portable heater for horse trailer
ArabHorseLover
Reg. May 2006
Posted 2007-09-12 9:55 AM (#67738)
Subject: portable heater for horse trailer


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Location: Red Wing, MN
I have a gooseneck trailer with a 4" short wall dressing room - no living quarters. We use it for showing normally and some trail riding. But I need to go to a clinic in October and I'd like to sleep in the trailer to save $$, but it will probably get pretty cold at night (the walls are bare - no insulation).

Is there any type of portable heater I could use in the dressing room without catching anything on fire or risk of Asphyxiation?? Or am I kidding myself that I can keep that thing warm enough to sleep in (October in MN - could be in the low 30's at night).

thank you for any ideas!!!!
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TrishC
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2007-09-12 10:14 AM (#67739 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Location: Ruther Glen VA
Why not buy a Coleman portable heater that's used for camping? It runs off the small bottles of propane. We bought our heater at Walmart and it was pretty inexpensive as I recall. We also buy the bottles of propane at Walmart. We use ours in the tent when we go camping. Just make sure you have PLENTY of ventilation so you don't have to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning.
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flyinghfarm
Reg. Mar 2004
Posted 2007-09-12 10:15 AM (#67740 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Get a small catalytic propane heater, camping supplies, rated to use indoors....Coleman makes one or two, there are others.  Have used em in a tent and in a dressing/tack room in trailer work very well.  I still crack a window a touch, but just paranoid!
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dawnb
Reg. Aug 2007
Posted 2007-09-12 10:44 AM (#67741 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Do you electricity? An electric 3' or4' heater bar will do wonders. We use that in our livingquarters.
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headhunter
Reg. Oct 2004
Posted 2007-09-12 10:50 AM (#67743 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer



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I used an electric ceramic heater when I camped in the dressing room of my non-LQ trailer.  I still use it in the LQ trailer as it is quieter than the forced air furnace.  Will you have an RV hookup for power?
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ROPE14U
Reg. Mar 2007
Posted 2007-09-12 10:56 AM (#67744 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Posts: 12

Location: Sanhills, Nebraska
Mr. Buddy makes a heater.  I have the Menards version, but it works well.  It also has a low oxygen shutoff sensor but I would still crack a window or invest in a carbon monoxide detector.  I think it was about $60.
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retento
Reg. Aug 2004
Posted 2007-09-12 11:23 AM (#67746 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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We use a little 1500 watt electric milk house heater. We run it off the Yamaha EF3000iseB generator or public utilities, if available. I can't get past the thought of going to sleep with an unvented propane heater inside,,,,,,even with a "window cracked". Me no likie!
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gemm
Reg. Feb 2005
Posted 2007-09-12 12:00 PM (#67749 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Three words: hot water bottle. I know it's low-tech, but it works, and there's no possibility of condensation in your uninsulated trailer or asphyxiation(sp?) from the fumes. You might need to borrow hot water from a friend, make your own on a stove, or find a bathroom with hot water. I put mine in the top (shoulders) of my bed while I'm getting ready for bed, then slide it to my feet for all-night coziness.

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Hank
Reg. Sep 2007
Posted 2007-09-12 12:06 PM (#67751 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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The propane heaters are fine.  We use one, but we keep a window cracked.  Ours has a low O2 sensor.  The only downside to propane (ventless) is the condensation, regardless if your trailer is insulated or not.  Water vapor is just a byproduct of burning propane.
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racesarabhorses
Reg. Oct 2005
Posted 2007-09-12 8:02 PM (#67776 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Location: Dickinson, TX
What follows is my opinion, based on my understanding of science and reasoned thought regarding using heaters in enclosed horse trailers.

First off, carbon monoxide is a byproduct of combustion AND that combustion requires OXYGEN. So you're removing oxygen from your trailer AND adding carbon monoxide when you burn anything--including propane in a heater. That's point number 1.


Point number 2 is that the low oxygen sensor on your heater may not shut it off until long after you're dead. You're sleeping in the gooseneck of the trailer... up high. The heater is normally placed on the floor of the trailer, about 4 feet below the level of your head.

I'd wager that the heated air near the top of the trailer (where you are) is less oxygen-rich than the air near the floor. Oh, let's factor in that most unfinished trailers leak fresh air near floor level (mine does--check for drafts on a cold night) and you have a recipe for disaster.

I use a Mr. Heater Big Buddy in my trailer, but NEVER, EVER sleep with it lit. Cracking the trailer windows kind of defeats the purpose of using the heater on cold nights, though I will crack the windows while running it. I run the heater to warm the trailer before going to bed, then run it for a few minutes when I wake up at night due to being cold again.

Anyway, these are my thoughts. Don't much care if I ruffle feathers, but I do care to help avoid accidental deaths due to asphyxiation in horse trailers caused by not thinking things through. A shutoff is no guarantee that the heater will shut off before you're dead.
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Monsterhorse
Reg. May 2006
Posted 2007-09-12 8:59 PM (#67778 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer



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I have to agree with racesarabhorses. Better safe than sorry!! When I had a trailer w/o Lq we drilled a small hole in the floor and ran and extention cord through it and used a electric ceramic heater, No concern for fumes or cracking windows just lots and lots of warmth!! Now that I have LQ I still use it, it heats the trailer up much faster and quiter than the roof unit.
Oh yeah and after we ran the extention cord through the hole we use plumbers foam to block the extra space around the cord.
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memory
Reg. Jul 2007
Posted 2007-09-12 9:55 PM (#67783 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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If you have electricity, an electric blanket work wonderfully while you are asleep. If you have access to an electric mattress pad that would be double warm.  Just jump out in the morning and start your heater and climb back in while the trailer is warming up.    Lynn

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Painted Horse
Reg. May 2005
Posted 2007-09-12 10:18 PM (#67787 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer



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I never camp any where that has hookups. Always primative camps.

Prior to my current LQ, I used to just sleep in a good sleeping bag up in the Gooseneck,  I have a MrBuddy Heater that I used to warm up the trailer before going to bed and when I got up in the morning.  I've spent many a night in the mountains hunting during October & November with temps as low as single digits. No worse than sleeping in a tent.

If you can stand a generator running outside all night  The electric blanket idea works great.

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PaulChristenson
Reg. Jan 2007
Posted 2007-09-12 11:01 PM (#67790 - in reply to #67751)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Originally written by Hank on 2007-09-12 1:06 PM

The propane heaters are fine.  We use one, but we keep a window cracked.  Ours has a low O2 sensor.  The only downside to propane (ventless) is the condensation, regardless if your trailer is insulated or not.  Water vapor is just a byproduct of burning propane.

TO HELP REDUCE THE RISK OF CO POISONING:

  • Have a qualified service technician check your propane appliances and venting systems annually, preferably before the heating season begins.

  • Install UL-listed CO detectors on every level of your home.

  • Never use a gas oven or range-top burners to provide space heating.

  • >>>>>>>>>>>>>>Never use portable heaters indoors, unless they are designed and approved for indoor use.<<<<<<<<<<<<<

  • Never use a barbecue grill (propane or charcoal) indoors for cooking or heating.

  • Regularly check your appliance exhaust vents for blockage.


SIGNS OF IMPROPER APPLIANCE OPERATION THAT CAN GENERATE HIGH CO LEVELS:

  • Sooting, especially on appliances and vents

  • Unfamiliar or burning odor

  • Increased moisture inside of windows

http://www.usepropane.com/consumer_safety/safety_large_html#8

http://www.doityourself.com/stry/propanepuzzels

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marym
Reg. Dec 2005
Posted 2007-09-13 6:22 AM (#67796 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Location: Wadena MN
Hi, I'm from MN and camp in early spring an late fall. Before I bought a LQ with Non-killing heater...I had a un finnished 6'sw I put a woodsman heater on the back door ran the pp hose through small hole in wt door so pp tank sat out in horse area. "They" say they are safe BUT I used mine only to heat it up before bed, maybe in the middle of the night when I got cold and in the AM. I slept in the GN and my friend slept on a cot on the floor. She would be a little chilled. I'd be cookin..Nose hairs burnin, throat burning? With the upper window open.. I would not be able to sleep because of the FEAR of waking up DEAD..Puts a little damper on the horse ride.. 14 Take care,MaryM
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Linda Y
Reg. May 2007
Posted 2007-09-13 7:41 AM (#67797 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Location: MS
I have a 4' shortwall, too. I got a Lasko ceramic heater to use in mine. It has an AC with a heatstrip, but I thought the heater would make less noise. It will definitely warm up that space!
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mingiz
Reg. Jul 2004
Posted 2007-09-13 8:42 AM (#67807 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer



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I used a Mr Buddy heater in my steel trailer with 4ft DR. Hung it on the wall behind the door that went to the stalls. I drilled a hole in the floor for a longer hose to be attached to the heater. 20lb bottle will last all weekend, verses getting up and changing a bottle..I always set it to low and it would run you out of the trailer. I always had a window opened or the overhead window cranked up. Never had a problem, but in the coldest weather it would build up condensation on the roof.
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ArabHorseLover
Reg. May 2006
Posted 2007-09-13 3:32 PM (#67825 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Location: Red Wing, MN
Thank you for all the ideas! The propane idea still scares me... I just had one life threatening health scare last month (blood clots in my lungs) - I'd rather not take any chances. ha!

But the electric idea is great - they said I could bring an extension cord and hook up. Now, I don't actually have my trailer setup for electric, but couldn't I just pull up the floor mat, drill a hole through one of the holes and bring the cord in that way?

The electric blanket is a great idea!!! And if I choose to use an electric ceramic heater instead - there are no carbon monoxide issues there, right?

Thanks for all the great ideas! That'll save me $100 a night in hotel rooms. (hoping to setup a cowboy shower in the trailer area... any hints there would be good too!)
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ROPE14U
Reg. Mar 2007
Posted 2007-09-13 9:21 PM (#67844 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Posts: 12

Location: Sanhills, Nebraska
Get one of those camp shower bags from Wally World.  I use mine and if the water doesn't warm enough you can either (a) tough out a cold shower, or (b) warm some water on a grill or something and pour it in there.  It doesn't take much water to actually shower.  I use the first stall in the trailer with a stud divider.  Another option that costs a little more are the instant hot water showers by "Zodi" they are carried by many places.  Check Cabelas, etc. 
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Terri
Reg. Jan 2004
Posted 2007-09-13 11:53 PM (#67850 - in reply to #67844)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer



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Walmart has the zodi water heaters now. At least the one here does.
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Tx. Vaquero
Reg. Jun 2006
Posted 2007-09-14 7:21 AM (#67851 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer




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Location: Texas
A nice warm barrel racer works best of all. Sorry, couldn't resist.
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ROPE14U
Reg. Mar 2007
Posted 2007-09-14 8:48 AM (#67855 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Posts: 12

Location: Sanhills, Nebraska
YEAH!!!!!!!!!! What he said..........
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ArabHorseLover
Reg. May 2006
Posted 2007-09-14 2:48 PM (#67873 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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HA! That would be the best answer but I just had to get rid of the last "barrel racer"... so I'm on my own this time. 8

Maybe horsetrailerworld should start it's own dating service to help fellow barrel racers unite. 38
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Shari
Reg. Jan 2005
Posted 2007-09-16 2:12 PM (#67987 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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We have the heat strip and air unit in the roof but it doesn't shut off so I'm forever turning it on the get warm or cool then shutting off beacuse we're too hot or cold. I got one of the ceramic heater and we love it. It has a themostate so it come on and off as needed. Won't leave home with out it. Does a wonderful job heating up the trailer.
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ArabHorseLover
Reg. May 2006
Posted 2007-09-20 11:12 AM (#68163 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Posts: 57
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Location: Red Wing, MN
Shari - how big of a ceramic heater did you get? and how large is your dressing room/living quarters?
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barrelsnpcs
Reg. Jan 2004
Posted 2007-09-22 7:36 PM (#68266 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Location: TX
Ditto on the ceramic heater. That's what I have in my 8' shortwall. Why don't you just insulate it yourself with the foam board? It's easy to do and any would help it stay warmer in there.
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ArabHorseLover
Reg. May 2006
Posted 2007-09-26 12:45 PM (#68408 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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I thought about that too - shouldn't take long to just insulate - then over the winter I can think about how I want to finish it.

Not to be dumb, but what did you use to attach the insulation to the walls of the trailer?
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Hank
Reg. Sep 2007
Posted 2007-09-26 5:39 PM (#68426 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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That's NOT a dumb question.  The wrong glue will make some polystyrenes melt and cause some nasty fumes.  I can't remember the kind I use - I'll look tonite.
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barrelsnpcs
Reg. Jan 2004
Posted 2007-09-26 6:56 PM (#68429 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Don't use glue. You don't need to, plus if you ever need to pull the insulation out  (such as to find a leak) it's a mess. I just measured between my braces and cut the foam board to fit. Then just pop it in and tape the seams with foil tape. It made a big difference in my trailer staying cooler (or warmer.)

 

 

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kershawsowner
Reg. Jan 2006
Posted 2007-09-26 7:38 PM (#68431 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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i was just reading all these replys on the heater over and i have a question now.. could the propane gas furnace or the propane stove have a problem in a lq trailer and the same deal happen.. my sensor i belive is on bottom of floor of couch...(i may be wrong on this i will have to check) there is one on the floor and one in the gooseneck area not sure what that one is they may be both the same... anyways couldnt a line leak etc. and you still end up dead...thanks for any input happy trails
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ArabHorseLover
Reg. May 2006
Posted 2007-09-27 10:19 AM (#68463 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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I'm not sure if the same thing could happen - but I wouldn't sleep in a trailer that had any kind of heater and didn't have some kind of carbon monoxide detector (or maybe two.. one in the gooseneck and another in the floor area.The foil tape - can I get that at the local hardware store? Did you tape down all four sides of each piece of insulation that was put in? or just enough to get it to stay until the finishing material was put on top?I'm going to feel a bit like a hillbilly... having only the insulation and not the finishing material installed for this clinic, but that's the least of my worries. ha!

Edited by ArabHorseLover 2007-09-27 10:26 AM
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ArabHorseLover
Reg. May 2006
Posted 2007-09-27 10:45 AM (#68467 - in reply to #67738)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Posts: 57
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Another question - I *think* when people insulate and finish off their basements they put a moisture barrier material between the wall and the insulation.

Should that be done in the trailer too?
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barrelsnpcs
Reg. Jan 2004
Posted 2007-09-27 5:52 PM (#68492 - in reply to #68463)
Subject: RE: portable heater for horse trailer


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Originally written by ArabHorseLover on 2007-09-27 10:19 AM

I'm not sure if the same thing could happen - but I wouldn't sleep in a trailer that had any kind of heater and didn't have some kind of carbon monoxide detector (or maybe two.. one in the gooseneck and another in the floor area.The foil tape - can I get that at the local hardware store? Did you tape down all four sides of each piece of insulation that was put in? or just enough to get it to stay until the finishing material was put on top?I'm going to feel a bit like a hillbilly... having only the insulation and not the finishing material installed for this clinic, but that's the least of my worries. ha!

Yeah, I felt kinda funny having it partially finished also, but it was a lot cheaper than $150 a night for a cabin!  I got my foil tape at Lowe's.  You can see a picture of that kind of tape  on maccwall's trailer photos. Is your trailer steel or aluminum?  Mine's aluminum, so I taped the entire seams. I think the tape is also insulating, not just for holding the foamboard up until you get the paneling up. Look at his pictures and you'll understand better.

 

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