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Introduction
A camper shell heater is a device that is becoming increasingly popular amongst people who live or travel in their vehicles. It is designed to provide extra warmth and promote comfort in a space that may otherwise be too cold for living fitfully. The heater utilizes electricity to draw heat out of the air, allowing for less costly heating than combustible heat sources and more efficient energy use. It can be used to heat the cab of larger trucks and vans, as well as provide constant warmth for RVers, campers, boats, caravans and other small spaces. As such, it has become an essential piece of equipment when spending time outdoors in the winter months.
Benefits of Having a Camper Shell Heater
A camper shell heater is a great tool for those who camp, hunt and generally enjoy being outdoors in cooler weather. There are a number of benefits offered by having one.
– Outdoor Comfort: A camper shell heater will help keep you warm on cold nights and in adverse weather conditions. This convenience helps make your camping or hunting trips more enjoyable when temperatures drop.
– Portable: Camper shell heaters are small and lightweight, making them easy to transport from place to place. You can keep them in your vehicle, so you always have it with you when needed.
– Compact Size: Camper shell heaters don’t take up a lot of space because they are designed to be tucked away nicely when not in use. This makes them ideal for small cars or vans where every inch matters.
– Economical: Many models are quite affordable, making this type of heater an economical way to stay warm outdoors without breaking the bank. Plus, there’s no need for fuel tanks that need to be refueled after each use which helps save money over time as well.
– Safety: Camper shell heaters come with many safety features like shutoff switches should the temperature get too high or oxygen levels dip too low such as those found on propane options.
Examples of Popular Camper Shell Heaters and Their Features
Spice Up Heater
The Spice Up heater is a great value for the money. This space-saving heater fits in well with traditional RV furnitures and appliance layouts. It is equipped with an adjustable thermostat with temperature readings in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, and a timer that can be set for up to 12 hours of operation. A cool-touch wall switch offers added safety and convenience, while an efficient ceramic heating element ensures that users remain warm.
Dometic Compact Heater
The Dometic compact heater is designed specifically for RV use, making it ideal for camper shells. It utilizes a low-noise 600 watt fan motor to provide quick heat output, while the sleek design works well in smaller spaces or awkward angles. An integrated thermostat lets you adjust the temp according to your needs, while two separate heat settings make it easy to find just the right amount of warmth when needed. The lightweight design also makes it easy to move around when needed.
Wenlec Caravan Water Heater
This caravan water heater is perfect for larger RVs and camper shells alike, as it comes complete with a powerful dual heating technology that quickly warms both water and air inside your vehicle. Ideal for severe weather conditions, this unit features both manual and digital controls, allowing you to adjust temperatures either from inside or from outside your campsite if desired. Moreover, this full-functioning model boasts over current protection so you won’t have any issues with overheating or running out of insulation power if too many devices are connected at once.
Installing a Camper Shell Heater
Installing a camper shell heater can be an expensive undertaking, but it’s worth the effort if you want to make your camper a more comfortable and enjoyable place to be. When considering the costs associated with installing a camper shell heater, you should factor in the cost of the heater itself (usually between $100-400), fuel or energy source needed to power it (such as propane or electricity), any tools required for installation (ranging from $15-$100 depending on type), and fees related to professional installation. If you plan on doing the installation yourself, be aware that some parts may still require specialist tools and parts, adding to the expense. Of course, this is counterbalanced by the cost benefits of not having to hire out a technician.
Tips and Tricks for Safely Operating and Maintaining Your Heater
In the case of any malfunction of your camper shell heater, follow these emergency procedures:
1. Immediately turn off the heater by switching off the power source.
2. Evacuate the area if you smell gas or smoke.
3. Avoid turning on any electrical switches as this could cause an electric shock or spark used as an ignition source in a gas-burning unit.
4. Contact your local authorized service technician to inspect and either repair or replace the unit, depending on issue found.
5. Do not attempt to repair it yourself unless you have experience with gas/electrical appliance repairs and are properly trained to handle such a task safely.
Frequently Asked Questions About Camper Shell Heaters
Q: Is it safe to have a camper shell heater in a small enclosed space?
A: It is generally not recommended to install a camper shell heater in an enclosed area, such as in a tent or within the walls of your camper shell. Camper shell heaters run off of propane, kerosene, or diesel fuel and produce carbon monoxide gas, which is highly toxic. When used inside an enclosed area where air is unable to dissipate properly, the carbon monoxide level can quickly rise to dangerous levels before you even realize what’s happening. To ensure safety, it is best to use them outside and away from any windows or doors that could bring fresh air into the space. If it’s not possible to place the heater outdoors, then ensure there’s ample ventilation within the space; this could include by using direct outside venting or by using installed fans.
Q: Can I run my camper shell heater while I sleep?
A: It is never recommended that you operate a camper shell heater while sleeping (or when otherwise unsupervised) due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Even with increased ventilation and safety measures, it’s important to be vigilant when operating these types of appliances and keep an eye on levels of carbon monoxide Readings should be taken with special detectors designed for measuring this type of gas specifically; these are widely available at hardware stores. If levels become dangerously high then power down your unit and move outside until it subsides so you can continue using your heating device safely.
Conclusion
In conclusion, investing in a camper shell heater can be a wise choice for those that enjoy spending time outdoors and don’t want to be limited by cold weather. The heater will keep you warm and cozy during your camping trips and other outdoor activities. However, there are also some disadvantages worth considering. Buying the right model has to take into account the size of the space it is intended for, and depending on how much use it will get, finding the most efficient model may require some research. Furthermore, these types of heaters typically need outside ventilation, meaning an exhaust port needs to be provided. Despite these drawbacks, a camper shell heater definitely has advantages and can be worth the investment if used correctly.
