Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line (Read 2048 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #50 –
Karen & Liam,

With the Wave 6, you get silent heat all night long. There is no fan and no electricity required. The Wave disperses radiant heat like the sun and warms interior furnishings and you as well when standing in front of it.

Don’t forget to follow the Waves instructions and keep an overhead vent open while in use.

Good choice. We love ours.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #51 –
So with a roof vent slightly open and possibly a window cracked you can run the olympic heater all night with no worries about CO emissions and asphyxiation?


    Karen~Liam
        98 ~ M
           NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #52 –
I know that some do crack a vent or window and run the Wave all night when they’re sleeping; I don’t. If the heater is on, I’m awake.  The Wave product description that I read on the Camco website did not state that the unit has a low oxygen sensor to shut it off of the O2 is inadequate. (The Wave 3 that I have is a few years old; new models *may* have a low O2 sensor; I don’t know.) The CO detector in my rig is pretty new and working as designed as far as I know, but I prefer not to take a chance on not waking up.

YMMV, as always.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #53 –
Quote from: Karen & Liam  - 
So with a roof vent slightly open and possibly a window cracked you can run the olympic heater all night with no worries about CO emissions and asphyxiation?

Correct. That is, assuming your "you" refers to "me." If you're using it in the collective form, well...there's clearly some debate on that.  :)

I'll trust the manufacturer's approval for this use, along with redundant CO detectors and cracked vents at each end of my rig.

Perhaps my actions are slightly more risky than a meteor strike in the middle of the night, but my worry factor is about the same.
2011 RB
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #54 –
"Pulling the stove is five minute job and it isn't as heavy as it looks. Slide it out and set it on the dinette table." Larry

Don't you have to disconnect the gas line to remove the stove?  How is that accomplished? 

Thanks Bob
2006 RK
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #55 –
For those of you that have a Wave 3 heater in their RV, if you use the heater with the legs attached, do you put anything underneath the heater to protect the floor area from the heat?  Thanks.
Fred K.
2003 RB
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #56 –
"if you use the heater with the legs attached, do you put anything underneath the heater to protect the floor area from the heat?"
-----
No. I've never noticed any heat radiating from the bottom of the Wave.  
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #57 –
On edit: The Wave 3 in my TK is moveable, i.e., on a hose/quick-connect system; it is never placed on a carpeted surface or on a throw rug, but always on the vinyl floor. That said, the Wave doesn't emit heat from its bottom, only heat from direct radiation from the slightly up-tilted face (its position when on its legs) of the unit.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #58 –
Joan, I appreciate your input and look forward to giving my Wave 3 a try out in Quartzsite next month. I've had it for three years and I have never have used it.  My plan is to try it this year using a portable propane tank..... I know this is not recommended but have talked to others that do it and am not too concerned. I will only be using it while awake.  If I am satisfied with it's performance I will tap into the RV's propane supply for future use.
Fred K.
2003 RB
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #59 –
Two comments:

The catalytic pad of the Wave is very susceptible to contamination from dust; I hope that your Wave has been stored in its original packaging or covered for the past three years?

YMMV, but I would not be at all comfortable with using a portable propane tank inside the rig.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #60 –
It has been covered and stored in a secure closed place...
Fred K.
2003 RB
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #61 –
Quote from: rprice  - 
"Pulling the stove is five minute job and it isn't as heavy as it looks. Slide it out and set it on the dinette table." Larry
Don't you have to disconnect the gas line to remove the stove?  How is that accomplished? 

Yes, there is gas line, under the stove's removable top, that need to be unscrewed.
Before removing the gas line, shut off the main propane valve and empty the system by lighting burner on the stove. Once the flame has gone out, it is safe to disconnect the gas line.
Before disconnecting the line, remove the one screw clamp that holds the line in position.
Once the line is disconnected, remove the four screws, under the stove top and the two screws at the bottom of the door screws that restrain the stove and then pull straight outward and sit it on a table or floor.
Behind the stove there usually is a propane fitting where the new Tee can be attached and the new propane line run from there.
A few models have interior propane access at either the water heater or furnace, depending on the floorplan and year of construction.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #62 –
Quote from: Fred  - 
My plan is to try it this year using a portable propane tank..... I know this is not recommended but have talked to others that do it and am not too concerned.

I can't see any problem at all with that, as long as the tank is outside. Some might argue it's actually safer than a QD internal setup.

Here's a post if you haven't seen it of just such a setup. Running the propane line out the shower window, combined with pipe insulation on the window edge allows for the small amount of necessary ventilation.
2011 RB
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #63 –
Quote from: Fred  - 
For those of you that have a Wave 3 heater in their RV, if you use the heater with the legs attached, do you put anything underneath the heater to protect the floor area from the heat?  Thanks.

The Waves are designed to run at just above floor level using the optional legs.
The legs provide the needed clearance.



The "official clearances for the Wave 3 are combustible materials must be a minimum of:
4" from each side
4" from the floor(rug, tile, etc.)
18" from the top
30" from the front
0" from the rear

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #64 –
Hi Fred;, to use a one pound tank, you'll need a pressure regulator. The non-refillable tank will last about 22,000 BTU, so about 7 hours if you run the Wave 3 at full. Make sure the connections are leak free. Your nose, or propane detector will let you know if they aren't.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #65 –
Question for those of you using the Wave legs.

The plumbing kit I picked up included a set of Wave legs, and the package stated they were for all models including my Wave 6.

However...

The leg package only included two mounting screws - one per leg. There are four threaded inserts on the bottom of my Wave 6, two per side - seemingly indicating each leg should have two screws. However, confusing things even further...each leg has multiple holes drilled, and yet there is no combination of holes that would allow securing each leg with two screws.

So, one screw per leg is what I have now and that's all that is possible with my setup without drilling more holes in the legs. It does seem stable, but...normal?
2011 RB
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #66 –
It was my intent to use a 10# tank that I carry for my outdoor grill with a Camco 12' hose and regulator.  Haven't considered running the hose in from the out side... I'll have to take a look at doing that!
Fred K.
2003 RB
 
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #67 –
Quote from: Will G  - 
Question for those of you using the Wave legs.
The leg package only included two mounting screws - one per leg.
So, one screw per leg is what I have now and that's all that is possible with my setup without drilling more holes in the legs.
It does seem stable, but...normal?

That is not normal, the kit should've come with four leg screws.
Take one of the screws to the local hardware store and buy two matching screws, making sure to verify the screw and thread size.
It will cost maybe a dollar and is a lot easier than trying to get replacements from the manufacturer.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #68 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Take one of the screws to the local hardware store and buy two matching screws, making sure to verify the screw and thread size.

Yeah...if the holes on the legs actually lined up with the threaded inserts on the heater, I'd have done that. They don't, and after a call to Camco - here's the scoop.

There's a "new" version of the Wave 6 - perhaps other models as well. For whatever reason, the threaded inserts in the bottom for the feet are in a slightly different location from the "old" version. So, if you have "old" feet and a "new" heater - no worky. Since I picked up my heater from a different source than the feet, I likely got old stock on the feet.

And, it's not just as simple as drilling a new hole in the legs in the proper location. The new threaded inserts are not in a straight line, perpendicular to the face of the heater. So, while you could drill a new hole in the legs and physically make them line up with the inserts - the legs would not be oriented correctly. They'd cant inwards quite a bit.

Camco will ship out new feet for no charge if you call them, but they are backordered.
2011 RB
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #69 –

Other than the minor issue with support legs mentioned above, my Wave 6 installation is complete. And...I had a change of heart and decided to tackle it myself, choosing to learn a new skill. Armed with patience, plenty of practice, YouTube videos and the right tools - it's really not rocket science for those that are somewhat technically inclined and can give attention to detail. All fittings passed leak tests. YMMV, don't attempt if you have doubts, etc.

Two new tools were added to my arsenal that made the job pretty straightforward.

After a couple test runs on some copper scrap tubing, this flaring tool from Amazon made perfect flares every time. Some RV guy named "Andy Baird" gave it a positive review at Amazon, helping to cement the purchase decision.  8)

Next up was a tubing bender, and this $8 item from Harbor Freight works just dandy on the required 3/8" copper tubing. Tight 90's with nary a kink. You can see in the attached installation photos how it helped to perfectly route around the existing heater duct from the tee to the valve/QD.

The portable heater hookup kit mentioned by Larry and sold through RV Solar Electric includes a Hansen QD valve, but no shut off valve. That was easily remedied by picking up a gas rated 1/4" valve locally, and placing it inline with the QD. The Hansen valve fits snugly inside a 7/8" hole, and a simple bracket included with the kit snugs it tight against the panel where installed below the oven. However, given how thin the panel is in this location - I fabbed up a simple additional, second support bracket for the back side to support the rear of the QD and valve. The bracket is attached to the thicker framing around the thinner paneling. Details shown in the pics, everything is quite solid - no movement when using the QD or operating the valve.

As "luck" would have it, we just encountered a three day power outage from a massive wind storm up here on the Olympic Peninsula. Suffice it to say, significant time was spent in the LD where power and heat were present. Add me to the list of happy Wave 6 owners...outside temps dropped to the 30's, and it easily kept the interior comfortable.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2011 RB
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #70 –
We alway enjoy a success story.
Well done.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #71 –
"...it's really not rocket science for those that are somewhat technically inclined and can give attention to detail."

I've seen a few of these sorts of installations and I can say that yours is right up there at the top, Five stars for a neat job! Loved how you concealed the shut-off valve and the location was brilliant. A project like this can sure do wonders for future confidence.   ;)   ;D
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #72 –
RE the leg issue - that backorder didn't take long. Arrived today.

However, there's no significant redesign - they just elongated the holes a bit. Could have done the same to the original set with a drill in a few minutes.



If anyone is planning on ordering up a Wave 3/6/8 and wants a set of "old" legs for the price of a shipping label - drop me a note.

As mentioned above, they came short two screws so count on another 50 cents and a trip to the hardware store.
2011 RB
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #73 –
We ordered a Wave 6 and Legs on Amazon (LDO link) a little over a week  ago.  The box came end of last week and the Legs fit!  I did order a slightly used Wave 6 for a $100 discount, the box was slightly damaged but the unit inside looked unused.  I have also bought a propane inline filter which I have adapted to fit just fine.  A filter might be a good idea since we will use it with a smaller tank outside and rubber feed line.  I have read that sometimes the rubber lines could have small bits release and clog up the heater.  I will do a line from the stove in the future in our 98~MB with a shut off valve, just have to figure where to put it.  We are still nervous about running it when we are sleeping even with windows and vent cracked open.

                                              Karen~Liam
                                                 98 ~ MB 
                                                    NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Catalytic Heater Installation - Accessing Propane Line
Reply #74 –

If anyone is interested in the inline filter that I used it is the one for the Mr Heater and a couple of adapters below.

     Karen~Liam
       98 ~ MB
         NinA

Amazon.com: Mr. Heater 1/4 Male Pipe Thread x 1"-20 Female Throwaway...

Amazon.com: Mr. Heater 1"-20 Male Throwaway Cylinder thread x 1/4" Female...

Amazon.com: Mr. Heater Fuel Filter for Portable Big Buddy Heaters #F273699:...

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags