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elkay12 · 10-19-2011, 11:13 AM

does anyone have some pix's and some help on a install of a Catalytic Heater / i want to install one in my 1974 Sovereign 31ft

GetOutDoors · 10-19-2011, 11:22 AM

Here are a few of my install: including the propane line (black) going down through the floor.

star kitty · 10-19-2011, 11:34 AM

Here is a picture of where I mounted my heater. It sits close to the space where the original factory furnace used to be. It also comes off the wall and stands on the legs so I can change locations of the heat.

I did purchase the largest one (cat 8) but it was too large to be mounted in its current position. I had to exchange it for the cat 6. If it were me, I would buy the largest unit that will work in your space. They are radiant and take a bit to get the trailer warm

1967 Airstream Globetrotter: Turn Up The Heat

GetOutDoors · 10-19-2011, 11:43 AM

Here is another idea: an install I did on the rebuild of my '66 - on hinges: Swivel Mount For Cat. Heater - Notice the gas shutoff valve Photo Gallery

lkg907 · 10-28-2011, 08:52 PM

Here's how I did it.
LKG907

HiHoAgRV · 10-28-2011, 08:57 PM

As we sit here, no hookups, listening to owl's in the woods while we enjoying the silent heat from out cat heater...

elkay12 · 10-29-2011, 05:52 AM

where did you get the swivel mount

c_lewis77 · 10-29-2011, 06:17 AM

Mine is a bit larger than getoutsoors but in a similar location. In my 34' that location is the back side of the dinette. My cat heater has a stand and hooks to the wall on the back (door side) of the dinette. The gas line comnects to a valved connection under the dinette.
Because it is not permanently mounted, it can be stowed under the bed when not in use. The setup was done by a PO of my rig and seems to work well. Here in south coastal ga, I very rarely have the need to use it.

65CV · 10-29-2011, 06:42 AM

I used gate hinges from the big box store to do a swivel mount. Flex hose was from Camping World. See posts 149 and 150 of this thread:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f145...tml#post805227

John

65CV · 10-29-2011, 06:48 AM

You are most likely aware, but just in case -- improper use of a catalytic heater will kill you.

They use the available oxygen in the trailer. You have to have a window open.

I won't use one without a smoke, propane and CO detectors in good operating condition and running.

John

GetOutDoors · 10-29-2011, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elkay12

where did you get the swivel mount

The swivels (2) were purchased at Sears, but can be found anywhere TV mounts are sold (used two small mounts). They are fastened to an aluminum diamond plate I made from leftovers (and polished so it would shine like the Airstream). The Olympic Wave 8 fastens to the diamond plate (opposite side of the swivels).

The biggest deal of a swivel based install is getting the propane line so it does not restrict the swivel movement, and the fact that it sticks out from the wall 2-3 times the distance to that of a permanent mount.

GetOutDoors · 10-29-2011, 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_lewis77

Mine is a bit larger than getoutsoors

Are you referring to the mount or the heater?

The heater used in both of my installs was a Wave 8. If there is a bigger cat heater, I'm all ears.

Some could say the Wave 8 was over-kill for the 22 foot '66, but I did not replace the forced air furnace (because of weight considerations), so the cat was the only heater I installed.

We rebuilt the '66 with boon docking in mind. When shore power was available, we simply used a portable light weight electric heater. It worked out very well.

I miss the beauty of our '66 (we sold it a year ago). It was a class act.

c_lewis77 · 10-29-2011, 07:45 AM

The heater itself is a little bigger, it has a stand and sits on the floor against the dinette wall in front of the door. It hooks that secure it too the wall. I will take pics when i drag ot out and hook it up next. I am still using the A/C

GetOutDoors · 10-29-2011, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 65CV

I won't use one without a smoke, propane and CO detectors in good operating condition and running.

John

None of those detectors will warn you of low oxygen levels, which is the risk you take if you do not vent correctly when using a cat. I have unsuccessfully searched for an oxygen monitor for RV's. Wish there was one available.

Cats do not emit CO nor do they emit smoke. They are clean burning, quiet, and way more efficient then forced air systems.

The heat they provide is more of a radiant heat which feels much more like wood heat compared to the forced air furnace.

Being a propane device, as with using all other propane devices in your Airstream, you should always have a working propane detector installed (in fact, I think propane alarms are required by law for all propane enabled RVs).

If you check out the link to my install in the '66 you can see the propane detector next to the floor just under the cat install (propane is heavier than oxygen, so if there is a propane leak it will first be detected next to the floor).

65CV · 10-29-2011, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c_lewis77

I am still using the A/C

I'm jealous! I ran my heater for 6 hours yesterday while working on some cabinets. Probably won't get much done during the snowstorm.

65CV · 10-29-2011, 08:14 AM

GetOutDoors --

I wasn't saying not to use one. Check my previous post for my installation -- which we use often.

I don't want to make a recommendation on a cat heater without some caution.

BTW, they do emit some CO. See http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/foia05/os/co03.pdf

John

Quote:

Originally Posted by GetOutDoors

None of those detectors will warn you of low oxygen levels, which is the risk you take if you do not vent correctly when using a cat. I have unsuccessfully searched for an oxygen monitor for RV's. Wish there was one available.

Cats do not emit CO nor do they emit smoke. They are clean burning, quiet, and way more efficient then forced air systems.

The heat they provide is more of a radiant heat which feels much more like wood heat compared to the forced air furnace.

Being a propane device, as with using all other propane devices in your Airstream, you should always have a working propane detector installed (in fact, I think propane alarms are required by law for all propane enabled RVs).

If you check out the link to my install in the '66 you can see the propane detector next to the floor just under the cat install (propane is heavier than oxygen, so if there is a propane leak it will first be detected next to the floor).