Keeping warm in the truck without idleing seems to be a big problem. I have foun a solution that works for me.
I have two deep cycle batteries and an inverter and electric heater with a thermostat for starters. If the night temps only get into the 30s or 20s this works just fine. For the colder nights, I find the batteries run down and I wake up at 4 am hearing the low battery alarm going off on the inverter.
To solve this, I picked up one of Colemans "Sport Cat" heaters. The cost was about $30 at WalMart. It runs off of 1 lb propane cans.
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/images/products/5031-700_150.jpg
Smaller and lighter than other portable catalytic heaters
• 1,100 BTU output
• Removable lid
• Compact, lightweight and portable
• Intergrated handle and tie-down eyelets
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Operates up to 18 hours on one 16.4oz propane cylinder (not included)
• Designed for recreational use in enclosed areas
• Platinum catalytic technology means flameless warmth and it's whisper quiet
• Pressure regulated propane fuel control system
The catalytic heaters area a FLAMELESS PROCESS, it's a chemical reaction between propanem,oxygen, and platinum inside the heater to create the heat. Because it is flameless, there is no monoxide created (unless there is a lack of oxygen, then the chemical reaction breaks down and mononoxide can form). So the key is adequate ventillation.
I have found that a single 1 lb can of propane will last me three nights. Cans cost about $2.00 each.
Coleman says its safe to use indoors, but not to be used when sleeping. I however do use it while sleeping. I keep a window cracked open, and my curtain for the door of my sleeper slightly open and have had no problems. The sleeper stays warm, and I don't get dead.
Now before some of you decide to flame me, I said it works for me. I take what I consider to be reasonable precautions, and have had no problems. I would suggest perhaps if a person did want to use one of these, pick up a monoxide detector as well.
Anyway, I've had real good luck with this. No feeling sick or light headed in the morning, no headaches. Your Milage May Vary...
Aviator
I have two deep cycle batteries and an inverter and electric heater with a thermostat for starters. If the night temps only get into the 30s or 20s this works just fine. For the colder nights, I find the batteries run down and I wake up at 4 am hearing the low battery alarm going off on the inverter.
To solve this, I picked up one of Colemans "Sport Cat" heaters. The cost was about $30 at WalMart. It runs off of 1 lb propane cans.
http://www.coleman.com/coleman/images/products/5031-700_150.jpg
Smaller and lighter than other portable catalytic heaters
• 1,100 BTU output
• Removable lid
• Compact, lightweight and portable
• Intergrated handle and tie-down eyelets
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Operates up to 18 hours on one 16.4oz propane cylinder (not included)
• Designed for recreational use in enclosed areas
• Platinum catalytic technology means flameless warmth and it's whisper quiet
• Pressure regulated propane fuel control system
The catalytic heaters area a FLAMELESS PROCESS, it's a chemical reaction between propanem,oxygen, and platinum inside the heater to create the heat. Because it is flameless, there is no monoxide created (unless there is a lack of oxygen, then the chemical reaction breaks down and mononoxide can form). So the key is adequate ventillation.
I have found that a single 1 lb can of propane will last me three nights. Cans cost about $2.00 each.
Coleman says its safe to use indoors, but not to be used when sleeping. I however do use it while sleeping. I keep a window cracked open, and my curtain for the door of my sleeper slightly open and have had no problems. The sleeper stays warm, and I don't get dead.
Now before some of you decide to flame me, I said it works for me. I take what I consider to be reasonable precautions, and have had no problems. I would suggest perhaps if a person did want to use one of these, pick up a monoxide detector as well.
Anyway, I've had real good luck with this. No feeling sick or light headed in the morning, no headaches. Your Milage May Vary...
Aviator