New Heater for our Trillium 1300

[Clayton]

So after our first full season of camping with our '75 Trillium 1300, we have found that the appliance that we used the most was the furnace. It is still the original DuoTherm that was stock in the trailer. We actually used the furnace every time we had the trailer out this summer! I am thinking (but have not fully decided) of upgrading it to a new unit but unsure what is the best way to go. Any advice is appreciated....

[David Tilston]

I will gladly buy your existing heater.

The options available are all forced air furnaces. They have to go under a dinette seat, since they are much longer then a gravity furnace. This means that you will have to cover up the hole where the Duo-Therm vent is now, and cut a new, (much smaller) vent for the replacement.

Why do you want a new unit? Is there something wrong with the existing Duo-Therm?

[Clayton]

Hey David,

I haven't fully decided if I am going to replace it. The reason I am considering it is to get a new unit that is a bit more efficient and slightly higher BTU. There is nothing wrong with the existing Duo Therm unit. I actually sandblasted and re-painted the interior grill with high heat paint.


Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV

[John Linck]

I would like to be next in line to purchase. I hate the noise and battery draw of my furnace. A bit extra propane consumption would be well worth it.

John

[Joe Z]

I just installed a furnace into my non heated casita and wanted to use the newer Atwood Furnace

Atwood 8012-II 36551 12K BTU RV Trailer Furnace 8012 Hydro Flame Camper Trailer RV

which is much quieter than the suburban furnace used in casita's but the Atwood required 11-3/8" height clearance and i only had 9-1/2" height where i needed to install so i had to go with the noisy suburban which fit that area.
Maybe this will help you in some way as i am not familiar with your trailer

[Mike Magee]

Might end up with a bidding war!

[David Tilston]

Clayton,

There is a fan unit that was meant for your furnace:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...wer-54226.html

But I think a peltier fan might also help:
Ecofan Gold Airmax | Canadian Tire

Either of these should help produce more heat.

[Clayton]

Thanks for the info David. I think I might give the Ecofan Gold Airmax a try.

[Joe Z]

Originally Posted by Clayton

Thanks for the info David. I think I might give the Ecofan Gold Airmax a try.

I thought that ecofan was interesting so i asked the owner of the site on amazon if it would work in front of a Wave3 Catalytic heater and he said "No" that the heat must be at the base only and the difference of the heat between the base and the top is what makes the fan spin...... I really wanted that to work for my situation

this was the link to my question

Amazon.com: Questions And Answers: Would this work in front of a wave3 Catalytic Heater as long as the temp is below 650 degrees?_____ Would the blades melt?_____

[Roger C H]

Our heater has no red-hot coils nor noisy fan:



Of course one does need electricity.

[Joe Z]

We had one of those in a small bathroom and they are the best because they hold the heat after they go off. I should try one in the camper as they make no noise and heat very well.... Almost reminds me of the steam radiators as a kid

[Jon Vermilye]

Originally Posted by Joe Z

I just installed a furnace into my non heated casita and wanted to use the newer Atwood Furnace

Atwood 8012-II 36551 12K BTU RV Trailer Furnace 8012 Hydro Flame Camper Trailer RV

which is much quieter than the suburban furnace used in casita's but the Atwood required 11-3/8" height clearance and i only had 9-1/2" height where i needed to install so i had to go with the noisy suburban which fit that area.
Maybe this will help you in some way as i am not familiar with your trailer

Not only is it quieter, but it also has the lowest current draw of any forced air furnace - 1.8 amps compared to over 3 for most. I have one in my Escape 17, and it does the job.

[Joe Z]

I agree with you on the lower amp draw but didn't know exactly what it was.
My friend has an Atwood in his 17' Escape...... Sure wish i could have fit it in the Casita

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by Joe Z

I thought that ecofan was interesting so i asked the owner of the site on amazon if it would work in front of a Wave3 Catalytic heater and he said "No" that the heat must be at the base only and the difference of the heat between the base and the top is what makes the fan spin...... I really wanted that to work for my situation

this was the link to my question

Amazon.com: Questions And Answers: Would this work in front of a wave3 Catalytic Heater as long as the temp is below 650 degrees?_____ Would the blades melt?_____

Your answer has been removed. I think it would work fine, depending on the install. Francesca uses something similar:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post237766
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post247447

[Joe Z]

It's my own fault it was removed. I had so many people responding back to me with a no it won't work like that answer that i withdrew the question to stop so many amazon emails back.
If you try it let me know if it works for you

I do have to admit your second link "vented cat heater" with the shroud over it and just heating the bottom of the fan is a very good idea

[Clayton]

I do like the Duo-Therm that is currently in the trailer but I do want to try and move the warm air around. I might even try a small "clip on" electric fan with low power draw........although it does kind of defeat the purpose of the furnace not having to use any power

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Roger C H

Of course one does need electricity.

This would be a deal breaker for most of us. I do carry a small cube heater, should I ever be connected, but it rarely sees any use.

[Clayton]

I hear you Jim. One of the reasons I love my Trillium so much is the simplicity and the ability to be "off the grid".

[David Tilston]

I use the incinerator, on the furnace, when it gets cold:
http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...one-57925.html

[Clayton]

LOL, that's awesome!!!