BTU Calculator

pnwpaddler

New member
Anyone have a calculator that helps them determine what size furnace to spec in a pop top camper? I'm looking at both propane and diesel units that have varying heat outputs. Wondering if any has found a calculator that helps narrow down what's need for the size of the unit, inundation, doors/windows, and climate.
 
I can tell you that mine with no heat sources inside (like people) and a window cracked, uses about 13 W/degree F. That is the temperature difference between inside and outside. 500 W (x 3.4 = 1700 BTU/hr) would maintain ~38 F temperature difference for instance. I measured this with an electric heater, run for 3 days so it was saturated. It's not a poptop, has 1.5-2" thick foam walls, and 3 small windows, 2 of them single pane glass. I did not have them covered with insulation like I normally do if it's cold.

There are so many variables like the amount of wind, radiation to space at night, the amount of infiltration, sun, how many people and dogs, etc. Most heaters made for campers have plenty of output, but it's good to have an idea how much fuel you'll use.
 
What is the camper you are speaking of, and what are the conditions?

Whatever you get, I'd recommend investigating how well it works on low settings, and if it can be easily modded. The 5-8KW Chinese diesel heaters can be turned down to ~2KW and still run efficiently, but no lower. And I've heard they don't like to be cycled. If you are looking at that type, a 2KW heater would make more sense I think.
 
My camper is a soft sided Hower Built - so the roof and lower half have a higher R value than the upper walls. You're comment above is one of my reasons for wanting to figure out the right size; it seems a furnace may provide more comfortable heat if its putting out just the right amount of heat for a long period of time rather than cycle on and off quite a bit.
 

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