Cargo Trailer Furnace Install

[dcullen]

Hello,
I have been looking around here quite a bit and there are some awesome ideas, but I can't seem to find an answer to my question.
I have a haulmark 6x12 with 3 foot v-nose, side door and ramp rear. I am in the process of making it a comfortable camper for winter. I snowmobile and would like to stay out for 2-3 nights at a time. So far I have insulated the entire trailer, installed a window and some LED interior lighting. I purchased a "big buddy" heater that I have been using inside the trailer while working on it (and it works AWESOME), but after TONS of reading have decided that I am too much of a wuss to sleep with it on... which brings me to my question....

I have settled on an Atwood Everest Star 16k BTU furnace. Is it possible to mount it parallel to the exterior wall and then simply make a 90 degree exhaust/ intake duct to the exterior? The normal orientation for these furnaces is perpendicular to the wall. I am curious if anyone has done this before or has any opinion on whether it is a good or bad idea. Space is at a premium and I want to mount it up against the ceiling, to one side, in the rear of the trailer but want it to intrude into the center of the trailer as little as possible.

Thank you for your help!
-Dan

 

[SWbySWesty]

I don't know anything about that furnace, but I'm curious if you'd consider a propex heater? They just came out with a new model which is designed to be mounted outside of the vehicle and ducted in (ie under a Van). It's the go-to for teardrops and vanagon campervan people. I'll be getting one for my trailer for fall/winter camping. Otherwise, if you've already purchased the Atwood, I can't help

 

[dcullen]

Thanks for the reply. I did look into those, but the cost and lower BTU ratings deterred me.

 

[java]

Yes it "should" be possible, the only parts that go to the exterior are the combustion air and exhaust. I would highly suggest welding or some very well sealed connection on the 90's that would need to be added though. The whole unit is "vented" more or less to the outside in a standard installation, only back is sealed to the wall, the guys are open to the outside a bit, still mostly sealed by the external cover plate.

M info comes from tearing a similar atwood unit apart....

 

[elmo_4_vt]

Yeah... I've planned on installing mine perpendicular as well, but the exhaust plenum is just an air exchange, so there is no reason it can't be done. Like said though, it's the combustion exhaust, so make sure it's done well. Look at a house furnace... Lapped joints, screwed then taped seem to work well for them. No real difference here. Make sure the material can stand the heat, and you're good to go. New house furnaces use PVC, but I would stay with tin. A "duct" shop could make you ANYTHING you need out of tin. A local shop made a water tight bench top cover and integral sink/drain for my Uncle to use as a parts washer. The only other suggestion since it's more critical with a smaller space, is to make sure you add a CO2/O2 sensor to make sure things don't get shaken apart.

Don

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[86scotty]

I've installed a few of these and I would be really careful with this. I'm no heat and air guy though, so I don't want to discourage you from trying something new. Just respect the fact that you're dealing with heat and fire. The minimum one of these will come in to your living space is 2' though, in a normal install. Have you looked at a Propex instead? They are about the same price I think, $500 range. I may be wrong but I thought that's what Propex was going for. I have an Everestar in my current van and love it BTW. Best prices I found were through Panther RV. Great guys, great prices, great service.

Another idea is to put it sideways like you're talking about but up in one of the front corners against the 45 deg V nose, than you could just angle the exhaust plate, so it if you catch my drift you wouldn't have to bend or build an exhaust port.

 

[1911/F-350]

I have been using a big buddy in my enclosed utility body but have to keep the doors propped open for ventilation or it goes out (or we pass out). I am also looking for a different source for heating.

I am searching insulation and came across your thread. Any info on what you used?

 

[SoCal_80]

I don't know anything about that furnace, but I'm curious if you'd consider a propex heater? They just came out with a new model which is designed to be mounted outside of the vehicle and ducted in (ie under a Van). It's the go-to for teardrops and vanagon campervan people. I'll be getting one for my trailer for fall/winter camping. Otherwise, if you've already purchased the Atwood, I can't help

Hey and hope all is well. After the toys for this event I think I might be looking for a proper to heat the teardrop in winter conditions. While I was warm in my bag is was cold in the trailer. Have been looking at a proper and possibly building it into a toolbox much like AT does then piping the warm air through one of the windows. I like the idea of mounting it beneath the trailer but am afraid I will destroy it at some point.