I'm going to be installing a Wave 8 catalytic heater in my fifth wheel and am aware of concerns and cautions concerning oxygen depletion, moisture condensation, propane leaks, and the need to protect the catalyst pad from dust. The heater will be portable, that is not attached to a wall. I have questions in three areas:1) I would supply propane to the heater via a flexible hose. I'd like to have a quick connect fitting at each end of the hose. Is there any reason this connection method is not a good idea? Is there one type or brand of quick connect fitting that is best - that is, more durable or less prone to leaking? Is there one type or brand of propane supply hose that is best - more flexible, resistant to damage?2) Can the heater be moved when it is on? Is there a grab handle on it of some sort?3) Any vital piece of information about catalytic heaters that I need to know?Thanks for all replies.

One thing I would suggest would be a shutoff valve in addition to the quick release fitting.

Myself I would verify with the fittings manufacturer that the quick connect fittings are rated for INDOOR use. If they say no, oh well, that's that.My Olympian gets way too hot to grab a hold of. Not flaming hot but I cannot tolerate 150 degree metal. You'll need to rivet on your own handles.I made an aluminum tip-proof pad for the base that extends out an inch and a half. Sixteen gauge aluminum riveted to the case. It really helps stability.A vinyl cover is the best way to protect the pad from dust when in storage.

If it were me I would permanently mount the heater. It could be a simple install to a cabinet door much like these GOOGLE IMAGES...This install includes flexible propane connections as well as an exhaust tube going to the outside wall...As you can see this would not take up much of your precious room inside the Fifth Wheel...Being portable like you are suggesting I don't think will have an exhaust to the outside that you really need to have... Connecting up a PVC type exhaust venting system sitting out in the open hallway like shown in this google image sure would not be to my liking.These type heaters are very dangerous in concealed locations requiring not only the need for oxygen is absolute but any Carbon Monoxide removed. Certainly don't want to wake up dead...Just food for thought presented here - thinking out loud only...Roy Ken

Hi,I'd start with the Platinum Cat. It has a chimney and a thermostat.

we have a wave 8we have the legs for it, and use a huge vynl shopping bag as a cover when not in useNO handle , I have a short Bungee hung from the mounting holes on the backso i can lift it and turn it a littlebut "someday" im going to make a permanent insulated handle for itare hose is fixed and we have a shut off valve were it is attached to LP lineI would only use the approved GAS quick connect fittings (if available)compressed air fittings are NOT safe for this use

Catalytic Heater Install | Good Sam Community

jhilley
Explorer
Dec 20, 2014
The people at MB Sturgis are indeed helpful and responsive. They can custom make hoses for you.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Dec 20, 2014
I have 2 wave 3s, one mounted to the wall, the other on 8" hose w/ quick coupler at wall end of the hose. The QC are expensive, sold at Ace Hdw, about 30 bucks.

For me,....making one portable was a complete waste of time and money. It is never moved.

I used automotive fuel injection hose, better and more flexable than that stiff hi $ propane junk hose.
ICamel
Explorer
Dec 20, 2014
daamac wrote:
I'm going to be installing a Wave 8 catalytic heater in my fifth wheel and am aware of concerns and cautions concerning oxygen depletion, moisture condensation, propane leaks, and the need to protect the catalyst pad from dust. The heater will be portable, that is not attached to a wall. I have questions in three areas:

1) I would supply propane to the heater via a flexible hose. I'd like to have a quick connect fitting at each end of the hose. Is there any reason this connection method is not a good idea? Is there one type or brand of quick connect fitting that is best - that is, more durable or less prone to leaking? Is there one type or brand of propane supply hose that is best - more flexible, resistant to damage?
I have a quick connect on the propane supply side of the hose, but the propane tank is located on the ground outside of the RV. I just use a small wrench to disconnect at the heater.

2) Can the heater be moved when it is on? Is there a grab handle on it of some sort?
Yes you can move it while it is on, but you need to keep it stable so the tip over switch is not activated. There is a handle at the top back side of the heater, but it will be hot. An oven mitt will keep you from too much heat while handling. I just grab hold of a leg on the bottom and use the oven mitt at the back topside.

3) Any vital piece of information about catalytic heaters that I need to know?
Mice have been known to pirate the burner mat material for nest makings, so you will want to secure it somehow. Olympian/Camco makes a dust cover that is a good investment. Since you will be using it as a portable unit, they make legs for it that will provide a more stable setting. I have the cover for my Wave-6 and bought a roll of 2 sided Velcro that I use to secure the cover at the bottom where critters might be inclined to get in. While traveling and in storage the heater is placed face down(after cooling) on the couch with the cover on and the front legs fitting down in the space between the back and seat of the couch. It has never moved during travel, and I have been over some pretty rough road surfaces.

Thanks for all replies.
SteveAE
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014
To avoid the possibility of it being knocked over or it being in the way, perhaps you could mount it in such a fashion as to allow it to be quickly removed and stored?
On the back of the heater there are some slots intended for mounting the heater to a wall. You could put some screws with small heads (or grind down the heads of the screws that come with the heater) into a suitable surface (I would advise a backing if you want to use a typical RV cabinet). The heater will then quickly slide onto these screws and drop down about 3/4" or so. Then, to remove the heater, just lift it up and it will come free. Turn off the valve and remove the quick disconnect and store heater and hose that is still attached to the heater in the original carton....I don't think you need two quick disconnects (more to go wrong and more $$$) A gas valve and one quick disconnect tucked away somewhere (like under a counter overhang), and a length of flexible hose to the 90 degree adapter that they sell as an accessory for the heater should do you. If you want to go a little fancy, conside mounting a gas bulkhead connector to the cabinet, with the valve and quick disconnect mounted right to it. Hose and quick disconnect can be purchased at industrial supply shops (like someplace that sells hydraulic and other fluid fittings) that will properly crimp the fitting to the hose.

Steve
red31
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014
yes, the folks at sturgis not only make QDs but answer the phone.
RVhiker
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014
I will definitely have a shut off valve on the supply to the heater.

On the quick connect fittings, my trailer has one on the outside for a grill. I'm queasy about the QC's, but it sure would be nice to have a heater that could be moved from living room to bathroom. So I need a hose. And the QC's would make it easier to remove the hose when not in use. Thus my question about quality propane QC's - anybody know? Thanks for the Sturgis link.

We would need the catalytic heater at most for two or three weeks a year. Since the catalyst pad needs to be isolated from dust, I think a portable heater that can be completely stowed in a plastic bag would be best for us.

Certainly I would not like to wake up when dead, as I don't like to eat brains. :E

I think that the Platinum Cat is the best heater for permanent install, but I want mine portable.

New question, if I tee off the 3/8" line going to my 30,000 BTU Atwood heater, would there be enough propane supply from the 3/8 inch line to supply the catalytic heater?
red31
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014
I'd contact the folks at http://mbsturgis.com/
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Dec 19, 2014
Pianotuna, I go one better

The

"NoCat"

No purchase, no fuel, no maintenance, nothing to break, nothing to adjust. Lots of room saved. When I arise it is 23C, when I go to bed it is 27C

A heater down here is about as useful as a roof air on Santa's Work Shop.
MrWizard
Moderator
Dec 19, 2014
we have a wave 8
we have the legs for it, and use a huge vynl shopping bag as a cover when not in use
NO handle , I have a short Bungee hung from the mounting holes on the back
so i can lift it and turn it a little

but "someday" im going to make a permanent insulated handle for it

are hose is fixed and we have a shut off valve were it is attached to LP line
I would only use the approved GAS quick connect fittings (if available)

compressed air fittings are NOT safe for this use
pianotuna
Nomad III
Dec 19, 2014
Hi,

I'd start with the Platinum Cat. It has a chimney and a thermostat.