Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Wave 3 heater in a 23.5 Twin King (Read 424 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Wave 3 heater in a 23.5 Twin King
We will be cold camping this next trip so I need better heating than the inefficient central air heater.
Unless there's a better solution I'm pretty convinced on the Wave 3.
What are some mounting options for our small 23.5' Twin King?
Should I consider the portable model?

Thanks
2021 Mid Bath
Re: Wave 3 heater in a 23.5 Twin King
Reply #1 –
Quote from: tedeboy  - 
We will be cold camping this next trip so I need better heating than the inefficient central air heater.
Unless there's a better solution I'm pretty convinced on the Wave 3.
What are some mounting options for our small 23.5' Twin King?
Should I consider the portable model?
A Wave 3 is a good choice for the compact interior. A Wave 6 is too big for the small coach.
I usually install them using the following kit, plus always adding a shut off valve..
Portable heater hook up kit
Pull the stove and access the propane behind stove, installing a tee.
Run the new line under the stove, to the front, install a propane-rated valve and have it exit the cabinet through a  quick disconnect fitting, one  that matches the quick disconnect on the five foot hose.
The hose allows aiming the heater at the area in use, such as the lounge or bath.
When not in use, use the quick disconnect to unplug the heater the heater, roll the hose and store in the closet.

In our 23.5' Front Lounge, a Wave 3, and its propane outlet, are located behind the forward barrel chair, on a five foot hose.
The heater,  when used, is placed between the driver's and passenger's captain chairs
Cat heater in lounge | Flickr
Another Wave 3 is permanently mounted on the rear wall, in the bath. This heater is used year round to warm the bath for evening showers.
Bath catalytic heater | Flickr
The propane supply for the bath heater is supplied from a tee, behind the stove.
Stove removed to access propane | lw5315us | Flickr

When the LD is is in 'winter mode', the two heaters can keep the interior comfortable in zero degree weather.

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: Wave 3 heater in a 23.5 Twin King
Reply #2 –
Larry installed the gas fittings in our TK, with his usual professional skill (i.e., we haven’t been gassed to death so far!). The only thing on my wish list is a six foot hose to replace the five footer. The five is just too short to reach the opening to the bathroom for those chilly morning ablutions. 😬  —Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Re: Wave 3 heater in a 23.5 Twin King
Reply #3 –
Sorry to bump as old post but I believe Larry did the install on my Lazy Daze prior to my ownership (Denise Brown was the owner). For the first time I pulled out the Wave 3 which was included and stored under the dining table seat in a vinyl bag. I initially followed the instruction and could not get it to start. I realized there may be a separate gas shutoff and found it next to the lower storage drawer near the water heater. After turning it on I was able to detect a slight propane smell when trying to hold in the start knob but the piezo button would not spark. My only conclusion is that the piezo button needs to be replaced. I believe it is manual and should make a spark on its own and be noticeable in dim lighting. Am I missing something else here?
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Wave 3 heater in a 23.5 Twin King
Reply #4 –
Quote from: brewersarcade  - 
After turning it on I was able to detect a slight propane smell when trying to hold in the start knob but the piezo button would not spark. My only conclusion is that the piezo button needs to be replaced. I believe it is manual and should make a spark on its own and be noticeable in dim lighting. Am I missing something else here?

The control valve needs to be held in the "Start" position, while pushing the ignitor button, usually multiple times before the heater lights.
Hold the start button to the count of twenty before releasing. You should see a red glow spreading across the face of the heater. If it doesn't catch, repeat the process.
Once going, you may hear a slight hissing, indicating the gas is flowing.
The ignitor should make an audible pop or snap, when pushed. If defective, replacements are available.
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Camco/CAM57800.html

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: Wave 3 heater in a 23.5 Twin King
Reply #5 –
Thanks Larry. It’s really cool to know you worked on my LD. As for starting it, I did indeed have the knob in the “start” position and held it down for 15-20 seconds and then was pushing the piezo ignitor (I watched a couple videos). The button makes the proper pop sound (similar to a gas grill) but I couldn’t observe any spark and couldn’t get anything to fire up. I ordered a replacement ignitor so hoping that will do the trick. Do they go bad often? The heater appears brand new although I know it’s probably a decade old. So I am correct that the photo I provided is the gas shutoff?

Quote from: Larry W  - 
The control valve needs to be held in the "Start" position, while pushing the ignitor button, usually multiple times before the heater lights.
Hold the start button to the count of twenty before releasing. You should see a red glow spreading across the face of the heater. If it doesn't catch, repeat the process.
Once going, you may hear a slight hissing, indicating the gas is flowing.
The ignitor should make an audible pop or snap, when pushed. If defective, replacements are available.
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Camco/CAM57800.html

Larry

Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
 
Re: Wave 3 heater in a 23.5 Twin King
Reply #6 –
I'm not Larry, but you may need to hold the start button down longer. Even though you smelled propane (the odorant added), it takes a bit longer to flush air out of the hose, in order to get a proper mixture; correct ratio air/propane, for it to ignite. Then start the 20 seconds, which is heating the thermocouple hot enough to generate the electricity needed to keep the gas valve on by itself. That is pretty standard for gas valves.
    Used to be the same for the refrigerator, but newer gas models have an optical sensor, which keeps the valve open when the flame provides light. That is used because it shuts the valve off faster than waiting for the thermocouple to cool down. Useful especially in gas stations.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB