LuigiVampa

Curious what people use to heat their trailers.

I have a 27 foot enclosed trailer and would like to heat it on colder track days. Instead of sitting in my truck I figure this would be preferable.

I've been doing some stuff in my trailer while it is parked in my driveway and keep it plugged into the house. I run a small 1500 watt electric heater and it raises the temperature about 10-15 degrees.

I have a Honda 2000 watt generator for use at the track. Should I run an electric heater or buy a small propane heater.

I figure a propane heater will throw off more heat and use less electric but I am concerned about carbon monoxide.

Thinking about either one of these:

Electric:


Propane:

pontifex4

Keep a door wedged open. A bigger practical concern than the carbon monoxide from a propane heater is the moisture -- burning propane produces a lot of waste water vapour and letting it cool down afterward lets it condense (on your tools, spare bolts, etc).

Tom W

I have a 14,000 BTU heat/15,000 BTU cool heat pump in my 24' trailer and it works fantastic for cold mornings or hot days. I use a 4200 watt Onan generator to be able to run it, the coffee pot and the lighting.

I would not use a propane heater in the trailer.

Veloce Raptor

Methane...

RickBetterley

I've seen the electric heat pump for both heat and cooling work well. I remember one very cool day at Lime Rock being grateful for a neighboring trailer's heat and seating (well before I had my own enclosed trailer). It could also provide a/c and was roof mounted. I don't know how big of a generator you would need, though.

LuigiVampa

Good information here - did not think about condensation. Whatever system I install it will have a secondary methane unit! (Blazing Saddles is awesome.)

I think my generator is going to be too small for a heat pump so perhaps I will just go with an electric heater and a nice fan for the summer. I don't imagine hanging out inside the trailer during the summer.

A big part of a day at the track is walking around and talking to friends - old and new. That being said, when you hit the road at 5am, like I often do when going to LRP, a nap somewhere during the day makes me feel a whole lot better. I used to lay on a furniture pad on the back of my open trailer.

Anyone have any specific recommendations for what they use that might work for a 2000 watt generator? Mine can do 30A so I think I can get something which throws off some decent heat.

f1rocks

I have used the portable propane unit above for both trailer and garage, it does very well. If you're concerned about co, buy a detector but it won't trip it. I used electric heater and electric blanket when I slept in the trailer.

jakermc

A portable infrared heater would be perfect for a trailer. A quick google search will show you the advantages of the technology in this environment versus traditional heaters.

My company makes the Duraflame brand of heater and we plan to promote them on our Fantasy-Garage website given the natural fit in the garage or trailer. If we had 5-10 RL'ers interested I could put together a group buy for everyone.

Frank 993 C4S

Todd, if you need a larger generator, I'll buy your Honda 2000W unit

LuigiVampa

I did buy an aluminum trailer and then an enclosed trailer a few months later. Why should it be any different for a generator?

I think I need to start doing more research and stop shooting from the hip. I also need to stop drinking wine and looking for things to buy on the internet late at night. My trailer is going to weigh 20,000 pounds if I don't stop soon!

Frank 993 C4S

It's a slippery slope! . ... and I'm looking for a small generator, and a better laptop, and .....

good hands

Plus one on this. Also Most tracks we go to either have electric to run ceiling units or the event is at the time of year you don't need heat or AC.
( pca race schedule ) a Honda 3000 unit will run mine fine if necessary.

Is your trailer insulated ? That makes all the difference.

cec3

i used the portable buddy propane unit u linked above last october and worked like a charm - didn't notice much in the way of condensation and its so small, cheap and portable and needs no electricity, can just keep it stowed in the cabinet when not using. will get a CO detector but fwiw they are approved for indoor use - just going in/out the door provides plenty of ventilation during the day

LuigiVampa

Bought my track only laptop just a few months ago. $200 for an HP laptop - crazy cheap! http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/...ctID.309174400

It isn't insulated but it does have plywood in the wall which I guess is better than nothing. Its not drafty but I bet it bleeds heat.

Thanks - I am thinking perhaps of using both. Propane to get the heat up and electric to keep it stable.

Maybe one day it will warm up again!