underfloor heater

[tosten]

I have a 1959 18 foot model with an underfloor heater. It looks ok but I am wondering if these are decent heaters, worth messing with. I have never used this one. Would it be better to update and if so, what is recommended. Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks,
Tom

[RickDavis]

I had a floor heater in an old Garway trailer. It worked well, heating the 14 footer in zero weather however the grate in the floor will get hot enough to leave a grid pattern on the soles of your shoes. Don't go barefoot.

[tosten]

Thanks! I think I'll connect it and give it a try while I am working on the trailer. Do you know of any links that will give me more info? Do you see it as a fire hazard?

[RickDavis]

I am hesitant to make any claims as to fire safety etc. beyond saying we had no problems.
It should be kept in mind also that I had this trailer around 1969 and it was only 5 years old at the time.
In a small trailer it is a good idea to allow a little ventilation even if the heater is in good shape and vents outside.

We had a house furnace failure in zero weather and all 3 of us went to the trailer to keep warm ( the 14 ft with the floor furnace) It was a windless night and the trailer was buttoned up tight. In the morning we all felt bad, especially my 9 year old daughter.
Suspecting carbon monoxide, we went to the Dr. He told us that what had happened is we were suffering from the affects of Carbon Dioxide as we had essentially used up the oxygen in the trailer. Probably would not have happened if we had a window cracked or even if the wind had been blowing that night. Apparently a combination of the still night and 3 people in a very small trailer.
Anyway, just a word of caution for whatever it is worth.