Heating while camping

98runner210 · 12-27-2007, 11:12 PM

I sleep in the back of my 4Runner everytime I go camping (few times a month). I am going camping for New Years and we are expecting near freezing temps. Can anyone think of a safe way to have some if any heat while I am sleeping back there? I know I would probably need to have the sunroof popped up or a window crakced for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

farmerj · 12-27-2007, 11:21 PM

a warmer sleeping bag and dress in layers...
put some foam or other insulation under you as well...

crack the windows on the front and in the rear so you can vent the water vapor from your breath.

98runner210 · 12-27-2007, 11:32 PM

do i have to crack the windows?

farmerj · 12-27-2007, 11:57 PM

you want some air movement to vent the water vapor...

other wise EVERYTHING will be covered with moisture.

apalmer1 · 12-28-2007, 12:04 AM

you could use a small propane heater as long as the windows or sunroof are cracked enough to ventilate it and you make sure that it has a plastic base and isnt touching anything heat sensitive

98runner210 · 12-28-2007, 05:32 AM

I searched the threads and found a thread about this. No definite answers, some good and bad ideas. I have seen Coleman has catalytic heaters that are designed for closed spaces like tents. I dunno where to put it where it won't be knocked down or over. I was thinking if there was some way to hang it.

AppleJack · 12-28-2007, 05:38 AM

I used a Mr. Heater for car camping and tent camping. It has a low O2 sensor which will shut it off. It also shuts off if it is knocked over. I set mine in the front seat and was toasty warm all night.

fishon1213 · 12-28-2007, 06:02 AM

Get a power inverter and a electric blanket and wrap yourself up like a burrito. Heh heh

Baloo · 12-28-2007, 06:28 AM

We camp in our area a lot, usually between September and May. We live in the Chicago area. Need I say more?

Heaters may seem like a good idea, however aside from the hazard, are really not necessary.

Get a good sleeping bag. My preference is one that is rated around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Why not colder? I want the greatest range without changing bags.

Along with the bag, get one or two fleece bag liners. They add about 10 to 15 degrees of warmth. As mentioned earlier, dress in layers and keep a knit cap of some type on your head. I also put the socks I am going to wear the next day on my hands. It keeps my hands warm and the socks toasty in the morning.

While on that, change your clothes prior to bed, especially those closest to your body. Clean, dry clothes warm much better.

One thing that is kinda gross, keep a wide mouth bottle of some sort in your bag with you. Mark it well with duct tape. You don't want to have to get out of a warm bag when nature calls. This works for males. Sorry ladies, I don't know a way for you.

The windows do need to be cracked slightly. This is why tents come with vents. As you breath, you are putting moisture into the air. It may not seem like much, but you will wake up quite damp. You also want them crack to reduce carbon monoxide concerns. It really won't affect the temp as much as you think.

Hope this helps.

patrickryanb · 12-28-2007, 06:28 AM

I would just use a warm sleeping bag, boil water and put it into a Nalgene or other lexan bottle, then put the bottle in your sleeping bag. Works like a heater in the bag so you body doesn't have to warm up all that "dead" cold air. definately keep the windows cracked or frost will be everywhere. Also you can keep some snack foods by you so if you wake up cold in the night, eat some food so your body can generate more heat. My 2 cents.
patrick

***Corey*** · 12-28-2007, 06:36 AM

I would never use a gas/propane type heater in a tent or rig.
To many deaths, even with ventilation.

Long long ago (back in the early 80s man) the X and I and our oldest were in our first tent trailer camping in the snow.
We had the windows cracked and lots of air coming in.

We still woke up with the taste of propane in our mouths, and slightly dizzy.
It was one of the old Coleman ones with the heat array on top.

Later I got a much nicer one with the shut off if it tips over, but it was only used first thing in the morning when we got up or you had to sit on the portacrapper in the trailer.
It was never left running during the night.

As mentioned, get a good sleeping bag made for cold temps.

04 Rocko Taco · 12-28-2007, 06:41 AM

Coleman makes a great propane catalytic heater, no open flame, and no fumes, might still want to crach a window, but it will run near on 4-5 hours wide open on a 1lb bottle of propane, so a coulpe hours while you go to sleep, wake up early, tun it on, and let it warm up the runner before you get up. Or, buy a bigger bottle of propane and run it all nite

98runner210 · 12-28-2007, 08:34 AM

I am starting to think just bundling up is easier and safer. I thought about the catalytic heater but don't know where to put it. where it wouldn't burn or melt anything. Would Academy carry the fleece liners and the Naglene?

CJM · 12-28-2007, 08:41 AM

Do not use a propane heater!!!!!! Get an electric blanket and power inverter or bundle up.

ChickenLover · 12-28-2007, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04 Rocko Taco

Coleman makes a great propane catalytic heater, no open flame, and no fumes,

I use one of these. They are great (and safe). Mine runs 7hrs on one 16oz tank and keeps the 4runner comfortably warm. It was about 80 bucks at wal-mart. The last time I used it was on my Thanksgiving hunting trip. Overnight temps were slightly below zero, the inside of the truck stayed in the 50's.

I sit the tank-side by my tranny shifter and prop the legs up on the top of the center console. I have no melting issues.

ChickenLover · 12-28-2007, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJM

Get an electric blanket and power inverter or bundle up.

I would advise against this, unless he is running auxiliary batteries. Cold weather and batteries are natural enemies.. Like hammers and nails.

ChickenLover · 12-28-2007, 08:59 AM

Damned double posts.

CJM · 12-28-2007, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChickenLover

I would advise against this, unless he is running auxiliary batteries. Cold weather and batteries are natural enemies.. Like hammers and nails.

I forget not everyone has a dual battery setup...

spdjnky · 12-28-2007, 09:30 AM

You laways have the option of a ceramic heater

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94592

I have never used one and it might not do any good at all but it might be worth a shot.

farmerj · 12-28-2007, 10:38 AM

Anything you do....

For a comfortable nights sleep, make sure you get plenty or insulation under you.

Your body will compress that layer and the truck will suck the heat right out of you.

hross14 · 12-28-2007, 10:50 AM

12-27-2007, 11:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
98runner210 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 462	Heating while camping I sleep in the back of my 4Runner everytime I go camping (few times a month). I am going camping for New Years and we are expecting near freezing temps. Can anyone think of a safe way to have some if any heat while I am sleeping back there? I know I would probably need to have the sunroof popped up or a window crakced for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. __________________ '98 4Runner Limited White w/ silver flares

12-27-2007, 11:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
farmerj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Minnesota Posts: 448	a warmer sleeping bag and dress in layers... put some foam or other insulation under you as well... crack the windows on the front and in the rear so you can vent the water vapor from your breath. __________________ Life is too short to have to work.... RIP - 4 July 2008 - '88 4Runner, Audiovox Cruise Control,Valvoline Full Synthetic Gear oil, SR5 instrument cluster, '95 4Runner Seats, Rear U-bolt Flip

12-27-2007, 11:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
98runner210 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 462	do i have to crack the windows? __________________ '98 4Runner Limited White w/ silver flares

12-27-2007, 11:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
farmerj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Minnesota Posts: 448	you want some air movement to vent the water vapor... other wise EVERYTHING will be covered with moisture. __________________ Life is too short to have to work.... RIP - 4 July 2008 - '88 4Runner, Audiovox Cruise Control,Valvoline Full Synthetic Gear oil, SR5 instrument cluster, '95 4Runner Seats, Rear U-bolt Flip

12-28-2007, 12:04 AM	#5 (permalink)
apalmer1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bend, OR. Posts: 606	you could use a small propane heater as long as the windows or sunroof are cracked enough to ventilate it and you make sure that it has a plastic base and isnt touching anything heat sensitive __________________ 04 taco, 3.4 5spd. loads of goodies, loads of reinforcements, getting really hard to break. 85 pickup, 327sbc, truggy, in progress. 86 mazda b2000 street queen haha. 90 mazda mx-5 all orriginal. when in doubt, tach it out.

12-28-2007, 05:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
98runner210 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 462	I searched the threads and found a thread about this. No definite answers, some good and bad ideas. I have seen Coleman has catalytic heaters that are designed for closed spaces like tents. I dunno where to put it where it won't be knocked down or over. I was thinking if there was some way to hang it. __________________ '98 4Runner Limited White w/ silver flares

12-28-2007, 05:38 AM	#7 (permalink)
AppleJack Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Medford, Oregon Posts: 500	I used a Mr. Heater for car camping and tent camping. It has a low O2 sensor which will shut it off. It also shuts off if it is knocked over. I set mine in the front seat and was toasty warm all night. __________________ Fires, Friends, and Books Decree Wisdom, Strength, and Controversy. To believe with certainty, one must begin doubting.

12-28-2007, 06:02 AM	#8 (permalink)
fishon1213 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Milan, IL Posts: 236	Get a power inverter and a electric blanket and wrap yourself up like a burrito. Heh heh __________________ 1985 4runner 85K LOL 1994 Camry 220K

12-28-2007, 06:28 AM	#9 (permalink)
Baloo Contributing Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 76	We camp in our area a lot, usually between September and May. We live in the Chicago area. Need I say more? Heaters may seem like a good idea, however aside from the hazard, are really not necessary. Get a good sleeping bag. My preference is one that is rated around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Why not colder? I want the greatest range without changing bags. Along with the bag, get one or two fleece bag liners. They add about 10 to 15 degrees of warmth. As mentioned earlier, dress in layers and keep a knit cap of some type on your head. I also put the socks I am going to wear the next day on my hands. It keeps my hands warm and the socks toasty in the morning. While on that, change your clothes prior to bed, especially those closest to your body. Clean, dry clothes warm much better. One thing that is kinda gross, keep a wide mouth bottle of some sort in your bag with you. Mark it well with duct tape. You don't want to have to get out of a warm bag when nature calls. This works for males. Sorry ladies, I don't know a way for you. The windows do need to be cracked slightly. This is why tents come with vents. As you breath, you are putting moisture into the air. It may not seem like much, but you will wake up quite damp. You also want them crack to reduce carbon monoxide concerns. It really won't affect the temp as much as you think. Hope this helps. __________________ 2001 Toyota Tacoma DBL cab.TRD Off Road. ISR & Deckplate. XM/Sirius. VHF/UHF/HF Radio, Laptop & GPS Mounts. FlexFuel Conversion. ------------- Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out screaming "WOO HOO, WHAT A RIDE !!"

12-28-2007, 06:28 AM	#10 (permalink)
patrickryanb Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Billings, MT Posts: 49	I would just use a warm sleeping bag, boil water and put it into a Nalgene or other lexan bottle, then put the bottle in your sleeping bag. Works like a heater in the bag so you body doesn't have to warm up all that "dead" cold air. definately keep the windows cracked or frost will be everywhere. Also you can keep some snack foods by you so if you wake up cold in the night, eat some food so your body can generate more heat. My 2 cents. patrick

12-28-2007, 06:36 AM	#11 (permalink)
*Corey* Co-Founder/Administrator Staff Join Date: May 2002 Location: Auburn, Washington Posts: 23,772	I would never use a gas/propane type heater in a tent or rig. To many deaths, even with ventilation. Long long ago (back in the early 80s man) the X and I and our oldest were in our first tent trailer camping in the snow. We had the windows cracked and lots of air coming in. We still woke up with the taste of propane in our mouths, and slightly dizzy. It was one of the old Coleman ones with the heat array on top. Later I got a much nicer one with the shut off if it tips over, but it was only used first thing in the morning when we got up or you had to sit on the portacrapper in the trailer. It was never left running during the night. As mentioned, get a good sleeping bag made for cold temps. __________________ Corey 2007 FJ Cruiser ARB bumper, Warn XD9000, OME lift, roof top tent, so much more, see my website & buildup thread PNW FJ Cruisers ☺ Detailing 101 ☺ Join Topsites ☺ Muffler Comparisons ☺ Maggiolinas In The Wild FJ Cruiser Buildup ☺ New Roof Top Tent ☺ Video Of My Penthouse ☺ Rehinge Your ARB/Engel Fridge

12-28-2007, 06:41 AM	#12 (permalink)
04 Rocko Taco Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 4,092	Coleman makes a great propane catalytic heater, no open flame, and no fumes, might still want to crach a window, but it will run near on 4-5 hours wide open on a 1lb bottle of propane, so a coulpe hours while you go to sleep, wake up early, tun it on, and let it warm up the runner before you get up. Or, buy a bigger bottle of propane and run it all nite __________________ -Chris Tread Lightly! 04 Double Cab PreRunner. 3.4 - Auto 84 4Runner 4WD. 22R - 5 spd Lifted, Locked, 33x12.50 Disclaimer:My Photobucket is being revamped. If there are broken links, shoot me a PM. Thanks. ~Chris Great Toyota Tech

12-28-2007, 08:34 AM	#13 (permalink)
98runner210 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 462	I am starting to think just bundling up is easier and safer. I thought about the catalytic heater but don't know where to put it. where it wouldn't burn or melt anything. Would Academy carry the fleece liners and the Naglene? __________________ '98 4Runner Limited White w/ silver flares

12-28-2007, 08:41 AM	#14 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	Do not use a propane heater!!!!!! Get an electric blanket and power inverter or bundle up. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

12-28-2007, 08:59 AM	#17 (permalink)
ChickenLover Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NV Posts: 2,587	Damned double posts. __________________ 95 4Runner, 3VZE , 141k, 4WD, Auto. (Head gaskets replaced at 106k)

12-28-2007, 09:30 AM	#19 (permalink)
spdjnky Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kentucky Posts: 189	You laways have the option of a ceramic heater http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94592 I have never used one and it might not do any good at all but it might be worth a shot. __________________ 1986 4Runner Automatic rebulit 22re OME leaf springs BJ spacers Edelbrock IAS shocks 31x10.50 Pro comp Mud Terrains

12-28-2007, 10:38 AM	#20 (permalink)
farmerj Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central Minnesota Posts: 448	Anything you do.... For a comfortable nights sleep, make sure you get plenty or insulation under you. Your body will compress that layer and the truck will suck the heat right out of you. __________________ Life is too short to have to work.... RIP - 4 July 2008 - '88 4Runner, Audiovox Cruise Control,Valvoline Full Synthetic Gear oil, SR5 instrument cluster, '95 4Runner Seats, Rear U-bolt Flip

12-28-2007, 10:50 AM	#21 (permalink)
hross14 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 792