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Post by idaho64shasta on Dec 31, 2017 10:16:24 GMT -8
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Post by vikx on Dec 31, 2017 21:40:57 GMT -8
Welcome,
Your furnace is actually a passive "heater". A furnace has the components you are interested in. Someone had done that to a similar heater in my 57 Shasta Deluxe. I removed it all because I didn't consider it safe. For one thing, the pilot had a pin holding it in at all times.
The way a furnace works is much different from a passive heater: Furnaces have a fan and multiple safety devices/sensors. When the T'stat is turned on, the fan starts first, telling the sail switch it is strong enough. Signals go back and forth to/from the circuit board, allowing the furnace to light or go to pilot according to the cabin temp.
That said, I think these old passive heaters are ideal for a vintage trailer. They use no battery/110 power, are efficient and provide more heat than any RV furnace. A modern RV furnace could be retro fitted into your trailer and would be safer than tinkering with the existing heater. They do take power and drink lots of propane. Just a thought.
If you are determined to keep the heater, please leave it as it for your safety. Have it inspected by a reputable RV company as well.
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Post by idaho64shasta on Jan 1, 2018 8:07:35 GMT -8
Many thanks for the info. I do appreciate the passive nature of the original heater and how efficient it is at heating the space. Knowing now that it cannot safely be changed over to be controlled by a thermostat makes me think that a small electric space heater might be the better solution--I'm hoping to use the camper during the snowy months and simply want to keep the night time temps above freezing; gonna hook up a solar PV system to run the fridge, lights, now a little heater.
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nccamper
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Post by nccamper on Jan 1, 2018 9:45:02 GMT -8
I don't use the old heaters. I don't really trust them but others have had an excellent experience with them. On the advice of others here who know more than me about heat systems, I replaced my last heater with a wave3. anybody living in the Arctic North should consider a wave6. 
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Post by Deleted on Jan 1, 2018 13:41:04 GMT -8
I've seen numerous posts on this forum regarding using the Wave heaters as nccamper suggests. I'll definitely be considering this as an option for my trailer projects going forward. Looks like a relatively inexpensive and safe choice.
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Post by vikx on Jan 1, 2018 22:34:35 GMT -8
The thing about the original heater is that it is VENTED. That means less sweat on the windows when it's very chilly out. They are very good to have.
Almost all of my trailers have a Wave 3 but they do need a window cracked and also cause sweat. The colder it is, the more it sweats.
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62ham
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Post by 62ham on Jan 12, 2018 16:17:31 GMT -8
idaho64shasta I would be very interested in your Knob/valve assembly for your Current passive heater if you decide to pull it out and change it up.
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