Furnace without generator

Having a bunk model, which is 4 seasons too, I can easily see how the OP could have issues. His is longer than mine, and it just plain takes a lot of amps to keep that many sq ft warm, lighting aside as I would often run the generator until the kids where in bed and lighting wasn't required.

Catalytic heater has no battery drain.... Would never be without one..

I wish they gave the option for the old vented heaters of the past that used no battery power. Furnaces with fans have know place in long term boondocking.

I use an Olympic wave 8, just works better than big buddy.

I live in northern Canada and last night it went down to 10 degrees celsius. I also have a 4 old and I don't want her to be cold. Last summer I tried running the furnace on battery power and the furnace blower quit because of drained batteries.

My only concern with a cat heater is the tanks, they need the furnace to keep warm on my camper. The cat would be good above freezing, but then again I didn't have battery issues above freezing.

OpenRoader66 wrote:
I live in northern Canada and last night it went down to 10 degrees celsius. I also have a 4 old and I don't want her to be cold. Last summer I tried running the furnace last summer on battery power last summer and the furnace blower quit because of drained batteries.

Get her a decent 40°F sleeping bag, and keep the camper a little cooler.

Our kids this year are 3,5, and 7 and they have all been camping since months old in temps below freezing and been fine at colder temps with a little more clothing.

If your batteries have been drained so far the furnace died there is a good change you have damaged the batteries, and that could be part of the problem too.

I would invest in some better batteries, and do better with your charging while camping. If they drop to 12.2 without a load they need a charge for 4-5 hours, maybe more depending on battery bank size and charger capabilities.

10° C isn't all that cold for camping, you should be able to last a night at those temps.. unless you have bad batteries and/or are trying to keep the camper well above 21°C.

buy a third battery, might make it through the night. I wouldn't trash a year old battery unless it tests out as a goner.
bumpy

Open Roader, Keeping your batteries on a trickle charger is a good idea HOWEVER, if your batteries are only partially charged a trickle charger will only keep them partially charged. Before heading out you must make sure your batteries are at 100% or close to it. This can be accomplished by using a decent battery charger just prior to heading out on your trip. Also do not rely on your tow vehicle to charge your batteries as you drive either as you would have to drive all day to get them charged if they were low.. Having 2 batteries will easily run your trailer for a couple of days if your batteries start out at full charge which should be 12.6 volts +.

We use a Big Buddy heater when it's cool/cold and when we're not plugged in to power. Love it. Some folks on here really push the alarm button when someone mentions a portable gas heater. But propane heaters are safe, efficient, and they do a great job of keeping the RV warm.

We've had ours for several years, we've used it dozens and dozens of times. No issues, not one. Just follow the directions for safe operation.

Our furnace fan uses 6.7 ah. You can calculate how long it will last.

Batteries have probably been undercharged and are sulfated.
You need an equalization charge and hydrometer check.

You probably need to invest in a better converter that charges at 14.2+ volts.
Standard incandescent lamps are a bigger power hog than the furnace when in use. Consider swapping to LED lighting.

Otherwise two batteries in good shape 90% charged should get you through a night even as outside temps approach freezing.