'73 Sov. Furnace removal?

[TxBxSx]

I just picked up a 73 sov and am considering removing the furnace. The PO said it works, but they had trouble keeping it lit and rarely used it.

I reside in the Houston area, so maybe 2 months out of the rear I would be firing it up. The fireplace in our house its never lit, and I feel like the space could be better used. The same applies for the trailer.

It seems like I could use an electric heater when needed. I am new to the RV world and do intend to do a bit of traveling later on, but am worried that if I completely remove it I might end up regretting it later when I'm on the road.

Thoughts?

[dcrocker115]

Did you get your question answered? I am renovating a '75 Sovereign. I live in DFW area. I want to do some winter camping as well as summer camping, and I'm looking at the dometic penguin A/C with the heat pump instead, so as to save myself some valuable cabinet space. How efficient is the dometic heat pump on a 31' TT in colder climates? Advise please.

[DKB_SATX]

What kind of winter camping are you talking about? Does your trailer already have a more-modern AC unit or do you still have a tough old Armstrong up there? I wouldn't trade my Armstrong for any amount of heating capacity.

If you're relying on electric heat, you're committing to camping only where there's 30A power (fixed or a generator) available. If I were seeking electric heat I'd prefer a space heater (1 on "High" or 2 on "Low"). You'd have a similar amount of heating available to you, your capacity to heat wouldn't diminish as the outside temperature dropped and it would be MUCH quieter.

You'll still be giving up the ability to heat the tanks under the floor, which in Texas is more of a theoretical advantage than a necessity, but there it is. I chose to go back with a modern iteration of the Suburban furnace in my 28' Argosy that's currently without any heating options.

My friend Lance (Top) has mentioned the Propex heaters, an interesting alternative that's likely to be enough for Texas, though they're pricey. I'd seriously consider taking that route if I didn't already own an NT30, though. They can mount under the floor to save your cabinet space and use very little 12v power, and each one is about 2x as powerful as a 1500w electric heater. I think it would be enough for Texas.