Heat strip in Polar Cub?

[stickbowjoe]

I had one in my 13.5k btu dometic (thermo-king?) AC, and found it useful.

It would not warm up a cold camper quickly, but it would keep a warm one warm, down to 35-40F ambient.

Nice when on free 120AC.

My new Polar Cub didn't come with one, but I believe one is available.

Worthwhile?

Thanks.

Joe

[Reddog1]

The cube heater I was referring to was simply the shape. Being square, it is easy to store. I have tried the designer designs, and always had issues in storing then, kind of like storing a Jelly bean. Both put out the same heat.

Pretty simple to install the strip in the Polar Cub. As I recall, you replace the whole piece that is inside your TC. This is necessary due to the controls for the heater.

[stickbowjoe]

Thanks all.

I'm going to get one. I have used the $30 Walmart heater mentioned, and it is a sweet little unit.

It and its cord seem to always be in the way, though, and as a full-timer, I have to pack it around all the time. It's just not worth its size to me.

Not familiar with "cube" heaters.

The one for the Dometic was butt-simple to install. 1 sheet metal screw and plug her in.

Is the PC unit similar? I'm no electrician.

Oh, and any advice on where to buy?

Joe

[BradW]

GeoBoy wrote:
Yes, we used ours all the time, saves on the propane.

Ditto.

[Reddog1]

rfuerst911sc wrote:
Don't you want heat down at floor level so it rises ? Seems to me heat at roof level is borderline useless but I have no personal experience that's why I ask.

Another reason I prefer the cube heater. But to be fail, the the heat probably circulates better with the Polar Cub fan, it moves more air.

[rfuerst911sc]

Don't you want heat down at floor level so it rises ? Seems to me heat at roof level is borderline useless but I have no personal experience that's why I ask.

[LanceDuyen]

I like the electric heat strip in mine. Works great prefer it over the propane furnace any day.

[MARKW8]

I was happy with mine. Also have it in our trailer.

Mark

[Reddog1]

I bought the strip when I purchased my Polar Cub in 2004. It cost $50 at time of purchase of the A/C, and it was my understanding it was $150 to add later. Since I installed it, I have used it one or two times. It is borderline useless, and would be exceptionally disappointed had I paid $150 for it. As it is, I just wasted $50. I have a Walmart portable heater ($30) that does a better job. It is much quieter, smoother/quieter air flow. In using the Polar Cub heat strip, I have found it to be very noisey, and the windchill from the fan uncomfortable.

If you purchase the strip at $50 I suggest you give it a try. To add later for $150, I think you are wasting your money.

Wayne

[kohldad]

I don't use my because of the noise from the roof unit. Plus it moves too much air creating cold drafts.

Instead, I use a small 8" fan forced electric heater but feed it through a baseboard thermostat for better temperature control. Set on 600 watts, it cycles even down to 20*. During the day I point it towards the dinette to keep my feet warm then at night point it towards the bed so I get a touch of air movement which helps keep the temperature even.

[popeyemth]

Just use a 1500 watt portable in our Shadow Cruiser pop top.
Seems to work better by heating the air at the floor level first plus way quieter.
Good Luck, Mike

[Camper_Jeff___K]

I installed one in my AC unit and found it a worthy option. Don't expect a lot from it but it will warm slowly. The blower is also on the loud side so it's really the option of last resort.

[GeoBoy]

Yes, we used ours all the time, saves on the propane.

[harold1946]

Yes