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mark_b_'s avatar
mark_b_
Explorer
Jan 11, 2019

1964 chinook travel trailer -- Carlson floor heater

I have a now 55 year old Chinook tow-behind trailer in about 1000 parts in my garage right now, but we are coming along.
It has a Carlson 108 C propane floor heater in it. I want to hook it up to some propane, check the lines and all that, and see if it will fire up.

Honestly, short of holding down the pilot button, turning on the know to "run" etc, I have no idea how to light it---like where to put in the flame to start it. There are some pics on flickr of the unit here:

https://flic.kr/s/aHsm86tuog

Any of you seen these, offer some insights? I can't find anything online, though I imagine these were probably pretty common. Thanks, Mark
  • 352's avatar
    352
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2019
    mark b. wrote:
    I have a now 55 year old Chinook tow-behind trailer in about 1000 parts in my garage right now, but we are coming along.
    It has a Carlson 108 C propane floor heater in it. I want to hook it up to some propane, check the lines and all that, and see if it will fire up.

    Honestly, short of holding down the pilot button, turning on the know to "run" etc, I have no idea how to light it---like where to put in the flame to start it. There are some pics on flickr of the unit here:

    https://flic.kr/s/aHsm86tuog

    Any of you seen these, offer some insights? I can't find anything online, though I imagine these were probably pretty common. Thanks, Mark


    HERE
  • mark_b_'s avatar
    mark_b_
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2019
    Thanks for all the horror stories and warnings. This is a turn around unit, I am not going to keep it most likely. I would like to get the current unit up and functional. Would appreciate comments aimed at helping me do that.
  • Boomerweps's avatar
    Boomerweps
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2019
    I'd strongly consider a heat pump AC roof unit. I know some loss of the vintage trailer look BUT you might be able to hide it via a fake luggage rack and boxes to maintain the vintage look but have a modern heater and AC.
  • drsteve's avatar
    drsteve
    Explorer
    Jan 11, 2019
    ScottG wrote:
    I remember those. When I was a kid I went camping with my buddy's family and I was warned not to step on it. In the middle of the night, my buddy's little brother got up and did just that.
    I will never forget the waffle pattern on the bottom of his foot! (and the screaming)

    Personally, I would disconnect it forever. It's dangerous and very likely to leak carbon monoxide. If you do use it, please get a Co detector.

    Heres a pamphlet for it: Carlson 108c


    ^^^^What he said.

    And on top of being a hazard, it's a 6500 BTU convection heater, no fan.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Jan 11, 2019
    I remember those. When I was a kid I went camping with my buddy's family and I was warned not to step on it. In the middle of the night, my buddy's little brother got up and did just that.
    I will never forget the waffle pattern on the bottom of his foot! (and the screaming)

    Personally, I would disconnect it forever. It's dangerous and very likely to leak carbon monoxide. If you do use it, please get a Co detector.

    Heres a pamphlet for it: Carlson 108c
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jan 11, 2019
    Before creating a potiential bomb find a qualified gas technician to pressure test the system for you. Cheap insurance.

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