12 v heating ? 275W Bathroom Heater Globe @ ExplorOz

AnswerID: 1089 Submitted: Monday, Sep 17, 2001 at 00:00

Greg replied:

Annie this would work by using an inverter however a gas heater is probably better. They are around $50 at camping shops. I have one and it works well. Where there is power I use a 240v fan heater but there is no substitute for a camp fire and a quality sleeping bag.

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FollowupID: 311 Submitted: Monday, Sep 17, 2001 at 00:00

Anne Lindsay posted:

Thanks Greg, my main reason for thinking about the 275W (or spotlight) was for saving space as it's smalland would also provide really good light for reading/writing. Suppose I sort of imagined that it would be possible to get a bulb socket or something that attached to the wall and could be wired in?? I agree about the fire and sleeping bag but it's not always possible.

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AnswerID: 1091 Submitted: Monday, Sep 17, 2001 at 00:00

Trev replied:

Annie - I would have my doubts about the filament lasting in a lamp on some of the rough roads.
What's wrong with a "good" fire where you roast on the front and freeze on the back? Try sharing the sleeping bag or a bottle of red.

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AnswerID: 1093 Submitted: Monday, Sep 17, 2001 at 00:00

Col replied:

How long do you think the battery will last using the heat lamp and an inverter?

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AnswerID: 1096 Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 18, 2001 at 00:00

Rod replied:

Also what about the Bugs you'll have to contend with!!!

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AnswerID: 1100 Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 18, 2001 at 00:00

John replied:

these globes get deadly hot, are dangerous to handle, fragile like eggs, and you ideas is quite frankly,-- MAD. should you persist and fate deals a bad blow, you will be stranded with nowhere to go for help-- get a decent down filled sleeping bag as a last resort, the bottle of red is second best, to a few Guinness and a good partner
John

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AnswerID: 1101 Submitted: Wednesday, Sep 19, 2001 at 00:00

Joe replied:

I read your question and thought "Hey! That's not a bad idea!".

I am sure that it would be safer than using a gas heater in a confined space like a Troopy camper. We have run a gas lamp in similar circumstances as the heat given off by a gas lamp is actually enough to warm up a small area quite efficiently. I have always been very wary of the dangers though.

The other respondents may have a point about the fragility of the lamps though.

Keep us posted if you choose to try it out.

You can by a simple inverter from many camping shops and the battery duration will be a simple enough calculation, dividing the lamp's power consumption into the battery rating - this will be complicated a litte by the inverter inefficiencies, but not much.

Joe

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FollowupID: 315 Submitted: Wednesday, Sep 19, 2001 at 00:00

Annie posted:

Thanks Joe! - I was getting a bit tired of being slammed all the time. Have had a bit of an experiment (using 24V)and the 275W lamp was a bit too powerful next test will be with a 150W. I'm like you don't feel very safe using gas heater/lights in an enclosed space. Need to research the fragility question more though and realise I'll need to speak to an auto electrician.

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AnswerID: 1105 Submitted: Thursday, Sep 20, 2001 at 00:00

Steve replied:

A few calculations for you

150W through an inverter (assume 90% efficiency for the inverter) gives a draw of 13.89 amps.

For an average deep cycle battery of 75 amp/hour(I am also assuming that you have a second deep cycle battery) you could run for 5.5 hours until completely flat.

Hence why people don't go for it :(

I also have a troopy and have found the following helps.

1) Fill side panels with insulating bats (also quietens the thing down immeasurably)
2) Tint windows - this not only cuts down glare but adds an insulating film to ALL that glass.
3) Find a nice friend/husband/wife to sleep with (my prefered option :)

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FollowupID: 317 Submitted: Thursday, Sep 20, 2001 at 00:00

Annie posted:

Thanks for all your info Steve - the insulating batts idea appeals - haven't heard that one before. Guess I might have to give up on the spotlight/heater idea (I do have a 2nd battery, but also run fridge, lighting from) - suppose I should have realised that if it was feasible it would be in production somewhere.

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AnswerID: 1110 Submitted: Thursday, Sep 20, 2001 at 00:00

Trev replied:

Annie - please don't give up. This a good one. Look at all the replies. It may be a lot easier to start the motor and turn the heater fan onto high.

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AnswerID: 1111 Submitted: Thursday, Sep 20, 2001 at 00:00

Trev replied:

Annie - you could borrow your sister-in-law's hair dryer and let it run - do two jobs at once!

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FollowupID: 319 Submitted: Friday, Sep 21, 2001 at 00:00

Annie posted:

RAL (Rolling about laughing) - now that's what I call lateral thinking!

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FollowupID: 325 Submitted: Sunday, Sep 23, 2001 at 00:00

Maree posted:

Annie - I think Trev has hit on something. I dual purpose for that hairdryer. No male could complain then. Maree

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FollowupID: 326 Submitted: Sunday, Sep 23, 2001 at 00:00

Trev posted:

Fair Go Maree! We males never complain about all the stuff you females want to stuff into the 4WD. Or is it you just don't listen to us? Maybe it's the other way around.
I think good insulation and heavy curtains may be the easiest way to go. Throw a tarp over as well and you'll be as snug as a bug in a rug.

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