Catalytic Heaters November 30, 2007, 12:20:49 pm Yahoo Message Number: 86586Since this was a recent topic, I thought this tip from an email might be helpful to some--SusanFeatured Tech Tip for Trailer Life Directory...Catalytic HeatersOne of the best powersavers for boondocking is a propanefueled catalytic heater, (figure 11.9) unless the camping location provides such a mild climate that little or no furnace operation is needed.Nonthermostatically controlled catalytic heaters produce no flame (a catalyst is used to create combustion and heat); they require no electrical power and are nearly 100 percent efficient in their use of fuel, since they require no flue.Although these heaters do not meet construction codes for factory installation in new RV's, they have been demonstrated to be safe over many years of use. Available in camping supply stores under the Olympian brand, they're available in 2800, 5800, and 7600Btu models with manual controls and in a 5800Btu thermostatically controlled model that draws about 5 amps (DC) for less than a minute during the ignition cycle and about 0.5 amps during operation. The heaters are noiseless and they either eliminate the need for furnace operation or they greatly reduce furnace running time, depending on the outside temperature and the RV's rate of heat loss.