Re: [A/S]Radiant Heat

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Arnie,

I don't know about the fella who said he thought a 3" muffin fan would do
well to move the heat around.

But, I am one Airstreamer who actually did install a 3" muffin fan to move
warmed air from his curbside catalytic heater to the far corners in his '86
32' Airstream (center bath model).

The fan was installed high at the front corner on the streetside and aimed
directly toward the rear. The 12v wire and switch to the fan were routed
along the inside bottom of  the window valence to a nearby 12 volt line.

Did it work? Like a charm! The muffin fan's power consumption was
negligible;  the noise was barely discernable; both Sandie and I were warm
whether we were sitting on the front couch or at the center dinette.

I opted for the permanent installation of our CAT instead of a hinged plate
because the dinette would be too close in the rearward facing position.

Like others have mentioned, we leave bathroom cupboard doors ajar to keep
the plumbing warm. Had we expected temps in the 20s, I would have installed
a 3,000 BTU catalytic heater at floor level opposite the bathroom. Although
perhaps redundant, I'd install a muffin fan beside the CAT at floor level.
Because the area behind the CAT is also below the closets, this would make
it abundantly accessible for connecting propane and 12 volt power.

When a friend did that (center bath floor plan), I noticed his CAT intruded
2" into the area. For perspective, the closet doors and handles that are
opposite the bathroom, intrude 2" into the walking area (as my elbows can
attest). At floor level, the walking space below the closet doors is roomy.

On a related note, I found that thin clear plastic sheeting is as easy to
install in the screen channels as is new screen. It's not perfect for
approximating storm windows, but it's better than plain screening.

The really good storm windows (thermopane) are those Airstream installed at
the factory. We have them in our '77 31' Excella 500 and notice a real
difference when compared to our '86 32' Excella with standard glass (both in
the summer and winter). That's one reason we use our '77 in the Winter.

Also, pull shades seem more effective at keeping the interior warm than
venetian blinds. 

Today (01/10/02), we're in southwest Florida (Punta Gorda). Each night this
week, local residents have covered their outside plants for protection
against freezing temperatures. That behavior tells its own story.

Cold weather has doggedly found us every year for the last 12 Januarys
regardless of which of the nine southern states we've been in with our
Airstream. Only when our Airstream has been 600 miles south of Texas have we
avoided cold weather in January.

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net