Ventilation in the cold

[TayaraTravel]

We are off to Big Bend NP, for 4 nights in the Basin. Temps may be in the low 30s at night. With no electric hookups, we will be dependent on the propane furnace.

When you use your propane heater, do you keep a window or roof vent open for ventilation? The AI manual makes a big deal about maintaining ventilation to avoid condensation. On the other hand, a cold breeze flowing in at night is not very comfortable.

Just curious.

[Pahaska]

Just returned from Big Bend.

I leave the bathroom vent open. No hint of condensation. Since combustion is all outside, there is no reason that furnace should cause condensation in the dry desert air.

[BurntAsphalt]

In cold weather we don't leave any windows open while sleeping (I do have two CO monitors just in case). No issues with condensation from heater. Cooking and shower are biggest source of humidity for us. Opening that big sliding door for a couple of seconds gives some fresh air exchange (whether you want it or not!) or running exhaust fan for 15-20 minutes a few times a day when it's warmer.

[GMFL]

Bathroom vent is the way I do it in out 23D trailer. Works great for us.

[RxGuy]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Bathroom vent is the way I do it in out 23D trailer. Works great for us.

This is what we do too. Definitely helps with condensation.

I'm not comfortable closing up the rig and trusting a CO detector to save us if we are running the furnace. Yes the CO detectors are good nowadays, but why take a chance that you and your loved ones become one of those statistics?

Yes the odds of 2 CO detectors having issues are infinitely small. .....but if it does happen to you, that small chance now changes to 100%. Just not worth it IMO.

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by RxGuy

This is what we do too. Definitely helps with condensation.

I'm not comfortable closing up the rig and trusting a CO detector to save us if we are running the furnace. Yes the CO detectors are good nowadays, but why take a chance that you and your loved ones become one of those statistics?

Yes the odds of 2 CO detectors having issues are infinitely small. .....but if it does happen to you, that small chance now changes to 100%. Just not worth it IMO.

^ ^ ^
Good advice!
We leave a vent open slightly and a window slightly open too, so that natural air convection will occur.

When any living thing is inside the trailer respiration and perspiration are happening, creating humidity.
On a cold night condensation can happen inside the mattress if there is too much humidity. That's why I want some air flowing.

[TayaraTravel]

After asking this question (and thanks for the responses) the coldest night temps in the Basin, at over 5000 feet in February, were in the low 60's. We even had to run the fan one night to stay cool.