is in a cold portion of the coach. We have to set the temp 10 degrees below where we want it.

Had the same issue w/the propane heated coach.

Final point, when it is cold the propane furnace will really suck the propane. Make sure you know where to get refills in advance. With most campgrounds closed, finding a spot in the North to accommodate a coach can be harder than expected.

[GaryKD]

I run my propane fired furnace when traveling in cold weather. Everything seems to work fine. Scott's concern about resupplying the propane tank is valid. Know where your supply will come from before doing this.

[parmm]

Suburban, the manufacturer of many RV furnaces says no.
"Question 5
Can I use my furnace while driving?

Answer:
No. Suburban does not feel this is a safe practice. Some states have laws forbidding the use of propane while driving. You should be sure all gas appliances are off and their ignition systems are off while the vehicle is in motion or being towed."
That is from Suburban Question and Answers.

Note that the above is Suburban's comments and not mine. That said, when I take off in a couple weeks for Florida, if it is cold outside, I plan on running mine because the engine heat just does not do it.

[parmm]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by parmm:
Suburban, the manufacturer of many RV furnaces says no.
"Question 5
Can I use my furnace while driving?

Answer:
No. Suburban does not feel this is a safe practice. Some states have laws forbidding the use of propane while driving. You should be sure all gas appliances are off and their ignition systems are off while the vehicle is in motion or being towed."
That is from Suburban Question and Answers.

Note that the above is Suburban's comments and not mine. That said, when I take off in a couple weeks for Florida, if it is cold outside, I plan on running my furnace because the engine heat just does not keep the coach warm. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[GaryKD]

On the topic of running the furnace when traveling, I would expect the manufacturers to not approve of this practice. Think about it. Why would a manufacturer risk any liability on this topic? What have they to gain? If I were them, I'd say the same thing they say.

[historyljc]

If you're traveling in below freezing temperatures, your wet bays still need heat to keep them from freezing up. The only way I know to heat that bay is to run the (on my coach) rear propane heater. That said, I don't think I'm going to drive in those temperatures. But in above freezing but still cold temperatures, the cats still have to stay warm.

[doc]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">That said, I don't think I'm going to drive in those temperatures. But in above freezing but still cold temperatures, the cats still have to stay warm. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I this case wouldn't you use a cat-alytic heater?
But it is cold and wet and cloudy here and I am bored!

[historyljc]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I this case wouldn't you use a cat-alytic heater? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Oough, I should have seen that one coming.

[hamguy]

I don't know of any states that forbid the use of propane while driving. There are certain places (tunnels, etc) where you are required to shut off the supply while driving through. We here in Arizona have thousands of propane powered vehicles and I can't believe they are banned anywhere.

We use propane for the refrigerator also while in motion. It is set automatically.

I suspect that note by Suburban is an old CYA disclaimer. Since the new style auto-shutoff valves have been instituted, the hazards are minimal.

[Norton]

I too drive with the fridge on propane and once in a while, I do use the furnace. Generally though, I just turn on the inverter and use the heat pump unless it is really cold and then the furnace kicks in.

[JerryForwood]

The combustion air on all three propane units, Furnace, Water heater, and Refrig are limited to the outside air by design. You can run all three with no concern unless you have modified or damaged them.
Just don't ever use the oven or range top for heat.

[Tom N]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Norton:
I too drive with the fridge on propane and once in a while, I do use the furnace. Generally though, I just turn on the inverter and use the heat pump unless it is really cold and then the furnace kicks in. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You can run your basement AC/heat pump on your inverter???

Is this the stock wiring and inverter???

-Tom