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CPBIGGS's avatar
CPBIGGS
Explorer
Dec 16, 2014

Furnace BTUs 18 vs 30

We are narrowing down our trailer choices. The three we are looking at all have their manufacturer's version of an arctic package. Two of the three have 30 btu furnaces and one has an 18 btu. All three are comparable in square footage, (+/- 30') floor plan, (slide out and separate bedroom) and options other than how the underbelly is heated. The 18 btu trailer has the underbelly heated by a duct from the furnace. One of the 30 btu trailers is heated the same with the other 30 btu trailer using electrical heating pads on the tanks. We do plan on camping in cold weather, sub freezing temps, and want to make sure we have enough heat for the trailer and underbelly. Is an 18 btu furnace a make or break issue?
  • Road_Runners's avatar
    Road_Runners
    Explorer
    Dec 16, 2014
    Regardless of whether it is BTU or BTUH I would definitely go with the furnace with the larger BTU (BTUH) number. In cold weather, in a trailer, you need all the heat you can get. The 30 BTU unit in our fiver is borderline adequate when the outside temperature goes below 20°F.
  • nomad297's avatar
    nomad297
    Explorer
    Dec 16, 2014
    That's 18 thousand BTUH and 30 thousand BTUH. I can't imagine why one would have only an 18,000 BTUH unit, especially if it has a heated underbelly.

    Bruce

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