Running heater when RV is covered
I have a 4-seasons 5th wheel that I recently put a cover on for the summer. If I leave that cover on can I still run the furnace over the winter to keep the underbelly warm?
Forum Discussion
- Furnace recircs the inside air so that would not be an issue
Furnace combustion comes in via outside vent and the exhaust after flowing thru heat exchanger goes back outside.
Exhaust is HOT right at the exhaust port but quickly looses heat within 8" - 12" of exterior of rig especially when cold outside.
CO (Carbon Monoxide) COULD----COULD be an issue IF heat exchanger had a crack.
Course that is an issue anytime furnace is operated and why a working CO Monitor is key safety device.
COVER.....would have to cut not just a window but a panel out of area around furnace intake/exhaust ports and secure it so exhaust fumes which do contain CO would not go up under cover and collect
PLUS there issue of heat...which is less of a concern if cut out panel is at least 12" wider then intake/exhaust port area
Lot easier to drain & winterize rv plumbing lines/system and keep cover on and intact.
Just winterize it :B - How will fresh air get into the camper?
Danger, Will Robinson! - Better to winterize the plumbing and let it freeze.
JMHO - No.
Not only is the Co an issue, the exhaust is hot enough to start the cover on fire. - I was thinking that or worse it may not even vent and cause worse problems. I wonder if I could cut a hole in the cover for the vent and solve the problem? I hate to pull the cover off for the winter as we get a lot of snow...
- The exhaust from the heater exhaust vent may burn a hole thru the cover.
- Where will the "exhaust" from the heater exit? Through the cover? Take the temperature of the exhaust if through the cover and decide. Run an unattended RV heater...not me.
